Frequently before the Immigration and Asylum Chamber of the Upper Tribunal and First-Tier Tribunal, Gilda is an expert across all areas of immigration law, including refugee, human rights, deportation, EEA, domestic violence, refugee family reunion, entry clearance, points based system, bail and other immigration appeals.

Gilda has expertise in immigration related public law challenges, including judicial reviews of fresh claim refusals, certification decision, NRM decisions, delays in decision making and unlawful detention claims – including detained fast track (now detained asylum casework), bail and public law detention challenges. These often include representing victims of torture and those detained with mental health problems.

She provides CPD accredited training to Solicitors and Barristers, as well as mentoring and advising pupils and barristers at the Honourable Society of Grays Inn.

Away from Chambers and the Courts, Gilda is a founding member and the humanitarian lead for an innovative tech start-up focused on bringing aid and disaster relief to hard-to-reach and conflict affected areas.

“A sought-after immigration barrister who is lauded for her work with vulnerable individuals, particularly victims of trafficking, sexual violence and FGM. She is noted for her adroit handling of deportation and asylum matters, while her respected criminal practice only serves to strengthen her offering in the sphere. She is seasoned in judicial reviews, as well as in the appeal courts. She is also well versed in business immigration matters, including under the points-based system.”

Strengths: “An extremely effective barrister for all sorts of matters, including complex asylum cases and claims relating to sexuality. She has extreme empathy while remaining professional, and many clients mention how safe they feel with her.” “She is really able to break things down so clients understand what’s going on, and also makes them feel they are being seen and listened to.” (Chambers and Partners 2019)

‘A sought-after immigration barrister who is lauded for her work with vulnerable individuals, particularly victims of trafficking, sexual violence and FGM. She is noted for her adroit handling of deportation and asylum matters, while her respected criminal practice only serves to strengthen her offering in the sphere. She is seasoned in judicial reviews, as well as in the appeal courts. “Compassionate, responsive, thorough and always available to provide reasoned advice”. “Her work is clear, detailed and she is very personable with clients” (Chambers and Partners 2018).

Repeatedly ranked as “Leading Junior” in Immigration Law (Tier 3) in the Legal 500 directory since 2013:

“Her skeleton arguments are detailed and compelling, showing in-depth knowledge of all relevant law” (Legal 500, 2019)

“Good with clients, gives clear advice and is realistic about the merits” (Legal 500, 2018).

“Down to earth and liked by clients” (2017)

“Approachable, an excellent communicator and really on top of the law” (2016)

“Impressive” (2015)

“Really good with vulnerable clients, putting them at ease immediately” (2014).