Civil Liberties & Human Rights

Lisa Giovannetti KC is a highly esteemed barrister offering expert advice on asylum, immigration and national security matters. She is regularly sought out by public authorities, government bodies and individual claimants, often appearing on their behalf before the Supreme Court and the European Court of Human Rights. She has recently been involved in decisions requiring the Secretary of State to allow unaccompanied asylum-seeking minors in other EU member states entry into the UK.

"Lisa combines an intellectual ability with a real personal and human touch."

"Her ability to cut through the noise and present complex arguments in a clear, structured manner is impeccable."

"Lisa is a dream silk. Her advocacy style is thorough, personable, compelling and attractive.She prepares like I've never seen before, putting her client first."

Jenni Richards KC is a respected human rights silk who routinely acts for both claimants and defendants. She demonstrates great skill across a number of areas, including local government, prison law and community care. She has additional capability in matters stemming from mental health and education law. She regularly appears at the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court, and is lead counsel to the Infected Blood Inquiry.

"Jenni is a go-to for advice and advocacy in significant cases."

James Strachan KC is well versed in the arena of civil liberties and human rights, and makes frequent appearances in the European Court of Human Rights. He regularly contributes to high-profile cases centring on complex issues, such as the Secretary of State’s approach to detaining asylum seekers who claim to be minors but appear to be adults. He has significant experience in a variety of different areas, including mental health, immigration and national security matters.

"James is very capable and bright. He's a pleasure to be against."

"His advocacy and intellect are constantly praised."

Victoria Butler-Cole KC focuses her practice on health and social care-related violations of human rights. She regularly handles significant damages claims and is highly regarded for her skilful handling of complex judicial review proceedings. She is on the A Panel of the Equality and Human Rights Commission and is routinely instructed by the commission as intervener.

"Victoria is at the top of my list, especially for cases involving the interplay between civil liberties and the court of protection. She has a real clarity in the way she thinks about cases."

Andrew Deakin focuses his human rights practice on advising government in connection with national security-related cases, as well as matters involving human trafficking, asylum and prisons. He is appointed to the Attorney General’s A Panel.

"Andrew has an amazing eye for detail."

"Andrew is very bright and utterly dependable. His drafting is of the highest quality."

Catherine Dobson is a highly skilled public law and human rights barrister who frequently acts in complex cases involving a broad variety of issues. She has been instructed in matters concerning the COVID-19 regulations, and environmental law.

"Catherine is one of the cleverest juniors I have come across."

Katherine Apps KC impresses as a standout barrister with notable expertise in civil liberties and human rights law. She is particularly well-versed in equality and discrimination matters. She regularly appears before domestic and international courts at all levels, and is on the Attorney General’s A Panel of Counsel and the EHRC’s B Panel.

"Katherine manages to combine a range of disciplines, which means she manages to be superlative in all of the overlapping fields. It gives her an edge over other barristers."

"Katherine is a great public lawyer. She is amazing across the board, with a really incisive mind. She gets to the knub of issues and instinctively understands what the client wants."

Katherine Barnes is acclaimed for her dedication to human rights law. She regularly handles complex judicial reviews, as well as damages claims, and she represents both commercial clients and legally aided individuals.

"Katherine can turn her mind to variety of complex issues. She always goes above and beyond."

Nicola Kohn is a strong choice of barrister for a comprehensive range of human rights cases, including those involving Article 2, and those crossing over with Court of Protection law and concerning capacity to consent.

"Her research and written submissions are fantastic."

"She is a very robust advocate. She is very thorough, very responsive and great to work with. She is very good on the papers and tenacious in getting the right outcome for your client."

Rory Dunlop KC represents government in sensitive immigration, asylum and deportation challenges, typically those involving national security matters. He has been notably active in human rights challenges concerning the deprivation of British citizenship.

"Rory is well prepared, strategic and pleasant to deal with, even under a great amount of pressure."

"Rory does difficult human rights cases with charm and intellect."

Scarlett Milligan is an up-and-coming junior barrister, who represents both claimants and governments bodies in cases focused on racial discrimination, prisons and trafficking. She is routinely instructed by the Secretary of State for Justice and is on the Attorney General’s B Panel of Counsel.

"Scarlett is exceptionally impressive and unbelievably hard-working."

"Her written work is meticulously researched and practical on every level. She is always on top of the most recent case law in the given area, and she demonstrates experience beyond her call."

Vikram Sachdeva KC is well versed in complex human rights matters pertaining to medical law. He regularly appears on behalf of local authorities or private individuals in high-profile human rights challenges, including a recent Supreme Court case concerning the capacity to consent to sex.

"Vikram is exceptionally good in the human rights claims that intersect with medical cases."

"Vikram comes up with pragmatic, sensible responses in heated situations."

Stephanie David is often instructed to pursue claims under the European Convention of Human Rights and the Human Rights Act 1998. Her work addresses issues of anti-abortion protests, withdrawal of life-saving treatment and consent related to surrogacy agreements.

"Stephanie is a practical barrister. She is very thorough and does high-quality work."

Steve Broach KC is a discrimination and disability rights specialist who regularly appears in high-profile human rights challenges in the Supreme Court. Many of his cases arise in an educational context, and he often represents vulnerable children and local authorities.

"Steve's knowledge of the law related to disabled children and adults is very strong. He is confident in the advice he gives."

"Steve is skilled at cases regarding disability discrimination in education."

"He is extremely detailed."