Civil Liberties & Human Rights

Tom Cross often appears unled in key civil liberties and human rights cases. His broad practice encompasses prison law, complex judicial reviews and significant claims for damages, with a particular focus on religious expression. He acts for both claimants and defendants, including individuals, regulatory bodies and the UK and Welsh governments.

"Tom inspires great confidence. He is precise, detailed and a great technical lawyer."

"Tom rolls up his sleeves and gets fully engaged in the intricate facts and details. His entire approach is strategic, from the beginning to the end, helping to build a focused case."

"Tom is one of the leading human rights juniors at the Bar. He is a powerhouse in litigation and developing human rights arguments."

"He is fab. He's really good, and provides clear and robust opinions, without being unnecessarily abrasive. He is very clear and concise, and inspires great confidence."

Christopher Knight is a well-regarded barrister whose broad civil liberties and human rights practice is enhanced by his complementary expertise in administrative and public law, data protection and EU law. He has been involved in important constitutional law cases in addition to challenges to the government's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Chris comes up with creative and pragmatic solutions to problems in human rights proceedings. He is skilled at understanding the perspective of both government and commercial claimants."

"Christopher drafts beautifully and his analysis is stunning."

Jason Coppel KC tackles a broad array of cutting-edge human rights work, both in the British courts and in the ECtHR. Since taking silk, his practice has shifted towards claimant-side instructions; he represents NGOs and individuals in challenges to amendments of the Ministerial Code and in issues of jurisdiction, construction and human rights law relating to NHS contracts.

"Jason has cemented himself as a leading human rights silk."

"Jason is on top of every piece of paper and every authority."

"Jason Coppel has a laser beam focus. He has excellent judgement and good instincts."

"Jason is always available and easy to deal with as a solicitor and as a client. He is very thorough and is able to distill complex patterns very quickly."

Philippe Sands KC in an experienced International Human Rights silk. He is noted for his skill in claims before the European Court of Human Rights and the International Court of Justice.

"Philippe is one of the members of the bar who is able to talk clearly about the law."

"He is eminent in this field."

Joanne Clement KC is highly regarded for her adroit representation of both claimant and defendant clients, often in landmark human rights cases. Her comprehensive offering covers areas such as privacy rights, religious freedoms and deaths in detention. She is increasingly recognised for her work in deprivation of liberty cases.

"Joanne provides exceptional advocacy for her clients. She takes time to understand clients and thinks strategically to advance their objectives and interests."

"Joanne is tenacious on her feet. She is very pragmatic and grounded in the real world."

Aileen McColgan KC has a strong human rights practice, taking in issues of gender identity, equality, privacy and a host of other issues.

"Aileen is a specialist in equality law and provided excellent, timely and practical advice on complicated issues."

"She has a deep understanding of the subject matter and relevant law."

Cecilia Ivimy is an experienced civil liberties and human rights barrister whose clients include central government, local authorities and public sector unions. Her recent cases have included matters relating to exit payment regulations, COVID travel restrictions and government guidance in relation to care homes. Cecilia is a member of the Attorney General’s A Panel.

"Cecilia is excellent in her client communication; she is always approachable."

"Very helpful and always available to assist when needed."

"Cecilia has deep knowledge of human rights and equality law. She is incredibly quick to grasp a point and her advocacy is clear, precise and very responsive to judges."

Hannah Slarks is an experienced junior with a broad civil liberties practice. She has a particular specialism in handling discrimination and freedom of expression claims.

"Hannah provided invaluable support and advice on a highly complex claim. We could not have done it without her guidance and support."

"Hannah is a decisive adviser. She gives clear and succinct advice quickly."

"Hannah is completely brilliant. She is careful and thoughtful, knows the law very well, and is very good on her feet; she is a very skillful cross-examiner."

Ruth Kennedy has gained in prominence in the human rights sphere and is experienced in a variety of cases, including those touching on environmental and equality law.

"Ruth is brilliant at taking responsibility for the case; she has real self-confidence and great judgement."

Stephen Kosmin has acted in numerous important judicial reviews and other challenges concerning human rights issues, such as privacy and access to welfare.

"Stephen is a fantastic litigator. He is an incredibly smart and diligent lawyer."