Abigail specialises in special jurisdiction (terrorism, extradition, exceptionally high value fraud). She frequently advises doctors on how to engage with their professional regulators and appears before juries at inquests. She is routinely instructed in several of chambers’ many practice areas. She frequently advises doctors on how to engage with their professional regulators and appears before juries at inquests.
Alasdair Mackenzie is an experienced leading junior who specialises in immigration and asylum law and practices generally in public law. Alasdair is regularly instructed as sole or leading counsel in appeals to the Upper Tribunal and the Court of Appeal and in judicial reviews in both the High Court and Upper Tribunal. He appears frequently before the Upper Tribunal and First-Tier Tribunal in all areas of immigration law, including refugee, human rights, family, EEA, student, points-based system, bail and deportation cases. He also appears in judicial reviews of trafficking decisions and age assessments.
From the beginning, Alison’s practice has had at its heart state accountability for those in detention, those who claim to have been abused, and those who have been discriminated against. This has seen her practice develop from mainly mental health and inquest work, to expand to include prison law, actions against the police and Court of Protection. She now has extensive experience of appearing in wide variety of jurisdictions, including civil, administrative, coronial and the Court of Protection.
Amal Clooney is a barrister who specializes in international law and human rights. Amal represents clients before international courts including the International Criminal Court, the International Court of Justice and the European Court of Human Rights. Alongside court work, she provides advice to governments and individuals on legal issues in her areas of expertise. Amal is ranked in the legal directories Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners as a leading barrister in international human rights law, public international law, and international criminal law. She is described as ‘a brilliant legal mind’ who ‘handles cases of real international importance’ and ‘knows her brief inside out’. She is said to be a ‘natural lead advocate’ who is ‘tactically first class’ and ‘a rare combination of intellectual depth and pragmatism’. The directories also spotlight her ‘superb advocacy’ and ‘commanding presence before courts’ and describe her as ‘a dream performer before international tribunals’. They also emphasize that she is ‘fantastically innovative’ with an ability to galvanize ‘heads of state, foreign ministers and business … in a way that is very effective’ for victims of human rights abuses. She is described as ‘unafraid to raise novel points of law’, ‘very sophisticated in pushing the boundaries’ and having a ‘passionate commitment to the law and compassion for the people it serves’. Amal frequently represents victims of mass atrocities, including genocide and sexual violence. She has acted in many landmark human rights cases in recent years including the world’s first trial in which an ISIS member was convicted of committing genocide against Yazidis. Amal also represents Yazidi victims in the first case alleging complicity in crimes against humanity by a company that funded the terror group.
Amanda is a highly experienced lawyer in the practice areas of employment, equality and discrimination, and regulation and professional discipline. She is ranked as 3rd tier leading junior in Legal500 which refers to her “extremely good judgment”. Her highest profile case to date is the ground breaking sex and age discrimination case brought by TV Countryfile presenter against the BBC. Before coming to the Bar, Amanda spent eleven years working for trade unions, representing members in local and national negotiations, and organising national campaigns including industrial action. Amanda has represented clients from all disadvantaged groups: race, sex, disability, religion, sexual orientation, and age, and throughout her working life has campaigned on equality issues. Employment Law and Industrial Relations Since being called to the Bar Amanda has specialised in employment and discrimination law, which builds on her experience as a union official. She has successfully represented clients in employment tribunals, the Employment Appeals Tribunal and at the Court of Appeal. An example of recent cases include: The tribunal and EAT case of disability discrimination by a high achieving trainer with Asperger’s Syndrome. The EAT appeal involved novel points on divisibility of injury and private health insurance. The tribunal case, involving a London Underground employee in her claim for race discrimination arising out of the tattoos displayed by another employee. The tribunal case involving sex discrimination and harassment of a female journalist working for an Arabic on-line news agency. Various tribunal cases brought by police officers, doctors and warehouse employees for disability discrimination including failure to make reasonable adjustments and / or challenging the application of absence managing policies. Various tribunal cases on unfair dismissal and constructive dismissal. Tribunal test-cases for disability discrimination brought by drivers and track workers with hearing impairments The Court of Appeal case on the test for remittance in a sex discrimination case brought by a Royal Navy chief petty officer. The EAT case considering the reasonableness of the delay in submitting a claim following publication of a blacklist of construction industry workers. The High Court case considering the interpretation of a union’s rules in relation to the election of the general secretary. The Court of Appeal case on time limits in discrimination cases.
Amelia is a barrister specialising in extradition, human rights and public law, and is ranked in Chambers and Partners as a leader in the field of Extradition at the London Bar. The majority of her work involves human rights related arguments and she has particular expertise in cases concerning children’s rights
Criminal defence specialist with an emphasis on regulatory and financial crime, including high value frauds and money laundering instructions. He is regularly instructed in cases of gravity including allegations of homicide and serious violence, drug importations, armed robbery and firearms offences. He has been instructed in many voluminous, complex and significant cases, both in his own right and as led junior counsel. He has particular interests in Contempt of Court, both Civil and Criminal applications. Amos was a member of the CBA working group who responded to the Law Commission’s Consultation Paper (No. 209) on Contempt of Court. He is admitted to the approved list of counsel for the International Criminal Court. Amos is developing a Court of Protection practice. With particular expertise in dealing with clients who have mental health issues; psychiatric and psychological conditions; including learning difficulties and disabilities; and alcohol/drug addictions.
Andrew Hall is consistently named as a leader in his field and has a busy and high profile practice in serious crime. He has a strong following amongst solicitors both in London and further afield, and a particular reputation for the tenacious defence of grave, difficult and more complex cases. Andrew has very extensive experience in all types of homicide, as well as large scale drugs and other excise conspiracies. In recent years has been instructed in a significant number of high profile terrorism cases. He is the author or co-author of several books on criminal justice issues, and regularly lectures on advocacy and other legal topics, including terrorism and human rights, both here and abroad. He has longstanding involvement with professional training, and with legal sector capacity building projects overseas, particularly in Africa, and is a winner of the Bar Pro Bono Award for this work. Human rights work overseas has included missions to Syria, Sudan and Burma. Andrew served for a number of years as a member of the Bar Council and Chairman of the Remuneration Committee, and served as Chairman of the Criminal Bar Association. Since 2010 he has been a trustee of the Kalisher Trust, a charity providing scholarships and other awards to talented Criminal Bar entrants who need financial support.
Angela is a specialist in public law, civil liberties and human rights. Her practice focuses on public law and civil claims with a human rights element. She acts for a range of individual and institutional clients, including in inquests and in public inquiries. Angela understands the importance of timely, clear and affordable advice and puts the needs of her professional and lay clients at the heart of her practice.
Annabel is a leading Junior with substantial expertise in serious and complex criminal trials and appeals including Murder, Terrorism, offences under the Modern Slavery Act, Firearms offences and Financial Crime. She is frequently instructed in cases involving a substantial international element, having worked in recent years in France advising a multi – national company on its obligations under the UK Bribery Act, and in Ukraine providing advice and training (to the government of Ukraine, the Chief Military Prosecutor’s Office and the State Security Services) on cooperation with the International Criminal Court and domestic prosecutions for war crimes arising out of the Russian occupation of Crimea and the ongoing armed conflict in the East of Ukraine.
Antonia is an immigration and public law specialist with particular expertise in asylum, immigration, community care and trafficking claims.
Aswini Weereratne has built a diverse practice in challenging areas. Her expertise focuses on the protection of the most vulnerable people, children and adults, in society, usually because of mental disability, or abuse and exploitation, through litigation and advisory work with an emphasis on human rights. She utilises her skills in a wide range of practice areas and cases concerning public and private law issues, welfare and medical treatment cases in the Court of Protection, actions against state bodies, for example, assault and unlawful detention claims, non-recent child abuse claims, inquests and inquiries, reporting restrictions and international law. Aswini also has extensive experience of investigatory procedures, in public inquiries, inquests, and as independent chair of inquiries, tribunals and professional regulatory bodies. She has chaired six independent homicide inquiries. She appears in courts and tribunals at all levels, including the Supreme Court. Aswini acts for NGOs, government bodies, such as the British Council, and individuals, sometimes through a litigation friend, for example, the Official Solicitor. She is conversant with applications and interventions to international human rights bodies, and before higher courts. She undertakes advisory work including on legislative reform and policy. She has advised lobby groups and parliamentarians on legislation and policy, for example, on FGM. She chaired the mental health and capacity overlap topic group for the Independent Mental Health Act Review chaired by Professor Sir Simon Wessely. She is invited regularly to speak at conferences and events at home and abroad. She was deputy chair and chair of the Investigating Committee of the General Pharmaceutical Council from 2014 to 2020, and has been a part-time judge of the first-tier Tribunal (Health Education and Social Care Chamber) since 2001, where she is committed to promoting effective participation and access to justice. She is a qualified mediator and is an enthusiastic advocate of alternative dispute resolution and redress mechanisms. Aswini is able to accept instructions under the Direct Access scheme.
