Professional practice

2026 C&P Jackie McArthurLeading Junior 2024

Jackie’s practice covers public and international law, as well as high-value commercial law. She is short-listed to be International Law Junior of the Year for the Legal 500 Bar Awards for 2025, and is described in legal directories as “first class” with “exceptional attention to detail, seriously impressive command of her field,” as well as being a “hard-working and skilled barrister”, and “very clear, very smart and very thorough”.  She is also recognised as “a first-rate team member” and “a pleasure to work with”.

Jackie has a particular specialisation in international disputes and advising – encompassing especially investor-state arbitration, public international law, and the conflict of laws.   She has acted in numerous investor-State arbitrations (under the ICSID Convention, and the ICC, SCC, LCIA and UNCITRAL Rules), as well as before the European Court of Human Rights and specialised UN agencies. She regularly advises governments and private clients on international law matters spanning sanctions, the law of the sea, the law of armed conflict, international human rights law, state immunity, treaty interpretation and international administrative law.  She is the editor of Sweet & Maxwell’s European Human Rights Review. Jackie also acted for two years as an Assistant Legal Adviser to the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, advising on trade law, and on aspects of treaty law and implementation.

Jackie also practices in public law, acting for and advising both private and government clients in judicial review claims, international law, and human rights. She is a member of both the Attorney-General’s London B Panel, and the Attorney General’s Public International Law C Panel.

Jackie’s commercial practice includes both litigation and arbitration, and encompasses especially conflicts with an international law element, conflict of laws, high-value commercial and contract disputes, and general commercial disputes.  She has acted, as sole and junior counsel, in the Court of Appeal, the Commercial Court, the Chancery Division, the Administrative Court, the County Court and specialist tribunals.

After graduating first in her year at the University of Western Australia, Jackie was elected as a Rhodes Scholar. She completed the BCL and an MPhil in Law, both with distinction, at the University of Oxford.  She has lectured, and been a course co-ordinator, in transnational litigation and conflict of laws at King’s College London.  Before coming to the bar, Jackie qualified as a lawyer in Australia, and worked in the Western Australian government legal service. Before completing pupillage at Essex Court Chambers, she was Associate to the Hon. Justice Kiefel, Chief Justice of the High Court of Australia.

 

Recent Work
  • R (Al Haq) v Secretary of State for Business and Trade [2025] EWHC 1615 (Administrative Court): Judicial review claim challenging a decision by the Secretary of State to continue licensing the export of F-35 fighter jet components to Israel. The claim raised issues as to the applicability of the foreign act of State rule, the effect of a policy referring to international law on justiciability of alleged breaches of international law, and the “tenable view” standard.  Led by Sir James Eadie KC, Sam Wordsworth KC, Richard O’Brien KC and Jason Pobjoy KC.
  • R (Ingold) v Secretary of State for Work and Pensions [2024] 4 WLR 14 (Administrative Court): Represented the Secretary of State in defending a claim brought by single mothers with care of children, alleging a pattern of failure to adequately assess or enforce child maintenance debts. The claim alleged that the failures resulted in a violation of ECHR rights.  Led by James Eadie KC.
  • Quaid-e-Azam Thermal Power (Private) Ltd v Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Ltd [2024] EWHC 70 (Commercial Court): Successfully resisted an arbitration claim under s. 68 of the Arbitration Act 1996, attempting to set aside an award concerning a gas supply contract in Pakistan. Led by Lucas Bastin KC.
  • Crane Bank Ltd v dfcu Bank Ltd [2023] 2 CLC 120 (Court of Appeal): Jurisdiction challenge brought on the basis of the foreign Act of State rule, which was dismissed by the Court of Appeal. Led by Joe Smouha KC.
  • T v Secretary of State for Work and Pensions [2023] EWCA Civ 24 (Court of Appeal): Discrimination claim against the decision to limit a pandemic uplift in benefits to recipients of Universal Credit. The Court of Appeal dismissed the claim. Led by Edward Brown KC.
  • R (K) v Secretary of State for Work and Pensions [2023] EWHC 233 (Administrative Court): Represented the Secretary of State in defending a judicial review claim against a decision not to waive the obligation to repay a welfare overpayment.
  • R (Western Sahara Campaign UK) v Secretary of State for International Trade & ors [2022] EWHC 3108 (Administrative Court): Judicial review proceedings relating to the UK-Morocco Association Agreement and whether that Agreement contravenes a right of self-determination. Led by Peter Turner KC and Sam Wordsworth KC.
  • Gareth Lee v United Kingdom [2022] IRLR 371 (European Court of Human Rights): Successfully defended a claim against the UK brought under Arts. 8, 9, 10 and 14 of the Convention, concerning the refusal of a bakery to supply a cake iced with a message of support for gay marriage.
  • Otite v United Kingdom, ECtHR App. No. 18339/19 (European Court of Human Rights): Acted for the UK, successfully defending a claim by a foreign national offender that his deportation would violated his rights under Art. 8 of the Convention. Led by Lisa Giovanetti KC.
  • Co-authored a high-profile opinion for non-governmental organisations in relation to issues of international criminal liability and State responsibility for crimes against humanity and genocide. Led by Alison Macdonald KC.
  • Zaza Okuashvili v The Republic of Georgia, SCC EA 2019/038, Emergency Award on Interim Measures: Junior counsel in a successful application to the SCC for emergency interim measures. An interim injunction was granted by the emergency arbitrator, in respect of a forthcoming BIT claim concerning the alleged expropriation of assets by compulsory sale in satisfaction of a tax liability. Led by Lucas Bastin KC.
  • Acted for the claimant in a multi-billion dollar claim, brought under an investment treaty, for mistreatment of an investment in an Asian telecommunications market. Led by Toby Landau KC and Lucas Bastin KC.
  • A commercial arbitration under the UNCITRAL Arbitration Rules, acting for US-based claimants seeking hundreds of millions of dollars in damages from an African nation for breach of a development contract. Led by Graham Dunning KC.
What Others Say

