Administrative law and human rights

Leading Silks
2025 Silks
2024 Silks

Leading Silks

KCs at the very top of their field, with a long-established record of market-defining cases, and widespread endorsement from clients and peers. All silks appointed in the last two rounds are listed further below.

Monica Carss-Frisk KC

Blackstone Chambers

‘Monica is a superb advocate with an encyclopaedic knowledge of administrative law. She has fantastic judgement and her advocacy is highly persuasive – she always commands the attention of a court. She is an outstanding leader and the natural choice for the most important cases.’

Sir James Eadie KC

Blackstone Chambers

Edward Fitzgerald CBE KC

Doughty Street Chambers

'The doyenne of public law and human rights work. Unparalleled experience and court room presence. Extremely thorough and client focused.'

Tom Hickman KC

Blackstone Chambers

‘Tom is a highly experienced public lawyer, with broad knowledge and strong legal instincts. He cuts through to the key issues and offers realistic solutions. He is personable and pleasant to work with.’

Phillippa Kaufmann KC

Matrix Chambers

Lord Pannick KC

Blackstone Chambers

'The leading silk for administrative law cases. Clear, articulate and knowledgeable. A pleasure to work with.'

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Jenni Richards KC

39 Essex Chambers

‘Jenni is a complete superstar. Written advice is brilliant. She is an extremely well prepared advocate with a thoroughly and detailed understanding of the medical profession and the regulatory context in which it operates. This preparation makes her an outstanding advocate.’

Jude Bunting KC

Doughty Street Chambers

'Charm personified, in a manner that belies his unmatched court advocacy. A superstar, able to turn his hand to any matter no matter how novel or complex. A relentless work ethic combined with smarts and strategic insight makes him a first choice.'

Sarah Hannett KC

Matrix Chambers

'Sarah really helps to inject a strategic focus at the outset of a case. This helps clients to understand the process and engage fully with it. Sarah is highly approachable to clients and instructing solicitors and this makes it a real pleasure to work with her.'

Julian Milford KC

'Julian is calm, thorough, logical, insightful, exceptionally knowledgeable in public law, national security and data matters and deploys his knowledge lightly and effectively.'

Robert Palmer KC

Monckton Chambers

‘Robert’s written work and advocacy are equally impressive. He has an ability to simplify the most complex areas of law and distill the essential legal issues to be determined. Judges appreciate his honed and polished submissions.’

Dinah Rose KC

Blackstone Chambers

Jessica Simor KC

Matrix Chambers

Jemima Stratford KC

Brick Court Chambers

'Jemima is very calm and thoughtful, with a particular awareness of strategic and tactical questions that arise in being a third party intervener in a big case.'

David Blundell KC

Landmark Chambers

'David is an excellent lawyer and advocate. Coupled with that he is extremely pleasant, and a pleasure to work with. He is an expert on public law and leaves no stone unturned.'

Paul Bowen KC

Brick Court Chambers

‘He is extremely strategic and his written submissions are first-rate and he has the rare ability to translate extremely complex and sensitive legal matters into accessible but powerful submissions. His oral advocacy is highly persuasive and he is extremely quick to grasp and provide key information to the judges. Paul is one of the best and it is always a pleasure to work with him.’

Tim Buley KC

Landmark Chambers

'Tim is a brilliant advocate in judicial review cases. He is a natural for this kind of submissions advocacy, with a talent for being persuasive and a really easy style and manner which is very attractive.'

Christopher Buttler KC

Matrix Chambers

'Chris is a pleasure to work with; very responsive and approachable. He identifies the case strategy quickly and is advocacy is razor sharp. He never misses a beat.'

Joanne Clement KC

'Impressive advocate. Slick, persuasive and clear, even though this area of law is highly complex. Goes above and beyond to accommodate clients.'

Ben Collins KC

Old Square Chambers

Philip Coppel KC

Cornerstone Barristers

'Able to get to grips with areas outside his core practice area. Stays calm in court under pressure.'