Ben defends some of the most complex and difficult extradition and criminal cases at all levels resulting in numerous successes on human rights and humanitarian grounds.
Benjamin Newton is instructed to defend those accused of the most serious and complex criminal offences, and regularly appears in high profile and legally significant cases. Benjamin was awarded Crime Junior of the Year at the 2019 Chambers and Partners Bar Awards, and is ranked in Band 1 in Crime, where he is described as ‘A leading junior who garners respect and is labelled as a "diligent barrister" who "gets fantastic results." Praised for his sensitive cross-examinations and skilful client care, he has appeared in numerous headline-grabbing cases in recent years. "An impressive advocate with a keen eye for detail who is able to empathise with clients." "He is really hard-working, very responsive and someone who has a lovely manner with clients."’ Their sources say that “Benjamin Newton is superb. He’s very thorough and likeable, and is fantastic with clients. No matter what kind of client or what kind of case he gets their trust and respect very quickly. What’s more, he’s a fantastic advocate – very persuasive. He’s very attentive, articulate, and good with detail.” It is also said “He’s an excellent advocate with regard to higher courts appellate work.” Sources for their Fraud section say “He has an excellent eye for detail, is very practical in terms of getting to the heart of what the issues are, and he is able to come up with solutions. He shows very good judgement.” He is also rated by The Legal 500, which describes him as ‘A real jury advocate with the gift of oratory’. Their sources describe “A thorough, caring and articulate barrister” and “An exceptional junior who obtains excellent results” (Crime), “Completely attentive and client oriented” (Fraud). Benjamin has substantial experience across all areas of criminal law, but has particular expertise in relation to financial crime, serious sexual offences, and murder/manslaughter. In addition to criminal trials, he regularly advises on and conducts fresh criminal appeals, and has expertise in extradition, courts martial proceedings, and criminal-related public law.
Ben has been regularly instructed in all areas of criminal law: murder; serious violence; armed robbery; kidnap, blackmail; importation and supply of drugs; fraud, money laundering, sexual offences; child cruelty; ASBOs (imposition and appeals against), football related offences (violent disorder, banning orders). As a led junior Benjamin has been involved in several complex and substantial frauds, conspiracy to supply class A drugs and cases involving serious gang related violence. At Doughty Street he has worked on human rights cases involving animal rights protestors and demonstrations in Parliament Square. He was involved in preparation of the legal submissions in Marper in the House of Lords.
Caoilfhionn Gallagher QC is a barrister at Doughty Street Chambers, specialising in human rights and civil liberties. She has acted in many of the leading human rights cases in the UK in recent years, including acting for bereaved families and survivors of the 7/7 London bombings and the Hillsborough disaster, and acting in a series of cases which have established that the UK Government’s welfare changes are discriminatory. Caoilfhionn undertakes many ‘test cases’ which secure results for her clients but also achieve wider change in the law. For example, her recent cases include acting in a number of successful challenges to the Department of Work and Pensions’ benefit changes, R (Hurley and others) v Secretary of State for Work and Pensions [2016] PTSR 636 (benefit cap unlawfully discriminates against the severely disabled), R (A and Rutherford) v Secretary of State for Work and Pensions [2016] HLR 8 (social sector size criteria, ‘bedroom tax,’ unlawfully discriminate against women) and R (MA) v Secretary of State for Work and Pensions [2013] PTSR 1521 (Regulations required to correct discriminatory impact of the bedroom tax on severely disabled children). Caoilfhionn has particular expertise in freedom of expression and open justice. She regularly advises and acts for newspapers and broadcasters in the UK concerning journalistic access to the courts and public interest reporting. She has acted, for example, for media organisations in the inquests into the deaths of Alexander Litvinenko and Gareth Williams (the GCHQ employee found dead in a holdall), ensuring that these hearings were open to public scrutiny and could be freely reported. She worked with the Media Lawyers’ Association and the Chief Coroner in the development of new guidelines on open justice in the coroners’ courts. She also regularly acts for journalists worldwide who are imprisoned, prosecuted, sued or subjected to travel bans due to their journalism; her current and recent case load includes work for journalists, bloggers, cartoonists, peaceful protestors and human rights defenders in Egypt, Turkey and Equatorial Guinea. She leads the international legal team for the family of Daphne Caruana Galizia, the award-winning journalist assassinated in Malta in 2017, and she is leading counsel to 152 BBC Persian journalists persecuted by Iran due to their work. She is a member of the UK Advisory Board to Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and regularly works with Index on Censorship and other NGOs specialising in freedom of expression. Women’s rights is another area of particular interest for Caoilfhionn. Much of her work in relation to austerity and welfare cuts concerns the disproportionate impact of those cuts upon women, particularly BAME women and victims and survivors of domestic violence. She has also acted in a series of cases concerning the almost total ban on abortion in Northern Ireland, including R (A and B) v Secretary of State for Health [2017] UKSC 41 and Re Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission [2018] UKSC 27. Caoilfhionn also has expertise in children’s rights and she has acted in many of the leading cases in this field, including HH v Italy [2013] 1 AC 338 (right of children to be heard in extradition proceedings concerning their parents) and R (HC) v SSHD [2014] 1 WLR 1234 (acted for Hughes Chang in this test case on treatment of 17-year-olds in police custody as adults rather than children; it has resulted in a change to the law, affecting 70,000 17-year-olds in custody every year). Internationally, she acts in many cases concerning children’s rights, particularly in Strasbourg and before the UN Special Procedures, and she has provided consultancy services to the UN on child soldiers and Boko Haram.
Caroline is an able and experienced senior junior with a broad practice in all areas of media and information law. She acts for both claimants and defendants of all kinds, from private individuals to companies, NHS trusts, trade unions, police officers, website operators and charities
Catherine is human rights and public law specialist with particular expertise in trafficking, immigration and asylum including immigration detention.
Christopher’s practice encompasses medical/healthcare disputes, complex personal injury disputes and actions against the police. Christopher is an accomplished trial lawyer. He is regularly instructed in Multi Track trials (including civil jury trials, and trials over three, four and five days). Christopher is instructed in high-profile cases (including, currently, on behalf of a Team GB Olympian and a well-known author) and high value/catastrophic injury cases (he is presently instructed in multiple claims with special damages pleaded at six or seven figures).
Claire specialises in all aspects of media and information law, including defamation, privacy, data protection and harassment. She is ranked as a defamation and privacy junior in both Chambers & Partners and The Legal 500. She accepts instructions on behalf of claimants and defendants.
Daniel has a wide range of experience across private law, public law and human rights work. Daniel has a wide range of experience across private law, public law and human rights work. His main areas of practice are housing, social welfare and community care, with a particular focus on discrimination, public law and human rights issues. He also undertakes work in civil actions against the police and other public authorities, and in media law.
Ranked by his peers as a leading junior in criminal law in Chambers & Partners and the Legal 500, David has a formidable reputation for meticulous preparation which shines through in his polished courtroom advocacy. David is praised equally for his skill in cross-examination and closing speeches as he is for his persuasive written advocacy. David is a versatile advocate who deliberately maintains an eclectic and diverse practice. Recent instructions range from heavyweight allegations of homicide, serious violence and organised crime, to cases of rape and ‘historical’ sexual offences requiring a delicate touch, to esoteric and intellectually challenging fraud work. In addition to criminal trials, David advises on and conducts fresh criminal appeals and is a contributor to the leading textbook, Taylor on Criminal Appeals (OUP 2012). David also has expertise in crime-related public law, extradition, courts martial, actions against the police and inquests. David has contributed chapters to Taylor on Criminal Appeals, edited by Paul Taylor (OUP 2012): The Law of Public Order and Protest (OUP 2010); and Human Rights in the Investigation and Prosecution of Crime, edited by Jonathan Cooper OBE and Madeleine Colvin (OUP 2009). For many years he wrote a quarterly column, Life in Crime, in the Solicitors' Journal. He also regularly presents seminars on his specialist areas of practice. David is approved as a pupil supervisor by Middle Temple. David is captain of the KBW Cricket Club (‘The Devil’s Advocates’), a wandering team of barrister-cricketers which plays across the south east of England and has toured Europe and the USA. David has acted as a legal consultant to BBC Radio 4 in the production of a courtroom drama series.
