Brian Kennelly KC
'Brian is very user friendly, articulate and engaging in his advocacy. He is very much in demand.'
Barristers at Blackstone Chambers have a strong record in sanctions disputes, acting for both UK government departments and private individuals subject to various sanctions regimes. Brian Kennelly KC is well versed in challenging designations under UK and EU sanctions regimes, having acted for former Ukrainian president Viktor Yanukovych in his successful appeal against his designation in the EU, while Jason Pobjoy KC, who took silk in 2025 and appeared for the FCDO in defending Eugene Shvidler’s Supreme Court appeal against his designation. Pobjoy KC is also instructed by the FCDO in an appeal by Dana Astra’s designation under the Belarus sanctions regime. Tom Leary appeared for the bank in Alfa Bank v SSFCDO, which brought a s. 38 SAMLA challenge to its designation.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Clerks at the chambers are very responsive and helpful.'
- 'The clerks' team is first class.'
- 'The clerking team at Blackstone is very good.'
- 'The clerking arrangements at Blackstone are first class.'
- 'Blackstone Chambers has established itself as a leading set for sanctions law, renowned for its depth of expertise across economic sanctions, export controls, and financial regulatory matters.'
- 'Very satisfied with the level of service provided by Blackstone Chambers.'
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.
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.
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.
Rising stars
Rising stars at the Bar are defined as barristers between four and eight years’ call who are seen as up-and-coming members of the Bar in their respective practice areas by clients and peers alike. They will already be instructed in high-profile, complex, and high-value contentious and non-contentious matters, working with and opposite more experienced leading counsel.