AMAL CLOONEY - Key Persons
Abi is an Office Assistant.
Abi joined Doughty Street Chambers in November 2021.
Andreas is the Head of Finance and has overall responsibility for Chambers' finance functions.
Andreas joined Chambers in September 2008.
He trained in a small accountancy practice becoming a Client Manager responsible for a range of clients ensuring that their financial affairs were handled correctly and in a timely fashion. Andreas then became the Finance Manager for a thriving Central London firm of Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys. When they were taken over, he became Regional Financial Controller for the London and Cambridge offices.
He is a qualified ACCA accountant and has a BA (Hons) in History.
Job Titles:
- Education
- Queen 's Counsel, Doughty Street Chambers / London, United Kingdom
Aswini Weereratne has built a diverse practice in challenging areas. Her expertise focuses on the protection of the most vulnerable people, children and adults, in society, usually because of mental disability, or abuse and exploitation, through litigation and advisory work with an emphasis on human rights. She utilises her skills in a wide range of practice areas and cases concerning public and private law issues, welfare and medical treatment cases in the Court of Protection, actions against state bodies, for example, assault and unlawful detention claims, non-recent child abuse claims, inquests and inquiries, reporting restrictions and international law.
Aswini also has extensive experience of investigatory procedures, in public inquiries, inquests, and as independent chair of inquiries, tribunals and professional regulatory bodies. She has chaired six independent homicide inquiries. She appears in courts and tribunals at all levels, including the Supreme Court.
"A highly recommended silk" (Legal 500 2019) "She is excellent; very measured and thorough." "A very effective barrister". (Chambers and Partners 2019)
"[She is] second to none, she's phenomenal. Considering how busy she is, that's just fantastic." "She's very measured, very technically precise and her advocacy is very elegant." (Chambers and Partners 2018)
BSc in Experimental Psychology, Sussex University in 1984
Diploma in Law, City University in 1985
Council of Legal Education, Bar vocational course in 1986
Called to the Bar at Gray's Inn in July 1986
LLM in International Human Rights Law (with distinction), SOAS, London University in 2004
Ben is a Civil Team Junior and acts as a point of contact for all instructing solicitors, manages Counsels' diaries effectively and undertakes any other tasks delegated by the Civil Team.
Ben is primarily responsible for the following practice areas: Actions Against the Police, Public & Administrative Law, Inquests & Inquiries, Human Rights, Prison Law, Media & Defamation and Data Protection & Information Law.
Ben joined Doughty Street in February 2020 from Blackstone Chambers after starting his career at One Brick Court in 2018.
Outside of work he is an avid runner and enjoys the odd round of golf.
Beverly is the Finance Assistant.
She is responsible for the day to day element of purchase ledger activities, together with various other financial administration duties.
Beverly joined Chambers in February 2009, having come from a finance background in various industry sectors.
Callum joined chambers in May 2011 and is a Civil Practice Manager. His current responsibilities encompass the management and development of all barristers' practice in the Employment & Discrimination, Professional Discipline & Regulation, Media, Clinical Negligence, Personal Injury & Mediation teams. This includes diary management, allocation of new work, fee negotiation and managing client relationships.
In August 2021, Callum achieved a CILEX Level 3 Professional Qualification in Employment Law.
Outside of work, Callum enjoys all things sport and is one of the few remaining Charlton Athletic season ticket holders.
"Practice manager Callum Stebbing is brilliant, he is really responsive, he can get a message to counsel no matter what and he makes things painless." Chambers & Partners 2022
"Callum Stebbing is a star; astute, helpful and guaranteed to go the extra mile." Legal 500 2022
Chloe is a Crime Practice Assistant.
She joined Chambers in January 2022.
Job Titles:
- Interim Front of House Manager
Cynthia is the Interim Front of House Manager, she is in charge of supervising and co-ordinating the entire front of house team. She ensures that every visitor and colleague is met with a professional and friendly welcome from the reception team.
Job Titles:
- Senior Civil Practice Assistant
Emily Norman is a Senior Civil Practice Assistant in one of the civil practice teams, led by Rachel Finch. This team specialises in Community Care, Education, Housing, Immigration and Court of Protection. Emily is responsible for fixings, day to day diary management and administration of fees.
Emily joined chambers in March 2015 having previously been at clerk at 1 Pump Court chambers and has completed the BTEC Advanced Award in Chambers Administration for Barristers clerks.
"I would say that the service provided both by counsel and the clerks is second to none. Sian Wilkins, Rachel Finch and Emily Norman are all incredibly helpful, efficient and available to meet our needs."