David Bentley KC, joint head of the Crime team, is a highly regarded criminal defence specialist, whose practice encompasses a wide range of serious and complex crimes, including murder, terrorism, fraud, business crime and sexual offences. In addition to his trial work, he has an extensive local and international appeals practice. David has recognised expertise in dealing with DNA and other areas of forensic evidence. He also acts in inquests – particularly where issues of police misconduct arise.
An extensive career has allowed him to achieve expertise in a number of areas from murder and terrorism to the fine arts of fraud, cross border crime, money laundering and regulatory work. Over the last three years he has specialised predominately in the defence of those charged with murder or the most serious of sexual offences.
David practises predominantly in immigration, asylum, public law, and employment and as well as general civil litigation. David has been listed as a leading junior in the directories since 2013 and has been appointed as a Special Advocate by the Attorney General. He also sits as a Fee Paid Judge of the First Tier Tribunal, (Immigration and Asylum Chamber). David’s general public law practice is wide-ranging with a particular recent focus on procurement issues, claims for and against Educational Institutions, and consultation challenges to hospital and school closures. His experience of regulatory and standards matters has also seen him instructed in statutory appeals on behalf of elected representatives, disqualified for breaches of their Codes of Conduct. As an experienced civil litigator David accepts instructions in a wide range of areas, including unlawful detention matters, Article 1 Protocol 1 damages claims, discrimination claims, actions against the police and defamation actions (both Claimant and Defendant). He is also instructed on a wide range general contractual matters, from successfully representing Jeremy Corbyn MP in the high profile litigation concerning the proper interpretation of the Labour Party’s leadership election rules, to an international dispute concerning the ownership of a Boeing 757 representing Ethiopian Airways, in which he represented Ethiopian Airways.
David specialises in housing, local government, human rights, discrimination and public law.
Dominic Preston is a public law lawyer specialising in housing, community care and Court of Protection work. His housing practice is centred on homelessness, allocations and disputes concerning residential premises, whether rented or leasehold and it necessarily strays into immigration law, community care and child care law, EU law, discrimination law, and human rights law. His Court of Protection work specialises in the cross-over between mental capacity and housing, with a particular expertise in hoarder cases and the related deprivation of liberty issues that arise. His community care work centres on obtaining accommodation and assistance under the Care Act 2014. He appears regularly in the lower courts, the High Court and the appellate courts.
Edward Fitzgerald KC was named Human Rights and Public Law Silk of the Year in the Chambers Bar Awards 2013, Legal Aid Lawyer of the year in 2009, and Silk of the Year award 2005. In 1998 he was given the Times Justice Human Rights Award. In 2008 he was awarded the CBE for services to human rights. He specialises in criminal law, public law, judicial review and international human rights law. Edward Fitzgerald KC is a highly acclaimed silk who offers vast experience across the fields of public, criminal and international human rights law. Edward is ranked in the highest Bands of each of his fields in the Chambers and Partners 2022 tables. He is Band 1 in Extradition, Civil Liberties and Human Rights, Administration and Public Law. He is listed as a ‘starred individual’ in the area of Crime in 2022, and listed in the ‘international spotlight’ in the area of International Human Rights Law.
Farrhat Arshad specialises in the areas of criminal defence and human rights. Farrhat accepts both privately and publicly funded instructions and accepts cases under the Public Access scheme. Please contact Richard Vile from our practice management team for further details.
Fiona Murphy is Joint Deputy Head of Chambers and is ranked in Band 1 by Chambers & Partners 2020 in Police Law and Band 2 in Inquest and Inquiries work.
A passionate and committed advocate, Garry Green fearlessly defends his clients’ right to a fair trial. He is consistently instructed to appear in serious crime and high profile cases, notably in homicide trials at the Central Criminal Court (the Old Bailey).
Gemma practises in health care law, medical law and regulatory law - including professional discipline and court of protection. Gemma is an experienced Barrister practising in regulatory law with a particular focus on health care and human rights. Gemma also has experience in academia – having taught and researched in the field of medical law and ethics, with a focus on biometrics, data, human rights and regulation. Gemma was a lay member of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority between 2008 – 2015. Her roles during this time included a term as Deputy Chair and being Chair of the Ethics and Standards Committee. Gemma’s practice is focused on legal issues relating to health and regulation, this includes health care regulatory and fitness to practice cases (from referral through to review and appeal) as well as work in allied areas of health-related law including court of protection work. Gemma has wide ranging experience- including in disclosure and barring matters (particularly challenging enhanced criminal record certificates), judicial review, mental health and education law. Gemma has a particular interest and expertise in medical law and ethics – with an emphasis on issues relating to future proofing regulation relating to AI, data (including biometrics), direct to consumer genetic testing and human rights. She spent three years in academia teaching medical law and ethics – including capacity related issues (as well as criminal law, criminal justice and international criminal law). In academia her research focus was on medical law and ethics, particularly looking at regulating future health technologies. A key focus of her practice and research relates to Article 8 and the right to privacy. Gemma is on the editorial board of the Journal for Law, Technology and Trust and is an Associate for the PHG Foundation – a think tank and charity ‘with a focus on how genomics and related technologies can make healthcare better’
Geoffrey Robertson KC is a Founding Head of Doughty Street Chambers. He has had a distinguished career as a trial and appellate counsel, an international judge, and author of leading textbooks. He has argued many landmark cases in media, constitutional and criminal law, in the European Court of Justice; the European Court of Human Rights; the Supreme Court (House of Lords and Privy Council); the UN War Crimes courts; the World Bank’s International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) and in the highest courts of many commonwealth countries.
Gerwyn acts for substantial numbers of Claimants in a wide range of complex multi track clinical negligence and personal injury cases each year. The bulk of his practice consists of cases involving spinal tumours and spinal cord and brain injuries. He also undertakes cases involving brain injury in young neonates arising from birth injuries or meningitis and is frequently instructed in inquests which involve medical or toxicological issues or which raise unusual points of medical law. He is listed in Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners.
Harriet acts in cases involving the most serious allegations of criminal and civil wrongdoing. She is meticulous in her approach to case preparation and is valued by her instructing solicitors for legal and tactical insight that is far beyond her call. An advocate first and foremost, Harriet has earned praise from clients and the bench alike for her ability to, as one Judge put it “spin straw into gold”.
Hayley specialises in crime, public law and human rights. In addition to her criminal defence practice, she undertakes work in related areas including extradition, crime-related public law, prison law, mental health law, inquests and civil actions against the police.
Helena Kennedy practises predominantly in the criminal law, undertaking leading work of all kinds. She also undertakes judicial review, public inquiries and sex discrimination work. She has acted in many of the prominent cases of the last decade including the Brighton Bombing Trial, Guildford Four Appeal, the bombing of the Israeli Embassy, the abduction of Baby Abbie Humphries and a number of key domestic violence cases. She is currently acting in cases connected to the recent wave of terrorism. She is Chair of the Human Genetics Commission and a member of the World Bank Institute's External Advisory Council and was recently appointed to the board of the British Museum. She stepped down as Chair of the British Council in July 2004 after completing six years. She is a Bencher of Gray's Inn and a Member of the House of Lords, speaking on issues of human rights and civil liberties. She is Vice-President of the Haldane Society, Vice-President of the Association of Women Barristers and a Patron of Liberty. She chaired the Commission of Inquiry into Violence in Penal Institutions for Young People for the Howard League. The Commission's report Banged Up, Beaten Up, Cutting Up was published in 1995. She chaired the Commission of Inquiry into the health, environmental and safety aspects of the Atomic Weapons Establishment at Aldermaston for Reading Borough Council, the findings published in the report Secrecy Versus Safety1994. In 2004/5, she was Chair of the Inquiry into Sudden Infant Death for the Royal Colleges of Pathologists and of Paediatrics, producing a protocol for the investigation of such deaths. She is an Honorary Fellow of the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies and a Fellow of the City and Guilds of London Institute. She is a member of the Foreign Policy Centre's Advisory Council and was the UK member of the International Bar Association's Task Force on Terrorism. She is President of the School of Oriental and African Studies at the University of London. She is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and President of the National Children's Bureau. As Commissioner on the National Commission for Education she chaired a committee on widening participation in further education and the Commission's seminal report, Learning Works, was published in 1997. She has lectured on Human Rights, Criminal Law and many other subjects, both in Britain and internationally. She was the Rose Sheinberg scholar-in-residence at New York University's School of Law in 2003. She delivered the Hamlyn Trust lecture for the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies in 2002. She was a contributor to The Bar on Trial 1982, Child Sexual Abuse Within the Family 1985 and Balancing Acts1989.
