Sanctions

Maya Lester KC is the leading sanctions mind at the Bar, providing unparalleled expertise to companies and individuals on listing and relisting challenges, enforcement matters and related commercial litigation and arbitration. She has a superb command of EU and US sanctions regimes, including legal developments concerning US secondary sanctions.

"Maya is the undisputed queen of sanctions and EU competition law."

"Maya is probably the leading barrister in sanctions. Her knowledge of the subject across the whole spectrum is platinum class."

"Maya possesses extraordinary communication skills and is remarkably efficient in her drafting."

"What she doesn't know about sanctions isn't worth knowing. She's brilliant and makes complex areas accessible."

Jonathan Dawid is notably experienced in sanctions cases involving the banking and finance sectors. He is frequently called upon to advise on matters where commercial agreements may be affected by aspects of sanctions regimes.

"Jonathan uses his in-depth knowledge of banking law to get to the heart of the corporate transactions and entity structures that underpin sanctions questions."

"For the knotty stuff, I turn to Jonathan Dawid. He has an outstanding understanding of how business mechanics work."

"Jonathan is a go-to expert in his field. He's very knowledgeable and on top of the details."

"Jonathan is a very safe pair of hands."

Malcolm Birdling has extensive experience acting in challenges to designations and to the UK sanctions regime itself. Birdling has represented individuals, financial institutions and government departments in such matters.

"Malcolm is a hugely impressive advocate who's at the top of his game. He's brilliant in conferences; a real standout junior at the sanctions Bar."

"Malcolm is the new sanctions star - a real KC in the making."

Ali Al-Karim has a burgeoning sanctions practice, with particular interest in the UK and EU regimes. He draws on deep public law expertise to advise corporate clients, private individuals and government entities on the full gamut of sanctions law, including on Blocking Regulations. Alongside sanctions, Ali is gaining a reputation for proficiency in matters of public international law, EU investment law and international arbitration.

"Ali is a marvel who has a clear commercial mind and steers clients to solutions."

"I really enjoy working with Ali. He is extremely personable and takes the time to understand his clients' needs. Furthermore, his calm nature provides reassurance and instils confidence."

"Ali is not only knowledgeable but alsoextremely commercial.He crystallises the key conceptsand is able to produce practical solutions and present them to those less versed in the legislation."

"Ali's practice is soaring. He's intellectually just phenomenal. Clients love him!"

Fergus Randolph KC is recognised as a go-to counsel for sanctions-related instructions. He earns praise for his deep expertise in matters touching Russian sanctions, including the challenging of individual designations. In addition to his sanctions practice, Randolph advises on a broad range of practice areas, including competition, international trade law and commercial agency.

"Fergus is commercial and extremely knowledgeable. He's certainly a leader in his field."

"Fergus is very approachable and provides a fantastic level of service. He has strong commercial awareness and keeps this in mind while providing clear and decisive advice."

"Fergus provides excellent and always very timely advice. He combines his expertise with a very understanding and approachable manner."

Paul Wright is well reputed for his sanctions expertise. He advises a broad host of clients, including financial institutions, offshore entities and domestic private companies, on matters of enforcement, OFSI licensing and general compliance. He has experience advising on Russian, Belarusian, Iranian and Libyan sanctions.

"Paul Wright is excellent at the commercial corporate aspects of sanctions law."

"Paul is brilliant at the technical commercial and corporate advice relating to compliance. He's very good at dissecting corporate documents and putting them in simple terms. He's terrific."

Richard Blakeley KC acts in appeals against sanctions listings and associated damages claims, often representing banks. He has strong expertise in commercial matters relating to sanctions law.

"Richard performs extremely well on our matters. He is excellent at distilling issues down to their most important components and offers practical solutions to complex problems."

"Richard is a robust advocate. He takes difficult points and isn't afraid of them. He's courageous and effective in cross-examination and he has an incredible output in terms of work. He's formidable."