Civil Liberties & Human Rights

Phillippa Kaufmann KC is a highly regarded human rights specialist who regularly attracts instructions in high-profile, significant judicial review proceedings. She demonstrates notably deep knowledge in prisoners' rights matters and human rights cases arising out of the Iraq war. She is a familiar face in inquiries and at the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court.

"Phillippa is an extremely impressive cross-examiner. She gives very intelligent advice."

"Phillippa is fiercely intelligent and superb on her feet – a real class act."

"Phillippa is exceptionally quick and thorough. She has done some outstanding and innovative work."

Ben Silverstone has a strong human rights practice. Alongside his notable specialism in privacy and surveillance, he has acted in a number of group claims concerning human rights abuses allegedly perpetrated by natural resources companies operating in African countries.

"Ben is incredibly organised and has excellent attention to detail. He has a flexible and very capable mind that can be deployed to whichever legal circumstance he is having to deal with."

"Ben provides detailed and careful advice."

Clare Montgomery KC is particularly highly regarded for her adroit handling of public law and due process matters. She regularly acts both for and against the government in significant, high-profile cases. She is active at the intersection of human rights and criminal regulatory and fraud law. Montgomery is admitted in Northern Ireland and a number of international jurisdictions, including Hong Kong.

"Clare is an absolute doyenne when it comes to counsel in extradition cases."

"Clare is a unique barrister that has mastered the overlap between civil and criminal law."

"Clare is a smart and astute barrister."

Daniel Squires KC is a popular silk with a strong civil liberties and human rights practice, known for leading high-profile cases in the Supreme Court. He receives instructions from both claimants and respondents on matters covering a range of areas, including prison and police law, terrorism and discrimination.

"Dan is a consummate expert on national security matters, having been doing them for last 20 years. He is always extremely well prepared and impressive in Supreme Court cases."

"Daniel was forceful, clear and easy to follow."

"Dan is a thoughtful advocate who can really cope with the complexity of cases. He's got a lovely manner, which is a killer combination with his encyclopaedic knowledge of human rights law."

Danny Friedman KC is a respected barrister with a broad-based practice spanning public law, human rights and criminal law. He has a particular focus on matters concerning terrorism, national security and armed conflicts, and has been active in legacy cases involving human rights abuses in Northern Ireland. He has notable experience in acting for individuals and interested groups in inquests and public inquiries, and has in recent years been heavily involved in the Grenfell Tower Inquiry.

"Danny is one of the best at the Bar; he brings a real sense of humility coupled with a huge intellect. He has an amazing ability to draw on all areas of academic as well as legal jurisprudence."

"Danny is a genuine leader of a large team."

"Danny is a really pleasant barrister to work with. He is extremely collaborative and creative in his ideas, reliable and very much on top of the case."

Edward Craven is a highly rated barrister with a wide-ranging domestic and international civil liberties and human rights practice. He often appears in high-profile cases that garner significant media attention. He is recognised for his impressive knowledge of the Refugee Convention. Craven has been instructed in matters related to discrimination, terrorism and military actions of the state abroad. He is regularly seen at the Supreme Court.

"Edward is a first-class mind. He is great on his feet and drafts exceptionally."

"Ed is exceptionally intelligent and has a keen eye for detail. He is extremely impressive in both drafting and strategy."

"Edward is phenomenally hard-working, leaving no stone unturned. He sees the points that would not be picked up by others."

Hugh Southey KC is a recognised expert in the fields of immigration, human rights and prison law, who demonstrates notable skill in cases concerning mental health, extradition and discrimination. He frequently represents clients before the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal. Further areas of expertise include TPIM, work before the Special Immigration Appeals Commission, and Court of Protection matters.

"Hugh has an ability to make incredibly complex things obvious, which is an incredibly hard thing to do."

"Hugh is a charming and erudite advocate. He is a defender of the basic human rights for his clients."

"He's very capable in understanding the complexities of matters and providing succinct advice."

Jesse Nicholls comes highly recommended in the civil liberties and human rights sphere, given his deft handling of complex inquests and deep knowledge of police law. Further aspects of his practice include expertise in immigration detention matters, claims against the CPS and his work representing prisoners.