Chambers & Partners UK Bar 2025: International Human Rights

“Jackie was excellent – flexible and adaptable.”

Legal 500 UK Bar 2025:

International Human Rights

“Jackie is a responsive, hard-working and skilled barrister, and a pleasure to work with.”

Public International Law

“First class – exceptional attention to detail, seriously impressive command of her field and first-rate team member.”

Chambers & Partners UK Bar 2024: International Human Rights

“Jackie is a really terrific lawyer. She is very sensible and clear in her advice, and produces very high quality drafting as well.”

Legal 500 UK Bar 2023: Public International Law

‘Hard working, very clear, very smart and very thorough, as well as being a pleasure to work with.’

Arbitration-Related Court Applications
  • Poland v PDZ Holdings: Acting for the respondent to an arbitration claim brought under ss. 67 and 68 of the Arbitration Act 1996. Led by Angeline Welsh KC.
  • Kingdom of Saudi Arabia v Qatar Pharma for Pharmaceutical Industries, W.L: Acting for the respondent to an arbitration claim brought under s. 67 of the Arbitration Act 1996. Led by Graham Dunning KC.
  • Quaid-e-Azam Thermal Power (Private) Ltd v Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Ltd [2024] EWHC 70 (Commercial Court): Successfully resisted an arbitration claim under s. 68 of the Arbitration Act 1996, attempting to set aside an award concerning a gas supply contract in Pakistan. Led by Lucas Bastin KC.
  • Acted as junior counsel in an application to challenge arbitration awards under s 68(2)(d) of the Arbitration Act 1996. Led by Richard Millett KC.
  • Siddiqi v Marsfield Automotive Inc: a Court of Appeal challenge to a decision by the Commercial Court not to grant a stay of proceedings, under s. 9 of the Arbitration Act 1996, to enforce an arbitration agreement. Led by Vernon Flynn KC.
Arbitrations
  • Acted as junior counsel for the claimant in a multi-billion dollar claim, brought under an investment treaty, for mistreatment of an investment in an Asian telecommunications market. Led by Toby Landau KC and Lucas Bastin KC.
  • Appeared as junior counsel in a commercial arbitration under the UNCITRAL Arbitration Rules, acting for US-based claimants seeking hundreds of millions of dollars in damages from an African nation for breach of a development contract. Led by Graham Dunning KC.
  • Appeared as junior counsel in a commercial arbitration under the LCIA Rules, brought by three minority shareholders in an Eastern European energy company whose majority shareholder was a State-owned enterprise. The claim concerned issues of conflict of laws, rights under a shareholders’ agreement, minority shareholder rights, and Eastern European corporations law.  Led by Graham Dunning KC.
  • Acted as junior counsel in a claim for US$700 million brought by an investor in a national aviation industry, against an Eastern European State, for breach of a bilateral investment treaty. Led by Graham Dunning KC and Lucas Bastin KC, and being heard before an ICSID tribunal.
  • Acted as junior counsel in a multi-billion dollar claim under a multilateral investment treaty, brought by energy investors against an Eastern European State. Led by Graham Dunning KC.
  • Acted as junior counsel in a claim brought by a multi-sector investor in a State of the Caucasus region, under a bilateral investment treaty. The claim particularly raised issues relating to excise duties, national competition law, enforcement of revenue law, and the application of most favoured nation provisions to a jurisdictional dispute. Led by Sam Wordsworth KC and Lucas Bastin KC.
  • Acted as junior counsel in a commercial arbitration of claims for approximately US$50 million, between parties from the United States and Kuwait. The claim was brought pursuant to the ICC Rules, and concerns alleged breach and wrongful termination of an operating agreement for a private hospital in the Middle East.  Led by Jeffrey Gruder KC.
