Blackstone Chambers is lauded as 'incontrovertibly the stand out public law chambers in the country' and 'packed with talent from top to bottom'. In a landmark case arising out of the Covid-19 pandemic, Naina Patel represented a claimant in R (JCWI) v President of the UT (IAC), resulting in a declaration of unlawfulness of the COVID-19 guidance of the President of the Upper Tribunal of the Immigration and Asylum Chamber, by which the norm of oral error of law appeal hearings was replaced with a default of paper determinations. In another significant hearing, Charlotte Kilroy QC was instructed by the Public Law Project to represent Medical Justice before the Court of Appeal in Medical Justice v Home Secretary, finding that the Home Office’s ‘no-notice’ removals policy, a policy under which around 40,000 removals had been effected between 2015 and 2019, was ultra vires. James Eadie QC continues to be the first port of call for the government in his role of Treasury Devil.
Civil liberties and human rights (including actions against the police) in
London BarBlackstone Chambers
Testimonials
Set
‘Blackstone is an exceptional chambers with talent that represents both government and claimant lawyers.’
‘Undoubtedly one of, if not the, public law sets in London. You can instruct any one of their barristers with the complete confidence that you have one of the best public law practitioners available.’
‘Chambers are excellent, with probably the most talented pool of public lawyers at the bar and members suitable for and capable of representing the most diverse range of clients.’
Clerking
‘The quality of the clerks’ room is second to none. Nothing has ever been too much trouble. The clerks are all excellent – always meeting all of our needs and always available. Gary Oliver and Danny Compton deserve particular mention.’
‘Clerks room under Gary Oliver – who is a straightforward and totally reliable clerk who says it exactly as it is – are very good indeed.’
‘Very helpful and prompt, technically able.’
Doughty Street Chambers
Doughty Street Chambers is the ‘foremost set for civil liberties, public and international law‘ and ‘boasts astonishing strength in depth‘. The set has a growing claimant side police law practice, which has been bolstered by the arrival of Maya Sikand QC and the appointment of new silks, Adam Straw QC and Jamie Burton QC. Nicholas Bowen QC is ‘highly capable and not afraid to challenge the status quo‘, and regularly acts in appellate cases in actions against the police and public authorities. In Chief Constable of West Yorkshire Police v. Dyer, Straw represented the family of Andrew Hall, a man who died after being restrained by police in custody, in a successful High Court judicial review challenge to the Coroner’s decision that all police officers giving evidence in the case would be hidden from the public by screens. Caoilfhionn Gallagher QC is representing the Equality and Human Rights Commission in R (AB) v Secretary of State for Justice and the Youth Justice Board, a case concerning the compliance of solitary confinement of children in Young Offender Institutions with Article 3 ECHR’s ban on inhuman and degrading treatment. Elsewhere, Edward Fitzgerald QC is representing the claimants in Day v The Government of the Cayman Islands, a challenge to the unavailability of same-sex marriage in the British Overseas Territory under its constitution. In March 2021 Graham Denholm joined from Landmark Chambers.
Testimonials
Set
‘Doughty Street Chambers is full of excellent barristers practising in public law and criminal law. They put on excellent training and send round interesting legal updates.’
‘Doughty Street, rightly, have a leading reputation in civil rights/human rights on the claimant side.’
‘They are a strong set with a lot of strength in depth. I have instructed various silks, senior juniors as well as junior juniors. Even the junior juniors have been very impressive. They are often involved in leading cases and have great knowledge across the entire set.’
‘Doughty Street Chambers is the ‘go to’ set for actions against the police. They have an abundance of talent in this field and their expertise is second to none.’
Clerking
‘Extremely efficient clerks.’
‘Sian Wilkins is wonderfully responsive and provides an excellent all round service.’
‘Callum Stebbing is a star; astute, helpful and guaranteed to go the extra mile.’
‘Luke Christmas is personable, knowledgeable and effective. My go to when I need to a solution to a problem.’
Matrix Chambers
Matrix Chambers is considered ‘a leader in many areas relating to civil liberties and human rights.’ In Howard v SSHD, Phillippa Kaufmann QC successfully brought a challenge on behalf of a man who moved to the United Kingdom as part of the Windrush generation, which concerned the legislation governing naturalisation on the ground that it discriminates against the Windrush group by failing to disapply the good character requirement in their cases. Elsewhere, Richard Hermer QC and Edward Craven are representing the claimant in Abu Zubaydah v Home Office and Foreign & Commonwealth Office, concerning a civil claim for damages brought by a Guantanamo Bay inmate against MI5 and MI6, who he alleges were complicit in him being tortured and abducted by the CIA. Aidan O’Neill QC, a dual silk in England and Scotland, garners praise for his ‘unparalleled knowledge of the area’.
