Retour United Kingdom - The Bar

Leading Silks

Charles Ciumei KCEssex Court Chambers 'Charles' preparing and revising of merits opinions is highly technically specific and he is relentlessly accurate in his advice.' 
Catrin Evans KCMatrix Chambers 'Strategic, insightful and a cool head; Catrin is a real pleasure to work with.'
Gerry Facenna KCMonckton Chambers ‘A heavyweight and star in information rights. Gerry is formidably clever, a fantastic advocate and a pleasure to work with or against.'
Julian Milford KC – 11KBW 'Expert, client friendly, phenomenally clever and hard working. A perfect combination in a data barrister .'
Timothy Pitt-Payne KC11KBW ‘Timothy is exceptionally knowledgeable about data protection law. He has a very strong intellect, is an excellent advocate and has fantastic client skills.'
Anya Proops KC11KBW ‘The leading data protection silk. Anya is a superb advocate.’
Antony White KCMatrix Chambers ‘Antony is pre-eminent in his area, and is the go-to KC if clients want the best there is. He has a towering intellect, which he combines with an effortless ability to make complex matters seem simple. On top of that, he is a pleasure to work with - highly engaged, responsive, and popular with clients.'
Estelle Dehon KC – Cornerstone Barristers ‘She is superb, intellectually brilliant, and also a great person. Estelle can handle incredible workloads, is always reliable and extremely pleasant to work with. She is also a powerful advocate when it comes to the right of the public to know, which makes her fantastic on FOIA cases.’
Rory Dunlop KC39 Essex Chambers ‘Rory is an impressive advocate who quickly identifies the most relevant issues and analyses them thoroughly. As a result, tribunals trust his judgement, making him an effective advocate.’
Kate Gallafent KCBlackstone Chambers ‘Kate's technical and strategic mind is second to none. She is able to analyze complex legal and factual information, before cutting to the heart of the matter quickly and effectively. Her advocacy work is first rate and her ability to translate complex legal issues into easily understandable form for a client is especially impressive.'
Ben Jaffey KCBlackstone ChambersBen is the biggest legal brain in any room and the first person to go to in a legal crisis. His advocacy is a master-class.’ 
Sara Mansoori KC – Matrix Chambers ‘Sara is our go-to KC for data protection work. She is ferociously intelligent, extraordinarily hard working and highly collaborative. Her advocacy is first class. Despite only being made up a few years ago, she is already in the top tier of media barristers.’
Andrew Sharland KC – 11KBW 'Andrew is a robust and clear advocate, who fights for his clients and secures brilliant results. A leading silk in his practice areas.'
Victoria Wakefield KCBrick Court ChambersVictoria is an all-round star of the data protection Bar. She has huge expertise in the underlying legal framework and is able to draw on her wide expertise in other areas of law to augment her data protection advocacy. Her written submissions are always crystal clear and extremely powerful.’ 

