Sanaz Saifolahi

Call: 2000

"She is an outstanding lawyer with a superb legal intellect and excellent tactical skills. She prepares methodically leaving nothing to chance, is very hard-working and has an excellent knowledge of the relevant law."

Legal 500 - 2022

"She is exceptionally strong in cases involving EU freedom of movement and human rights law."

Solicitor/Client

‘Sanaz is an outstanding lawyer. She prepares her submissions fastidiously and they are invariably cogent and persuasive. She has an excellent knowledge of relevant case law and statutory guidance and is impressive both on paper and in court.’

Legal 500-2024

“Excellent counsel covering a range of areas in the field of immigration law and practice. Consistently meticulous and conscientious in her work and importantly receives excellent client feed back.”

Solicitor client

"She is technically gifted, has a keen eye for detail and is able to simplify complex issues."

Chambers & Partners 2024

"Thorough, logical and exceptionally knowledgeable, which immediately puts clients and instructing solicitors at ease."

Chambers & Partners 2024

‘Sanaz is a brilliant and confident advocate; her drafting skills are impeccable and knowledge on immigration/public law is second to none.’

Legal 500 2021

"Sanaz Saifolahi is a renowned immigration barrister with considerable experience in the rights of EU nationals and their families. She has deep expertise in all aspects of human rights law and acts for a range of clients, including highly vulnerable individuals."

Chambers & Partners 2022

‘Sanaz is an exceptionally talented barrister with an impressive analytical mind and an in-depth knowledge of the relevant law and procedure, which includes keeping closely up-to-date with changes.'

Legal 500 2023

"Sanaz is approachable and highly pragmatic, offering clients a grounded perspective to appropriately manage expectations."

Chambers & Partners - 2024

VCard Save Direct Access Qualified

Interested in instructing Ms Saifolahi?

Please call 020 7353 6802 or complete the form below:

Sanaz is ranked as a leading junior within Legal 500 2024 edition (Band 2- immigration) and within Chambers & Partners 2024 edition (Band 4-immigration). She is an established practitioner within immigration, asylum, human rights and public law, including SIAC. Her passion for this area of law began when she undertook an internship at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in 1999, working on the Kosovo repatriation programme.

She is well regarded for her meticulous case preparation, effective advocacy and her empathetic, personable nature.

Fully committed to legally aided clients, Sanaz is also instructed by private clients, businesses, OISC organisations and charities. She is qualified to undertake direct access work.

Sanaz was recognised in the ‘Junior Pro Bono Barrister of the Year’category at the Advocate Pro Bono awards 2019 and was awarded a High Commendation for her work.

In addition, Goldsmith Chambers received a commendation for ‘Outstanding Achievement’ at the LexisNexis 2020 Legal Awards in the Case of the Year category for Banger (see below) in which Sanaz represented Ms Banger, with Anthony Metzer KC.

Sanaz was also shortlisted in the ‘Barrister/Advocate of the Year’ category at the Women in Law Awards 2020.

As a mentor for law students through the University of Warwick Bar Society and Bridging the Bar, Sanaz recognises the importance of providing support and guidance to those hoping to enter the profession and in particular, those from underrepresented groups.

She is also available to deliver training and seminars for professional clients, businesses (including HR) and charities on all aspects of immigration law.

Farsi (conversational).

Interested in instructing Ms Saifolahi?

Please call 020 7353 6802 or complete the form below:

Immigration

Immigration Barrister

Recent Notable Cases

Hasanaj v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2024] EWCA Civ 777

The Court of Appeal found that the stamp in Mr Hasanaj’s passport admitting him into the UK under the EEA Regulations was facilitation and as such Mr Hasanaj was protected by the Withdrawal Agreement. The Judgment reverses the Decision in Allaraj (EEA EFMs, admission, IO’s stamps )[2023] UKUT 00277.

Secretary of State for the Home Department v Have Rexhaj [2024] EWCA Civ 784

The Court of Appeal allowed the SSHD appeal against the Decision of the Upper Tribunal, finding that assumed dependency does not apply to an application made under Appendix EU after 1^st July 2021 even when SSHD has assumed dependency in an earlier successful application under Appendix FP. The appeal has been remitted to the Upper Tribunal.

Elais v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2022]

Sanaz represented the appellant before the FtT against the refusal of a residence card as a durable partner of an EEA National. The case was later reported in the Upper Tribunal.

PUBLICATIONS AND SEMINARS

Fivehundredmagazine contributor – “Covid-19 and exam chaos: How chambers can help the next generation”.
Butterworths Immigration Law Supplement (Regular contributor to the European Division).
“Brexit and business immigration” LexisNexis.
Sanaz was interviewed by Lexis Nexis about the Judgment in Banger.

Assessor for the Law Society Immigration Law Advanced Accreditation Scheme

Areas of practice

Appointments

Assessor for the Law Society ‘Immigration Law Advanced’ Accreditation Scheme

Memberships

Immigration Law Practitioners Association

Recognition

Finalist – Women in Law Awards 2020 – Barrister of the Year

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