Testimonials
Set
‘Matrix has an excellent reputation and there are a number of very good senior barristers and silks. You know where you are with Matrix and are never disappointed with the representation.’
‘This is an excellent set.’
‘Matrix is my “go to” chambers; they are brilliant.’
‘A strong set for civil liberties and human rights litigation, particularly in police actions, immigration, the environment and for mass tort litigation.’
‘All the barristers are fiercely bright, and extremely down to earth.’
Clerking
‘Fantastic clerk room – Alison Scanes is brilliant. They will provide realistic turnaround times and sensible fee notes.’
‘Simon Gardner in particular is very good. Resourceful and a problem solver.’
39 Essex Chambers
39 Essex Chambers is ‘a proficient and excellent set‘, with particular strength in defendant work, however the set has a growing claimant-side practice. Key areas of instruction include protection of right to life and medical treatment, immigration and human rights, right to property and children’s rights. Katherine Apps represented United the Union in a judicial review of North Yorkshire Police’s declaration that picketing as part of industrial action was not “work purposes” under the second round of coronavirus regulations, making it an offence to leave one’s home without “reasonable excuse”. A number of members of the set have expertise in acting as special advocates in closed material proceedings, with Lisa Giovannetti QC particularly notable for her government-side work in national security cases.
Testimonials
Set
‘The best on public law, mental health, discrimination. Measured, consistently brilliant and committed.’
’39 Essex are amongst our go to choice of chambers. They have good clerks and breadth across the public law landscape.’
’39 Essex has a real depth of excellent barristers which makes instructing them a no-brainer. They are very much on top of their game when it comes to providing training.’
‘Easily the top set in mental capacity cases.’
Clerking
‘The clerks are brilliant. They genuinely understand the work the barristers do and, importantly, that the instructing solicitors do. Because of this they have good relationships with instructing solicitors who trust their judgment, meaning the very capable juniors get exposure to new and good quality work.’
‘A great set and great clerks, especially Hannah Milne.’
‘Very good, in particular Peter Campbell.’
Garden Court Chambers
Garden Court Chambers ‘is excellent, with a well deserved reputation‘ in complex constitutional and high profile administrative, human rights-related public and private law cases. Leslie Thomas QC represented the directors of a private hospital in a malicious prosecution case against Norfolk Constabulary, as part of a broad practice representing those litigating against police forces. Henry Blaxland QC‘s expertise in this space crosses over with his expertise in criminal trials and appeals, and Marc Willers QC is noted for his established track record in handling cases concerning Gypsy and Traveller communities.
Testimonials
Set
‘Garden Court Chambers has a wide selection of extremely competent barristers, who are extremely passionate and approachable. The chambers offers free training on legal developments, and is often involved in cutting edge litigation within the field.’
‘They are a strong set with a lot of strength in depth. I have instructed various silks, senior juniors as well as junior juniors. Even the junior juniors have been very impressive. They are often involved in leading cases and have great knowledge across the entire set.’
‘Garden Court Chambers are my go-to for experienced counsel in all areas of immigration and asylum law. The chambers is deservingly highly regarded in the sector for its expertise and quality representation.’
Clerking
‘Garden Court Chambers clerks are professional, responsive and accommodating of the variety of requests that come their way in the course of legal representation. They are an absolute joy to deal with.’
‘Emma Nash is excellent. She is very responsive, friendly and always tries to help.’
‘Tim Hempstead is absolutely brilliant. Responds to emails quickly and resolves issues efficiently.’
‘Sam Carter is an asset.’
11KBW
11KBW ‘are able to take on any human rights issue and do it with panache‘, with notable strengths in immigration, social care and mental health matters. Jason Coppel QC represented the claimant founder of the Brexit Party in Banks v HMRC, who alleges that the lack of inheritance tax exemption on minor political parties was discriminatory under the European Convention on Human Rights. Tom Cross was leading counsel for the claimant in Phillimore v College of Policing, a case concerning a police policy of recording “non-crime hate incidents”. Alongside claimant work, multiple members of chambers are active in government work for national and local authorities.
Testimonials
Set
’11KBW are able to take on any human rights issue and do it with panache. They have top rate barristers at all levels of call.’
’11 KBW is right at the top of the game for employment and public law.’
’11KBW are a go to set for public law and discrimination issues. I have been continually impressed by the quality of counsel and their analysis.’
Clerking
‘Lucy Barbet and Mark Dann are brilliant.’
