Band 1
Band 1
Band 2
Band 4
About
Provided by Alison Macdonald KC
Practice Areas
Alison has an extensive practice in public international law, arbitration, human rights and criminal law, in both domestic and international courts and tribunals. She is described in the legal directories as “one of the smartest, most charming advocates at the Bar”, with “killer litigation instincts”, and as “an intellectual giant” who “works incredibly hard [and] is very cool under pressure”. Clients consider her to be “a superstar”; a “brilliant oral advocate who performs exceptionally well before the most prestigious international courts and arbitral tribunals”, and “the consummate professional”. As well as her legal skills, she is “adored by clients”, “very responsive”, and “a true team player”.
Early in her career, Alison was named as one of the ‘Future Stars of the Bar’ by The Times (2008); on appointment as Queen’s Counsel in 2017 she was selected as a ‘star silk’ by The Lawyer. In 1999 she was elected a fellow of All Souls College, Oxford. Alison is recommended in the leading UK legal directories in six areas: (1) public international law; (2) international arbitration; (3) international human rights law; (4) civil liberties and human rights; (5) administrative and public law; and (6) business and regulatory crime. She is also listed in Chambers Global as a leading silk in the field of public international law, is named in Who’s Who Legal: Arbitration as a leader in the field of international arbitration, and in 2022 was nominated as Public International Law Silk of the Year at the Legal 500 Bar Awards.
Chambers Review
UK Bar
Alison Macdonald KC is a well-regarded silk known for her work in complex civil liberties matters, including significant judicial review proceedings concerning human rights and criminal law. She often handles major investigations as part of her flourishing public law practice. She has recently acted in death penalty cases across various international jurisdictions, and has worked in a highly novel claim brought by a group of Portuguese children concerning the international response to the climate crisis.
Alison Macdonald KC has extensive experience operating across criminal, commercial and international law, acting as both adviser and advocate. She regularly represents states in ICSID arbitrations, and has considerable experience in the Law of the Sea and international criminal law.
Alison Macdonald KC is a well-regarded silk known for her work in complex civil liberties matters, including significant judicial review proceedings concerning human rights and criminal law. She often handles major investigations as part of her flourishing public law practice. She has recently acted in death penalty cases across various international jurisdictions, and has worked in a highly novel claim brought by a group of Portuguese children concerning the international response to the climate crisis.
Alison Macdonald KC receives global acclaim for her top-end public international law and investment treaty disputes practice. She is sought after by both sovereign state parties and investors alike. She has notable expertise advising on ICSID proceedings, with a particular knowledge of BIT claims.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Alison is a force to be reckoned with. She is extremely impressive and experienced."
"Alison is a very effective advocate before the International Court of Justice and a consummate team player."
"Alison is masterful with a tribunal; I have never seen anyone build rapport in the same way. Death by a thousand pinpricks is her style - it's impressive to watch her lure experts into her lair."
"Alison is brilliantly clever, masterful at drafting and a very compelling advocate."
"Alison is brilliantly clever and masterful at drafting. She is one of the most compelling advocates I have come across in my career."
"Alison Macdonald KC is an extremely clever, analytical, forensic and measured advocate. She reads the tribunal really well and doesn't get riled up."
"Alison Macdonald KC is a delight to work with. She's super knowledgeable about public international law and extremely friendly."
"Alison is a force to be reckoned with. She is extremely impressive and experienced."
"Alison is a very effective advocate before the International Court of Justice and a consummate team player."
"Alison is masterful with a tribunal; I have never seen anyone build rapport in the same way. Death by a thousand pinpricks is her style - it's impressive to watch her lure experts into her lair."
"Alison is brilliantly clever, masterful at drafting and a very compelling advocate."
"Alison is brilliantly clever and masterful at drafting. She is one of the most compelling advocates I have come across in my career."
"Alison Macdonald KC is an extremely clever, analytical, forensic and measured advocate. She reads the tribunal really well and doesn't get riled up."
"Alison Macdonald KC is a delight to work with. She's super knowledgeable about public international law and extremely friendly."
Discover other Barristers at
Essex Court Chambers
Silks (KC)
All Circuits
London (Bar)
