Jan Doerfel

Associate Barrister

Jan is an associate at Carnegie Law Chambers and a tenant at Goldsmith Chambers.

Jan Doerfel is a highly experienced barrister with over 20 years of expertise in asylum, immigration, and human rights law. He has built a reputation as a tenacious advocate with a remarkable success rate, particularly in complex and protracted cases.

Jan is known for his dedication to justice and his ability to handle challenging matters involving vulnerable individuals, including victims of torture, members of the LGBTIQ+ community, and those with intricate medical histories.

Jan regularly appears before courts and tribunals at all levels, providing clear and strategic advice to clients ranging from individuals to businesses. His practice spans a wide array of immigration matters, including Judicial Reviews, nationality applications, family reunification, and business immigration.

Notable Expertise

Jan has a distinguished background in international human rights law. He has addressed the European Parliament on Brexit's impact on EU and British citizens and conducted human rights training in countries such as Syria, Russia, Ukraine, Switzerland, and Germany. Additionally, he has participated in United Nations fact-finding missions to Brazil and Uzbekistan with the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture.

His experience at the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in Geneva equips him with unique insights into leveraging international mechanisms to assist clients effectively. Jan also advises on complaints against the Home Office and professional negligence cases related to immigration law.

 Education and Qualifications

  • LLM (Distinction) in International Human Rights Law – University of Essex

  • Bar Vocational Course – Manchester Metropolitan University

  • CPE Law – College of Law (York)

  • BA in Politics & Philosophy – University of York

Awards and Recognition

In 2008, Jan was shortlisted for the Peter Duffy Award by JUSTICE, Liberty, and the Law Society for his exceptional work in protecting minority rights within the field of human rights law.

Reported Cases

  • SX (Albania) v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2008] All ER (D) 259 (Jun)

  • R (Armand Marcel Koimon) v The Secretary of State for the Home Department[2008] EWHC 2733 (Admin)

Publications

Jan has contributed extensively to legal literature on human rights and immigration law, including:

  • The Convention against Torture and the Protection of Refugees (UNHCR/Oxford University Press)

  • Articles on Brexit, EU citizens' rights, and access to justice in publications such as Legal Action Group Magazine.

Languages

Jan is fluent in English and German and conversant in French and Spanish.

Direct Public Access

Jan is accredited under the Direct Public Access scheme, allowing him to work directly with clients without the need for a solicitor.

He prides himself on fostering strong relationships with both lay clients and professional clients alike.