Isabella Forshall is a specialist criminal practitioner who listens carefully to clients and reflects their instructions with well-honed trial and appellate skills. With long experience of defending in serious criminal cases, particularly of politically motivated offending from terrorism to protest; and of homicide and serious sexual offending, Isabella acts for clients ranging from the most intelligent and demanding to the most vulnerable. Terrorism cases have concerned the Jammu-Kashmir Liberation Front, IRA, DHKPC, the Tamil Tigers, Al Qaeda and the PKK. Protest clients include those accused in major public disorders from Tottenham via Yarlswood to Burnley, animal rights activists, fitness fanatic and prison hostage-taker, Charles Bronson, and serial urban nudist Vincent Bethell. Homicide clients include parents charged with killing their children, young alleged gang members, and mentally disordered offenders. She is also exceptionally experienced in serious sexual cases. She is listed in Chambers and Partners and the Legal 500.
Jake is a specialist defence barrister with expertise in defending those accused of the most serious criminal and regulatory offences. Jake provides solutions and secures results for those whom he represents. His approach is guided by an understanding of how each and every case is of the utmost importance. He is renowned for his tireless preparation, clear advice, personable approach as well as fearless and powerful advocacy. In addition, Jake is recommended to doctors and other medical professionals for the specialist advice, expert assistance and representation he provides to those facing misconduct hearings before regulatory bodies, particularly the General Medical Council.
Enormously experienced, driven, gutsy, calm and determined, James has a broad based crime practice, concentrating on domestic and international criminal trial and appellate work, but also practices in inquests, police actions and inquiries.
Jamie Burton is both a public lawyer and an experienced civil litigator, with particular expertise in human rights, discrimination and social welfare. Head of Chamber’s Community Care and Health Team, Jamie is a leading authority on health and social care, homelessness, social security and the rights of disabled people, children and migrants. He is an expert in judicial review and regularly appears in the higher courts, including the Supreme Court. Jamie’s civil practice encompasses high value claims in tort and contract, including group claims/class actions. He acts for public authorities and private parties. He is particularly well known for bringing civil claims against the police on behalf of victims of crime.
Joe Stone KC has specialised in criminal defence for over 30 years. He was called to the Bar in 1989 and appointed Queens Counsel (QC) in 2013. He represents those indicted with all types of homicide (murder, manslaughter, death by reckless/careless driving and infanticide), large scale international drug conspiracies and top tier organised crime. He is also instructed privately in high profile sex allegations and has secured acquittals in the most complex of cases. His primary focus is trial work and high profile appeals. He is currently instructed on one of the most notorious alleged miscarriages of justice in English criminal history – the Jeremy Bamber case. He has successfully represented over many years those indicted with murder under the joint enterprise rules in major city gang related stabbings, shootings and executions. He has conducted over 200 murder trials and is recognised in the directories as a leader in this field. Joe has a reputation as a committed and tenacious defence barrister with a proven track record in murder defences. He is highly skilled in advancing complex pro-active defences in the most demanding of cases with the most challenging of clients. He has been constantly instructed by high profile defendants (see Homicide and Grave offences category below) He has extensive understanding of the operations of Category A dispersal prisons (HMP Belmarsh, HMP Frankland, HMP Full Sutton, HMP Wakefield, HMP Whitemoor and HMP Woodhill), Close Supervision Centres (CSC) and the Special Intervention Unit (SIU) at HMP Manchester. Given the wide geographical reach of these prisons (London, Newcastle, York, Wakefield, Cambridge, Milton Keynes and Manchester) he has extensive experience of the issues surrounding homicide on the prison estate. He has specialist expertise in defending individuals suffering from extreme personality disorders and is knowledgeable on the procedures/systems that operate at the three main high security psychiatric hospitals - Broadmoor, Rampton and Ashworth. He is skilled in presenting highly technical expert evidence to juries in a clear and lucid manner in the fields of forensic psychiatry, forensic pathology and forensic medicine. He has been regularly published in the specialist criminal journals (see Publications)
Joe Middleton is a versatile practitioner with crossover expertise in immigration, extradition, comparative and international law and human rights. In 2015 Joe won the Bar Pro Bono Award for his human rights work around the world. He was particularly recognised for his contribution to the abolition of the mandatory death penalty in several African countries and his work on human rights in Belize Central Prison. Joe’s main areas of work in Chambers are immigration and nationality law, extradition, Interpol red notices, death penalty litigation and other complex constitutional and human rights challenges. In civil work he is often instructed with a view to achieving his clients’ objectives by avoiding litigation rather than pursuing it. Joe is a fluent Russian speaker. He studied in Russia and has acted for many Russian and Ukrainian clients in immigration, extradition and human rights challenges in different courts and tribunals. Former clients include a famous Russian singer (in a complex visit visa application), senior executives of the Yukos Oil Company and a leading Russian shipping company (in asylum and extradition proceedings), and the family of the former President of Chechnya (in an application to the European Court of Human Rights). Joe has appeared in the UK’s domestic courts at all levels. He has also taken cases in the ECtHR, the Privy Council, the UN Human Rights Committee and, in collaboration with local counsel, in various jurisdictions in Africa and the Caribbean, including litigation in the Caribbean Court of Justice. He has acted as pro bono counsel for British citizens sentenced to death in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana and Kenya, and has appeared as an expert for the amicus curiae in constitutional litigation in the Supreme Court of Kenya. In 2013 Joe was called to the Bar of Belize by the Hon. Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin. His work in Belize has been featured in a Channel 5 documentary, an episode of Assignment (BBC World Service: see the video trailer here) and in Intelligent Life (The Economist).
John specialises in Housing Law, Inquests and Administrative & Public Law. Recommended for Social Housing (Northern) in Chambers & Partners 2012-2019. John is a Manchester-based practitioner who regularly undertakes work nationwide. John is instructed across all aspects of housing law, including possession proceedings, homelessness appeals, public law challenges under the Housing Act 1996 (including interim relief), unlawful eviction, succession claims, injunctions/committals, disrepair, tenancy deposits and matters under the Mobile Homes Act 1983. With regards to inquest law, John sits as an Assistant Coroner alongside his busy practice. He has long practised in the inquest/coronial system, with extensive experience of representing the families of those who have died in prison or police custody and those affected by unlawful killing. He regularly acts for other interested parties such as care homes as well local authorities with safeguarding duties in the care sector, by representation at inquests and in an advisory capacity. He is familiar with the specific challenges faced by persons within the care sector who may be navigating the coronial process, from questions as to the scope and reach of Article 2, the provision of statements and attendance at pre-inquest and final hearings. John is licenced under the Direct Access Scheme and can accept instructions directly in appropriate cases across all aspects of his practice.
John represents clients in immigration tribunals, parole hearings and special educational needs tribunals.
Jonathan is a highly regarded junior, and a ranked libel and privacy law specialist. He is instructed in several cases of very significant current interest, including Lachaux v IPL and Stocker v Stocker (both in the UK Supreme Court), ABC v Telegraph, and on behalf of the family of the Maltese journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia.
Jude specialises in judicial review, human rights and media law. He is an expert in arguing novel and high-profile points of law and has acted in 17 cases before the Supreme Court. His practice includes cases involving the rights of the media, surveillance, national security, prisons, police, international law, and women’s rights.
As an experienced court advocate committed to high standards of client care, Karlia achieves excellent results through careful case preparation, informed legal argument, and persuasive advocacy. She is sought after for serious and complex cases involving violence, weapons, trafficking, sexual offences, drugs, theft and fraud; and successfully represents clients at the Court of Appeal, Divisional and Administrative Court. Karlia is able to provide plain, accessible advice to clients at all stages of proceedings on a private or legal aid basis. Direct access instructions are also welcome.
Kate’s practice spans public and private law, with expertise in administrative and public law, human rights, equality and discrimination law, public inquiries, inquests and health and social care law.
Katy Thorne QC has over 25 years’ experience of defending in the most serious of crime and has a burgeoning inquest practice. She is ranked in both Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners and has recently been appointed as an Assistant Coroner. Her specialisms include the most serious violence, including murder and manslaughter, sexual allegations and abuse, child abuse and financial crime. She is frequently instructed in multi handed murders and is “always thorough and well-prepared” (Legal 500) and, with long experience of representing vulnerable or professional defendants, her client care is second to none. She is regularly instructed in heavy fraud and money laundering cases.