  • Zaza Okuashvili v The Republic of Georgia, SCC EA 2019/038, Emergency Award on Interim Measures: Junior counsel in a successful application to the SCC for emergency interim measures. An interim injunction was granted by the emergency arbitrator, in respect of a forthcoming BIT claim concerning the alleged expropriation of assets by compulsory sale in satisfaction of a tax liability.
  • Advised a UK Government department on the extent of protection for foreign investors under UK domestic law, as compared to under investment treaties. With particular focus on judicial review standards, and company and insolvency law.
  • Assistant to a Permanent Court of Arbitration tribunal, acting under the UNCITRAL Rules 1976.
Climate change and environmental law
  • Represented claimants in the “Dieselgate” group litigation brought against various car manufacturers for “greenwashing”, claiming that the car manufacturer had deliberately and unlawfully circumvented emissions laws. Led by Daniel Oudkerk KC.
  • Co-authored, with Angeline Welsh KC, an article about use of international environmental treaty standards as the basis for bringing claims in UK law.
Commercial chancery disputes
  • Otello Corporation ASA v Moore Fréres & Co LLC [2018] EWHC 2347 (Ch) (led by James Collins KC): a successful claim before the Chancery Division for breach of a company’s articles of association and unfair prejudice by the majority shareholder in a company. Led by James Collins KC.
  • Ping Tak Chan (deceased) and ors v Yim Hing Joan Chan and ors [Claim No. BL-2017]: acted as junior counsel in the Chancery Division, an international dispute involving equitable and proprietary claims based on allegations of misuse of joint banking facilities. Led by Jern-Fei Ng KC.
  • Advised (led by Roderick Cordara KC) concerning the reporting obligations of the trustees to pensions schemes.
Commercial dispute resolution
  • Crane Bank Ltd v dfcu Bank Ltd (Commercial Court): Acting for the lead defendants to a claim in unlawful means conspiracy, which alleges that officials of the Bank of Uganda corruptly exercised powers to regulate and resolve financial institutions, and that the Defendants conspired to profit from that. Led by Joe Smouha KC.
  • Crane Bank Ltd v dfcu Bank Ltd [2023] 2 CLC 120: Jurisdiction challenge brought on the basis of the foreign Act of State rule, which was dismissed by the Court of Appeal. The claim alleges that officials of the Bank of Uganda corruptly exercised powers to regulate and resolve financial institutions, and that the Defendants conspired to profit from that, with damages of approximately £150 million claimed. Led by Joe Smouha KC.
  • Cargill International Trading Pte Ltd v Uttam Galva Steels Ltd [2019] EWHC 476 (Comm): appeared as sole counsel before the Commercial Court, applying for summary judgment in respect of a claim for contractual default interest. Successfully defended against an allegation that the contractual provision was an unenforceable penalty, and was awarded judgment in the amount of US$23 million.
  • Cargill International Trading Pte Ltd v Uttam Galva Steels Ltd [2018] EWHC 2977 (Comm): successful summary judgment application, before the Commercial Court, for summary judgment on a claim for payment of a debt in the amount of US$62 million. Led by David Foxton QC.
  • Otello Corporation ASA v Moore Fréres & Co LLC [2018] EWHC 2347 (Ch): a successful claim before the Chancery Division for breach of a company’s articles of association and unfair prejudice by the majority shareholder in a company. Led by James Collins KC.
  • Appeared as junior counsel in a commercial arbitration under the LCIA Rules, brought by three minority shareholders in an Eastern European energy company whose majority shareholder was a State-owned enterprise. The claim concerned issues of conflict of laws, rights under a shareholders’ agreement, minority shareholder rights, and Eastern European corporations law.  Led by Graham Dunning KC.
