The Immigration law Seminar, organised by AstenJ Professional Training, held on 08 July 2017, was a massive success. The event carried a whopping 6CDP points and was definitely a worthwhile experience

The conference was held at the BPP University in Holborn and the attendees were well looked after with refreshments throughout the day topped off by a delicious and filling Asian hot buffet lunch. Not surprisingly, there was an excellent handout with plenty of course material which perfectly complimented the speakers and the subjects they covered.

Barrister Richard McKee – retired judge of the Upper Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber) is to be thanked for his unique chairing of the event that was started at 9.45 calling upon Mr. Zane Malik, Barrister and an Attorney General’s Counsel to the Crown from 12 Old Square, to open the first of the legal lectures. Mr Malik provided very useful tips and advice on Litigation concerning TOEIC/ETS test scam, Procedural developments as to Judicial Review proceedings and Deportation of foreign criminals. He took us through a number of recent cases which shed clarity and light on certain ambiguous areas of immigration law. Zane Malik has been hailed as a celebrity in the immigration sector and it was clear to the audience, by way of his presentation, why he has been labelled so.

After a delicious lunch, we were graced by Barrister Darryl Balroop of 12 Old Square Chambers. Mr Balroop’s presentation was definitely the most entertaining talk of the day and it was a nice way to recommence the talks with his particular presentation after a filling lunch. Mr Balroop talked on The Points Based System and current issues in Tiers 1, 2 and 4 taking the audience through a most informative entertaining hour.

Following on from Mr Darryl Balroop was Ms Kezia Tobin of Goldsmith Chambers who specialises in immigration law and inquests. She has previously worked at the European Parliament and for two human rights lobby groups in Brussels. She took us through a number of cases under her topic “EU law– residence documentation for EEA nationals and their family members” giving excellent guidance and advice to practitioners.

The last speaker of the day was Richard McKee – retired judge of the Upper Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber). He focused on Update on case law and changes to the Immigration Rules. For immigration practitioners, this was probably the most useful talk of
the day as it gave a summing up on the theme with latest Summer updates 2017. As always, we are grateful to Judge McKee for taking the time to pass on his knowledge and experience to us.