Civil Liberties & Human Rights
UK Bar Guide 2025 : Scotland (Bar)
Band 1
Contact number
(0131) 226 2881Chambers Review
A frequent choice for government departments and public bodies in Scotland and the wider UK, Axiom Advocates is respected for its broad expertise in civil liberties. The advocates regularly act across immigration matters, healthcare disputes and judicial reviews. Recently members of the stable advised the Scottish Ministers in For Women Scotland v Scottish Ministers, a second challenge concerning guidance issues under the Gender Representation on Public Boards Act 2018.
Lesley Flynn is the practice manager.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The clerks are excellent. They are quick in dealing with emails and are always happy to make alternative recommendations, and they keep you updated."
"The clerks are excellent. They are quick in dealing with emails and are always happy to make alternative recommendations, and they keep you updated."
Notable Practitioners
Lesley Irvine is skilled at appearing in human rights and civil liberties judicial review and appellate cases for both claimants and respondents. She has particular experience in equalities and EU law matters. She is regularly instructed by government.
John MacGregor KC is a respected silk who has a strong track record of assisting local government and other public bodies with administrative appeals and judicial review proceedings. He possesses experience working on human rights issues deriving from immigration and criminal deportation matters. His broad client base includes institutions such as Police Scotland, the Scottish Legal Complaints Commission and the Mental Health Tribunal for Scotland.
Mark Lindsay KC is a prominent silk with a well-established practice. He is called upon to challenge the decisions of tribunals, regulatory bodies, and local and central government.
"Mark can pick the matter up, run it and be successful doing so."
"Mark is quietly persuasive; he doesn't have to say very much to get his point over. He is very personable with clients."
Daniel Byrne KC represents a variety of petitioners and respondents, including public bodies, individuals facing deportation and the Scottish Government. He demonstrates expertise across diverse areas such as prison, mental health, energy and planning law. He has frequently appeared before the Supreme Court in significant human rights and civil liberties cases.