International human rights and criminal law
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.
Blinne Ní Ghrálaigh KC
Matrix Chambers
Steven Kay KC
9BR ChambersSteven Kay KC operates at a very high level, advising heads of state on issues of international importance. His confidence and experience come across like a statesman, whether in court or with the client.
Alison Macdonald KC
Essex Court ChambersAlison Macdonald has deep expertise in the fields of public international law, international human rights law, and international criminal law. She combines a sharp mind and technical brilliance with a clear, accessible, and engaging style of communication and advocacy. It is always a professional pleasure to work with her.
Timothy Otty KC
Blackstone Chambers
Max du Plessis SC
Doughty Street ChambersBrilliant lawyer in this field, works collegially and brings forensic legal skills and excellent clear drafting to written submissions; works effectively in emergency situations.
Steven Powles KC
Doughty Street ChambersSteven Powles KC is among the foremost practitioners in international criminal law. His expertise is exceptional, his judgment outstanding, and his advocacy consistently impressive.
He brings enormous credibility and authority to the most significant international matters because he has experience to draw upon that very few others do.
Rachel Barnes KC
Three Raymond BuildingsExtremely meticulous, thoughtful, and also inventive and strategic in progressing cases. One of the foremost practitioners in this highly specialised area of law.
Kirsty Brimelow KC
Doughty Street ChambersExcellent, intuitive.
Edward Fitzgerald KC
Doughty Street ChambersIn the fields of prison law and extradition, Edward has effectively written the law through his work on the European Court of Human Rights and the Caribbean.
Schona Jolly KC
CloistersSchona is an extraordinary and diligent advocate. Her ability to distill complex legal and scientific issues is impressive. She has a deep knowledge base on European human rights, particularly equality law. Her oral advocacy is crisp and compelling. She is a pleasure to work with.
Ben Juratowitch KC
Essex Court ChambersTechnically first-class, razor-sharp mind.
James McClelland KC
Brick Court ChambersIncredibly intelligent; has the ear of the court; thinks of every angle; adored by clients.
Joe Middleton KC
Doughty Street ChambersJoe Middleton KC is an exceptional advocate whose judgment, intellect, and strategic vision distinguish him from his peers. He is masterful in complex human rights litigation and consistently delivers the highest quality advice that is both innovative and pragmatic.
Jemima Stratford KC
Brick Court ChambersInternational law requires encyclopedic knowledge and tactics. Jemima has both.
Lord Verdirame KC
Twenty Essex2025 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.
2026 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.
Malcolm Birdling KC
Brick Court Chambers
Amy Sander KC
Essex Court ChambersAmy demonstrated a strong understanding of international human rights law, providing a comprehensive analysis of the strengths and opportunities for each legal mechanism. She not only gave a description of the legal mechanisms available but also provided key case studies to illustrate how a certain mechanism has been utilized by other civil society stakeholders to pursue access to justice.
Philippa Webb KC
Twenty EssexI consider Philippa to be the best in class, at the very top of her field. She is brilliant, a subject matter expert, and deeply collaborative in her approach. She gets my top recommendation.