One Pump Court Chambers is delighted to announce that David Chirico has been appointed King’s Counsel. David was called to the bar in 2002. He completed his pupillage at One Pump Court and has gone on to develop a varied practice in asylum and immigration law, and related public and civil cases. 

David was recently involved in litigation concerning the controversial ‘Rwanda Policy’, a proposed arrangement by which asylum seekers arriving in the UK in small boats would be removed to Rwanda to have their asylum claims dealt with there. He was instructed by the intervenor, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, and was a senior Junior with the team throughout the proceedings in the High Court, the Court of Appeal, and the Supreme Court. 

Other significant cases in which he has recently been instructed include Court of Appeal litigation about the constitutional importance of the right to a fair hearing and about the existence of a duty of care in negligence between the Home Office and a recognised refugee. His work challenging the Secretary of State’s policy of placing 24/7 GPS tags on people subject to deportation proceedings examined the compatibility of such policies with rights to respect for private life, and the mental health impact of tagging. He continues to work at all levels – Tribunals, higher courts, and SIAC – on complex asylum, human rights, and other family reunion cases, and on nationality and deprivation of citizenship challenges.

Beyond acting as a pupillage supervisor to many One Pump Court pupils who have gone on to continue as tenants in the immigration team, David has been a reliable and supportive colleague, both leading juniors in cases and providing support and advice to all in chambers more widely. He is admired for his dedication to his clients and the compassion and intellectual creativity with which he approaches his cases. 

Senior Clerk Ian Burrow says: 

Very many congratulations to David Chirico KC whose appointment is richly deserved. An outstanding barrister and a much-valued member of Chambers. This appointment has to rate as one of my proudest moments as the Senior Clerk here at One Pump Court.

David will be formally appointed in the 2024 Silk ceremony on a date to be announced.