Catherine Dowle
Catherine Dowle
Solicitor
Catherine specialises in public law and judicial review, with a particular expertise in claims relating to the UK's Afghan protection schemes.
“[Catherine's] professionalism, deep knowledge, and strategic approach were instrumental in achieving the successful outcome we had hoped for. I truly appreciate the countless hours [she] put in, the attention to detail, and the clear communication that made this entire process much easier for me. [She] not only provided expert legal guidance, but also peace of mind, knowing I was in the best hands possible.”
Client
“I have been continually reassured by [Catherine's] thorough preparation, [her] attention to even the smallest detail, and the commitment [she's] shown in ensuring the best possible outcome for me.”
Client
Background
Catherine works as a solicitor assisting Daniel Carey and Emily Soothill on public law challenges and civil damages claims.
Catherine qualified in 2025, having trained at DPG. She joined the firm as a paralegal in January 2022, having previously worked in the charity sector with people seeking asylum.
Expertise
Catherine works primarily on public law challenges. Since January 2022, Catherine has worked on many cases relating to the operation of the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (“ARAP”) and Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (“ACRS”), together with Daniel Carey. Their clients have primarily been former British Army interpreters, Afghan judges, British Embassy Kabul security guards and former members of the “Triples” units, all of whom worked alongside the UK in Afghanistan.
In addition, Catherine works on civil damages claims, including in relation to unlawful detention and data breaches.
Sample Cases
R (ALO) v SSHD [2022] EWHC 2380 (Admin), challenging the entry clearance refusal issued to a former Afghan interpreter; https://www.dpglaw.co.uk/news/high-court-quashes-refusal-to-issue-visa-to-british-forces-interpreter/
R (BAL & others) v SSHD [2022] EWHC 2757 (Admin), challenging the refusal to relocate family members of a senior Afghan judge under the ARAP scheme; https://www.bailii.org/ew/cases/EWHC/Admin/2022/2757.html
Litigation in autumn 2023 regarding the delayed relocation of approved persons from Pakistan (R (MN & ZR) v SSFCDA & others (AC-2023-LON-001992, AC-2023-LON-001989)). https://www.dpglaw.co.uk/news/afghans-awaiting-transfer-to-uk-judicial-review/
Several challenges for individual members of the “Triples” (Afghan Special Forces) whose ARAP applications had been refused, against a backdrop of the mass rejection of Triples’ ARAP applications by the Ministry of Defence.
R (TPL1) v SSD [2025] EWHC 1729 (Admin), a challenge to the operation of the Triples Review; https://www.dpglaw.co.uk/news/afghan-protection-schemes-successful-high-court-challenge-to-triples-review-secrecy/
Civil damages claims for individuals who were unlawfully detained at Napier Barracks and Manston.