"The clerks are fantastic and special mention has to go to Rachel Finch, Emily Norman and Sian Wilkins. Not only do they run a tight ship but they're also extremely friendly and remain calm even during very busy periods." Legal 500 2021
"Emily Norman is so helpful, so hard-working, and responds to our queries quickly. The whole team is incredibly efficient, approachable, responsive, and always keen to assist." Chambers & Partners 2022
Job Titles:
- Attorney General of Grenada
Edward Fitzgerald has an extensive International Law practice, involving public international law and international human rights law. He has represented the Belize government in its case against Guatemala; and advised governments of Kazakhstan, Ecuador and Qatar on matters of international law and human rights law. He has challenged governmental decisions in numerous cases before the European Court of Human Rights, the United Nations Human Rights Committee, the Inter-American Commission of Human Rights and the African Commission of Human Rights. He has also appeared for individuals challenging conduct of states in the European Court of Human Rights, the Privy Council and the domestic courts of the Eastern Caribbean, Belize, Bahamas and Trinidad.
Edward is currently acting for the former President of Armenia, Robert Kocharyan.
He has also represented the applicants Mitchell and Jones in the case of Jones and Others v Saudi Arabia in the House of Lords and conducted their appeal to the European Court of Human Rights.
Edward's international cases in the Caribbean and elsewhere have included:
Day and Bush v Governor of the Cayman Islands - Gay marriage case. Ongoing.
Ewart Layne v Attorney General of Grenada
R (on the application of Bancoult (No 2)) v Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs [2016] UKSC 35
Government of Rwanda v Celestin Ugirashebuja & others
Fariha is an Office Assistant.
Fariha joined Doughty Street Chambers in June 2021.
Job Titles:
- Doughty Street As an Office Assistant
- Practice Junior
Freddie joined Doughty Street as an Office Assistant in August 2018, supporting all clerking teams in chambers, until moving on to join the Employment, Clin Neg, and Personal Injury team in May 2021.
Outside of work Freddie enjoys playing golf and going up to Stamford Bridge to support Chelsea FC.
Gary McKinnon. Edward Fitzgerald represented Gary McKinnon over many years in his judicial review proceedings and drafted the representations to the Secretary of State which resulted in her withdrawing the order for extradition.
Geoffrey Robertson QC is founder and joint head of Doughty Street Chambers.
He has had a distinguished career as a trial and appellate counsel, an international judge, and author of leading textbooks. He has argued many landmark cases in media, constitutional and criminal law, in the European Court of Justice; the European Court of Human Rights; the Supreme Court (House of Lords and Privy Council); the UN War Crimes courts; the World Bank's International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) and in the highest courts of many commonwealth countries.
Geoffrey has, as a jury advocate, appeared in many criminal trials at the Old Bailey and libel trials in the High Court. He has appeared in several hundred reported cases in the Court of Appeal (both civil and criminal divisions) and in judicial reviews in the High Court, and in subsequent appeals. He has a large advisory practice, for clients including governments, media corporations, NGO's and local councils.
Geoffrey Robertson served as a UN appeal judge, as President of the War Crimes Court in Sierra Leone (which indicted Charles Taylor), from 2002-2007, and delivered a number of groundbreaking judgments, e.g. on the illegality of recruiting child soldiers and the limits of amnesty. His book on international criminal law - "Crimes Against Humanity" is now in its fourth edition. He has appeared at the ICTY in the leading case of ex parte Jonathan Randall and the Washington Post, successfully establishing a testamentary privilege for war correspondents. He has a wide advisory practice in respect of war crimes and in 2008 was appointed by the UN to its Justice Council as a ‘distinguished jurist' member.
Grace is a Practice Assistant. Grace acts as a point of contact for all instructing solicitors, manages Counsels' diaries effectively and undertakes any other tasks delegated by the Civil Team.
Grace joined Doughty Street Chambers in February 2019 having previously been a Personal Assistant to the Chief Executive at Matrix Chambers.
Doughty Street is very pleased to announce that Helena Ke...Read more
Iain MacKellar v United States of America and HE the Governor of the Cayman Islands. Grand Court of the Cayman Islands decision, 9 March 2020. Edward represented Iain MacKellar in his appeal to the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands against extradition to the United States. Justice Linda Dobbs ruled in favour of the Appellant on the basis that it would be unjust and oppressive to extradite him because of his physical ill health. He was facing trial in the United States on primary charges of trademark infringement and consequentially, further additional charges.
Job Titles:
- Senior Practice Assistant
James is a Senior Practice Assistant.
He joined Chambers in August 2021.
