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England - London Bar
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International human rights and criminal law

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Doughty Street Chambers

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‘A set full of heavyweights in this field’, Doughty Street Chambers remain at the forefront of the largest and most complex international human rights and criminal cases, and members of the set regularly appear in front of an array of European and international courts and tribunals. The set’s international human rights specialists include Caoilfhionn Gallagher KC, who continues to act for the BBC World Service in appeals to the UN concerning harassment of journalists by the Iranian government; Amal Clooney, who is representing over eight hundred clients in Murad v Lafarge, a case in the US courts brought by Yazidis alleging that the cement company paid off and supplied concrete to Islamic State. Kirsty Brimelow KC, an ’excellent ambassador for the profession’, recently included acting as an independent observer to the trial in Colombia of Santiago Uribe Vélez - brother of former president Alvaro Uribe - who was acquitted on charges concerning his alleged membership of a paramilitary group. Aarif Abraham advised the Lithuanian government on a state referral to the ICC concerning actions Belarusian military and political leaders.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'The clerks are exceptional. Incredibly responsive and forthcoming.'
  • 'Doughty Street Chambers are the go-to set for human rights cases. they have a huge range of barristers who are top of their respective fields. The clerks are extremely responsive and provide a first-rate service.'
  • 'Chambers are excellent with a strong clerking team.'
  • 'Doughty Street Chambers is one of the best chambers in the world on human rights and international criminal law matters.'
  • 'It is the leading chambers for human rights. The barristers are top of their fields and support access to justice.'
  • 'Excellent. Doughty Street have stolen a march on the rest of the Bar in this area. They are unrivaled in the sheer quality, complexity and depth and both the legal and geopolitical significance of their work. They now justifiably have a near monopoly on the most significant work.'

Lawyers

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.

1
Steven Powles KC
‘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.’
2
Kirsty Brimelow KC
'Kirsty is an excellent advocate and committed to promoting the rights of those who are disadvantaged.'
2
Caoilfhionn Gallagher KC
‘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.’
2
Max du Plessis SC
‘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.’
3
Edward Fitzgerald KC
'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.'
3
Joe Middleton KC
'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.'
3
Tim Moloney KC
‘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.’

Leading Juniors

Leading juniors are those with significant experience of key cases, strong market recognition from both peers and clients, and are seen as future candidates for silk.

1
Jennifer Robinson
'Exceptional advocate, brilliant legal mind, has led important human rights achievements across a range of areas, focus on pro bono work, easy to work with, generous with her time to clients.'
1
Amal Clooney
'Amal is a very persuasive advocate for her clients, victims of human rights abuses and mass atrocities; the strength of her advocacy is well recognised. She is passionate for justice and human rights, and empathetic with her clients. Her standing compels the attention of not only of courts but also of governments, which is imperative in cases of human rights abuses committed by state authorities.'
1
Tatyana Eatwell
'Very creative at finding solutions to complex human rights issues, using the full range of international remedies.'
2
Aarif Abraham
'Among his many strengths is the ability to take complex legal issues and explain them to people who do not have a legal background but who need to understand the nuance and finer detail of international law.'
3
Peta-Louise Bagott
‘Excellent drafter, very responsive, easy to work with and a great team player.’
3
Harj Narulla
‘Harj is exceptional. His advocacy before the International Court of Justice is superb and he has a brilliant grasp of complex issues and how to explain them to a judge.’
3
Alex Tinsley
‘His strength is the outstanding quality of his work, the diligence he applies and the broad knowledge he has in particular in the human rights and extradition field.’