Harry Johnston-Sluka

Solicitor

About Harry Johnston-Sluka

Harry qualified as a solicitor in April 2021 having completed his training contract at Invicta Law undertaking seats in the firm’s Dispute Resolution and Employment, Planning and Highways, Child Protection and Asylum Teams. This has given him experience advising and representing Local Authorities in a wide range of matters related to these areas of law. Prior to this, Harry studied a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in History at the University of Sheffield and completed his Graduate Diploma In law (GDL) and Masters in Professional Legal Practice (LLM) at the University of Law, obtaining a Distinction in his LLM.

In relation to UASC, Harry has advised social workers on age assessments and applicable case law and has defended Judicial Review claims brought by UASC challenging their age assessments. He has also advised on no recourse to public funds cases, the withdrawal of support by local authorities following Home Office decisions on Asylum claims and the transfer of UASC to another local authority’s area for reunification with family members in the UK. Harry also has experience assisting senior solicitors with defending claims for damages brought against the local authority by families who had no recourse to public funds who alleged breaches of the Human Rights Act 1998.

Prior to joining the Asylum Team, Harry practiced in commercial and public law dispute resolution/litigation acting on behalf of local authorities. His practice areas focused particularly on Judicial Review cases and disputes related to Special Educational Needs (SEN) and local authority duties under the Care Act 2014. Harry has managed High Court cases in both the Administrative and Commercial Courts. Harry has a strong record of successfully defending Judicial Review claims at the pre-action and permission stages of litigation, particularly in relation to UASC age assessments and SEN disputes.

In addition to the above, Harry has advised on and assisted with proceedings in the Employment Tribunal, SEN Tribunal and the County Courts, developing expertise in assisting local authorities with a range of public law disputes and conducting advocacy at case management and other procedural hearings. Harry has also gained experience in relation to Adult Community Care matters and Coroner’s Inquests and is hopeful to develop his expertise in these practice areas.

Areas of expertise

  • Planning and Highways
  • Dispute Resolution and Employment
  • Debt Recovery
  • Equality Act 2010
  • SENDIST
Harry is commended by clients for his helpful and responsive approach to legal advice.
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Client testimonials

“Sarah provides excellent advice, often off the cuff at the end of the phone when urgent matters arise. She is extremely good at explaining the intricacies of planning law in layman’s terms, which is very much appreciated. Sarah is a reliable and conscientious colleague who I do not hesitate to contact for guidance and clarity in often high-pressured situations. She is well respected amongst her peers and colleagues, and officers very much appreciate her knowledge and calming influence.”
Planning & Highways Client
“I am writing in praise of your support. As someone in the firing line of an ultra-aggressive legal team for the first time in my life, this was a traumatic and, at times, upsetting process. You were at my side, dispensing wise and calming counsel throughout. You have been readily available when crises occurred, have been a wonderful listener and, in the end, we reached an outcome that was highly satisfactory for our school and its pupils. I cannot speak highly enough of the way that you handled this case, and I thank you and your firm for the support you gave me. Being a chair of governors, sworn to confidentiality, can be a lonely business! You kept me sane.”
Chair of School Governors
“You’ve been incredibly helpful with this. Thanks for always replying so promptly and for being a star.”
Private Sector Town Planning & Development Consultancy
“The whole team at Invicta Law are really professional, efficient and courteous in their approach to our Development Agreement works. This I find makes my role much easier particularly when this is a specialist subject that I often need to seek their advice with.”
Planning & Highways Client
“The experience has been really top end. Rather than just offering the options, they have given some real solid advice on the best route. It's a good business 'partnering' approach.”
Kent Fire and Rescue Service
“Their employment advice has always proved to be sound. I’ve worked with lots of different lawyers in London boroughs and. I’d also say that Invicta Law is the most solution-focused.”
Kent Fire and Rescue Service

News & Blogs

Meet the Team: Harry Johnston-Sluka, Community Care Team

30th Nov 2022

Now part of the Community Care Team, Harry Johnston-Sluka also completed his training contract at Invicta Law, qualifying as a solicitor in April 2021.

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Kent Family Justice Board Child Care Conference 2022

30th Nov 2022



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Defending Age Assessment Challenges

30th Nov 2022

Defending legal challenges against local authority age assessments

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