Job Titles:
- Director of Operations
- Director of Operations and Strategic Planning
Julie Ahadi is the Director of Operations and Strategic Planning. The DOSP is responsible for the effective and efficient management of the strategic operations of Chambers, supporting the Management Board (MB) and Deputy Heads of Chambers (DHoCs) in strategic and operational planning and execution. A key member of the Senior Management Team, the DOSP is also a non-voting member of Chambers' Management Board and has overall management/oversight of the People, IT and Marketing functions of Chambers.
Julie joined Chambers in September 2019.
Lavanya is a Civil Billing Clerk and joined Doughty Street in June 2021.
has handed down judgment in the appeal against judgment of Mrs Justice Roberts in A Local Authority v JB.
Job Titles:
- Library & Information Services
- Senior Library Information and Research Officer
Louise is the Senior Library Information and Research Officer Louise works in controlling and developing the operation of Chambers' library, including research facilities and the preparation of court bundles. Joined Doughty Street in August 2015. Louise is a graduate in European Humanities with Classical Studies and also holds an MA in Library and Information Studies. She has a varied background in legal library management and information administration having worked at the British Dental Association, a range of large city law firms and within the financial services sector.
Job Titles:
- Secretary of State for the Home Department
Job Titles:
- Revenue Controller ( Civil )
Matt is the Revenue Controller and is led by Michael Sweeney.
His responsibilities include monitoring and chasing any aged debt fees and queries for the Civil team.
He joined Doughty Street Chambers in November 2016.
Outside of work, Matt's interests include many sports such as Football and Boxing and enjoys general socialising.
Job Titles:
- Senior Practice Manager ( Crime )
Matt is the Crime Senior Practice Manager. He joined Doughty Street in April 2019.
Matt is responsible for developing and managing the Crime practitioners in Chambers and focuses on the management of barristers' diaries and on agreeing and billing of fees.
Melissa is a Civil Billing Clerk.
Melissa joined Chambers in July 2019.
Job Titles:
- Practice Manager
- Media Law and Defamation ( for Legal Enquiries Only. for Press Enquiries, See below )
- Practice Manager for Our Actions Against the Police
Melvin is Practice Manager for our Actions Against The Police, Inquest and Media team. His current responsibilities include all aspects of practice management, allocation of work, fee negotiation and practice development. With over 23 years' experience of practice management, Melvin was shortlisted by the Legal 500 in the category of 2019 ‘Clerk/Practice Manager of the Year'. Melvin joined Chambers in July 2019 following 19 years at Media specialists, 1 Brick Court.
Outside work, Melvin likes long weekend walks with his Wife and is a member of the Amateur Swimming Association and keen open water swimmer. Melvin loves to read and, like most, is prone to the odd stint on Netflix. A follower of most sports he occasionally likes to spoil a good walk with a round of Golf.
"Practice manager Melvin Warner is one of the leading lights in the clerking sphere; he understands us and the timescales we need and deals with the matter for us without unnecessary effort or drama."
Media Law and Defamation (For legal enquiries only.
Job Titles:
- Senior Revenue Controller ( Civil )
Michael is the Senior Revenue Controller.
Michael joined Doughty Street Chambers in September 2012. Previously he worked as the Fees Clerk in a leading family law set for 7 years. Michael has been clerking in various areas of law since 1976.
Over the last 12 years Michael's career has concentrated purely on fee collection. His experience in clerking has given him a great understanding of how matters progress and assists him in relation to when matters should be chased.
Jabbir Siddiq aka Jabbir Motiwala v Government of the United States of America. Edward represented Mr Jabbir Siddiq in his successful appeal to the High Court against extradition. Jabbir Siddiq was charged with trafficking in drugs. There was a further allegation made that he was involved in terrorism. Mr Siddiq always maintained his innocence and claimed that he was the subject of entrapment attempts. In the High Court his challenge was based, amongst other things, on an allegation of abuse of process and an abuse of power by the United States. Evidence was adduced of a tape recording in which the Chief Prosecution witness claimed that he had been intimidated and bribed to make a statement against Mr Siddiq. Shortly after the hearing in the High Court the US Department of Justice applied to dismiss the charges brought against Mr Siddiq in the United States and to concede the appeal. Mr Siddiq has subsequently been released and has flown back to Pakistan, a free man.
Job Titles:
- Secretary of Justice, HKSAR [2017]
R. (on the application of Harkins) v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2014] EWHC 3609 (Admin) - this was a challenge to extradition to face life without parole.
Job Titles:
- International Team Practice Assistant
- Practice Assistant
Naomi Smith is the International Team Practice Assistant.
She joined Chambers in September 2021.