Leading Juniors

Edward CravenMatrix Chambers ‘A brilliant mind and a real pleasure to work with.'
David Glen11KBW ‘Very responsive, easy to work with and good practical experience of data protection law. Definitely a leader in the burgeoning information law field.'
Robin Hopkins11KBW ‘Robin is one of the strongest senior juniors in the market for data protection and technology work. He is extremely knowledgeable in his area, smart and highly articulate - both in written and oral advocacy. On top of that, he is very user-friendly and responsive.’
Christopher Knight11KBW ‘Christopher is the standout data protection practitioner at the Bar. He combines an encyclopaedic knowledge of an increasingly complex are of law with sharp intellect and a brilliant strategic approach.’  
Hannah Ready11KBW ‘Hannah is one of the few senior juniors with technical knowledge and practical experience in litigating both data protection and traditional media disputes. This breadth of knowledge means she is a go-to barrister for complex information law disputes.
Ben SilverstoneMatrix Chambers ‘Academic excellence, ability to simplify the most complex issues for the benefit of the client, legal team and the court. The words encyclopedic knowledge are perhaps over-used but they certainly apply to Ben. What he doesn’t know is not worth knowing. ’
Julian Blake11KBW ‘Julian continues to demonstrate skilled and determined advocacy in a long-running information law instruction, across multiple hearings. He is smart, thinks on his feet and is able to react quickly, thoughtfully and sharply to points arising during hearings.'
Heather Emmerson11KBW ‘Heather is a highly accomplished and approachable barrister, who has demonstrated extensive knowledge in the field of data protection law.’
Stephen Kosmin – 11KBW ‘Stephen is intellectually rigorous and very easy to work with.’
Zac Sammour11KBWHe’s excellent and very user-friendly. Clever, thoughtful and hardworking. A go-to junior for data protection.’
Jonathan Scherbel-Ball5RB ‘Jonathan's written and advocacy skills are excellent in equal measure - he is brilliant with clients and gets on top of his brief in seconds. Extremely capable and a pleasure to work with.'
Leo Davidson11KBWLeo is an absolute expert in all areas of information law, but particularly in FOIA queries and actions. Clients can rely on him to cut through the vagaries of this area of the law and navigate the tribunal deftly.’ 
John FitzsimonsCornerstone BarristersJohn has no weaknesses. His advice is clear and to the point and his advocacy in court is excellent.’
Nikolaus GrubeckMonckton ChambersNikolaus offers good practical analysis and attention to detail.’
Ian HelmeMatrix Chambers 'Forensic approach to legal argument. Lovely drafting skills and an even better advocate.' 
Raphael Hogarth – 11KBW ‘Raphael is extremely knowledgeable on data protection issues, responsive and easy to work with.
Daniel Isenberg  – 11KBW ‘Daniel has a fearsome intellect. He grasps the facts quickly and soaks up information. His written work is very impressive.’
Ravi MehtaBlackstone Chambers ‘Very hard working and intellectually strong. Ravi is a great drafter, good with clients and easy to work with.’
Eric MetcalfeMonckton Chambers ‘Eric's knowledge of data protection law is extremely impressive - he is by far the leading expert in this field. He is a pleasure to work with and always takes the time to chat through any complex issues.’
David Mitchell – 39 Essex Chambers ‘David is an exceptional barrister. He really fights his client's corner and his submissions are delivered brilliantly.’
Claire OvermanDoughty Street Chambers ‘Claire is one of the best juniors in this field; she is very bright, reliable and has excellent judgement and an unflappable temperament.’
Jamie Susskind11KBWJamie is a barrister of extraordinary talent. He has the ability to understand complex matters at high speed, anatomically dissect and reassemble them effortlessly and present them all with an ease and charm that is unique. His oratory is both powerful and compelling.’ 
Katherine Taunton – 11KBW ‘Katherine is a brilliant talent. She has a fine eye for detail, and excellent judgment as to which points are likely to make the difference. Her written advocacy is always compelling.’
Jacob Turner  - Fountain Court Chambers  'Jacob is one of the leading barristers in the area of Artificial Intelligence - he is a true expert in this emerging and important field. He has excellent client skills.'
Alex Ustych  – 5 Essex Chambers ‘Alex is fantastic and has great expertise and knowledge in this evolving area of law. Lay and professional clients are always impressed by his attention to detail and he is always happy to assist.’
Kiril Waite - 7BR 'He has a very thorough knowledge of the law and excellent strategic thinking. The two combined make him a real asset to a legal team.'

Rising Stars

Ben Hamer 5RB 'Incredible intellect, quality drafting and a calm and considered advocate. Ben has the ability of a barrister many years his senior.'
Will PerryMonckton Chambers 'Will has an exceptional grasp of FOIA. He is a forceful advocate, who takes good points and makes them firmly and economically.'  

Data protection in London Bar

11KBW


One of the top data sets in the country’, 11KBW’s ‘leading lights feature in all the prominent data protection cases and the set is at the cutting edge in this field.’ Anya Proops KC, leading Robin Hopkins, represented The Police Federation in connection with a major data breach said to have affected 130,000 of its serving officer members, having already successfully resisted an attempt by the claimants to have the court make a group litigation order. Timothy Pitt-Payne KC led Stephen Kosmin representing the claimant in Prismall v Google UK, a representative action concerning the use of medical data from the Royal Free Hospital to develop an app to detect acute kidney injury due to be heard by the Court of Appeal. In Farley & Ors v Equiniti, a multi-million pound data breach and misuse of private information claim against the police pension administrator, Andrew Sharland KC and Hannah Ready represented the defendant and successfully convinced the judge to strike out 97% of the 446 claims.

