Civil Liberties & Human Rights

Jemima Stratford KC has cultivated a highly respected practice in the field of civil liberties and human rights. She regularly handles an array of high-profile, significant cases, covering areas such as the rights of pregnant workers, state immunity rules and torture allegations. She appears before employment tribunals, the High Court and the Supreme Court, as well as the European Court of Human Rights.

"Jemima is a first-rate lawyer. She is extremely dedicated and sharp, and completely reliable."

Jennifer MacLeod has a substantial civil liberties and human rights practice. She acts for a variety of NGOs, campaign groups and individuals. MacLeod's practice spans many areas, including violence against women, asylum and historic abuse, as well as data and privacy rights. She is regularly involved in claims made in domestic and international courts, including the European Court of Human Rights and UN treaty bodies.

"Jenny is an all-round brilliant barrister. She is on top of the case law and the facts, and is a brilliant advocate who holds her own in the most challenging circumstances."

"Jennifer is a first-class thinker and a fierce advocate."

"Jenny has huge versatility in her skill set. She drafts beautifully and brings forensic rigour to her work. She is a real team player."

"Jennifer is an extremely dedicated counsel. She makes novel points look attractive, and inspires confidence."

Malcolm Birdling is a respected barrister who is regularly called upon to appear before all levels of court in complex human rights cases. He is recognised for his in-depth knowledge of EU law and takes on work concerning false imprisonment, terrorism and complicated claims of torture and ill-treatment dating back to the 1950s. His practice is aided by his former experience as both an English solicitor and a member of the New Zealand Bar.

"Malcolm is a pleasure to be up against. He is both genial and pragmatic."

"Malcolm has good insight into how courts will approach cases."

Maya Lester KC routinely acts for both private and public respondents and applicants in human rights cases. She has vast experience of appearing before domestic and EU courts, and is particularly knowledgeable on the subject of EU sanctions. She fields further expertise in matters involving torture, religious freedom and freedom of speech.

"Maya has encyclopaedic knowledge."

"She is incredibly knowledgeable and I like working with her."

Paul Bowen KC is a distinguished practitioner who regularly handles both domestic and international human rights and public law claims. His broad-based expertise covers areas such as data protection, mental health and disability rights. He acts for claimants and defendants, including regulators, NGOs, private individuals and governments. He is a familiar face at the Supreme Court and the Privy Council.

"Paul is a very enjoyable person to work with. He is reliable and focused. A great advocate, who is extremely committed to his clients."

Marie Demetriou KC is an esteemed silk demonstrating core strength in areas of human rights such as political protest, immigration and torture. She is typically seen assisting claimants and intervenors, regularly representing the UNHCR in important asylum rights cases.

"She is an amazing advocate."

Victoria Wakefield KC is a go-to for government departments and other public bodies, as well as claimants in high-profile challenges. She maintains a respected practice covering complex matters at the intersection of public law and human rights.

"Victoria is sensible – she is a good and calm advocate."

"Victoria has an effective manner in court because she is so bright and effortlessly on top of her brief."

Emma Mockford has acted in cases before the Privy Council and the European Court of Human Rights. She has strong experience across a plethora of complex issues, including the applicability of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights.

"Emma's written work is extremely thorough. She deftly identifies key points in the case and ensures that submissions have maximum impact."

"Emma drafts beautifully. She is absolutely wonderful to work with, and has a sensational brain."

Yaaser Vanderman is an accomplished junior barrister with a strong human rights practice, often acting for the government. His experience encompasses the successful judicial review on the lack of funding for abortion services in Northern Ireland, and acting for the Health Secretary in the Gardner challenge concerning care home policy during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Yaaser is knowledgeable, talented and sharp. He has a great way of making complex arguments simple. A great advocate who has everything you want from someone fighting your corner."

"Yasser provided accessible and practical advice. He is client-focused and easy to work with."