"Jesse is an astute and bright barrister. He is a quick thinker, and a pleasure to work with."

"Jesse is extremely intelligent and knowledgeable about his subject areas."

Karon Monaghan KC is a skilled practitioner with far-reaching expertise in human rights, discrimination and equality, employment and EU law. She regularly attracts instructions in high-profile cases from a diverse range of clients, including charities, trade unions and private claimants. She is an expert in the Equality Act and the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act.

Raza Husain KC is a renowned public law barrister who specialises in immigration and civil liberties work. He routinely appears before the Supreme Court and is called upon by high net worth individuals and publicly funded claimant clients. His practice also includes an international dimension with appearances in European courts, as well as in the British Virgin Islands and the Cayman Islands. He has recently garnered attention for his work challenging the Home Office's policy of deporting some migrants to Rwanda.

"Raza is in total command of the law and facts. He works exceptionally hard and is very skilful and tenacious in the cause of his clients."

"Raza knows immigration and asylum law inside out. He is an extremely effective advocate, especially in the Supreme Court."

Blinne Ní Ghrálaigh KC is a dedicated human rights barrister noted for her focus on national security, prohibition on torture and freedom of speech cases. She has recently been involved in several matters before the Belfast Court of Appeal pertaining to the retroactivity of the Human Rights Act 1998.

"Blinne is an incredibly thorough and fierce barrister."

"Blinne has been at the forefront of human right litigation."

Chris Buttler KC frequently handles judicial reviews concerning fundamental rights and claims for damages under the Human Rights Act. He regularly assists claimant clients with challenges against government bodies, demonstrating particular skill in matters concerning human trafficking. He has further expertise in mental health, immigration and child detention matters.

"Chris Butler is a formidable advocate."

"He is a very compelling advocate, on top of all the appeals. He's both considered and measured, and the court really trusts him."

"Chris is intelligent, hard-working and astute. He is everything you would want in your silk."

David Wolfe KC is an esteemed civil liberties and human rights silk who is widely respected for his adept handling of complex judicial review proceedings. He has notable expertise in discrimination, community care and EU law. He regularly appears on behalf of individuals and organisations, including NGOs, frequently opposing the State.

"For a heavy case that can change the law, David is the one you need."

"David deserves a mention for the depth of his legal insight and analysis – it really goes to the root of the legal argument."

Helen Law is a talented barrister with a varied caseload consisting of public, civil and criminal law. Her flourishing human rights practice sees her regularly handling claims against the government concerning failures of the criminal justice system, as well as national security cases. She has appeared before the Supreme Court, European Court of Human Rights and International Court of Justice.

"Helen is incredibly bright. She is meticulous and drafts beautifully. She has a lovely advocacy style and is great with vulnerable clients."

Helen Mountfield KC is a high-profile barrister in the field of civil liberties and human rights, who serves as a deputy High Court judge in the Administrative Court. She remains a popular choice for major public law cases and is a recognised specialist in complex EU law issues. She regularly appears in the Supreme Court in high-profile test cases as well as in European courts and those in other international jurisdictions.

Jessica Jones has a sophisticated human rights practice covering a vast array of issues, ranging from social care to armed conflict and genocide. She has appeared in a number of landmark appeals, including the series of cases arising from Shamima Begum's deprivation of citizenship.

"Jessica is extremely personable and has a strategic view on cases."

"I have been impressed by her legal analysis and good judgement."

Jessica Simor KC is an established silk with a diverse client base composed of individuals, large corporations, NGOs, government departments and regulatory bodies. She regularly tackles significant cases before the Supreme Court and the European Court of Human Rights, and fields additional expertise in climate change, education and tax matters.

"Jessica has a superb advocacy style and engagement with detail."

"Jessica is highly respected in the appeal courts. She is known by the Judges and they really listen to her. She is passionate in her advocacy. She is someone who genuinely cares."

Joanna Buckley is a highly esteemed barrister who is instructed in high-level international advisory and policy roles alongside her human rights litigation practice.

