Ranked in 4 Practice Areas
2

Band 2

Education

London (Bar)

14 Years Ranked

3

Band 3

Pensions

London (Bar)

2 Years Ranked

3

Band 3

Industrial Relations

All Circuits

1 Years Ranked

4

Band 4

Employment

London (Bar)

16 Years Ranked

About

Provided by Claire Darwin KC

UK Bar

Practice Areas

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).

Career

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).

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

UK Bar

Education - London (Bar)

2
Band 2
Individual Editorial

Claire Darwin KC is an expert in education and equality law and is highly active in judicial reviews and private claims brought against schools and universities. She has acted for numerous institutions as well as the Department for Education, in matters concerning tuition, admissions and employment.


Pensions - London (Bar)

3
Band 3
Individual Editorial

Claire Darwin KC of Matrix Chambers has a very strong practice that sees her working often in pensions cases involving claims of discrimination. She acts for a variety of clients including employers and individuals and is frequently instructed by the Pensions Regulator.


Industrial Relations - All Circuits

3
Band 3
Individual Editorial

Claire Darwin KC is a silk who is well known for her industrial relations practice. She typically acts for employers, but also represents employees. Darwin has experience of notable trade union disputes. She is also active in the Court of Appeal and Employment Appeal Tribunal.


Employment - London (Bar)

4
Band 4
Individual Editorial

Claire Darwin KC is a highly experienced employment barrister who has an extensive practice encompassing equal pay, worker status, industrial relations and discrimination claims. She frequently appears before the EAT and appeal courts, and offers notable expertise in various employment law issues affecting large public sector organisations and government departments.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

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