Kieran Maidment specialises in criminal law. Kieran regularly appears as leading counsel in all categories of criminal work and in recent years has focused on the representation of Defendants charged with homicid
Kirsty’s has in depth practitioner expertise in criminal law and also in public law and international human rights law. She has particular expertise in homicide, fraud, sexual offences, drugs and torture cases, child rights and vulnerable witness cases and the law of peaceful protest. Kirsty is ranked in band 1 in protest law and spotlighted for international human rights law alongside ranking for civil liberties and criminal law. Kirsty also is ranked for criminal law in the Legal 500.
Laura works extensively in public law at all levels, with a particular focus on cases with a refugee, immigration, ECHR or EU law dimension. Her practice includes civil liberties litigation, such as challenges to administrative detention through habeas corpus, judicial review and civil actions for damages. She is also instructed in ECHR and EU law cases in the supranational courts. Laura frequently acts for NGOs and both legally aided and high net worth individuals. Recent examples of significant cases in which Laura has acted: R (Humnyntskyi) v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2020] EWHC 1912 (Admin): leading counsel for three successful claimants in challenge to the Home Office’s policy and practice concerning accommodation for destitute immigrants under paragraph 9, Schedule 10, Immigration Act 2016. CI (Nigeria) v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2019] EWCA Civ 2027, [2020] Imm. A.R. 503 , [2020] I.N.L.R. 191: leading counsel for the successful appellant in significant case concerning Article 8 ECHR and the circumstances in which a long-resident immigrant may be subject to deportation. R (SM) v Lord Chancellor [2021] EWHC 418 (Admin), [2021] 1 WLR 3815: leading counsel for the Intervener, Bail for Immigration Detainees, in important challenge to lack of legal aid provision for immigration detainees held in prisons. The lack of a duty advice scheme or equivalent was accepted to breach Article 14 read with Articles 2,3,5 and 8 ECHR. Secretary of State for the Home Department v Viscu [2019] EWCA Civ 1052, [2019] 1 WLR 5376, [2020] 1 All E.R. 988: leading counsel for the Intervener, the AIRE Centre, in appeal concerning EU law protections from expulsion for long resident immigrants and the approach to be taken to a period of custody in a young offenders’ institution. R (Majera) v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2021] UKSC 46 , [2021] 3 WLR 1075: junior counsel for the Intervener, Bail for Immigration Detainees in leading case concerning the duty of the executive to comply with a court order unless and until set aside. R (DN (Rwanda) v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2020] UKSC 9, [2020] AC 698: junior counsel for Intervener Bail for Immigration Detainees in leading case concerning false imprisonment and sequential decision-making. R (JL) v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2018] 1 WLR 4623: leading counsel for the successful appellant in challenge to employment prohibition (EU law grounds). R (Help Refugees) v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2018] EWCA Civ 2098 leading counsel in the Divisional Court and junior counsel in the Court of Appeal for the partially successful claimant NGO. Challenge to the fairness of procedures applied to transfer decisions for unaccompanied minors under the ‘Dubs Amendment’ and to the local authority consultation. R (Lauzikas) v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2019] 1 WLR 6625 leading counsel for the partially successful /appellant in important case concerning EU law protections applicable to administrative detention and the approach to causation and damages. B (Algeria) v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2018] AC 418 junior counsel for the Intervener Bail for Immigration Detainees in landmark appeal before Supreme Court concerning power to impose bail conditions.
Liam Walker is recognised by both The Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners as a leading barrister in crime. Liam is driven by the understanding that every case, in which he is instructed, may have life changing consequences for those involved. He regularly acts as leading junior counsel and is consistently instructed to represent individuals and corporations in the most serious and complex criminal matters, regulatory proceedings, health and safety investigations, inquests and inquiries. As a result of Liam’s commitment to his clients, Liam is regularly instructed to represent individuals with a high media profile. He has acted for internationally renowned recording artists, media celebrities, actors, world-class professional athletes and other professionals whose livelihoods and reputations depend on the outcome of a case. Liam is regularly instructed to defend individuals charged with the most serious offences: murder, attempted murder, terrorism, serious sexual offences and complex fraud. He is the author of Westlaw Insight’s guide to manslaughter and, as an expert in sexual offences, is a speaker for Lexis Nexis on serious sexual offences. Liam provides pre-charge advice to individuals and corporate entities who are known to be under investigation or face the threat of prosecution. He is able to provide multi-jurisdictional advice to those whose professional interests span beyond the UK and EU. Liam Walker advises and represents those alleged to have committed professional misconduct before their regulatory bodies. He represents registrants before regulators including: The General Medical Council (GMC/MPTS), The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) and The General Dental Council (GDC). Liam has been instructed to appear and advise upon matters where misconduct of a serious criminal nature has been alleged. He has acted in matters where allegations of dishonesty, sexual impropriety or criminally negligent conduct have arisen. Liam has appeared for families and organisations where unlawful killing, neglect, or police corruption have been alleged. His background in criminal law is an asset in matters where it is alleged that corruption and/or state complicity features. Equally, Liam’s experience with juries has been particularly beneficial in Article 2 inquests held before a jury.
Louise is an employment and discrimination law specialist who has developed a practice covering all aspects of employment and discrimination law. She is regularly instructed in various aspects of employment litigation including all forms of discrimination, whistle blowing claims, TUPE matters, constructive/unfair dismissal and contract law. She is also experienced in employment-related international administrative law matters.
Louise is a leading junior in employment, education and equalities law and has been ranked in both Chambers and Partners and Legal 500 for over 10 years. Louise is sought after for her experience in all aspects of equalities law both in the employment and non-employment fields. She is regularly instructed in multi-day cases dealing with complex and intricate issues of fact and law, as well appearing in the appellate tribunals and courts, both as a led and sole advocate. She advises and represents clients in all aspects of professional regulation. A highly skilled advocate, she has considerable experience of appearing in fitness to practise proceedings and acting in statutory appeals and the public law challenges which arise from them. Her expertise includes children’s rights and young people’s access to education. This includes conducting statutory appeals concerning special education needs provision and the regulation of schools, higher education bodies and students. She has also brought public law and equalities challenges to the provision of education.
A "rising star" in the immigration field, known for her skill in matters involving vulnerable individuals, such as unaccompanied children. She acts in a range of asylum and deportation appeals, and is experienced in bringing complex challenges through judicial review. She has a very strong tactical focus and is an excellent technical lawyer.’ (Chambers and Partners 2022) Marisa is particularly well-placed to deal with those cases concerning overlapping immigration and community care issues. Marisa enjoys working with clients from an early stage of a case through to its conclusion and is happy to regularly advise on queries relating to evidence, procedure and tactics.
Mark specialises in media, public and human rights law. He has acted in numerous leading media, human rights, and public law cases over the last 25 years. Clients have ranged from the Leader of the Opposition to survivors and bereaved in the Grenfell Tower Inquiry. He has developed and acted in strategic litigation in the UK (e.g. winning the right to settle in the UK for thousands of Gurkha veterans) and in Europe (e.g. securing human rights protection for thousands of asylum seekers subject to inter-state transfers under the Dublin regime). He is instructed as lead counsel against silks in both domestic and international courts. International cases include the landmark European Court of Justice case of McCarthy, in which he defeated the UK’s claim to a unilateral right to suspend free movement rights. He was lead counsel throughout, ultimately appearing against the Attorney General, who told the Grand Chamber that “the issues are of exceptional importance from the perspective of the UK”.
Martin Westgate has a consistent track record of advice and representation in a wide range of subject areas although he concentrates on public and administrative law, housing and social care. Much of his work is in, and on appeal from, the Administrative Court and he is experienced in professional negligence and costs litigation, particularly in cases related to his main practice areas. His broad based practice makes him an ideal choice for cases that have a multidisciplinary aspect or that are difficult to categorise. Martin is ranked in the 2015 edition of Chambers in the fields of Administrative and Public Law, Civil Liberties and Human Rights, Local Government and Social Housing and in the Legal 500 for Administrative and Public Law Civil Liberties and Social Housing. Commentators note that he “has taken well to silk” and is “a clever man who translates his thoughtfulness into creative and effective legal arguments”. He is described as a “very skilful and formidable advocate” whose wider experience of public law issues enables him to "think out of the box on more challenging cases”. He is leader of the public law and housing and social welfare teams within chambers and vice chair of the Administrative Law Bar Association. His record since taking silk in 2010 continues to demonstrate his range and versatility. He has appeared in a number of leading cases (see below) at all levels up to and including the Supreme Court. Martin is qualified to undertake direct access work. He has been trained as a mediator with CEDR and undertakes and represents in mediations.
