SILK PROFILE
Adam Wagner KC

Adam Wagner KC

UK Bar 2026

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Doughty Street Chambers
 Doughty Street Chambers

Ranked in 5 practice areas

Protest Law

All Circuits

5 years ranked

Civil Liberties & Human Rights

London (Bar)

14 years ranked

Administrative & Public Law

London (Bar)

4 years ranked

Independent Investigations

All Circuits

3 years ranked

Inquests & Public Inquiries

London (Bar)

1 year ranked

About

Provided by Doughty Street Chambers

Career

Adam specialises in human rights, public inquiries, constitutional and international law. He has acted in some of the key public law and human rights cases of recent years, including leading cases on the right to protest, human rights during the Covid-19 pandemic and constitutional law. He regularly acts in public inquiries, most recently into Covid-19 and an inquiry relating to allegations of corruption in Gibraltar. His cases often involved issues of high political and constitutional sensitivity.

In 2025, Adam won the award for Advocate’s International Pro Bono Barrister of the Year, and in 2024 he won the Halsbury’s Award for the Rule of Law and was given an honorary doctorate from the University of Law.

Professional Memberships

Administrative Law Bar Association

Liberty

Education

Columbia University - MA, Political Science, Pass

Oxford University, St Annes College - Politics, Philosophy and Economics, BA & MA Oxon, 1st Class Hons.

Awards

LexisNexis Legal Awards 2024 Halsbury Award for Rule of Law

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

UK Bar

Protest Law - All Circuits

New Silks
Individual Editorial

Adam Wagner KC is well regarded for his expertise in protest law cases and is particularly well versed in matters involving human rights law issues. He deals with matters touching the boundaries of civil and criminal law, including civil contempt cases.

Learn more about this teamView ranking table

Civil Liberties & Human Rights - London (Bar)

New Silks
Individual Editorial

Adam Wagner KC is a versatile barrister who regularly appears in high-profile human rights cases, both for and against public authorities. He is well regarded for his aptitude in the fields of immigration and prison law, and is also known for his work in public inquiries. He founded the acclaimed UK Human Rights Blog and human rights public education charity EachOther.

Learn more about this teamView ranking table

Administrative & Public Law - London (Bar)

New Silks
Individual Editorial

Adam Wagner KC has produced impressive work in judicial review proceedings brought against the government by individuals and campaign groups. Past cases include an array of human rights-based challenges arising from COVID-19, including cases on enforced quarantine, protests and the failure to investigate Downing Street parties.

Learn more about this teamView ranking table

Independent Investigations - All Circuits

New Silks
Individual Editorial

Adam Wagner KC acts in relation to wide-ranging reviews concerning public and organisational policy. As well as leading internal investigations, he has assumed counsel and advisory roles in parliamentary inquiries.

View ranking table

Inquests & Public Inquiries - London (Bar)

New Silks
Individual Editorial

Adam Wagner KC is gaining prominence for his ability to handle high-profile and politically sensitive public inquiries. Of particular note is his recent engagement in the COVID-19 Public Inquiry, alongside the inquiry into the departure of Chief Commissioner of the Gibraltar Police Ian McGrail from his post.

Learn more about this teamView ranking table

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Adam Wagner is a good supervisor and leader.

    Protest LawUK Bar

  • Adam Wagner is an absolute star.

    Civil Liberties & Human RightsUK Bar

  • Adam is thoughtful and good at cutting through the periphery and getting through to the main issues.

    Civil Liberties & Human RightsUK Bar

  • Adam is collaborative, super-smart and a joy to work with.

    Civil Liberties & Human RightsUK Bar

  • Adam Wagner is everywhere, challenging new legislation.

    Civil Liberties & Human RightsUK Bar

  • Adam is really impressive in his commitment to cases and he works incredibly efficiently.

    Administrative & Public LawUK Bar

Ranked Barristers at Doughty Street Chambers (226)

All Circuits

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