Band 2
Band 4
Band 4
Band 4
Spotlight
About
Provided by Aileen McColgan KC
Practice Areas
Aileen’s core practice is in public and human rights law, education and employment law. She also practises in election and information law and is particularly interested in work relating to discrimination/ equality, higher education and human rights (particularly freedom of expression) in relation to which she regularly advises universities. Aileen has recently been involved in a number of cases concerning the balance between rights relating to gender reassignment and religion/ belief, including gender critical beliefs, and between opposing beliefs including those related to Zionism/ anti-Zionism. Aileen has extensive experience in investigations including in the legal and financial services sectors, higher education, media organisations and government. She is Honorary Legal counsel to the IPPF.
Career
Aileen was called in 2001 having been appointed Professor of Human Rights Law at King’s College London, where she maintained a role until 2019. She took silk in 2020.
Professional Memberships
ALBA
DLA
ELBA
HRLA
ILS
Publications
Aileen has written numerous books and articles on a wide range of legal topics including all of the areas mentioned above and is an internationally recognised expert on human rights and equality/ discrimination law.
Personal
Aileen grew up in Northern Ireland and attended Cambridge and Edinburgh universities.
Chambers Review
UK Bar
Aileen McColgan KC has an established practice focussing on special educational needs proceedings, equality law claims, and important topical socio-political matters within education. She acts for both claimants and defendants, including prominent universities and local authorities. Advisory work represents a significant part of her practice, and she has considerable experience in advising and chairing disciplinary and other panels.
Aileen McColgan KC is a highly respected silk with impressive depth of knowledge in discrimination law. She is regularly instructed in cases concerning workplace and education discrimination, within a wider public law practice. Recent mandates include acting in judicial review proceedings for clients in the education and arts sectors.
Aileen McColgan KC has a strong human rights practice, taking in issues of gender identity, equality, privacy and a host of other issues.
Aileen McColgan KC focuses on discrimination and equality issues, while maintaining an interest in the wider area of employment law as a practising academic. She has extensive experience handling complex holiday pay and restrictive covenant issues, appearing before the Employment Appeal Tribunal and the High Court for both employers and employees.
Aileen McColgan KC of 11KBW is regularly engaged by public and private sector clients to investigate matters of great sensitivity. She has strong experience leading investigations in corporate and education contexts.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Aileen has expert knowledge and understanding of education law. She brings a calmness to litigation and is very approachable."
"Aileen understands the organisation and how we work. Her advice is to the point, clear and she comes up with good solutions for the problems we face."
"Aileen's oral advocacy is excellent."
"Aileen McColgan is a brilliant analyst of the immediate issues in the case and very approachable and understanding of her clients' priorities."
"Aileen is exactly what you want for a KC to put in front of your client because she has that air of gravitas."
"Aileen McColgan is phenomenal and works very collaboratively. She is good at explaining things and shows real passion in her work."
"Aileen is knowledgeable, experienced and instils confidence. She gives clear technical advice and is solutions-orientated."
"Aileen is a specialist in equality law and provided excellent, timely and practical advice on complicated issues."
"She has a deep understanding of the subject matter and relevant law."
"Aileen communicates extremely clearly and manages witnesses very carefully."
"Aileen has expert knowledge and understanding of education law. She brings a calmness to litigation and is very approachable."
"Aileen understands the organisation and how we work. Her advice is to the point, clear and she comes up with good solutions for the problems we face."
"Aileen's oral advocacy is excellent."
"Aileen McColgan is a brilliant analyst of the immediate issues in the case and very approachable and understanding of her clients' priorities."
"Aileen is exactly what you want for a KC to put in front of your client because she has that air of gravitas."
"Aileen McColgan is phenomenal and works very collaboratively. She is good at explaining things and shows real passion in her work."
"Aileen is knowledgeable, experienced and instils confidence. She gives clear technical advice and is solutions-orientated."
"Aileen is a specialist in equality law and provided excellent, timely and practical advice on complicated issues."
"She has a deep understanding of the subject matter and relevant law."
"Aileen communicates extremely clearly and manages witnesses very carefully."
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London (Bar)
