Civil Liberties & Human Rights
UK Bar Guide 2025 : London (Bar)
Band 3
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
(020) 7430 1221Chambers Review
Skilled at representing both defendants and claimants, Landmark Chambers' excellent barristers frequently appear in human rights cases pertaining to healthcare, immigration and asylum, voting rights, prisoners' rights and torture. Barristers from the set have appeared in both international and national courts. Recent highlights include appearances in the appeal surrounding the Home Secretary's 'Rwanda policy', and in the appeal of Shamima Begum's revocation of citizenship.
Ben Connor is a practice director at Landmark Chambers.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The clerks are always incredibly responsive and will move mountains to make things work."
"Friendly and accessible. It can be daunting approaching counsel for help and Landmark overcomes this with its down-to-earth, practical and accomplished approach."
"Landmark's clerks provide excellent customer service. They are friendly and helpful, and anticipate your needs."
"Really good service from the clerks – they were efficient and flexible. Jason Allen is the key clerk, who stood out to me."
"The clerks are always incredibly responsive and will move mountains to make things work."
"Friendly and accessible. It can be daunting approaching counsel for help and Landmark overcomes this with its down-to-earth, practical and accomplished approach."
"Landmark's clerks provide excellent customer service. They are friendly and helpful, and anticipate your needs."
"Really good service from the clerks – they were efficient and flexible. Jason Allen is the key clerk, who stood out to me."
Notable Practitioners
Richard Drabble KC is a highly knowledgeable practitioner with vast experience of appearing before all levels of UK courts and European judicial authorities. He is particularly well known for his appellate work and deep knowledge of international law. His recent experience spans social security law and issues of torture.
"Richard is really a legend."
David Blundell KC is a dynamic silk who has expertise across a broad range of human rights matters, including issues of national security. He regularly represents claimants as well as defendants and interested parties before all domestic courts as well as the European Court of Human Rights.
"David is incredibly fair-minded. A consummate barrister who has complete command of the law and far-reaching intellectual understanding."
Admas Habteslasie is a highly knowledgeable barrister who has a broad civil liberties and human rights practice in which he acts for claimants, defendants and interveners. His recent cases have involved issues relating to trafficking, asylum and nationality, and social welfare. Habteslasie is a member of the Attorney-General’s Public International Law C Panel.
"Adam has an incredible breadth of activity; he is one of the most versatile juniors."
"Adam does not get distracted; he cuts through to the key issues. He has wisdom beyond his years."
Tim Buley KC is a highly capable silk in the human rights and civil liberties field, who operates at every level of domestic court, with a particular focus on appellate work and judicial reviews. He frequently appears on behalf of central and local government, individuals and pressure groups. His human rights practice encompasses prisoners' rights, social welfare and immigration.
"Tim has an incredible range to his practice – he can turn his hand to any of the matters. He's got real comprehensive understanding of the law."
Alex Goodman KC operates a busy human rights practice, taking in many high-profile judicial reviews and appeals. He focuses on challenges to immigration policy, including detention and welfare issues such as 'no recourse to public funds'.
"Alex is at the forefront in developing a claimants' human rights team."
"Alex is a good advocate who produces excellent work. He has a very good eye for how to win cases."
Julia Smyth is an experienced human rights junior. She boasts deep expertise in representing government departments in matters arising from the European Convention of Human Rights.
"Julia is a subject matter expert. She is very thorough and incredibly clever."
"Julia Smyth is the most knowledgeable person in this complex area and is a pleasure to work with."
Ranked Barristers at
Landmark Chambers
Silks (KC)
London (Bar)
Juniors
London (Bar)