Sanctions
UK Bar Guide 2025 : All Circuits
Band 1
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
(020) 7583 1770Chambers Review
Blackstone Chambers is recognised as one of the leading sets internationally for sanctions law, praised for its "deep bench of sanctions experience." The barristers frequently appear on the highest-profile mandates, advising on designation challenges, compliance and follow-on damages claims. Clients of the set include the UK government, private individuals, financial institutions and commercial corporations. Alongside sanctions, Blackstone Chambers is lauded for its esteemed public law practice. The barristers draw on this broader expertise to adeptly assist their clients. Notably, this year team members took on key roles in the Mazepin v Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs designation challenge.
Gary Oliver is the senior clerk, but will be succeeded in 2025 by Derek Sutton and Adam Sloane.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Blackstone Chambers is one of the best-run chambers we work with. A true smooth machine. The clerking is absolutely fantastic."
"Blackstone Chambers is one of the best-run chambers we work with. A true smooth machine. The clerking is absolutely fantastic."
Notable Practitioners
Jason Pobjoy predominantly represents private individuals in challenges to sanctions and asset freezing, and also assists state-owned companies with appeals against sanctions listings and relistings. He is noted for his skill in tackling the interpretation of sanctions and handling circumvention claims.
"Jason is the leading junior at the Bar on both sanctions and matters of wider public law. He is at the top of his game."
"Jason is first class for sanctions matters. He has a capacity for work unlike any other, as well as charm, accuracy and skill."
"Jason Pobjoy is exceptionally bright in sanctions, yet practical too. He's the go-to junior at the Bar for this work."
"Jason is a marvel to watch in court. Whenever there is a case of national interest, he's in there somewhere."
"Jason is simply excellent and my main port of call for sanctions questions. He is very responsive and provides clear, concise and client-friendly advice."
Brian Kennelly KC is highly regarded by corporate clients and private individuals, whom he regularly assists with challenges to sanctions and asset freezing. He is an expert on the interpretation of sanctions law and attempts to circumvent sanctions.
"Brian is one of the leading sanctions lawyers in Europe. He's incredibly clever, low-key and very responsive."
"Brian is brilliant in court and down to earth. He's an excellent member and leader of the team."
"Brian is just immense. He will go into battle with you. His clients are visibly relaxed when he gives them advice. He's always available and always level-headed,"
"Brian understands what clients want to achieve straight away, and brings to his commercial analysis a really strong practical understanding of how sanctions law and public law operates."
Isabel Buchanan has a wealth of experience in sanctions-related matters, on which she advises and represents an impressive client list including investment funds and international banks.
"Isabel is excellent in all her areas of practice. She's really hard-working, really clever and really good to work with."
Timothy Otty KC is praised for his representation of financial sector clients and private individuals in judicial review and other challenges to EU sanctions decisions. He also assists clients with follow-on damages claims before the UK courts.
"If you want significant intellectual firepower, Tim is one of the people to choose. He's a real thinker and an excellent, measured advocate."
"Tim is willing to take a view and give a good indication on what the position should be, even if the law isn't clear. He's very impressive."