Job Titles:
- Revenue Controller ( Civil )
Norman is a Revenue Controller.
Norman Joined Doughty Street in Jun 2013 having previously worked in chambers undertaking all aspects of common law. Norman has been clerking since 1972. His previous role as a Senior Clerk is invaluable experience for his current role.
Job Titles:
- Barrister, Doughty Street Chambers
Job Titles:
- Barrister, Doughty Street Chambers / London, United Kingdom
Peter is an IT Apprentice.
Peter joined Doughty Street Chambers at the end of January 2022.
Rachel joined chambers in February 2011 and is a Civil Practice Manager. Her current responsibilities include the management and development of all barristers' practices in Housing & Social Welfare, Court of Protection, Public Law, Immigration, Community Care, Education and Mediation teams. This includes diary management, allocation of work, fee negotiation and business development.
"The clerking is always really helpful - they're always able to find the right person. Practice manager Rachel Finch is fantastic - very fast and impressive. Her team is excellent - you always get a reply straight away." Chambers & Partners 2021
"I would say that the service provided both by counsel and the clerks is second to none. Sian Wilkins, Rachel Finch and Emily Norman are all incredibly helpful, efficient and available to meet our needs." "The clerks are fantastic and special mention has to go to Rachel Finch, Emily Norman and Sian Wilkins. Not only do they run a tight ship but they're also extremely friendly and remain calm even during very busy periods." Legal 500 2021
Job Titles:
- Marketing and Events Co - Ordinator
Raimonda is a Marketing and Events Co-ordinator based out of the London office.
Raimonda works with Richard Everingham, Senior Marketing Executive, in assisting with website and email marketing, social media work and internal communications and with the running of Chambers' busy programme of events, which includes seminars, conferences and social events.
Raimonda joined Doughty Street Chambers in 2018.
Reagan is an Office Assistant.
Reagan joined Doughty Street Chambers in 2019 and is currently on maternity leave until May 2022.
Job Titles:
- Senior Marketing Executive
Richard is the Senior Marketing Executive based out of the Manchester office.
Ricky is an IT Support Technician.
Ricky joined Doughty Street Chambers in March 2020.
Ruth is a Costs Lawyer who joined Doughty Street Chambers in January 2020 having previously worked with TMC Legal Services Limited and previously worked as a Consultant within chambers.
Since her qualification in November 2014, Ruth has specialised in dealing with high value and complex Group Litigation in addition personal injury, clinical negligence and human rights claims.
Outside of work, Ruth is keen animal lover and enjoys taking her dog for walks with friends and family. She also enjoys spending time with her nieces and nephews.
Saima is an Office Assistant.
Saima joined Doughty Street Chambers in June 2021.
Sam is a Civil Practice Assistant and assists Callum in the Employment team with diary management, allocation of work, fee negotiations, attending fixing appointments
He clerks in the following practice areas: Employment & Discrimination, Professional Discipline & Regulation, Clinical Negligence & Personal Injury.
He joined Doughty Street Chambers in January 2017 after starting his career at Brick Court Chambers. In June 2017, Sam passed the IBC's Advanced Award in Chambers Administration.
Outside work, Sam enjoys a round of golf and is a keen West Ham fan. He goes to the gym and enjoys watching boxing and has participated in amateur boxing bouts.
"Callum Stebbing and Sam Cooper are brilliant and always responsive." Legal 500 - 2021
"The employment team, led by Callum Stebbing, are just excellent. Callum is well supported by Sam Cooper who has really impressed over the last 12 months." Legal 500 - 2021
Job Titles:
- Barrister, Doughty Street
Sam specialises in public law, civil actions against public authorities, and inquests. He has been instructed as junior counsel in the Court of Appeal, the Supreme Court, and in a major Public Inquiry. Sam's civil actions and inquest work arises primarily in cases involving police and prisons. He is a contributor to the forthcoming Police Misconduct (Legal Action Group). In public law, Sam is regularly instructed in community care and Children Act matters. He has acted in high profile cases of SG v SSWP concerning the lawfulness of the so-called 'benefit cap', and Moseley v Haringey LBC on the law of consultation, both in the Supreme Court.
Job Titles:
- Criminal Billing and Systems Clerk
Sarah is responsible for the billing of criminal and extradition work and also assists with civil billing. Sarah is also responsible for ensuring the case and fees management systems are efficient and effective, enabling the teams to provide a high level and compliant service to our clients and members of Chambers.
Sarah began her clerking career in 2001 as a fees clerk in a common law set before moving on to roles as a Second Junior and then First Junior Clerk, specialising in Crime and Professional Discipline and Regulatory Law.
