Protest Law | UK Bar

Doughty Street Chambers is "distinguished by its deep legal knowledge, particularly in human rights law and public interest litigation" and is highly regarded as a go-to set for protest cases. The set's barristers are routinely instructed in high-profile judicial reviews concerning the right to protest and challenges to injunctions preventing occupation. The team is also lauded for its expert representation of protesters in criminal proceedings. Recent standout cases handled by the set include Cuciurean v UK, an appeal to the ECtHR following a Court of Appeal decision concerning committal for contempt over the breach of a civil injunction relating to HS2 protest activity, and R (Graham Smith) v Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis concerning the lawfulness of the arrest of an anti-monarchist at the coronation of King Charles III.

Sian Wilkins is the senior civil clerk.

Garden Court Chambers has "cultivated a justified reputation in protest law with a deep bench of counsel covering all possible aspects". The set's barristers are well versed in the representation of protesters in both civil and criminal litigation and are routinely involved in high-profile cases arising from major protests. The team is regularly called upon to handle complex challenges to injunctions preventing occupations, and offers significant expertise in the criminal defence of protesters charged with trespass and breaches of public orders. Recent work includes acting for protesters in R v Aarons & Ors, which is the prosecution of pro-Palestine activists accused of causing criminal damage at an arms factory supplying Israel.

Colin Cook leads the clerking team as director of clerking.

Landmark Chambers has a strong practice in protest law, with members "undoubted market leaders" in injunctions work. Its tenants have notable expertise in Persons Unknown cases across a range of contexts including student and environmental protests. The set's expertise in property and public law informs its ability to represent protesters as well as claimant organisations. A recent case for the set is WM Morrison Supermarkets v Persons Unknown, concerning an application on behalf of the supermarket chain for an urgent precautionary injunction against obstruction of multiple regional distribution centres.

Ben Connor and Mark Ball lead Landmark Chambers as practice directors.

Matrix Chambers "consistently lives up to its reputation for exceptional barristers" and is well regarded for its handling of both civil and criminal matters involving protesters. Areas of expertise for the team include challenges to injunctions to prevent occupations, challenges to police powers and the criminal defence of protesters facing prosecution. Matrix's barristers are regularly instructed in high-profile and leading cases, including representing Phoebe Plummer, one of the protesters who threw soup on Van Gogh's Sunflowers.

Paul Venables is senior practice manager.