‘Excellent service from Tom Street, again a pleasure to work with.’
‘Chris Smith is extremely helpful.’
Brick Court Chambers
Brick Court Chambers handles the full gamut of EU law, public law and human rights cases at all levels of the domestic and international courts. The team is particularly well-versed in handling claimant work. Paul Bowen QC represented the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants in a judicial review concerning its failure to produce diversity statistics for the EU Settlement Scheme, while Maya Lester QC is representing a number of British residents in a race discrimination claim against Metrobank, which is alleged to have racially discriminated against customers with familial connections to Iran by suspending their accounts without notices or explanation.
Testimonials
Set
‘Solid choice for commercial human rights cases.’
‘Superb across all levels for commercial, competition and public law.’
Clerking
‘The clerks were very helpful (particularly Luke Carvalho), and they never promised something they could not deliver.’
‘Very strong clerk team’
Landmark Chambers
Landmark Chambers has a well balanced claimant, defendant and intervener practice, and is active on nationally significant and high profile civil liberties and human right cases. David Blundell QC defended a challenge to the Secretary of State’s decision to establish an ex gratia scheme to assist Syrians displaced in the Middle East, but excluding other nationalities previously resident in Syria (such as Palestinians), in R (Turani) v. Secretary of State for the Home Department, which was brought by Palestinian refugee claimants formally resident in Syria, and displaced to Jordan, citing unlawful discrimination. In R (W (A Child)) v Secretary of State for the Home Department (Project 17 intervening) [2020] 1 W.L.R. 4428, Alex Goodman acted for the successful claimant contending that the Home Office policy imposing “no recourse to public funds” was incompatible with article 3 ECHR and the common law ‘law of humanity’. Tim Buley QC has expertise in acting as a special advocate. In March 2021 Graham Denholm moved to Doughty Street Chambers.
Testimonials
Set
‘I would not hesitate to work with Landmark again.’
‘Fiercely intelligent approach to cases, able to keep sight of the bigger picture and offer pragmatic and realistic advice.’
Clerking
‘Engaged directly with Richard Bolton, who has provided a prompt and effective service in respect of fees and other matters.’
Monckton Chambers
Monckton Chambers is particularly adept at handling cases with an overlap of commercial, regulatory litigation and human rights, and the protection of commercial interests through international human rights proceedings. In the Supreme Court, Ian Wise QC acted for the claimants in R(Z) v Hackney LBC and Agudas Israel Housing Association, a case concerning positive discrimination in the provision of housing specifically adapted for the use of Orthodox Jews. Eric Metcalfe successfully represented the government in R (Michael) v Governor of HMP Whitemoor, concerning a convicted murderer who argued that his right to a fair trial was impeded by his presence at a civil case by video link.
Blackstone Chambers
Testimonials
Set
‘Blackstone is an exceptional chambers with talent that represents both government and claimant lawyers.’
‘Undoubtedly one of, if not the, public law sets in London. You can instruct any one of their barristers with the complete confidence that you have one of the best public law practitioners available.’
‘Chambers are excellent, with probably the most talented pool of public lawyers at the bar and members suitable for and capable of representing the most diverse range of clients.’
Clerking
‘The quality of the clerks’ room is second to none. Nothing has ever been too much trouble. The clerks are all excellent – always meeting all of our needs and always available. Gary Oliver and Danny Compton deserve particular mention.’
‘Clerks room under Gary Oliver – who is a straightforward and totally reliable clerk who says it exactly as it is – are very good indeed.’
‘Very helpful and prompt, technically able.’
Doughty Street Chambers
Doughty Street Chambers is the ‘foremost set for civil liberties, public and international law‘ and ‘boasts astonishing strength in depth‘. The set has a growing claimant side police law practice, which has been bolstered by the arrival of Maya Sikand QC and the appointment of new silks, Adam Straw QC and Jamie Burton QC. Nicholas Bowen QC is ‘highly capable and not afraid to challenge the status quo‘, and regularly acts in appellate cases in actions against the police and public authorities. In Chief Constable of West Yorkshire Police v. Dyer, Straw represented the family of Andrew Hall, a man who died after being restrained by police in custody, in a successful High Court judicial review challenge to the Coroner’s decision that all police officers giving evidence in the case would be hidden from the public by screens. Caoilfhionn Gallagher QC is representing the Equality and Human Rights Commission in R (AB) v Secretary of State for Justice and the Youth Justice Board, a case concerning the compliance of solitary confinement of children in Young Offender Institutions with Article 3 ECHR’s ban on inhuman and degrading treatment. Elsewhere, Edward Fitzgerald QC is representing the claimants in Day v The Government of the Cayman Islands, a challenge to the unavailability of same-sex marriage in the British Overseas Territory under its constitution. In March 2021 Graham Denholm joined from Landmark Chambers.