"Joanna Buckley is really good in the crossover of public and criminal law. She is extremely efficient and has a great grasp on huge amounts of material."

Kate Boakes exhibits a high level of expertise in running human rights claims in various jurisdictions. She has notable experience in representing claimant groups in actions concerning labour practices, pollution or other issues.

"Kate is tenacious, hard-working and highly approachable. She is rapidly gaining very significant experience in the private international field."

Michelle Butler has a strong international law practice and deep experience in multiple human rights-related issues, ranging from sovereign immunity to environmental damage.

"Michelle is a delight to work with."

"She is very thorough, hard-working and clever."

"Michelle is brilliant. She is first rate."

Tim Owen KC is a hugely respected advocate with a wide-ranging practice covering the gamut of human rights issues. He is particularly well known for his aptitude in complex judicial review proceedings and for his expert grasp of criminal and police law. He also has expertise in cases concerning data retention, disclosure and national security matters.

"Tim is a fantastic advocate, with a very attractive style."

"Tim is a capable and persuasive advocate. He's highly experienced in the Supreme Court."

Raj Desai is an accomplished barrister who has experience across a range of civil liberties litigation matters, including cases related to healthcare, discrimination and police law. He appears before all levels of court, including the Supreme Court and the European Court of Human Rights.

"Raj is really strategic and pragmatic about the cases."

Sarah Hannett KC is a leading public law barrister who has expertise in civil liberties and human rights cases, with a focus on equality, routinely acting for government defendants and the Equality and Human Rights Commission. She draws on her significant experience in education, local government and community care matters.

"An exceptional lawyer, one of those that the court really trusts. She can get right to the heart of the matter."

"Sarah is highly intelligent and fearless in the face of tough arguments."

Aidan Wills is an impressive barrister with considerable expertise in civil liberties and human rights cases relating to privacy and surveillance.

Ayesha Christie is a human rights-focused barrister whose impressive practice centres on issues relating to asylum, unlawful detention and human trafficking. She has made multiple appearances before the Supreme Court, including one unled.

"Ayesha brings a range of experience to the area. She is incredibly hard-working and has real empathy."

James Robottom is highly esteemed in the human rights sphere and has been active in cases arising from controversial matters of immigration and asylum, such as the Home Secretary's 'pushback' policy and the Windrush scandal.

"James has a real deep understanding of civil rights law. He is great barrister to work with on tricky civil claims."

"James is always incredibly approachable and able. He is a disarmingly intelligent barrister."

Jonathan Glasson KC has a strong human rights practice, generally acting for data-controlling companies or public bodies such as the Investigatory Powers Tribunal. His key focus is on the use of data by state agents in relation to intelligence, policing and immigration.

"Jonathan is practical and helpful. The tribunal trust him enormously, rightly so. He is a really good advocate, who cuts through things."

Matthew Ryder KC has developed a respected practice in human rights matters concerning media, police, surveillance and privacy law. He is frequently instructed in significant police misconduct, state surveillance and journalists' rights work, and has handled several major undercover policing cases.

Nicholas Armstrong KC is a skilled barrister with a respected civil liberties practice. He regularly handles public law disputes, inquests and private law actions. He has significant expertise in cases concerning equality, immigration and prison law. He appears before the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court.

"Nicholas is a tenacious litigator with a sensible approach to settlement."

"He provides excellent drafting and legal analysis; it was no surprise he took silk."

Samantha Knights KC is a respected silk and recognised expert on the ECHR, who regularly tackles cases against the MoD concerning British action in armed conflicts. She has worked on complex matters covering issues such as deprivation of nationality, exclusion from refugee protection and the scope of closed material proceedings. She is notable for her experience in human trafficking cases.

"Samantha is fantastic."

Zoë Leventhal KC is regularly instructed in high-profile matters in the human rights field. She displays a particular flair for environmental, planning, social security and EU law, and has additional expertise in welfare benefits law, as well as health and community care matters. She has experience in appearing before the Supreme Court, and regularly acts for both claimants and the government.

"Zoë is totally on top of her cases. She is very proactive and has a charming manner in court. She achieves great results for her clients in an effective and understated way."