Civil Liberties & Human Rights

Gráinne Mellon is commended for her expertise in cases involving children and vulnerable adults. She is particularly noted for her work in judicial reviews and in Human Rights Act damages claims and as vice-chair of the Bar Human Rights Committee. In the international arena, Gráinne has acted in high-profile cases such as Binder v Greece, concerning the prosecution of a search and rescue volunteer, and has worked on human rights law training projects in various jurisdictions.

Stephanie Harrison KC is a dynamic silk with a varied practice, who demonstrates prowess in misconduct, discrimination, minority rights and unlawful detention matters. She is noted for her work on national security and terrorism cases, including those concerning deportation and TPIM. She fields additional expertise in international human rights law, and is knowledgeable in all matters involving the ECHR.

Una Morris is a well-regarded barrister, specialising in human rights claims against the state. Known for her far-reaching expertise, she is well versed on the ECHR and the Human Rights Act, often taking on inquests and judicial reviews. She has particular experience in handling claims involving prisons and other detention centres.

Amanda Weston KC is a distinguished silk who is regularly called on to handle complex judicial review proceedings and significant immigration cases. She is an established presence in the human rights sphere, regularly appearing before domestic and European courts, including the Special Immigration Appeals Commission. She has particular capability in unlawful detention claims.

Leslie Thomas KC lends his civil liberties and human rights expertise to vulnerable clients, routinely handling sensitive matters that involve claims against the police. He is an expert in Article 2 inquiries and is adept at handling public law challenges as well as judicial reviews of the powers of public bodies.

Marc Willers KC is a versatile silk with a varied civil liberties and human rights practice, including a particular focus on claims brought by Gypsies, Roma and Travellers. His work in the field dovetails with his practice in planning and environmental law.

Nicola Braganza KC is a committed claimant-side barrister notable for her human rights expertise pertaining to discrimination cases as well as immigration detention and trafficking claims. She appears before all levels of court as well as before immigration and employment tribunals.

Stephen Clark is a knowledgeable and intellectual barrister who has expertise across a range of practice areas, including actions against the State, inquests, prison law, and immigration and asylum. He acts for bereaved families and individual claimants.

Stephen Simblet KC is regularly called upon to provide expert assistance in human rights claims brought against the police. He is also singled out for his adept representation of bereaved families in matters concerning psychiatric detention and custody deaths. He is noted for his strong judicial review practice and regularly appears at the High Court and the Court of Appeal.

Timothy Baldwin is a well-rounded junior, skilled in representing claimants and appellants. He is noted for challenging decisions made by local authorities and the Mental Health Tribunal. Timothy is often instructed to defend Traveller and migrant rights.

Fatima Jichi is a well-regarded junior who is regularly instructed in complex cases involving mental health, an aspect of her practice bolstered by previous experience in the mental health field.

Ollie Persey is a committed public law and human rights junior with a practice dedicated to assisting claimants. His particular expertise includes assisting those who need help with matters that sit at the crossroads of other practice areas, such as education and tax. He currently sits as a member on the Equality & Human Rights Commission's panel of preferred counsel.