Testimonials
Set
‘Doughty Street Chambers is full of excellent barristers practising in public law and criminal law. They put on excellent training and send round interesting legal updates.’
‘Doughty Street, rightly, have a leading reputation in civil rights/human rights on the claimant side.’
‘They are a strong set with a lot of strength in depth. I have instructed various silks, senior juniors as well as junior juniors. Even the junior juniors have been very impressive. They are often involved in leading cases and have great knowledge across the entire set.’
‘Doughty Street Chambers is the ‘go to’ set for actions against the police. They have an abundance of talent in this field and their expertise is second to none.’
Clerking
‘Extremely efficient clerks.’
‘Sian Wilkins is wonderfully responsive and provides an excellent all round service.’
‘Callum Stebbing is a star; astute, helpful and guaranteed to go the extra mile.’
‘Luke Christmas is personable, knowledgeable and effective. My go to when I need to a solution to a problem.’
Matrix Chambers
Matrix Chambers is considered ‘a leader in many areas relating to civil liberties and human rights.’ In Howard v SSHD, Phillippa Kaufmann QC successfully brought a challenge on behalf of a man who moved to the United Kingdom as part of the Windrush generation, which concerned the legislation governing naturalisation on the ground that it discriminates against the Windrush group by failing to disapply the good character requirement in their cases. Elsewhere, Richard Hermer QC and Edward Craven are representing the claimant in Abu Zubaydah v Home Office and Foreign & Commonwealth Office, concerning a civil claim for damages brought by a Guantanamo Bay inmate against MI5 and MI6, who he alleges were complicit in him being tortured and abducted by the CIA. Aidan O’Neill QC, a dual silk in England and Scotland, garners praise for his ‘unparalleled knowledge of the area’.
Testimonials
Set
‘Matrix has an excellent reputation and there are a number of very good senior barristers and silks. You know where you are with Matrix and are never disappointed with the representation.’
‘This is an excellent set.’
‘Matrix is my “go to” chambers; they are brilliant.’
‘A strong set for civil liberties and human rights litigation, particularly in police actions, immigration, the environment and for mass tort litigation.’
‘All the barristers are fiercely bright, and extremely down to earth.’
Clerking
‘Fantastic clerk room – Alison Scanes is brilliant. They will provide realistic turnaround times and sensible fee notes.’
‘Simon Gardner in particular is very good. Resourceful and a problem solver.’
39 Essex Chambers
39 Essex Chambers is ‘a proficient and excellent set‘, with particular strength in defendant work, however the set has a growing claimant-side practice. Key areas of instruction include protection of right to life and medical treatment, immigration and human rights, right to property and children’s rights. Katherine Apps represented United the Union in a judicial review of North Yorkshire Police’s declaration that picketing as part of industrial action was not “work purposes” under the second round of coronavirus regulations, making it an offence to leave one’s home without “reasonable excuse”. A number of members of the set have expertise in acting as special advocates in closed material proceedings, with Lisa Giovannetti QC particularly notable for her government-side work in national security cases.
Testimonials
Set
‘The best on public law, mental health, discrimination. Measured, consistently brilliant and committed.’
’39 Essex are amongst our go to choice of chambers. They have good clerks and breadth across the public law landscape.’
’39 Essex has a real depth of excellent barristers which makes instructing them a no-brainer. They are very much on top of their game when it comes to providing training.’
‘Easily the top set in mental capacity cases.’
Clerking
‘The clerks are brilliant. They genuinely understand the work the barristers do and, importantly, that the instructing solicitors do. Because of this they have good relationships with instructing solicitors who trust their judgment, meaning the very capable juniors get exposure to new and good quality work.’
‘A great set and great clerks, especially Hannah Milne.’
‘Very good, in particular Peter Campbell.’
Garden Court Chambers
Garden Court Chambers ‘is excellent, with a well deserved reputation‘ in complex constitutional and high profile administrative, human rights-related public and private law cases. Leslie Thomas QC represented the directors of a private hospital in a malicious prosecution case against Norfolk Constabulary, as part of a broad practice representing those litigating against police forces. Henry Blaxland QC‘s expertise in this space crosses over with his expertise in criminal trials and appeals, and Marc Willers QC is noted for his established track record in handling cases concerning Gypsy and Traveller communities.
