International human rights and criminal law

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.

1
Rodney Dixon KC
Temple Garden Chambers
‘Very strong on the law, has a deep and wide knowledge of international criminal law and international humanitarian law; very strong on legal strategy, identifying the right approach at the right time; very good with clients, is empathetic and builds confidence.’
1
Schona Jolly KC
Cloisters
1
Steven Kay KC
9BR Chambers
‘Steven is particularly good at seeing the big strategic picture. He is very collaborative, and he uses his court-honed advocacy skills to present complicated issues very clearly and succinctly.’
1
Alison Macdonald KC
Essex Court Chambers
‘Alison is an outstanding human rights advocate. She has a strategic approach and an expert understanding of international human rights law, international criminal law and public international law. She is a creative and innovative thinker, and an ability to communicate sophisticated legal concepts in clear and concise terms. She is also highly personable and accessible – a real pleasure to work with.’
1
Steven Powles KC
Doughty Street Chambers
‘He is highly reliable and demonstrates strong commitment to helping victims of human rights abuses.’
2
Kirsty Brimelow KC
Doughty Street Chambers
‘Knowledgeable, committed, helpful, and strong advocate for justice and rule of law. It is very easy to work with Kirsty and you can trust that she will help you in the best of her abilities.’
2
Caoilfhionn Gallagher KC
Doughty Street Chambers
‘Caoilfhionn is incredibly knowledgeable and has built up a strong portfolio of so many of the cases that matter most to global press freedom. She not only has a brilliant legal mind, but she has become adept at developing advocacy strategies around her cases, and forging strong partnership with NGOs, leading to greater impact for her clients.’
2
James McClelland KC
Brick Court Chambers
2
Tim Moloney KC
Doughty Street Chambers
‘A consummate professional and expert in his field, exceptional at leading and steering a team of counsel. Tim provides incisive, pragmatic and speedy advice on even the most complex and sensitive issues, is hugely client-focused and is an absolute delight to work with.’
2
Timothy Otty KC
Blackstone Chambers
Tim is always a delight to work with - super bright, but refreshingly un-showy and very user-friendly.'
2
Max du Plessis SC
Doughty Street Chambers
‘Max is exceptional at identifying the core issues in a case. His oral advocacy really sets him apart; each of his arguments is a masterclass in making complex facts and legal issues relatable.’
3
Edward Fitzgerald KC
Doughty Street Chambers
‘Truly sublime. A real treat to watch in court and a fountain of knowledge.’
3
Peter Carter KC
Doughty Street Chambers
3
Ben Cooper KC
Doughty Street Chambers
‘Ben’s attention to detail is first-class and he has the ability to put forward submissions clearly, eloquently and succinctly. He clearly cares about his clients and is always willing to go the extra mile.’
3
Rachel Barnes KC
Three Raymond Buildings
‘Rachel is encyclopaedic in her knowledge, brilliantly strategic and highly effective as an advocate. She has great attention to detail and does not give up.’
3
Shaheed Fatima KC
Blackstone Chambers
3
Jemima Stratford KC
Brick Court Chambers

2023 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.

0
Blinne Ní Ghrálaigh KC
Matrix Chambers
‘Blinne has deservedly been made Kings Counsel. She is one of the leading silks of her generation in this area.’
0
Joe Middleton KC
Doughty Street Chambers

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.

1
Edward Craven KC
Matrix Chambers
1
Jason Pobjoy KC
Blackstone Chambers