Who? Edward Taylor, partner at Osbornes Law, London.

Why is he in the news? Represented a child refugee in a three-year legal battle against Greenwich Council to prove he was not lying about his age. The local authority, which wrongly assessed him as eight years older, lost a High Court case and was refused permission to challenge the decision in the Court of Appeal.

Thoughts on the case: ‘There had been three separate assessments to determine my client’s age, but none based on firm reasoning. The council had not elicited the views of any professionals, such as his college tutors who had taught him for several months, nor did they make any allowances for the trauma he had suffered and his poor mental health. We presented psychological evidence and statements from his three tutors who all believed him to be the age he claimed. We also commissioned an independent age assessment which concluded in his favour. For my client, this judgment was critical in confirming his right to support from social services as a care leaver and is likely to assist his appeal for asylum. However, it also demonstrates how adverse assessments should only be reached when there is a firm basis.’

A council spokesperson said: ‘Although we cannot comment on individual cases, we have accepted the Upper Tier Tribunal’s decision that was made on 13 February 2024 and have complied with and continue to comply with the decision.’

Dealing with the media: ‘The narrative pushed by certain sections of the media often paints an unkind and inaccurate view of refugees and asylum seekers. Outlets like the Guardian play a vital role in trying to redress that, giving a voice to the vulnerable and trying to ensure readers’ opinions are informed. Highlighting cases like this also makes society aware of the sometimes poor decision-making by public bodies.’

Why become a lawyer? ‘I’ve always had a strong sense of social justice and wanted to make a difference.’

Career high: ‘Succeeding in the Court of Appeal where we challenged a local authority for relying on the opinion of a doctor who had not met my homeless client over a psychiatrist who had assessed him. This case is now a leading authority on the issue and will have protected many vulnerable people from street homelessness in the UK.’

Career low: ‘Missing out on a training contract in the first year of applying at Osbornes. I succeeded in the following round, however, and was recently made partner, seven years after qualifying.’

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