Mary is an extradition barrister with a first-rate reputation for her specialist knowledge, advocacy and drafting. She works almost exclusively in extradition, predominantly defending with an excellent track record. She often acts in grave and complex matters, and lectures on extradition and related issues. Her background is in general crime and civil work, providing her with broad experience. Mary also acts in public law proceedings, such as applications for judicial review, habeas corpus applications and statutory appeal proceedings. She advises individuals, requesting judicial authorities and Governments at each stage of the extradition process, including mutual legal assistance matters (such as Interpol Red Notice challenges and removal). In 2010 Mary was invited to act as the legal assistant to the DPP's principal legal advisor. This included assisting and advising on sensitive and very complex cases encompassing double jeopardy, deaths in custody and contentious charging decisions. Before becoming a barrister, Mary studied Philosophy at UCL and spent 2 years working for Labour MEPs in the European Parliament. She also studied Public International Law at the University of Amsterdam (LLM).
Maryam has experience in a wide range of criminal offences. She has defended in cases of conspiracy to supply firearms, politically motivated offending from terrorism to protest, financial crime, fraud and regulatory matters, serious violence, sexual offences, drugs supply and cultivation with crossover immigration aspects.
Nicholas Bowen KC specialises in damages claims in tort and under the Human Rights Act against the police and a range of other public authorities. He is also very well known for his administrative and public law work, particularly in the fields of education, community care and the legal rights of children, the family and vulnerable adults; He public authority liability practice focuses on preventable homicide, serious wrongdoing by public bodies; negligence and misfeasance by the police, psychiatric and health services and social workers. His private law work has helped to establish many principles in education and tort law which though controversial at the time are now widely accepted. He is one of the few barristers with a genuine expertise in the crossover between private and public law duties on statutory bodies and has numerous reported cases in the specialist and official law reports. He acts mainly for Claimants but is frequently instructed by Defendants.
Nicholas Toms specialises in Employment, Discrimination and Equality Law, Discrimination and Professional Discipline and Regulation.
Nick specialises in the fields of clinical negligence, legal negligence, personal injury and human rights, in particular, deaths in custody and other actions against the police and the prison service.
Nick Stanage specialises in actions against the police, inquests, immigration and related judicial reviews. Since 1997 Nick Stanage has specialised in actions and complaints against the police, inquests, public inquiries, human rights and judicial review. For the UN he advises governments, judiciaries, prosecution and police services on criminal justice, fair trial rights and human rights. Fluent in French and Spanish, he has been instructed to work as an independent legal expert in 17 countries from Colombia to Cambodia. Nick Stanage is public access qualified and authorised to litigate. You can instruct him to take all necessary steps in litigation and at hearing or trial without the need for a solicitor.
Paul is an experienced practitioner in the fields of public law and asylum and immigration. The bulk of his practice broadly concerns judicial review claims concerning immigration related issues, particularly fresh claims, the certification of asylum or human rights claims, R(Cart) challenges to the Upper Tribunal’s refusal of permission to appeal, the revocation of indefinite leave to remain, the Dublin III Regulation, the Turkish European Community Association Agreement, unlawful detention, age assessment, as well as disciplinary related claims against Public Authorities under the Human Rights Act 1998, such as his previous case of R(G) -v- Governors of X School (2012) 1 AC 167 SC.
Paul specialises in criminal appeals. He has developed a particular expertise in cases involving fresh expert evidence, homicide, and offenders with mental disorders. He regularly represents appellants before the Court of Appeal (Criminal Division) (being instructed at the appellate stage).
Peter Carter KC undertakes most types of criminal law work either for defence or prosecution, but with the principal emphasis upon fraud, terrorism, homicide and trafficking and cases with a trans-national or international element. He appeared with Parosha Chandran in the criminal appeals of R v O and R v N on behalf of victims of international trafficking. As a result of appearing in those cases he was appointed as special adviser to the Joint Parliamentary Pre-Legislative Scrutiny Committee on the Modern Slavery Bill in 2014. On occasions he advises prosecuting authorities, government and NGOs on legislative reform. He is expert in international human rights law. He has appeared in domestic and regional human rights courts outside the UK and participated in amicus briefs in overseas jurisdictions. Peter was one of the team instructed on behalf of both Houses of Parliament to draft an amicus brief for the US Supreme Court in the Guantanamo Bay case of Rasul v Bush which successfully challenged the US government’s denial of constitutional and international human rights to the detainees. He appears pro bono before the Privy Council in appeals in capital cases from the Caribbean and associated work in the Caribbean itself. He has also appeared before the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, the UN Human Rights Council and the Social Rights Group of the EU Parliament. His practice includes public inquiries and public law. He was appointed counsel to a public inquiry in Trinidad into the collapse of that state’s largest financial institution and is currently leading counsel to an inquiry concerning a major UK financial institution.
Peter Caldwell specialises in cases of financial misconduct and extradition. He advises and represents individuals and businesses in international investigations of bribery, money laundering and sanctions compliance. Peter is head of Doughty Street International’s Sanctions Team. Clients value his international criminal law and public law experience for advice on sanctions and regulatory compliance.
Prior to being called to the Bar, Phil Haywood qualified as a solicitor and worked as a Legal officer at the Refugee Legal Centre. His practice encompasses advocacy and representation at all levels, including the Immigration Tribunals, where he has represented in numerous cases, and the Administrative Court and Court of Appeal. He is recommended by the Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners as a leading junior in Immigration and Nationality law and accredited under the Public Access scheme.
Philippa is an established criminal defence advocate, regularly instructed in complex and significant cases. She is listed in both the Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners for her expertise. In representing those accused in diverse cases from murder to drug conspiracies and cheating the public revenue, she has built a reputation for meticulous case preparation, strategic thinking, and determined and incisive defending. Philippa has particular expertise in financial crime and in Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 cases, including the restraint, recovery, forfeiture or confiscation of assets. She has conducted substantial and high-profile cases of fraud, money laundering and bribery and is ranked in the Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners for her specialism in fraud. She has gained recognition for her strength in marshalling and managing voluminous material, exacting case preparation, and intelligent and pithy advocacy. She has experience in representing both individual and corporate defendants. She is a sought-after advocate in POCA Appellate work and has acted as independent counsel for the SFO, considering material for the determination of Legal Professional Privilege.
Piers Marquis is a committed criminal defence barrister best, but not exclusively, known for his defence of allegations of murder, terrorism and offences related to serious organised crime. He acts as Leading counsel, sole counsel and junior counsel, in cases of a particularly serious or complex nature. Piers firmly and passionately believes in the independence of the Bar and the right of individuals to receive proper representation when faced with prosecution by the state. Consequently in 2020 (as in 2019), he will not be undertaking trial work under the Government’s AGFS Schemes 10 and 11, which he considers to be an unacceptable continuation of a concerted effort to undermine the standards and independence of the Bar. Alongside his work on murder cases, Piers’s practice has taken on an increasingly international dimension through defending a number of allegations of terrorism offences, arising from the conflict in Syria. He has also been increasingly instructed on multi-million pound white-collar fraud and confiscation proceedings. Recent briefs have included large scale white-collar fraud, major drugs importations/high end conspiracies to supply and armed robbery. He is regularly instructed in cases involving Trident investigations of gang related murders and firearms related violence, and cases arising from prolonged police operations targeting organised crime. He was first instructed as leading counsel at only six years call, in the successful defence of one of the "Sequani Six" defendants, in what has been said to be the longest running animal rights trial in British legal history and the first effective trial under s.145 of the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005. Piers also specialises in criminal work with a political and civil liberties dimension; with a particular emphasis on freedom of expression and the right to protest. He has defended prominent Animal Liberation Front activists, hunt and badger cull saboteurs/monitors, environmental and anti-arms trade protestors, Student and London “rioters” and was instructed in a large number of the Fathers4Justice cases. He secured the only acquittals in the Bristol Stokes Croft “Tesco Riot” cases and has acted for defendants in the Occupy movement, including the occupation of Trafalgar Square and the eviction of the St.Paul’s camp. He is currently instructed on a pro bono basis for a number of the non-state Core Participants in the Undercover Policing Inquiry. Piers also undertakes inquest work, most recently representing the family of the deceased in relation to controversial circumstances in which police negligence was said to have been a contributory factor to the death. Before being called to the Bar, Piers gained considerable experience running the case preparation section in the criminal department of a solicitors’ firm in the Midlands. He also worked on civil actions against the police and cases involving gypsy rights. He also travelled extensively around the world, funding his travels with work as a scuba divemaster, English teacher and journalist.
