Jonathan Metzer

Human Rights

Human rights are a major part of Jonathan’s practice. He has a particular expertise representing claimants in asylum and immigration cases, centred on the right to private and family life (Article 8), the right to asylum or humanitarian protection, the prohibition on inhuman/degrading treatment (Article 3), and unlawful detention.

Jonathan is a member of the Attorney General’s Panel of Special Advocates.

In his prison law practice, Jonathan advises and prepares applications for judicial review on behalf of long-sentence prisoners in cases involving the right to liberty (Article 5). This included a challenge to Coronavirus prison restrictions breaching the right to respect private and family life (Article 8).

Jonathan is also instructed in actions against the police including those that arise out of unlawful arrest, detention and use of force.

Jonathan’s inquest practice also regularly involves human rights issues, where the right to life (Article 2) can be engaged.

As human rights issues tend to cut across different legal areas, Jonathan’s human rights practice is set out in more detail under the Immigration, Public Law and Inquests sections of his profile.

Jonathan is also a member of the UK Human Rights Blog‘s editorial team.

Jonathan is ranked as ‘Leading Junior’ by Chambers & Partners for Civil Liberties & Human Rights. Recent editorial includes:

• “Jonathan is an excellent go-to barrister for claims involving deprivation of liberty and other HRA matters.” 
• “Jonathan is at the top of his game in his knowledge of immigration law. He is one of the most formidable practitioners in this area, with excellent skills in written and oral advocacy.” 
• “Jonathan is brilliant on his feet and I have always had phenomenal service.”
• “Jonathan’s pleadings are very thorough and persuasive, and his advice is accurate and to the point.”
• “Jonathan is an absolute star and the quality of his work is outstanding.”
• “Jonathan Metzer is one of the finest asylum and immigration barristers at the Bar.”
• “Whenever I can, I instruct Jonathan.”