An immigration law firm that had signed up thousands of asylum seekers, generating legal aid income of £1.7m last year, despite having only five solicitors, has had its government contract terminated due to concerns over its performance. This decision is leaving many asylum seekers without the necessary legal representation at a time when the government is increasing the number of case refusals. In the year ending June 2025, initial asylum grants dropped from 58% to 48%, meaning more individuals are required to make appeals—a difficult task without legal assistance.
Middlesex Law Chambers saw a significant increase in its legal aid income for immigration work, jumping from £43,000 in 2021 to £1.7m in 2025. The firm, listed on the Solicitors Regulation Authority website with 15 offices, including locations in legal aid deserts such as Peterborough, Plymouth, and Crawley, often went unanswered or had vacated premises when contacted.
Sheraz Chowdhry, the director of Middlesex Law Chambers, attributed the firm’s struggles to the poor health of the previous lawyer in charge of immigration work, Hina Choudhery, who passed away from cancer complications. Chowdhry, who joined the firm in the latter part of 2024, found out about the contract termination via email on August 20, 2025, with little explanation provided. The rapid expansion of the firm’s caseload, despite having limited staff, has raised questions about the quality of legal representation offered to asylum seekers.
Critics point to the government’s role in ensuring access to legal advice for those in need, but decades of funding cuts and neglect of the legal aid system have led to many individuals lacking support. Experts emphasize the need for better funding and for the government to stop enforcing policies that push migrants into complex and expensive legal processes as mere facades for reform.
A former client of Middlesex Law Chambers expressed relief at the government’s action but lamented the suffering caused by the firm’s inadequate services. Finding reliable legal aid lawyers, especially for those who do not speak English, remains a significant challenge for asylum seekers.
The Legal Aid Agency confirmed the termination of Middlesex Law Chambers’ immigration legal aid contract, highlighting that firms are subject to annual reviews which could result in financial sanctions or contract termination if standards are not met.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/sep/14/immigration-law-firm-loses-legal-aid-contract-performance-concerns
