International human rights and criminal law

Leading Silks
2025 Silks

Leading Silks

KCs at the very top of their field, with a long-established record of market-defining cases, and widespread endorsement from clients and peers. All silks appointed in the last two rounds are listed further below.

Rodney Dixon KC

Temple Garden Chambers

'No matter the size of the case, he has the capacity to master huge amounts of material and extract the key issues in a case incredibly quicky. Rodney’s oral submissions are compelling; he knows the law and he brings a visible wealth of experience to the courtroom. Judges respect and trust him. He is a particularly talented cross examiner, with the ability to get exactly what he wants from a witness. He has an incredible eye for detail and his written submissions are always excellent.'

Steven Kay KC

'Steven brings a wealth of experience and is able to meld knowledge of the law with very practical advice that is tailored to often very complex needs of clients, whether organisations, companies or Governments.'

Alison Macdonald KC

Essex Court Chambers

‘Alison has deep expertise in the area of international human rights and criminal law. She has a strategic and practical approach, communicates with great clarity, and is highly accessible, personable and professional. She is a compelling and powerful advocate to have in your corner.’

Timothy Otty KC

Blackstone Chambers

Steven Powles KC

Doughty Street Chambers

‘Steven is one of the most eminent practitioners before the International Criminal Court and is an excellent advocate. He is robust and persuasive yet not confrontational or aggressive in ways that are often detrimental to the interests of a client. He is very reliable.’

Blinne Ní Ghrálaigh KC

Matrix Chambers

'One of the most accomplished, hardest working, super strategic but also bold and brave advocates of her generation - utterly brilliant written work and advocacy. There are not enough superlatives to describe her work.'

Kirsty Brimelow KC

Doughty Street Chambers

'Kirsty is an excellent advocate and committed to promoting the rights of those who are disadvantaged.'

Caoilfhionn Gallagher KC

Doughty Street Chambers

‘She has become better with every passing year so that she is now considered among lawyers as a force of nature capable of taking over and controlling every narrative. Genuinely humane, Caoilfhionn is however unforgiving of those who abuse their powers.’

Schona Jolly KC

'Pro-active, collegiate and savvy. A pleasure to work with, start to finish. Gets the results.'

James McClelland KC

Brick Court Chambers

Max du Plessis SC

Doughty Street Chambers

‘Max is an accomplished and eloquent advocate who argues most persuasively. He is a thorough researcher who presents his written submissions both clearly and convincingly. He relates well to clients.’

Edward Fitzgerald KC

Doughty Street Chambers

'You simply cannot attain a higher status than him. A master class to watch. Internationally recognised. An exceptional international human rights lawyer, with deep expertise in treaty law, international conventions, and comparative constitutional principles. Combines academic rigour with practical litigation experience across a wide range of human rights issues.'

Ben Juratowitch KC

Essex Court Chambers

‘He has excellent attention to detail while also handling the general strategy of the case. His ability to relay details of law in a concise manner is second to none.’

Rachel Barnes KC

Three Raymond Buildings

'A very incisive, extremely able and thoughtful barrister who is one of the top specialist counsel in this field, able to address complex issues and advise clients in clear terms.' \n \n

Lord Verdirame KC

Joe Middleton KC

Doughty Street Chambers

'Joe's commitment to pro bono work on behalf of individuals facing the death penalty is unrivalled. He is able to translate extremely complex and sensitive issues into powerful written submissions that are accessible to the court, clients and respective legal teams. His written advocacy is powerful and compelling and his knowledge of comparative international law and constitutional law stands him above many others in the field.'

Tim Moloney KC

Doughty Street Chambers

‘Tim is an exceptional criminal barrister, with truly formidable experience and an excellent strategic mind. He combines an expert knowledge of the law with nous and pragmatism. He is an absolute delight to work with, relentless in his work ethic and tireless in his commitment to the client.’

Jemima Stratford KC

Brick Court Chambers

2025 Silks

KCs at the very top of their field, with a long-established record of market-defining cases, and widespread endorsement from clients and peers. All silks appointed in the last two rounds are listed further below.

Edward Craven KC

Matrix Chambers

‘His work rate is phenomenal. Everything Edward produces is first class. He is a remarkable lawyer.’

L500 | International human rights and criminal law in London Bar | Law firm and lawyer rankings from Legal 500 International human rights and criminal law guide | Silks