John Crowley
Senior associate solicitor
John Crowley is a senior associate solicitor in the human rights department.
John is an senior associate solicitor in the human rights and judicial review department.
John specialises in assisting migrants in a wide range of claims for compensation and judicial review challenges. He has been involved in landmark cases in the Supreme Court and applications to the European Court of Human Rights.
Legal expertise
John has developed particular expertise in asylum support work. He regularly assists individuals in challenging delays in the processing of their s.95, s.4 or Schedule 10 applications, as well as bringing claims concerning the adequacy of accommodation and levels of financial support.
John also regularly accepts instructions in strategic challenges in this area. In the case of R (HA and others) v SSHD [2023] EWHC 1876 (Admin) he successfully obtained declarations from the court that the Home Secretary’s system for providing s.98 support was unlawful, as well as findings that several of her s.95 practices/policies were unlawful. The case is considered a significant victory for destitute asylum seekers, that is likely to benefit thousands.
Outside of asylum support, John has been involved in many other systemic challenges including the “Right to Rent” challenge and a successful challenge concerning the Windrush Compensation Scheme.
John also specialises in immigration detention. His clients include those who are seeking to challenge the lawfulness of their ongoing detention through judicial review, as well as clients who wish to obtain compensation for false imprisonment, discrimination and/or abuse of their human rights.
He has developed particular expertise in assisting victims of trafficking and modern slavery, and successfully challenged the Home Secretary’s policy of refusing victims of trafficking access to safehouse accommodation from detention. He was also involved in an appeal to the Supreme Court on behalf of two victims of trafficking in relation to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme.
John also accepts instructions in a broad range of public law, discrimination and personal injury work.
In 2024 John was a finalist in the Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year Award for best newcomer: LAPG Shortlist for the 2024 Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year Awards
John Crowley in the media
- Suella Braverman broke law by denying asylum seekers £3 a week, judge rules Guardian 24.7.23
- Braverman acted unlawfully by withholding £3 a week from asylum seekers, court rules Independent 24.7.23
- Latest on the challenges to the right to rent scheme Housing Rights July 2022
- Windrush victims launch legal action over compensation delays Guardian 21.9.21
John has also been ranked as 'Associates to watch' by Chambers and Partners, 2026.
Accreditations
Chambers and Partners 2026
High Court rules Home Secretary's use of public order powers against trafficking victims was unlawful
Human Rights solicitor John Crowley discusses a recent High Court ruling over Public Order Disqualification decisions.
Charity report finds UK asylum hotels failing vulnerable people
A new report by the Refugee and Migrant Forum of Essex and London (RAMFEL) has revealed what it says are the devastating impacts of the government’s long-term use of hotels to house people seeking asylum.
Leigh Day employees shortlisted for Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year awards 2024
Leigh Day’s John Crowley and Silvana Velez have been shortlisted for the Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year awards 2024 (LALYs).