Quincy Whitaker’s work encompasses all aspects of domestic and international criminal justice Human Rights law. Her practice spans the domestic criminal justice process, from challenges to the compatibility of criminal law with human rights law and other judicial review proceedings against public bodies through to obtaining civil redress for victims of state misconduct; civil actions against the police and other public authorities, prisoners’ rights, discrimination claims and victims of trafficking. She has particular interest in disclosure and retention/misuse of data and represents G in the successful challenge to the existing criminal records disclosure scheme (P,G & W v Secretary of State for Home Dept & Secretary of State for Justice [2017] EWCA Civ 321 – Secretaries of States’ appeal to be heard by the Supreme Court in June 2018). She also has practical experience and detailed academic knowledge of international criminal and international human rights law and has taught & lectured widely on the subject as well as appearing at a variety of international tribunals. She has appeared in a number of notable cases involving the death penalty in the Caribbean and has been involved with death penalty litigation in many Commonwealth jurisdictions. She is a founding Director of TWL Legal Consulting which provides consultancy services in the field of international law and the development of legal and judicial systems to governments and NGOs. She has contributed as an International Expert to the development of the CoE’s training programme for legal professionals and has acted as a Senior Criminal Justice consultant for DfID in Kosovo. She has a first class masters degree in International Human Rights Law and has taught undergraduate and graduate degree courses at the LSE, SOAS and the University of North London on Human Rights Law, Administrative Law and Criminal Law. She co-authored (with Keir Starmer QC) ‘Criminal Justice, Police Powers & Human Rights’ (Blackstone’s) and has acted as legal consultant on a number of TV and film projects including the award winning drama documentary ‘Consent’.
Richard has extensive experience of complex and high-profile trials and appeals. He regularly appears in cases which engage the interface between criminal, public and civil law, and many of his cases involve an international dimension, arising out of multi-jurisdictional investigations or prosecutions. Richard advises individuals, organisations and companies who are seeking to manage the risks of contravening criminal legislation (in particular terrorism and financial sanctions regimes) and is often instructed at an early stage, challenging investigative measures and helping clients manage an overall strategy. He has a substantial Crown Court trial practice but is a versatile advocate and in recent years has received instructions in the Court of Appeal, Privy Council, Supreme Court, the European Court of Human Rights, and the Administrative, Queen’s Bench and Chancery Divisions of the High Court. Richard is also regularly instructed in cases in other common law jurisdictions, predominantly in the Eastern Caribbean, but also Malaysia, Hong Kong and the Isle of Man.
Richard Fisher KC provides advice and advocacy for clients whose cases involve allegations of financial crime, issues of bribery and corruption, the proceeds of crime and related litigation, and regulatory compliance. His non-contentious and advisory work sees him providing guidance to companies and their individual directors and officers on whether or not their business activities are at risk of incurring regulatory or criminal sanction. Advisory work has included: a UK/Japanese corporate on money laundering regulations; a Big Four firm on the law governing offshore company and tax evasion legislation; a multi-jurisdictional £900m criminal tax fraud and money laundering investigation; corporate client on the impacts of Proceeds of Crime legislation on insolvency and bankruptcy proceedings. Richard is co-author of Blackstone’s Guide to the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (Oxford University Press, 5th ed) and was invited to give expert evidence to the Home Affairs Select Committee on Proceeds of Crime legislation (2016). In contentious work Richard is instructed in cases involving allegations of fraud, cheat, money laundering and where the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 is engaged to restrain, recover, forfeit or confiscate assets. Richard is routinely instructed to advise both individual and corporate clients before any criminal proceedings have commenced, during the investigation stage, representing those who have been charged with criminal offences, acting for those affected by the various forms of civil recovery litigation/restraint proceedings, advising third parties affected by asset recovery measures and assisting those seeking to appeal against convictions, sentences or other orders. Richard has also conducted linked litigation in the High Court. Recent cases of note include representing the principal defendant in a series of Film Tax fraud trials, an IFA in another Film Tax Fraud, representing four defendants in an international bribery and corruption case prosecuted by the SFO, a multi £m fraud on the Welsh Assembly and the EU, confiscation proceedings in the HBOS case and criminal/confiscation proceedings in a Town and Country Planning Act prosecution.
Robin is known for cutting edge work in clinical negligence and product liability and is listed as a leading silk (band 1) in the major directories in both fields. Chambers and Partners describe Robin as "A go-to barrister for extremely high-value and complex claims", "hugely intelligent and sharp as a razor”, "His work rate and ability to get through unbelievable amounts of hugely complex material is just fantastic and his ability to marshal that information and understand it so clearly is very impressive. His technical grasp of the issues is second to none and he is also very approachable."
Rowena is a public law practitioner whose main areas of practice are domestic administrative law, human rights, EU law and international law. In terms of her administrative law practice, she has particular expertise in immigration and asylum law and community care. Rowena is well-placed to undertake work at the intersection of these areas, including age assessment, trafficking and asylum support judicial reviews. She regularly undertakes Children Act and Care Act judicial reviews. Rowena further regularly undertakes statutory appeal work in the First-tier Tribunal, Upper Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber) as well as onward appeal to the Court of Appeal. She is one of the authors of the central handbook on immigration and asylum appeals, the EIN Best Practice Guide to Asylum and Human Rights Appeals (EIN, 2018). Rowena regularly represents individuals in immigration detention. She advises and provides representation for individuals seeking immediate release through judicial review as well as civil damages claims for unlawful detention. Rowena is particularly well-placed to provide representation in this area as the author of the 'Enforcement' chapter in the upcoming Jacksons on Immigration Law (4th edn, Bloomsbury). She also represents applicants seeking immigration bail. She also has a substantial advisory practice, including advice to high net worth individuals and businesses on their immigration matters. Rowena has particular expertise in EU law. She is the co-author of EU Law in Judicial Review (OUP, 2014) and various texts on Brexit, including a forthcoming major work on the EU withdrawal legislation. She also regularly gives talks in the area, including at Chatham House (2017, Constitutional Consequences of Brexit) and the Immigration Law Practitioners’ Association, as well as giving regular seminars at Doughty Street and in house. Rowena also advises and provides representation in international cases and in particular those engaging international human rights. She undertakes international field work, including missions to Ukraine and Azerbaijan with the International Bar Association's Human Rights Institute. Rowena is recommended by Chambers and Partners, where she is described as a public law specialist "regarded for her ability to undertake the full suite of immigration matters on behalf of both private individuals and large businesses" and with comments including "very bright, thorough and offers excellent knowledge of EU law." Rowena was a member of the JUSTICE Working Party on Tribunal Reform (2018), convenes the Courts and Tribunals Working Group of the Immigration Law Practitioners’ Association, is Case Notes Editor of the Journal of Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Law, and writes practice notes for Lexis Nexis. During 2010-11, Rowena was judicial assistant to Lord Dyson at the United Kingdom Supreme Court. Between 2012-15, she completed a DPhil in administrative law (Oxford University). Rowena is accredited for direct access, which means she can be instructed directly by anybody without the need to go through a solicitor.
