Claire Darwin KC

A go-to silk for heavyweight employment and discrimination litigation, Claire Darwin KC is recognised for her expertise across equal pay, TUPE, whistleblowing, pensions discrimination and industrial relations, complemented by a strong public law and education practice. Recent highlights include acting as lead counsel for Merrill Lynch/Bank of America in a widely reported sex and age discrimination trial (ET, 2025); representing the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in the Court of Appeal re immunity in overlapping employment and personal injury claims (CA, 2025); intervening for Protect in Sullivan v Isle of Wight Council on whistleblowing protection for job applicants (CA, 2025); and acting for UCL in High Court multiparty litigation arising from pandemic and industrial action disruption (KB, ongoing). Other notable work includes successfully defending the Kuwait Investment Authority in a high-profile whistleblowing claim (ET, 2024) and representing BBC presenters, including Martine Croxall, in equal pay litigation before the EAT. The Directories describe her as “a highly impressive advocate and a class act,” with “exemplary written and oral advocacy”; “excellent with clients,” who “handles really tricky legal issues well” and is “a true part of the team.” Claire is ranked as a Leading Silk across multiple practice areas and was shortlisted for Employment Silk of the Year (Legal 500, 2024) and Public Services & Charities Silk of the Year (2023).

Called 2005; Silk 2023; Irish Bar 2018. Appointments include Recorder (2023); Attorney General’s A Panel (2017-2023); Special Advocate

(2018); Equality and Human Rights Commission Panel (2024-2028 and previous panels).