Testimonials
Set
‘Garden Court Chambers has a wide selection of extremely competent barristers, who are extremely passionate and approachable. The chambers offers free training on legal developments, and is often involved in cutting edge litigation within the field.’
‘They are a strong set with a lot of strength in depth. I have instructed various silks, senior juniors as well as junior juniors. Even the junior juniors have been very impressive. They are often involved in leading cases and have great knowledge across the entire set.’
‘Garden Court Chambers are my go-to for experienced counsel in all areas of immigration and asylum law. The chambers is deservingly highly regarded in the sector for its expertise and quality representation.’
Clerking
‘Garden Court Chambers clerks are professional, responsive and accommodating of the variety of requests that come their way in the course of legal representation. They are an absolute joy to deal with.’
‘Emma Nash is excellent. She is very responsive, friendly and always tries to help.’
‘Tim Hempstead is absolutely brilliant. Responds to emails quickly and resolves issues efficiently.’
‘Sam Carter is an asset.’
11KBW
11KBW ‘are able to take on any human rights issue and do it with panache‘, with notable strengths in immigration, social care and mental health matters. Jason Coppel QC represented the claimant founder of the Brexit Party in Banks v HMRC, who alleges that the lack of inheritance tax exemption on minor political parties was discriminatory under the European Convention on Human Rights. Tom Cross was leading counsel for the claimant in Phillimore v College of Policing, a case concerning a police policy of recording “non-crime hate incidents”. Alongside claimant work, multiple members of chambers are active in government work for national and local authorities.
Testimonials
Set
’11KBW are able to take on any human rights issue and do it with panache. They have top rate barristers at all levels of call.’
’11 KBW is right at the top of the game for employment and public law.’
’11KBW are a go to set for public law and discrimination issues. I have been continually impressed by the quality of counsel and their analysis.’
Clerking
‘Lucy Barbet and Mark Dann are brilliant.’
‘Excellent service from Tom Street, again a pleasure to work with.’
‘Chris Smith is extremely helpful.’
Brick Court Chambers
Brick Court Chambers handles the full gamut of EU law, public law and human rights cases at all levels of the domestic and international courts. The team is particularly well-versed in handling claimant work. Paul Bowen QC represented the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants in a judicial review concerning its failure to produce diversity statistics for the EU Settlement Scheme, while Maya Lester QC is representing a number of British residents in a race discrimination claim against Metrobank, which is alleged to have racially discriminated against customers with familial connections to Iran by suspending their accounts without notices or explanation.
Testimonials
Set
‘Solid choice for commercial human rights cases.’
‘Superb across all levels for commercial, competition and public law.’
Clerking
‘The clerks were very helpful (particularly Luke Carvalho), and they never promised something they could not deliver.’
‘Very strong clerk team’
Landmark Chambers
Landmark Chambers has a well balanced claimant, defendant and intervener practice, and is active on nationally significant and high profile civil liberties and human right cases. David Blundell QC defended a challenge to the Secretary of State’s decision to establish an ex gratia scheme to assist Syrians displaced in the Middle East, but excluding other nationalities previously resident in Syria (such as Palestinians), in R (Turani) v. Secretary of State for the Home Department, which was brought by Palestinian refugee claimants formally resident in Syria, and displaced to Jordan, citing unlawful discrimination. In R (W (A Child)) v Secretary of State for the Home Department (Project 17 intervening) [2020] 1 W.L.R. 4428, Alex Goodman acted for the successful claimant contending that the Home Office policy imposing “no recourse to public funds” was incompatible with article 3 ECHR and the common law ‘law of humanity’. Tim Buley QC has expertise in acting as a special advocate. In March 2021 Graham Denholm moved to Doughty Street Chambers.
Testimonials
Set
‘I would not hesitate to work with Landmark again.’
‘Fiercely intelligent approach to cases, able to keep sight of the bigger picture and offer pragmatic and realistic advice.’
Clerking
‘Engaged directly with Richard Bolton, who has provided a prompt and effective service in respect of fees and other matters.’
Monckton Chambers
Monckton Chambers is particularly adept at handling cases with an overlap of commercial, regulatory litigation and human rights, and the protection of commercial interests through international human rights proceedings. In the Supreme Court, Ian Wise QC acted for the claimants in R(Z) v Hackney LBC and Agudas Israel Housing Association, a case concerning positive discrimination in the provision of housing specifically adapted for the use of Orthodox Jews. Eric Metcalfe successfully represented the government in R (Michael) v Governor of HMP Whitemoor, concerning a convicted murderer who argued that his right to a fair trial was impeded by his presence at a civil case by video link.