Rupert leads the chambers Business Crime & Investigations team in Doughty Street maintaining a practice in financial crime and extradition, and data protection and information rights, with expertise in ancillary matters associated with criminal investigations and data breaches. Rupert is one of the country’s leading experts in challenging search warrants of all types, seizures of property and information and in challenging asset freezing orders. He is one of only a few KC’s with experience not just of heavy trial and appellate work in the criminal courts, but with vast experience of judicial review and other applications in the civil courts. His breadth of knowledge across different jurisdictions is his strength. He was the only criminal silk in the case of Lucas v Security Service [2017] 1 All E.R. 283 (Click here) which challenged the lawfulness of the mass interception of communications data by GCHQ before the Investigatory Powers Tribunal (Click here), a case with many parallels with the recent transnational operation targeting the use of EncroChat. Rupert was instructed in the lead EncroChat case (Click here and here). Rupert also practices in sports regulation and discipline which has included cases before the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Rupert only acts for a small number of high net-worth private clients and companies at any one time which allows him to focus on their particular needs, and when involved in criminal cases he tends to act for those who engage him at the investigative stage. What the directories say Financial Crime – "He thinks outside the box and shows tenacity and real skill when finding those subtle and un-obvious points.” (Chambers and Partners, 2021-22) “He is tenacious and tactically astute. His clients have confidence in his advice, which is provided in clear terms even in the most complex of circumstances. He is fearless in the face of novel points because he has done his homework.” (Chambers and Partners, 2020) “A leader in the field so far as public law challenges to invasive warrants are concerned; his knowledge in this area is encyclopaedic.” (Chambers and Partners, 2019) Business and Regulatory Crime (including Global Investigations) – “He has an impressive knowledge of criminal proceedings and search warrants as well.” (Legal 500, 2019) Fraud: Crime – "A confident advocate." (Legal 500, 2021-22) “Strong on his feet, with an excellent court presence” (Legal 500, 2020) “An accomplished advocate with excellent communication skills” (Legal 500, 2019)
Sam specialises in public law, civil actions against public authorities, and inquests and inquiries. He has been instructed as junior counsel in the Court of Appeal, the Supreme Court, the Privy Council and in major public inquiries. Sam has significant experience in both private and public law matters, primarily arising out of interactions of individuals with police, prisons, mental health care, and social care. He is regularly instructed in inquests, civil trials, and in High Court matters. He has acted in the Al-Sweady Public Inquiry, the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse, and the Undercover Policing Inquiry. He acted for the family of Phillipa Day in the inquest which found that her death had been caused by 28 errors and systemic problems within the Department of Work and Pensions and Capita. He has acted in a number of significant public law matters including SG v SSWP (lawfulness of the benefit cap), Moseley v Haringey (on public consultation), JfK v SSHD (provisions for child spies), and AR v Waltham Forest (provision of secure accommodation). In 2019 Sam was shortlisted for Legal Aid Barrister of the Year by the Legal Aid Lawyers Practitioners Group.
Sarah has a proven track record in achieving successful outcomes for clients and specialises in defending sexual allegations and homicide. ‘A fantastic trial lawyer – one of the very best cross-examiners of tricky witnesses ‘She lives breathes and sleeps her cases and is an arch strategist’ – Chambers & Partners. Sarah specialises in defending and has a strong reputation for winning unusual, complicated and demanding cases. Sarah knows the enormous stress and difficulty legal proceedings cause to clients and those close to them, and is skilled at dealing with the issues that arise with firmness and sensitivity. Recent successful outcomes have included: Successful defence of a young man with Asperger’s charged with a “Tinder app” rape. Successful defence of rabbi accused by 4 men of historic child sexual abuse. Securing the acquittal of one of Britain’s ‘Most Wanted’ on charges of multi-million pound drug supply. Obtaining a suspended sentence for a man who had pleaded guilty to arranging to meet a 13 year old for penetrative sex. Successful defence of a businessman accused of breaching a restraining order and stalking.
Sarah is the joint head of the Housing and Social Welfare Team. Sarah Steinhardt specialises in housing and community care, education and discrimination law, and in related public law. Sarah is particularly noted for her expertise in discrimination in housing and other discrimination outside of the employment field, and she enjoys working proactively and imaginatively to achieve positive outcomes for vulnerable clients. She is astute to public funding issues and costs and always happy to discuss possible strategies at an early stage.
Sarah is a specialist practitioner who is instructed alone and as a leading junior to defend against a wide range of grave allegations.
Sophy practices in all aspects of mental health and disability law, with a focus on cases in the Court of Protection and the inherent jurisdiction, inquests and inquiries.
Stephen specialises in the allied fields of public & administrative law, housing, mental health (almost solely the Court of Protection), community care & health, and European Convention law.
Sue has a mixed civil practice covering employment and professional disciplinary/regulatory law. Her practice is predominantly for Claimants in employment cases, and exclusively on behalf of professionals who face proceedings brought by their regulatory body. She is ranked in Chambers and Partners and Legal 500 as a leading barrister for professional discipline cases. She is described as “extremely impressive in her determination to fight her client's corner with great resolve. She is pragmatic, familiar with the jurisdiction, intelligent, and someone who offers realistic points and puts forward her case very attractively." Her clients include teachers, police officers, nurses, pharmacists, other healthcare professionals and more. Sue is author of the chapter on the Health and Care Professions Council in Professional Discipline and Healthcare Regulators: a Legal Handbook. She is on the Legal Members Panel of the Association of Child Psychotherapists and a member of the Association of Disciplinary and Regulatory Lawyers, the Employment Law Bar Association, the Employment Lawyers Association and the Discrimination Law Association.
Tatyana has expertise in public international law, international humanitarian law, international criminal law and international Tatyana advises States, individuals, international and non-governmental organisations on a wide range of public international law and international human rights law issues. Her cases include matters concerning arbitrary detention, extra-judicial killing, war crimes and terrorism, torture, gender-based violence, sanctions, self-determination, and the law of State responsibility. Tatyana has acted in high-profile criminal appeals before the UK Supreme Court that concern the interpretation of international law on, for example, war crimes, terrorism, and torture, and the application of international law in domestic proceedings. Tatyana acts as specialist human rights counsel in enforcement proceedings in the Commercial Court. Tatyana was awarded her PhD in Public International Law from the University of Cambridge in February 2020. Tatyana can be instructed on a direct access basis under the Bar’s Direct Access Scheme. What others say: "Tatyana has a very strong international human rights practice. She is also incredibly approachable and accessible, and has such deep knowledge." Chambers & Partners 2021 "She is incredibly hard-working and is always willing to get stuck in - she is an excellent lawyer and has a really well-rounded skill set." Chambers & Partners 2021
Tim Cooke-Hurle practices in a broad range of civil and international law, with a particular focus on clinical negligence claims, product liability claims, inquests, sexual abuse claims, international environmental torts claims and cases raising business and human rights issues.
Tim is the Joint Deputy Head of Chambers. Chambers and Partners describe Tim as "A phenomenal academic lawyer with an incredible grasp of detail." "He is dedicated and passionate, has astonishing recall and attention to detail, and possesses a truly incisive mind”. "A remarkable barrister”.
Tom is a specialist criminal defence barrister with extensive experience of both Crown Court and appellate advocacy. Tom also has an expanding practice within the field of professional discipline and regulatory law, regularly appearing before a wide range of healthcare tribunals including the GDC, NMC and HCPC.
Tunde Okewale MBE is a leading junior Barrister at the Criminal Bar. An outstanding advocate, he has exceptional presence and skill in front of a jury. Tunde established his practice in general and serious crime. A string of serious and high profile cases have earned him a reputation as meticulous, diligent and . Tunde regularly undertakes appellate work in the Court of Appeal and the Administrative Court. In a case, the first of its kind, Tunde set a precedent by working with a University Pro Bono Society who referred the case of Dwaine George to the Court of Appeal. Tunde successfully overturned his wrongful conviction. Tunde is heavily sought after in areas of business and financial crime. He has advised a number of high profile individuals as well as companies in relation to money laundering and anti corruption regulations. His practice varies and sees him undertaking work in an array of fields. From advising crypto currency company, Stratis Platform, and the creation of alternative hedge funds, to appearing before sporting and professional regulatory tribunals. Tunde is an FA registered intermediary who is building a reputation on advising and representing footballers, boxers and Olympic athletes. His most recent clients include Christopher George, four-time defending national Judo champion of Trinidad and Tobago and Ekow Essuman former Team GB welterweight and undefeated professional boxer. He advises athletes and clubs in relation to brand management, contractual matters, confidentiality and reputation management. His flourishing practice and talents have been recognized by his professional peers when he was awarded the Young Barrister of the Year award and was a finalist for the “Young Legal Aid Barrister of the Year” award. Tunde also writes and speaks regularly on his areas of legal specialty and is happy to take cases on a direct access basis.
Ulele Burnham's practice spans the law relating to mental capacity and mental health, equality and human rights law. She is a member and former Chair of the Executive Committee of the Discrimination Law Association (Chair 2004-2006), a member of the Advisory Board of the AHRC Research Centre for Law Gender and Sexuality and was for 5 years (2002-2006) an occasional tutor in Labour Law at the London School of Economics and Political Science. She is regularly invited to provide specialist training in respect of both equality and human rights law and mental capacity/mental health law. She has for the past four years delivered training on the Equality Act 2010 at the annual Justice/Sweet & Maxwell Human Rights Law Conference and has done a raft of training sessions on a variety of aspects of Court of Protection practice for local authorities and solicitors in private practice. Prior to coming to the bar she was a part-time lecturer in Politics and International Relations at Queen Mary and Westfield College, University of London.