Leila Ghahhary

Practice Areas

Called to the bars of England & Wales and Ontario, Leila is a highly regarded international barrister with two decades of experience in public, regulatory, international and human rights law. She is consistently ranked by major professional guides as a leading top tier barrister and outstanding advocate, recognized for her commanding and authoritative presence in court and depth of expertise in complex legal matters.

Leila brings deep public law expertise to any case; she represents government departments, corporate entities, individuals and public organisations before courts, tribunals and constitutional panels across multiple jurisdictions, legal areas and high-stakes disputes, where she provides legal advice and representation at the highest levels.

Leila has a distinguished reputation in public inquiries and inquests, and routinely acts in large-scale, complex, high-profile matters of national significance. She is described in the leading legal publications as a ‘go to counsel’ in this field. In addition to her extensive public inquiry and inquests practice, Leila’s work spans the full spectrum of public law and includes advising on the drafting of legislation, public consultation processes, and policy development; supporting and advising on decision making, acting in litigation brought by and against government, public, professional disciplinary and regulatory bodies, in judicial review, statutory appeals, and in administrative hearings before constitutional panels.

The leading legal directories describe her as:

"A formidable advocate whose brilliance and sophistication sets her apart. Leila is an elegant, engaging advocate who has a commanding presence in court."

“A highly skilled advocate and has a commanding presence in court. She’s always thoroughly well prepared.”

"Bright, thorough, meticulous and highly engaging.”

"Compelling and impressive on her feet, always meticulously prepared and provides her clients with utmost confidence."

“A highly skilled advocate who presents well-reasoned arguments, captures the attention of the tribunal and always considers the bigger picture. She is meticulous in terms of approach and a fantastic team-player who will take on board the views of others.”

“Incredibly approachable and communicative, and it is very easy to develop a positive working relationship with her. She is brilliant on her feet and has a commanding presence in court.”

Leila has been appointed onto several elite UK legal panels, including:

• The Attorney General’s Panel of Counsel

• The Panel of Specialist Advocates in Health and Safety and Environmental Law

• The Equality and Human Rights Commission Panel of Counsel

Leila’s public law practice currently includes acting as Counsel for the UK Government’s Cabinet Office, No.10 Downing Street and His Majesty’s Treasury in the UK Covid-19 Public Inquiry, and recently as Counsel to Canada’s Foreign Interference Inquiry. Further, she has recently acted for the Equality and Human Rights Commission in relation to matters concerning the UK Supreme Court’s judgement in the Scottish Women’s Case.

Leila has previously acted in the following major public inquiries: The Manchester Arena Inquiry as Counsel to several of the bereaved families; Counsel to the Gosport Independent Panel; Counsel to UK Information Commissioner on matters relating to UK data protection law arising from the Northern Ireland Renewable Heat Incentive Inquiry (the ‘Cash for ash’ scandal); and Counsel for the Assistant Chief Constable of West Midlands Police in the Hillsborough Inquests.

In addition, Leila has extensive experience of acting in large complex regulatory cases. Notably, she was part of the prosecution team in the largest ever UK trading standards case against a group of UK energy companies and directors, in which she, along with other members of the prosecution team, received high praise from the trial judge for their management and conduct of this especially complex, voluminous and challenging case.

Leila’s international practice encompasses European law, public international law and international human rights. Her work has involved matters concerning ICJ proceedings, universal jurisdiction, atrocity crimes and acting as the Senior Legal Advisor to an international NGO.

Leila completed her second Master of Laws at Columbia University in New York City, graduating with Kent Scholar status and having been awarded the Parker School Certificate of Achievement in International and Comparative Law. Leila’s scholarship was focused on Public International Law, Global Governance, and International Human Rights. Leila also served as an editor for the Columbia Human Rights Law Review and Board Member for the Columbia Society of International Law. Leila was also selected to undertake a leadership in law programme and an Externship with UN Women during which she spent time working at UN Headquarters New York on peace and security matters relating to UN Women’s role on the Security Council. Leila also undertakes pro bono projects with international law and human rights organisations based in the UK, Canada, and USA. Leila’s thesis for her first Master of Laws focused on Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights, the Protection of Freedoms Bill, data protection laws and the State’s use of surveillance.

Leila is a founding partner of Ghahhary Thomas LLP (Canada) and is a member of Lincoln House Chambers (UK).

Expert in these Jurisdictions

Called to the Bar of England & Wales

Called to the Ontario Bar

Awards