Estelle Dehon KC

Cornerstone Barristers

Estelle is truly fantastic, and a leader in her field. One cannot think of anyone more knowledgeable, or more engaged, in climate change and public law litigation right now. She has a great grasp of the scientific and technical issues that arise, and is able to translate them into a compelling narrative through her advocacy.’

Marie Demetriou KC

Brick Court Chambers

'Marie is conscientious and prepares well. She is very good to work with and gets on well with clients. Marie is a very strong technical lawyer and a first choice on public law work.'

Gerry Facenna KC

Monckton Chambers

'Very approachable and easy to deal with. Very tactically savvy and able to analyse the strengths and weaknesses of a case, the opponent's likely approach and the attitude of the judge.'

Kate Gallafent KC

Blackstone Chambers

‘Kate has excellent judgment in dealing with the challenges facing clients. She is very effective as an advocate and gets on very well as part of the team.’

Nigel Giffin KC

Jonathan Glasson KC

Matrix Chambers

James Goudie KC

‘James is the ne plus ultra of UK public and employment law. His professional career in these areas is without parallel. A joy to work with.’

Sam Grodzinski KC

Blackstone Chambers

‘Good with clients, very well-respected by judges and a good advocate. Very good at working in a large team and provides sensible, practical advice on even the most complex matters.’

Jonathan Hough KC

4 New Square Chambers

‘He is meticulous in his preparation and understanding of cases. He remains calm under pressure and provides the best representation and advocacy. He is very organised and is at the top of his game.’

Ben Jaffey KC

Blackstone Chambers

'Ben is one of the most in demand barristers practicing today, he dissects the most complex cases in minutes and his cross-examination is a thing of beauty. Instruct him if you can.'

Schona Jolly KC

'Forensic and formidable barrister, a leader in this field.'

Maya Lester KC

Brick Court Chambers

‘Maya is a devastating advocate who gets under the hood of each of her cases, considers them from every angle, and is ready for anything that the court can throw at her.’

Zoë Leventhal KC

Matrix Chambers

‘Zoe is a fantastic advocate. Her judgement on written submissions is excellent and her advocacy in court is outstanding. A top choice on complex public law and human rights issues. She is easy to work with and she always makes the right strategy call.’

James Maurici KC

Landmark Chambers

‘James is the superstar of the Bar in this area.’

James McClelland KC

Brick Court Chambers

‘Very skilful advocate – very measured, matter-of-fact delivery that builds to the inescapable conclusion that his position is correct. Leaves no stone unturned in anticipating the other side\’s arguments and ensuring that your position is as strong as possible.’

Jonathan Moffett KC

‘Jonathan is an extremely approachable and personable barrister. Enthusiastic and energetic. Never fazed. Always a pleasure to work with. His advocacy is clear, concise, clever, orderly and ultimately successful.’

Karon Monaghan KC

Matrix Chambers

Fenella Morris KC

39 Essex Chambers

‘Fenella is always pleasant to deal with and is excellent with clients in terms of building rapport, listening to their objectives and presenting a one team approach’

Helen Mountfield KC

Matrix Chambers

Tim Owen KC

Matrix Chambers

'Tim is the consummate public lawyer. he has an instinctive feel for the jurisdiction and always knows how to present the strongest arguments, both in writing and as an advocate.'

Shaheen Rahman KC

1 Crown Office Row

'Shaheen is an excellent leading counsel. She is always on top of brief, empathetic with clients and has a laser focus on the key issues in cases. She has significant and long-standing experience working in national security cases.'

Thomas Roe KC

'Thomas is an outstanding advocate who presents his cases with impressive skill and in an attractive manner.'

Ian Rogers KC

Monckton Chambers

James Segan KC

Blackstone Chambers

'James has the confidence of the courts and quickly earns the confidence of clients. His advocacy is highly polished, with smooth delivery resting on thorough preparation. A pleasure to work with.'

