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1 Crown Office Row

Civil Liberties & Human Rights

UK Bar Guide 2026 : London (Bar)

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1 Crown Office Row

Rankings

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Civil Liberties & Human Rights - London (Bar)

Band 3

What the Team is Known For

1 Crown Office Row's barristers "have an excellent range of expertise" and are highly regarded for their work in closed proceedings as Special Advocates, regularly representing the government in terrorism and national security cases. Members also offer human rights expertise in immigration, asylum and healthcare-related matters, and are equally adept acting for claimants as defendants.

The set's "depth of experience, commitment to justice, and collaborative ethos make them a leading choice in the industry". Its barristers have been involved in Saifullah v Home Secretary, a challenge to the adequacy of an investigation into a UKSF raid in Afghanistan.

John Petrie MBE leads the clerking team as Chambers Director.

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Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • The clerks are absolutely phenomenal; really helpful, approachable and always come back to you quickly.

    Civil Liberties & Human Rights respondentUK Bar

  • The clerks are super helpful and efficient. Chloe Turvill is is very responsive.

    Civil Liberties & Human Rights respondentUK Bar

  • The clerks really go above and beyond to help me out.

    Civil Liberties & Human Rights respondentUK Bar

  • The clerks are amazing and they always reply to my queries within a few minutes.

    Civil Liberties & Human Rights respondentUK Bar

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Angus McCullough
    Angus McCullough

    Angus McCullough

    Angus McCullough KC is a superlatively skilled human rights silks who centres much of his practice on appearing as a Special Advocate in closed proceedings in national security cases. He demonstrates considerable expertise in major inquests, including those concerning clinical negligence and patients who lack capacity.

    • Angus is on top of the detail and a brilliant judicial review advocate.

      Civil Liberties & Human Rights respondentUK Bar

    • Angus McCullough KC is the leading special advocate.

      Civil Liberties & Human Rights respondentUK Bar

    • Angus has real authority in court.

      Civil Liberties & Human Rights respondentUK Bar

    • When people have a choice, everyone would say Angus is their first choice for special advocate.

      Civil Liberties & Human Rights respondentUK Bar

    • Angus is the star choice for national security litigation.

      Civil Liberties & Human Rights respondentUK Bar
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  • Shaheen Rahman
    Shaheen Rahman

    Shaheen Rahman

    Shaheen Rahman KC is a highly recommended civil liberties and human rights silk who is noted for her innovative approach. Her practice includes instructions in high-profile judicial reviews and civil claims related to healthcare. She is also highly thought of for her work as a Special Advocate, where she has acted in TPIM, naturalisation and removal of passport cases.

    • Shaheen is very thorough and determined to make sure all points are made to the ultimate extent. She thinks very carefully about the case from every angle. She is very thoughtful.

      Civil Liberties & Human Rights respondentUK Bar

    • She's very good and is an absolute pleasure to work with.

      Civil Liberties & Human Rights respondentUK Bar
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  • Alasdair Henderson
    Alasdair Henderson

    Alasdair Henderson

    Alasdair Henderson has a wide-ranging human rights practice in which he acts for both claimants and government as a member of the Attorney General’s A Panel. He regularly acts in judicial reviews involving issues such as asylum and immigration, social security, healthcare and prisons.

    • Alasdair Henderson is utterly dependable and not afraid to give advice, which is always spot on.

      Civil Liberties & Human Rights respondentUK Bar

    • Alasdair is one of the finest asylum and immigration barristers at the Bar.

      Civil Liberties & Human Rights respondentUK Bar

    • Alasdair is an outstanding immigration, asylum, public law and human rights barrister.

      Civil Liberties & Human Rights respondentUK Bar

    • Alasdair's written work is excellent and his advocacy is outstanding.

      Civil Liberties & Human Rights respondentUK Bar

    • Alasdair is very proactive, very team-oriented and very thorough.

      Civil Liberties & Human Rights respondentUK Bar
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  • Natasha Barnes
    Natasha Barnes

    Natasha Barnes

    Natasha Barnes advises on a range of civil liberties and human rights matters, including those relating to national security, prison conditions and extra-judicial killings. She is a member of the Attorney General's A Panel and is frequently instructed by governmental departments.

    • Natasha Barnes is hugely impressive.

      Civil Liberties & Human Rights respondentUK Bar

    • Natasha Barnes is excellent.

      Civil Liberties & Human Rights respondentUK Bar

    • Natasha is very sensible and reasonable.

      Civil Liberties & Human Rights respondentUK Bar

    • Natasha Barnes is good with clients.

      Civil Liberties & Human Rights respondentUK Bar
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  • Jeremy Hyam
    Jeremy Hyam

    Jeremy Hyam

    Jeremy Hyam KC is a well-known silk offering a wealth of experience in the civil liberties and human rights sphere. His broad-based expertise encompasses areas such as health, environment and professional discipline, while he has a particularly well-established reputation in the field of administrative and public law.

    • I go to Jeremy when I need a higher strategic input.

      Civil Liberties & Human Rights respondentUK Bar

    • Jeremy is always very thorough and a very good advocate.

      Civil Liberties & Human Rights respondentUK Bar

    • Jeremy comes in and works out the best way forwards.

      Civil Liberties & Human Rights respondentUK Bar

    • Jeremy Hyam has exceptional acumen and intelligence.

      Civil Liberties & Human Rights respondentUK Bar

    • Jeremy knows more about transgender litigation than anybody else.

      Civil Liberties & Human Rights respondentUK Bar
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  • Jonathan Metzer
    Jonathan Metzer

    Jonathan Metzer

    Jonathan Metzer is a well regarded junior with a wide-ranging civil liberties practice. He represents claimants in asylum and unlawful detention matters and has particular expertise in inquiry and inquest work. Jonathan is also a member of the Attorney General's B panel.

    • Jonathan is brilliant on his feet and I have always had phenomenal service.

      Civil Liberties & Human Rights respondentUK Bar

    • Jonathan's pleadings are very thorough and persuasive, and his advice is accurate and to the point.

      Civil Liberties & Human Rights respondentUK Bar

    • Jonathan is an absolute star and the quality of his work is outstanding.

      Civil Liberties & Human Rights respondentUK Bar

    • Jonathan Metzer is one of the finest asylum and immigration barristers at the Bar.

      Civil Liberties & Human Rights respondentUK Bar

    • Whenever I can, I instruct Jonathan.

      Civil Liberties & Human Rights respondentUK Bar
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Ranked Barristers at 1 Crown Office Row (6)

London (Bar)

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