Steven Powles KC
Doughty Street Chambers ‘He is highly reliable and demonstrates strong commitment to helping victims of human rights abuses.’
Doughty Street Chambers is praised for its ‘immense strength in depth in the specific area of international human rights and criminal law’ with members of the chambers frequently acting in the highest profile cases before international human rights bodies and criminal courts, including the ECHR, the UN Human Rights Committee, ICJ and the ICC. Members of the set are active in cases concerning the protection of press freedom, with Caoilfhionn Gallagher KC advising the BBC concerning the ongoing alleged harassment of BBC Persian journalists by the Iranian government, while Tatyana Eatwell and Jennifer Robinson continue to act on behalf of the International Federation of Journalists and Palestinian Journalists’ Syndicate in filing complaints to the UN and ICC regarding their alleged targeting and discrimination by Israel. Tim Moloney KC leads Megan Hirst and Peta-Louise Bagott in the high-profile appeal against the ICC decision not to investigate war crimes and crimes against humanity in the context of the 2001-2021 Afghanistan war, and Amal Clooney represents the Republic of the Maldives intervention in The Gambia v Myanmar case before the ICJ relating to the Gambia's allegation, on behalf of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, that Myanmar is carrying out a genocide against the Rohingya people.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Matt Butchard - brilliant asset to chambers. Has forged relationships with all areas of the justice system.
- Excellent service by the clerks. They are responsive and attentive.'
- 'Doughty Street Chambers clerks have also been consistently excellent.'
- 'Good, professional and very helpful.'
- 'Doughty is the go-to set for international law work. Simple.'
- 'It is apparent that Doughty Street Chambers has immense strength in depth in the specific area of international human rights and criminal law.'
- 'Doughty Street is the leading set in human rights law.'
- 'Doughty Street Chambers barristers are consistently excellent, both in terms of their expertise and their kindness in supporting deserving cases.'
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.
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.’
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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.’
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.’
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.’
Edward Fitzgerald KC
Doughty Street Chambers ‘Truly sublime. A real treat to watch in court and a fountain of knowledge.’
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.’
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.
Juniors
Leading Juniors
Leading juniors are those with significant experience of key cases, strong market recognition from both peers and clients, and are seen as future candidates for silk.
Amal Clooney
Doughty Street Chambers ‘A leader on every case she is involved in, and a master strategist and compassionate advocate for the most vulnerable.’
Tatyana Eatwell
Doughty Street Chambers ‘Fantastic knowledge of the law and academic strength, combined with incredible commitment to her cases and clients.’
Jennifer Robinson
Doughty Street Chambers ‘Jennifer is renowned for her exceptional court advocacy and her ability to handle high-profile human rights matters with skill and finesse. With an impressive track record and extensive experience, Jennifer has established herself as a formidable presence in the courtroom, known for her persuasive arguments and ability to navigate complex legal challenges.’
Aarif Abraham
Doughty Street Chambers ‘Aarif is exceptionally skilled in advocacy, effectively conveying persuasive messages and explaining complex legal matters to the audience. He is highly engaging and completely captivates the audience’s attention.’
Alex Tinsley
Doughty Street Chambers ‘Without a doubt the go-to barrister for all INTERPOL cases. He has an encyclopedic knowledge of INTERPOL’s rules, principles and processes, and his wider knowledge of international law is extremely impressive. He is an excellent strategist and is able to navigate his way through cases that often involve proceedings in multiple jurisdictions. He operates at a level far beyond his year of call would suggest.’
Peta-Louise Bagott
Doughty Street Chambers ‘Calm, approachable and easy to work with. Strong research skills and ability to work seamlessly in a team.’
Megan Hirst
Doughty Street Chambers ‘Megan is an expert on representing victims before international criminal tribunals. She is an authority on not only the history and development of victim representation, but also on the case law and practical procedure of the International Criminal Court, Special Tribunal for Lebanon and other international criminal courts and tribunals.’
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Jelia Sane
Doughty Street Chambers ‘Jelia is an excellent barrister and is one of the leading voices in international crimes against children. She has unique perspectives and able to think strategically to advance the law and justice for children. She is also a pleasure to work with.’