Hugh Southey KC

Matrix Chambers

'He is adept at identifying the key issues and his case strategy stands him out as one of the leaders in his field. His ability to make oral submissions on complex areas of law and make the arguments digestible and at the same time powerful is a real skill.'

Daniel Squires KC

Matrix Chambers

'Judges instinctively trust him, even when making novel and complex submissions. One of the most generous and committed barristers practicing in this field.'

Adam Straw KC

Doughty Street Chambers

‘Adam has an encyclopaedic knowledge of caselaw around deaths in state custody and he appears in all the big cases. He is imaginative, collaborative, strategic and very hard working. He has an incredible strategic brain and is always five steps ahead.’

Ian Wise KC

Monckton Chambers

David Wolfe KC

Matrix Chambers

'His intelligence, depth of experience, strategic thinking and approach to team working makes him unparalleled. David's advocacy and drafting remain top notch and his ability to construct a case that achieves the client's objectives is second to none.'

Alex Goodman KC

Landmark Chambers

'An excellent advocate, who reads the court well but also fights the client's corner tenaciously. Knows how to win cases.'

Nick Armstrong KC

Matrix Chambers

‘Nick has developed an impressive practice in this field and has blazed a trail in the cross over between public law challenges and damages claims. He is really focused on client outcomes and has a good sense as to what arguments are likely to succeed in court.’

Katherine Apps KC

39 Essex Chambers

'Katherine is a public law encyclopaedia. She has a winning way with clients and excels in this field particularly in matters with an equalities crossover. Her advocacy is robust and effective and tailored to each case.'

Lord Banner KC

Keating Chambers

‘Charlie is eloquent, very experienced in public law.’

Kieron Beal KC

Blackstone Chambers

'Strong and clear advocate. Very good with clients and explaining difficult concepts clearly. Thinks tactically and how to make the best of a case before particular judges.'

Jamie Burton KC

Doughty Street Chambers

'Jamie is hugely talented and intelligent. A top-tier silk for social welfare public law and civil claims. Great on his feet. Excellent with the details and with client rapport.'

Victoria Butler-Cole KC

39 Essex Chambers

‘Excellent advocacy and has the client’s best interests always at heart. Her perspicuity in dealing with complex situations and issues helps to drive cases forward and keeps the focus where it needs to be.’

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Jonathan Crow KC

4 Stone Buildings

‘A peerless advocate and a true gentleman.’

Clair Dobbin KC

Three Raymond Buildings

‘Clair is vastly experienced in administrative law and human rights. She has a wealth of knowledge on Convention rights and is masterful at framing issues in terms of core principles that find favour with judge. Her advocacy is at once measured and incisive – she quickly wins the confidence of the court.’

Laura Dubinsky KC

Doughty Street Chambers

‘Laura is brilliant. Her oral and written advocacy is compelling and persuasive. She is very client focused.’

Shaheed Fatima KC

Blackstone Chambers

‘Can distil complex issues. Court presentation is incredibly clear and effective. Very responsive.’

Danny Friedman KC

Matrix Chambers

Caoilfhionn Gallagher KC

Doughty Street Chambers

‘Fearless on her feet, a superb advocate who merges passion with clear legal argument and she is highly persuasive.’

Alex Goodman KC

Landmark Chambers

‘Alex is particularly good at identifying potential legal grounds of claim in unusual cases. He is not fazed by difficult arguments or difficult opponents, and is able to maintain clarity in the overall strategy of the case. He is also willing to undertake extensive research and produce textbook-like legal submissions which are incredibly persuasive to defendants and courts.’

Nicola Greaney KC

39 Essex Chambers

'Nicola is an excellent barrister. She is so approachable and personable, and devotes time to clearly explaining complex issues to clients. She is also very flexible and has a natural ability to quickly develop rapports with opponents, judges and colleagues alike, inspiring confidence.'

