Profile
Position
Catherine has a diverse practice spanning public international law, international arbitration, commercial law and public law. She joins Chambers from private practice where she acted as counsel in public international law and international arbitration.
In respect of her public international law practice, Catherine is regularly instructed in cases before the International Court of Justice, the European Court of Human Rights, UN bodies and English courts on matters involving questions of public international law. She has extensive experience across a wide range of areas, including: State responsibility; the law of treaties; territorial and maritime disputes; immunities and privileges of States and international organisations; international human rights law including self-determination; international humanitarian law; international criminal law; climate change; international environmental law; the law of the sea; the law of international organisations; and the arms trade.
Having recently moved her practice to the bar, Catherine is looking forward to developing her English commercial practice. Her experience to date has involved matters before the County Court, High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court relating to commercial disputes and anti-suit injunctions.
Career
- Barrister, 2024 – present
- Counsel in public international law and international arbitration, 2018-2024
- Teaching Assistant, University of Cambridge, LLM, 2019-2023
- Associate, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer (Paris), 2016-2018
- Consultant in public international law, 2015
- Trainee, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer (Paris), 2014
- Judicial Associate, Queensland Court of Appeal, President McMurdo, 2013
- Intern (Chambers), International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (Arusha, Tanzania), 2012
Education
- University of Cambridge, LLM (Class I), 2015
- University of Queensland (Australia), LLB/BA (Honours), 2012
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Clerks room is great– always had a good experience with 3VB clerks. Harry Freeman is particularly excellent. Very accommodating and has a very good grasp of what clients need.'
- 'The clerks’ room at 3 Verulam Buildings provides a reliable and efficient service, with clear communication throughout. Harry Freeman, in particular, is helpful and he handles queries promptly.'
- 'Stuart Pullum is very accommodating.'
- 'The junior clerks have been quick and responsive. They were able to get solid information from the court ahead of time, and have an inside line to all things listing, judges and courts.'
- '3VB has an impressive depth of bench in this area with most members being highly proficient and visible in this area.'
- '3VB is an excellent set. Good selection of Counsel at all levels, with first rate reputations. Set has a genuine focus on equity, with Counsel from diverse backgrounds which brings depth to the practice.'
- 'The set as a whole is outstanding in international arbitration. It is home to some of the most accomplished practitioners in the field and offers genuine strength across all levels of seniority. The clerks are proactive, commercially aware, and consistently helpful, making the overall experience of working with the set both smooth and efficient.'
- 'The set is outstanding in every respect, remarkable strength in depth, consistently high-calibre counsel, and a well-earned reputation for excellence in complex commercial and international disputes. Their availability, responsiveness, and commitment to training and development further reinforce their position as a leading chambers.'