Civil Liberties & Human Rights

Conor McCarthy is a respected barrister with a strong human rights and civil liberties practice, known for his involvement in surveillance matters. He draws on his prior experience working at the European Court of Human Rights and for the UN, focusing his practice on judicial review claims and public international law. His extensive client base includes NGOs, public bodies and individual claimants.

Eric Metcalfe is a highly commended human rights barrister who is a familiar face in the Supreme Court. He regularly handles high-profile, sensitive cases concerning national security and immigration and represents government departments, regulatory authorities and NGOs. Eric also has experience in acting for coalition groups, and has intervened at the European Court of Human Rights in support of the right to freedom of expression worldwide.

Nikolaus Grubeck is a notable civil liberties and human rights barrister who has a significant practice at all levels of UK court and the European Court of Human Rights. He represents NGOs and individuals as well as the government in a range of matters, with a particular specialism in national security. He is known for his expertise in data protection, especially when it comes to new developments in the area.

Piers Gardner is highly regarded for his in-depth knowledge of EU law and particularly the ECHR, having previously worked at the European Commission of Human Rights. He advises throughout the UK and Europe on data and property protection, jurisdictional issues and extradition matters. He also has experience in acting on behalf of the UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression.

Gerry Facenna KC is a highly commended silk noted for his abilities in public law and data protection with significant human rights and civil liberties implications. He is particularly expert in privacy rights matters.

Julianne Kerr Morrison is regularly instructed in a variety of civil liberties and human rights matters. Recent cases have involved issues relating to international and national security, as well as those relating to data and privacy rights. She has acted in cases in various international jurisdictions, such as before the UN Human Rights Committee.

Ian Wise KC is an experienced civil liberties and human rights silk, known for his specialist knowledge of children's law, welfare and social care and housing. He has appeared in front of the Supreme Court and European Court of Human Rights several times, and is well versed in the ECHR and the Human Rights Act 1998.

Azeem Suterwalla KC is an accomplished barrister with a broad human rights practice, known for his expertise in the rights of children, education and social housing. He also demonstrates particular insight into the needs of vulnerable adults and matters concerning state retention of information. He is regularly instructed in major human rights cases at all levels of UK court as well as at the European Court of Human Rights and CJEU.