Ivan Hare KC

Blackstone Chambers

‘Understated quality of advocacy.’

Stephanie Harrison KC

Garden Court Chambers

'Stephanie is a formidable court advocate, who is highly persuasive, and a real fighter. She is very good on her feet. She is an expert on the law relating to civil liberties and protest rights. She is very down to earth and approachable.'

Richard Honey KC

Francis Taylor Building

'Richard is an excellent advocate; he has a particular expertise in the area of commons and open spaces, and a grasp of the law in this area that is largely unrivalled. He is well-prepared and effective.'

Nageena Khalique KC

Serjeant’s Inn Chambers

Richard Lissack KC

Fountain Court Chambers

‘Beyond brilliant – a star in every respect.’

Tom Little KC

'Tom is an excellent silk with a wonderful forensic advocacy style.'

Thomas de la Mare KC

Blackstone Chambers

'Tom is extremely bright and is a very good persuasive advocate. He is a leading practitioner.'

Angus McCullough KC

1 Crown Office Row

Anthony Metzer KC

Goldsmith Chambers

‘Tony has a remarkable ability to grasp the intricacies of a case, have sound judgement on merits and trial strategy, which are fully reflected in the results he secures. That has included his written advocacy which is powerful because it is precise, concise and succinct, making it particularly persuasive. His oral advocacy is always measured, well-balanced and nuanced, again making him a very persuasive advocate.’

Joe Middleton KC

Doughty Street Chambers

Clare Montgomery KC

Matrix Chambers

'A powerhouse, in terms of her razor-sharp focus and analytical skills. She deserves her stellar reputation.'

Leigh-Ann Mulcahy KC

Fountain Court Chambers

‘Leigh-Ann is a flawless advocate. She is engaging and persuasive, and delivers arguments with absolute clarity. Her advice is not only legally excellent but also pragmatic, giving a clear route through even the most complicated issues.’

Hanif Mussa KC

Blackstone Chambers

'Hanif has an encyclopaedia of legal knowledge. He is fast, attentive, creative and always able to come up with solutions for clients no matter how complicated the matter is. He is also a fantastic advocate and would recommend to any other firm or client.'

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Alan Payne KC

39 Essex Chambers

‘An outstanding counsel who know this area of law inside out and who has an excellent manner with clients.’

David Pievsky KC

Blackstone Chambers

'David has excellent client handling skills and is very approachable. He takes a well-rounded view of each matters and considers political and commercial factors as well as the legal elements of a claim. His advocacy style is calm and collected and he is able to synthesise and present complex issues with clarity.'

Anya Proops KC

‘Fiercely intelligent, competitive, combative and energetic.’

Vikram Sachdeva KC

39 Essex Chambers

'Vikram is a tenacious and effective advocate who has a deep interest in administrative and public law, and is always up-to-date with recent developments.'

Oliver Sanders KC

1 Crown Office Row

'Oliver has superb drafting skills - and is a wonderful advocate. He is also extremely responsive and has been very kind with some very vulnerable clients.'

Dan Sarooshi KC

Essex Court Chambers

‘He is a very knowledgeable, wise and industrious counsel who performs to a very high standard, both in and out of court.’

Andrew Sharland KC

'Has a good understanding of client, commercial, as well as legal considerations. Produces very well-made written arguments. Very knowledgeable in this area of law and very each to deal with.'

Maya Sikand KC

Doughty Street Chambers

'Maya is hugely detailed and thorough in her legal analysis and advice, and her advice is always robust and authoritative. She never seems to miss a detail. She is a powerful advocate, making compelling arguments, while displaying a gentleness and empathy to clients when out of the court-room.'

Daniel Stilitz KC

Victoria Wakefield KC

Brick Court Chambers

'Tenacious, spirited, but also very approachable and personable.'

