Ben Amunwa

Practice Areas

Ben is an experienced judicial review practitioner with a track record of acting for both claimants and defendants in challenges to the policies, practices and decision-making of public authorities.

Ben’s cases concern disputes arising from education, disability rights, public sector contract delivery, equality duties, asylum support, unlawful detention, trafficking, human rights and immigration. He has acted unled up to the Court of Appeal level and frequently collaborates with leaders on cases with lasting implications.

His breadth of knowledge across different jurisdictions allows him to deal with niche legal points that may arise such as privacy, privilege, data protection, disclosure, costs and other aspects of civil procedure.

He is known for his impressive advocacy and drafting skills. He understands that solicitors often require realism, whether about the merits of a case or counsel’s capacity levels. He is down-to-earth, responsive and easy to work with.

As an adaptable advocate, Ben assists commercial clients with advice and representation in employment law and international business disputes. He is equally fluent with multi-week trials in discrimination and whistle-blowing cases as he is with appellate level advocacy.

At trial, Ben is undaunted by senior opponents. He is a key player on counsel teams alongside senior colleagues and supports his leaders whenever required, on the big picture issues and the details. Unusually, Ben has cross-examined numerous solicitors in employment cases, including partners and senior associates at city law firms. He has even been moments away from cross-examining a judge in a lengthy dispute over coronial fees.

He is a popular choice in complex, sensitive dispute resolution for individuals, employers, commercial start-ups, trade unions, regulated professionals and public authorities.

In recent years, Ben has had particular success in achieving the suspension of central government policies. Working closely with colleagues at Deighton Pierce Glynn (‘DPG’) solicitors and The Unity Project, a leading charity, Ben secured the suspension of a policy which switched family migrants from the 5-year route to settlement to the 10-year route, if, due to hardship, they required access to welfare benefits. This followed a series of five judicial review policy challenges over the course of a year. The suspension is pending cross-departmental review and was announced in the House of Commons on 7 February 2022 by Kevin Foster MP during Parliamentary questions to the Home Office.

Career

Call 2013

Professional Memberships

• Constitutional and Administrative Law Association (ALBA)

• Commercial Bar Association (‘COMBAR’)

• Employment Lawyers Association (‘ELA’)

• Education Law Association ('ELAS’)

• Advocate (formerly the Bar Pro Bono Unit)