  • Acted as junior counsel in a commercial arbitration of claims for approximately US$50 million, between parties from the United States and Kuwait. The claim was brought under the ICC Rules, and concerns alleged breach and wrongful termination of an operating agreement for a private hospital in the Middle East.  Led by Jeffrey Gruder KC.
  • FRB v DCA [2019] EWHC 2816 (Fam): Defended an application to strike out a claim for deceit in the High Court, by a husband against his wife, in relation to the latter’s alleged misrepresentations about the paternity of a child. Led by Jeffrey Gruder KC.
  • Marsfield Automotive Inc v Siddiqi [2017] EWHC 187 (Comm): Successfully resisted an application for summary judgment of a claim for restitution of unjust enrichment, in the Commercial Court. Led by Vernon Flynn KC.
  • Acted as junior counsel (led by Jeffrey Gruder KC) in a commercial arbitration claim under ICC Rules, concerning alleged breach and wrongful termination of an operating agreement for a private hospital in the Middle East. Led by Jeffrey Gruder KC.
  • Ping Tak Chan (deceased) and ors v Yim Hing Joan Chan and ors [Chancery Division, Claim No. BL-2017]: An international dispute involving equitable and proprietary claims based on allegations of misuse of joint banking facilities.   Appeared unled in a Costs and Case Management Conference, and otherwise led by Jern-Fei Ng KC.
  • Advised on disputes concerning items misdescribed in a sale at auction, and concerning the civil claims for stolen art.
  • Appeared as sole counsel in numerous trials and applications in the County Court, especially in cases concerning banking and financial services, and breach of contract.
  • Regularly provides advice, as sole counsel and led, in commercial disputes including as to the consequences of delay to a shipbuilding contract, freezing injunctions, seller misrepresentations, rights under an auction contract, breach of an exclusivity agreement, and contractual rights upon termination.
Conflict of laws & private international law
  • Crane Bank Ltd v dfcu Bank Ltd [2023] 2 CLC 120: Jurisdiction challenge brought on the basis of the foreign Act of State rule, which was dismissed by the Court of Appeal. The claim alleges that officials of the Bank of Uganda corruptly exercised powers to regulate and resolve financial institutions, and that the Defendants conspired to profit from that, with damages of approximately £150 million claimed. Led by Joe Smouha KC.
  • Cargill International Trading Pte Ltd v Uttam Galva Steels Ltd [2019] EWHC 476 (Comm): appeared unled before the Commercial Court, applying for summary judgment in respect of a claim for contractual default interest. Successfully defended against an argument that the contract was invalid under Indian law, which applied by reason of the rule in Ralli Bros.
  • Appeared as junior counsel in a commercial arbitration under the UNCITRAL Arbitration Rules, acting for US-based claimants seeking hundreds of millions of dollars in damages from an African nation for breach of a development contract. The claim especially involved issues of conflict of laws and the effect on a foreign law contract of illegality under local law. Led by Graham Dunning KC.
  • Appeared as junior counsel in an LCIA arbitration concerning the validity of a contractual choice of law in a shareholders’ agreement, and national public policy exceptions to choice of law rules. Led by Graham Dunning KC.
  • Engaged by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to provide advice on domestic and international law aspects of preparations for Brexit, especially:
    • The Brussels Convention of 1968;
    • The Lugano Convention of 2007; and
    • The application of bilateral agreements concerning jurisdiction, and recognition and enforcement of foreign judgment.
  • Assisted with applications for service out on a foreign service, and challenging leave to serve out on a non-EU domiciled defendant.
  • Formerly course co-ordinator and lecturer for a module in conflict of laws and transnational litigation for the LLM at Kings College, London.
Human rights & civil liberties
