LONDON, UK. June 16th, 2026 – Gulbenkian Andonian Solicitors is celebrating its 41st anniversary on 15 June 2026, marking more than four decades of representing clients in some of the most complex areas of UK immigration and human rights law.
Founded in 1985 by Paul Gulbenkian and Dr Bernard Andonian, both former Immigration Law Judges, the firm was among the first dedicated immigration law practices in London at a time when most firms treated immigration as a secondary area of legal work.
Paul Gulbenkian said: “When Bernard and I established the firm in 1985, some thought we were brave and others thought we were crazy. We believed that people facing complex immigration problems deserved specialist representation, and that belief has guided us ever since.”
Over the past 41 years, the firm has developed a reputation for taking on difficult immigration matters, including cases involving previous refusals, human rights claims, asylum applications, and complex appeals. Its work has included landmark legal successes, including the House of Lords case of Shah and Islam in 1999, which remains influential immigration case law today.
The firm has been recognised by The Legal 500 as a leading immigration practice and continues to represent individuals, families, business clients, and vulnerable people facing significant personal risk.
Dr Bernard Andonian said: “Forty-one years in immigration law teaches you that every case is a person’s life. We built this firm on the principle that those facing the most difficult immigration situations deserve the strongest legal representation possible. The families we have kept together and the rights we have protected over four decades remain our greatest achievement.”
Now led by Senior Partner Dave Vasoodaven, with both founders continuing as consultants, Gulbenkian Andonian Solicitors remains committed to the values established in 1985: expertise, integrity, compassion, and a willingness to take on cases that others may turn away.
For more information, visit www.gulbenkian.co.uk.
ENDS