Shahin is a Finance Assistant.
She joined Chambers in 2018.
Shahin is responsible for processing Supplier invoices, payments and various other tasks in the finance department.
Prior to joining Doughty Street Shahin has worked with Natwest Bank where she finished her full CeMap and moved on to become an Independent Mortgage Advisor. She then moved into the Finance field and became a Bookkeeper for manufacturing, service and property sector.
Job Titles:
- Business Development and Marketing
- Senior Manager ( Client Services )
Sheena Byrne joined Chambers in June 2019 as a Senior Manager (Client Services).
Sheena specialises in business planning and development, marketing analysis and positioning, and client relationship management. As an integral member of the original team at Chambers & Partners legal directories, she was instrumental in formulating the research methodology and developing the publication brand as an editor and assistant publisher. Since then she has worked with a wide variety of leading law firms, barristers' chambers, representative bodies including the Law Society and the Inns of Court, advising senior decision makers of these organisations on critical aspects that impact on their business expansion.
Sheena is a qualified solicitor and holds a BSc (Honours) Degree in Chemistry.
Job Titles:
- Senior Practice Manager ( Civil )
Having joined in 2011, Sian is the Civil Senior Practice Manager at Doughty Street Chambers. She is responsible for the day to day operations of civil clerking team, and has overall responsibility and oversight of the civil practices across Chambers.
Sian takes huge pride in delivering a high quality, efficient clerking service to clients and members of Chambers and works hard to proactively identify and take all opportunities to increase the quality and value of work undertaken. Recognising the need for the Bar to evolve and seeking to be better equipped to lead change, Sian was delighted to be awarded a distinction in her MBA in 2021.
Job Titles:
- Director of People and Transformation
Sonia Freestone was appointed in August 2021 as the Director of People and Transformation.
Job Titles:
- Barrister, Doughty Street Chambers
Called to the Bar in March 2015, Sophy qualified as a solicitor in 1989. She was a founding partner at award-winning firm Miles and Partners LLP where she led the mental health and capacity team for 16 years, before becoming a consultant in 2012. As a solicitor she has been involved in significant human rights cases brought under the inherent jurisdiction and in the Court of Protection (JE v DE and others, [2006] EWHC 3459 (Fam); Hillingdon v Neary [2011] EWHC 3522 (COP)). Sophy's practice at the Bar spans the full range of mental capacity law, and includes personal welfare, international adult protection, medical treatment and property cases, as well as challenges against deprivation of liberty authorisations. She advises in all areas of mental health law, where her long experience as a mental health solicitor gives her a practical understanding of the issues. Sophy regularly advises on public law challenges arising under community care legislation, and civil actions under the Human Rights Act where there is a mental health or mental capacity element. She is frequently instructed on behalf of vulnerable adults and their families, and increasingly by statutory bodies as well. Sophy has an interest in inquest and inquiry work which arises from psychiatric or social care settings and looks forward to developing her practice in this area. She chairs the Law Society's Mental Health and Disability Committee. She is an accredited mediator (Regent's University London). She regularly trains on the Mental Health Act, the Mental Capacity Act and on the Court of Protection.
Job Titles:
- Associate Barrister
- Associate Barrister, Doughty Street Chambers / London, United Kingdom
Job Titles:
- Facilities and Front of House
- Head of Facilities
Terrance joined chambers in 2019 and is the Head of Facilities. The position is a non-voting member of the Management Board and a member of the Senior Management Team responsible for the building portfolio for chambers including five buildings in London and one regional office in Manchester. The position has a prominent part in formulating the property strategy for the board, as well as overseeing security, and the health and safety operations for chambers.
Terrance brings 16 years of management experience and has a Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Catering Management, a Diploma in Institutional Management, and is a member of the Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management (IWFM).
Job Titles:
- Revenue Controller ( Crime )
Terry is the Revenue Controller.
Terry joined Doughty Street in 2009.
Terry commenced his career in the legal sector working in the court department at Thompson Solicitors. Prior to that he worked at Field Court Chambers as a criminal clerk and at Francis Taylor Buildings.
In his spare time Terry enjoys sports including boxing and playing golf and loves to travel.
Tim is a Civil Practice Assistant.
Tim joined Chambers in March 2021.
Job Titles:
- Education
- Joint Deputy Head
Tim is one of the foremost practitioners in England in this area of law. At appellate level, he has recently appeared in the series of cases concerned with the law relating to joint enterprise, namely, Jogee…., Johnson and others, and Garwood and others. He regularly defends in high profile murder trials.
Tommy is a Crime Practice Assistant.
He joined Chambers in March 2021.