Civil Liberties & Human Rights

Gráinne Mellon is commended for her expertise in cases involving children and vulnerable adults. She is particularly noted for her work in judicial reviews and in Human Rights Act damages claims. She is also a vice-chair of the Bar Human Rights Committee. In the international arena, Mellon has acted in high-profile cases such as Binder v Greece, concerning the prosecution of a search and rescue volunteer, and has worked on human rights law training projects in various jurisdictions.

"Gráinne is a good drafter and extremely personable."

"She's prompt and sensible in her advice. I really like her style and her approach to work."

"Gráinne can break down information and reassure clients. She is the perfect person to have on a complicated case."

Stephanie Harrison KC is a dynamic silk with a varied practice, who demonstrates prowess in misconduct, discrimination, minority rights and unlawful detention matters. She is noted for her work on national security and terrorism cases, including those concerning deportation and TPIM. She fields additional expertise in international human rights law, and is knowledgeable in all matters involving the ECHR.

"Stephanie is my favourite barrister to work with. Her depth of knowledge in immigration and human rights law is unique. She has an ability to get straight to the heart of legal issues."

Amanda Weston KC is a distinguished silk who is regularly called on to handle complex judicial review proceedings and significant immigration cases. She is an established presence in the human rights sphere, regularly appearing before domestic and European courts, including the Special Immigration Appeals Commission. She has particular capability in unlawful detention claims.

"Amanda is extremely bright. Her grasp of the law is impressive – she has it at her fingertips. She has just the right balance of aggression and charm."

Leslie Thomas KC lends his civil liberties and human rights expertise to vulnerable clients, routinely handling sensitive matters that involve claims against the police. He is an expert in Article 2 inquiries and is adept at handling public law challenges as well as judicial reviews of the powers of public bodies.

"Leslie is somebody you want in your corner."

Una Morris is a well-regarded barrister, specialising in human rights claims against the State. Known for her far-reaching expertise, she is well versed on the ECHR and the Human Rights Act, often taking on inquests and judicial reviews. She has particular experience in handling claims involving prisons and other detention centres.

"Her advice is clear and thorough."

"Una is an incredibly intelligent, considered and compassionate barrister. I am impressed with Una’s passion, knowledge and awareness of social inequalities and societal power imbalances."

"Una has been extremely approachable and helpful, often at short notice. She has provided pragmatic ways forward and is always looking for solutions."

Marc Willers KC is a versatile silk with a varied civil liberties and human rights practice, including a particular focus on claims brought by Gypsies, Roma and Travellers. His work in the field dovetails with his practice in planning and environmental law.

"Marc is a fantastic lawyer to work with. He is knowledgeable and is an inspiring lawyer to be on the team with."

"He is a very considered advocate who researches well. He never lets his ego get in the way of giving the best recommendation, which demonstrates his humility and strength."

Nicola Braganza KC is a committed claimant-side barrister notable for her human rights expertise pertaining to discrimination cases as well as immigration detention and trafficking claims. She appears before all levels of court as well as before immigration and employment tribunals.

"Nicola is a real advocate for her clients and a genuine empath."

Stephen Clark is a knowledgeable and intellectual barrister who has expertise across a range of practice areas, including actions against the State, inquests, prison law, and immigration and asylum. He acts for bereaved families and individual claimants.

"Stephen is detailed and knowledgeable, and good at technical areas of law. He is very widely liked by solicitors and is highly knowledgeable."

Stephen Simblet KC is regularly called upon to provide expert assistance in human rights claims brought against the police. He is also singled out for his adept representation of bereaved families in matters concerning psychiatric detention and custody deaths. He is noted for his strong judicial review practice and regularly appears at the High Court and the Court of Appeal.

"Stephen is an advocate with three brains. His knowledge of the law is unrivalled, and he has an uncanny ability to snatch victory at the last moment, having identified apparently obscure case law."

Timothy Baldwin is a well-rounded junior, skilled in representing claimants and appellants. He is noted for challenging decisions made by the local authorities and Mental health Tribunal. Timothy is often instructed to defend traveller and migrant rights.

"Timothy is a very impressive and intelligent barrister. He is thorough on his feet and liked by traveller clients."