Les références

‘Harry Gilson is diligent, proactive and able to solve problems and offer good solutions. He is also very adept at thinking of business development opportunities.’

‘All of the clerks are highly commercial and always approachable. Lee Cutler and Victoria Eastwick both stand out for the quality of their service delivery and willingness to roll up their sleeves and help with challenging circumstances.’

‘The clerks are incredible and alongside the quality of the data protection advice, it is the clerks that set 11KBW apart from other chambers.’

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5RB


5RB operates at the forefront of UK data protection law, drawing upon the set’s established strength in related areas of media law and in wider public, governmental and information law. Aidan Eardley KC is representing the social media giant in TikTok v ICO, with an appeal under way against a fine imposed for a potential breach of UK data protection law in the processing of data of children under the age of 13 without parental consent. In Armstrong Watson LLP v Person(s) Unknown, Adam Speker KC succeeded in convincing the High Court Judge to grant an ex-parte injunction without notice against the unknown perpetrators of a ransom hacking attack. Ben Gallop acted for the publisher of the Wall Street Journal in Picini and Geyer v Dow Jones & Company, the first occasion on which a right to be forgotten claim is being litigated against a news publisher in England and Wales, seeking to expunge material from a publisher’s archive.

Les références

‘Andrew Love has taken chambers to new heights. He is a leading figure in media law and goes to great lengths to look after his solicitor clients.’ 

‘Georgina Gills stands out for her excellent level of service.’ 

‘Georgina Gills is extremely professional and responsive.’ 

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Matrix Chambers


Matrix Chambers is ‘an excellent set for data protection’, with members utilising a wealth of experience in overlapping areas of public law, crime, competition and media law. Antony White KC, Hugh Tomlinson KC, Kirsten Sjovoll and Edward Craven all appeared on opposite sides of the table in Trump v Orbis Business Intelligence Ltd, with the High Court dismissing the data protection claim of the former president in regard to the Russian sex allegations contained in the “Steele Dossier”; ultimately granting summary judgment in favour of the defendant. Catrin Evans KC acted on behalf of the Wall Street Journal publisher in Pacini & Ors v Dow Jones & Company, a High Court data protection claim for “right to be forgotten” relief regarding articles about legal proceedings in the Cayman Islands.

Les références

‘Alison Scanes and Chris Beard have always been a pleasure to work with.’

‘The set is well run. Alison Scanes is an excellent Senior Practice Manager – very personable but professional, and keen to assist wherever possible. Chris Beard is also very good.’

‘The clerks are all excellent.’

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Monckton Chambers


Monckton Chambers has a well-established reputation for data protection and information law, with members also offering strong expertise in intersecting areas, including public and commercial law. Gerry Facenna KC, leading Nikolaus Grubeck, represents the Information Commissioner in TikTok’s appeal against a £12.7m fine imposed for breaches of UK data protection law, including failing to use children’s personal data lawfully. Harry Gillow also acted for the Information Commissioner in the Public Law Project appeal against a decision that they were not entitled to disclosure of the Home Office’s criteria for assessing sham marriages. In Karpichkov v NCA, Eric Metcalfe successfully represented the claimant resist a strike-out application brought by the National Crime Agency, with the High Court ruling that a former KGB double agent can sue the agency for data protection breaches related to personal information disclosed to the Latvian authorities.

Les références

The clerks are generally reliable and responsive.’ 

The Chambers we go to for data protection work.’ 

They provide a good service, responsive and helpful.’ 

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Blackstone Chambers


Blackstone Chambers members are regularly involved in high profile and complex cases in the data protection and freedom of information field. Kate Gallafent KC provides ongoing data protection advice to various institutions within the Catholic Church of England & Wales, in the context of statutory inquiry and subject order requests. Gayatri Sarathy regularly appears on data and privacy cases before the Investigatory Powers Tribunal, Administrative Court and appellate courts.

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