Galina Ward KC

Landmark Chambers

'Galina's written work is exceptional. She has an ability to simplify the most complex legal issues in a clear and concise way. Galina applies a strategic focus to any case at the outset which clients appreciate.'

Tim Ward KC

Monckton Chambers

'A committed and experience advocate ready to roll up his sleeves to win.'

Marc Willers KC

Garden Court Chambers

‘Marc is an absolute legal powerhouse bringing together deep technical knowledge with fantastic overall legal strategy. He is adaptable, creative, and a pleasure to work with.’

2025 Silks

KCs at the very top of their field, with a long-established record of market-defining cases, and widespread endorsement from clients and peers. All silks appointed in the last two rounds are listed further below.

Naina Patel KC

Blackstone Chambers

'Very broad public law expertise, thoughtful and very engaging to work with.'

Sasha Blackmore KC

Landmark Chambers

‘Sasha is a very effective public law barrister. Her written submissions are good and her oral advocacy is effective. She deserved her recent appointment as Kings Counsel.’

Fraser Campbell KC

Blackstone Chambers

'Fraser is a newly appointed KC who has real gravitas in relation to a wide range of public law issues. He is able to apply public law principles to commercial issues and provide clear and effective commercial advice. He is particularly strong at taking a strategic approach which combines legal remedies and commercial drivers to help clients solve complex issues.'

Edward Craven KC

Matrix Chambers

'Eddie is as bright as they come. His grasp of the law and ability to deal with complex facts and come up with innovative tactical solutions is second to none. '

Tom Cross KC

'His drafting and analysis skills are masterful. He has an ability to transform the most difficult thorny case into a coherent and compelling case. He has a great sense and feel of the Court. His understanding of the intersection of human rights ans discrimination law is second to none.'

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Cecilia Ivimy KC

11KBW

‘Cecilia is consistently user-friendly: clear, thorough, prompt, intellectually agile and with excellent judgement.’

Paul Jarvis KC

6KBW College Hill

‘Paul displays his deep legal learning in harmony with clear and attractive advocacy – an unbeatable combination.’

Jason Pobjoy KC

Blackstone Chambers

‘Both his oral and written advocacy are truly brilliant, but it is his phenomenal ability to manage and run a case that means he operates in a league of his own. Any case he is involved in is organised and runs like clockwork and his ability to project manage even the most complex claims is astounding. He is a star – truly impressive in every way.’

Julia Smyth KC

Landmark Chambers

'She really interrogates the case and in that first call with the client, she is immediately up on the detail and is not only knowledgeable, but warm and personable. She is a great barrister who is not only supremely clever but is commercial, pragmatic and clients love her.'

Azeem Suterwalla KC

Monckton Chambers

‘Azeem is very smart and reliable. His written submissions and advocacy are both great. He has acted in many important cases. He is always willing to assist on cases including for very vulnerable clients.’

Adam Wagner KC

Doughty Street Chambers

‘Adam is one of the leading people in this field. He is a powerful intellect and has a comprehensive knowledge of administrative law and practice and is one of the leading figures in human rights law at present.’

2024 Silks

KCs at the very top of their field, with a long-established record of market-defining cases, and widespread endorsement from clients and peers. All silks appointed in the last two rounds are listed further below.

Joseph Barrett KC

‘Extremely clever, very experienced, strong and accurate sense of how a dispute will develop, good and clear advice given immediately. Written work is of the highest standard.Good oral communicator with solicitors and clients, oral advocacy is impactful and well-prepared. Good cross-examiner.’

Brendan McGurk KC

Monckton Chambers

Richard O’Brien KC

4 New Square Chambers

Amy Rogers KC

'She is excellent on her feet, extremely hard working and a great choice as a lead counsel.'

Colin Thomann KC

39 Essex Chambers

Ewan West KC

Monckton Chambers

'Very knowledgeable. Hard worker. Well liked by clients. Good on his feet. A safe pair of hands for heavyweight administrative law matters.'