Middlesex Law Chambers, an immigration law firm that reported a dramatic increase in legal aid income from £43,000 in 2021 to £1.7 million in 2025, has had its government contract terminated due to performance concerns. The firm, which only employs five solicitors, was managing thousands of asylum cases, creating worries over its capacity to provide adequate legal representation.
This termination affects many asylum seekers, who may struggle to find new legal assistance at a time when the government is increasingly refusing cases. The percentage of initial asylum grants has declined from 58% to 48% in the year leading to June 2025, resulting in a greater number of appeals, which are challenging to navigate without legal support.
Despite being listed as having 15 offices across the country, with several located in areas lacking legal aid resources, reports indicate that some offices were unresponsive or closed. Sheraz Chowdhry, the firm’s director, joined the firm recently and noted that plans for expansion had not fully materialized, leading to the termination of some office rentals.
Currently, the firm’s staffing includes one solicitor dedicated to immigration work in Southall and another focused on family law in Canary Wharf. Chowdhry mentioned that his predecessor faced health issues, which may have hindered the firm’s ability to maintain its standards. He described the sudden growth of the firm as difficult to explain, especially considering that a typical case load for legal aid solicitors is between 15 and 20, while staff had been handling approximately 164 cases each during the firm’s rapid expansion.
Advocates and researchers have highlighted concerns regarding the state of legal aid, emphasizing that funding cuts have left many individuals without essential legal support. The Legal Aid Agency confirmed the contract termination, stating that firms are subject to annual reviews to ensure compliance with performance standards.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/sep/14/immigration-law-firm-loses-legal-aid-contract-performance-concerns