Department profile
Blackstone Chambers

Sanctions

UK Bar Guide 2026 : All Circuits

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Blackstone Chambers

Rankings

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Sanctions - All Circuits

Band 1

What the Team is Known For

Blackstone Chambers is recognised as one of the leading sets internationally for sanctions law, praised for its "longstanding sanctions expertise and members who are able to handle complex and sophisticated matters, considering novel issues". The barristers frequently appear on the highest-profile mandates, advising on designation challenges, compliance and follow-on damages claims. Clients of the set include the UK government, private individuals, financial institutions and commercial corporations. Alongside sanctions, Blackstone Chambers is lauded for its esteemed public law practice. The barristers draw on this broader expertise to adeptly assist their clients. Notably, this year team members took on key roles in the EuroChem v Société Générale dispute involving a variety of European banks and payments said to be in breach of EU sanctions.

Derek Sutton and Adam Sloane are the senior clerks.

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Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Danny Compton has always been responsive in identifying members with the requisite expertise and availability to support us.

    Sanctions respondentUK Bar

  • Blackstone's clerks are great.

    Sanctions respondentUK Bar

  • Blackstone's clerks are very efficient, always responsive and keep us updated as appropriate.

    Sanctions respondentUK Bar

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Brian Kennelly
    Brian Kennelly

    Brian Kennelly

    Brian Kennelly KC is highly regarded by corporate clients and private individuals, whom he regularly assists with challenges to sanctions and asset freezing. He is an expert on the interpretation of sanctions law and attempts to circumvent sanctions.

    • Brian is a very technical lawyer. His advice is clear and thoughtful. He gets into the weeds and is a very capable, solid lawyer.

      Sanctions respondentUK Bar

    • Brian is very user-friendly and good with clients.

      Sanctions respondentUK Bar

    • Brian is an outstanding silk for sanctions matters. He is a brilliant advocate with an assured and reassuring client manner. He is go-to barrister for all things sanctions-related.

      Sanctions respondentUK Bar

    • Brian Kennelly KC is an EU law expert. He is an extremely nice guy and extraordinarily clever. He is fantastic.

      Sanctions respondentUK Bar
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  • Timothy Otty
    Timothy Otty

    Timothy Otty

    Timothy Otty KC is praised for his representation of financial sector clients and private individuals in judicial review and other challenges to EU sanctions decisions. He also assists clients with follow-on damages claims before the UK courts.

    • Timothy is extremely disciplined and hard-working. He is a serious intellectual while being really down to earth.

      Sanctions respondentUK Bar

    • Timothy is a terrific, first-class thinker. He is a real team player.

      Sanctions respondentUK Bar

    • Timothy has a calmness that makes him incredibly powerful in court.

      Sanctions respondentUK Bar

    • Timothy Otty produces excellent quality work and is very user-friendly.

      Sanctions respondentUK Bar
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  • Isabel Buchanan
    Isabel Buchanan

    Isabel Buchanan

    Isabel Buchanan has a wealth of experience in sanctions-related matters, on which she advises and represents an impressive client list including investment funds and international banks.

    • Isabel Buchanan is very good.

      Sanctions respondentUK Bar
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  • Tom Leary
    Tom Leary

    Tom Leary

    Tom Leary's sanctions practice encompasses acting for commercial clients, including banks, as well as individuals seeking de-designation. Leary is noted for particular expertise in frozen assets and trade prohibitions.

    • Tom Leary is super responsive. You get good, commercial answers off him really quickly. He is always available for emergency advice, and very client-focused and experienced in what he does.

      Sanctions respondentUK Bar

    • Tom Leary is an excellent barrister. He is very thorough and detail-oriented without losing track of the big picture. He is able to provide advice quickly and effectively.

      Sanctions respondentUK Bar

    • Tom is very capable at distilling the complicated and making things straightforward. He is very responsive.

      Sanctions respondentUK Bar

    • Tom Leary is very responsive, has excellent judgement and is excellent at drafting.

      Sanctions respondentUK Bar
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  • Jason Pobjoy
    Jason Pobjoy

    Jason Pobjoy

    Jason Pobjoy KC has a diverse sanctions practice which includes acting for the government, representing private individuals in challenges to sanctions and asset freezing, and assisting state-owned companies with appeals against sanctions listings and relistings. He is noted for his skill in tackling the interpretation of sanctions and handling circumvention claims.

    • Jason is a pleasure to work with. He consistently provides clear and client-friendly advice on the most complex and novel of sanctions issues.

      Sanctions respondentUK Bar

    • Jason is absolutely excellent. He is very effective on his feet.

      Sanctions respondentUK Bar

    • Jason is a knowledgeable barrister with a wide-ranging sanctions practice. He has a lot of experience.

      Sanctions respondentUK Bar

    • Jason Pobjoy is an outstanding lawyer and a real sanctions specialist.

      Sanctions respondentUK Bar
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  • Naina Patel
    Naina Patel

    Naina Patel

    Naina Patel KC's practice is focused on representing the government in matters arising out of sanctions designations and public international law concerns pertaining to foreign governments.

    • Naina is a strong technical lawyer. She is very sharp and completely brilliant.

      Sanctions respondentUK Bar

    • Naina is clever and reasonable. She provides attractive, advanced and persuasive submissions. She has really good judgement.

      Sanctions respondentUK Bar
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Ranked Barristers at Blackstone Chambers (6)

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