  • Ranked by Chambers and Partners as a leading junior in International Human Rights Law, for 2024-25. Currently ranked in Band 2.
  • Ranked by Legal 500 as a leading junior in International Human Rights and Criminal Law and in Administrative Law and Human Rights. Currently ranked in Band 3.
  • Editor of the European Human Rights Reports, published by Sweet & Maxwell.
  • Ferguson v The United Kingdom, App. no. 35043/22 (European Court of Human Rights – Fourth Section): representing the UK in a claim concerning Bermuda’s legislation on same-sex marriage and civil unions. The claim is brought under Arts. 12 and 14 of the ECHR. Led by Tom Cross KC.
  • Landika v Slovenia, App. no. 45987/22 (European Court of Human Rights – First Section): acting for Slovenia, defending a claim brought under Art. 1 of Protocol No. 1 of the ECHR. The claim concerns the responsibility of the successor States to the former Yugoslav Republic for funds frozen and used by the Yugoslavian government. Led by Ben Juratowitch KC.
  • Gareth Lee v United Kingdom, App. no. 18860/19 (European Court of Human Rights – First Section): acted for the UK, defending a claim brought under Arts. 8, 9, 10 and 14 of the ECHR. The claim concerns the Supreme Court’s finding that there had been no breach of anti-discrimination regulations by the refusal of a bakery to supply the applicant with a cake iced with a message of support for gay marriage.  The application was held to be inadmissible.
  • Otite v The United Kingdom, App no. 18339/19 (European Court of Human Rights – Fourth Section): acted for the government of the United Kingdom, successfully resisting a claim of breach of Art. 8 of the ECHR by reason of the proposed deportation of the claimant, a foreign national living in the UK and convicted of an offence. The application was dismissed. Led by Lisa Giovanetti KC.
  • Osagiede v The United Kingdom, App no. 228/2020 (European Court of Human Rights – Fourth Section): acted for the government of the United Kingdom, against an Art. 8 claim brought by a foreign national offender subject to deportation. The application was held to be inadmissible. Led by Lisa Giovanetti KC.
  • R (Ingold) v Secretary of State for Work and Pensions [2024] 4 WLR 14 (Administrative Court): Represented the Secretary of State in defending a claim brought by single mothers with care of children, alleging a pattern of failure to adequately assess or enforce child maintenance debts. The claim alleged that the failures resulted in a violation of Arts. 8 and 14, and Art. 1 of Protocol No. 1, of the ECHR.  Led by James Eadie KC.
  • T v Secretary of State for Work and Pensions [2023] EWCA Civ 24 (Court of Appeal): Discrimination claim against the decision to limit a pandemic uplift in benefits to recipients of Universal Credit. The Court of Appeal considered the correct approach to a proportionality analysis under Art. 14, and dismissed the claim. Led by Edward Brown KC.
  • R (Western Sahara Campaign UK) v Secretary of State for International Trade & ors [2022] EWHC 3108 (Administrative Court): Acted for COMADER, an interested party, in a judicial review relating to the UK-Morocco Association Agreement and whether that Agreement contravenes an international law right of self-determination held by the people of Western Sahara. Led by Peter Turner KC and Sam Wordsworth KC.
  • Crane Bank Ltd v dfcu Bank Ltd [2022] EWHC 2266 (Comm): Successfully challenged the jurisdiction of the English courts on the basis of the foreign act of State rule, resisting the contention that this result would be contrary to Art. 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights. Led by Joe Smouha KC.
  • Co-authored a high-profile opinion for non-governmental organisations in relation to issues of international criminal liability and State responsibility for crimes against humanity and genocide. Led by Alison Macdonald KC.
  • Master of Philosophy in Law (with distinction), defending and explaining the European Court of Human Rights’ decision in SW and CR v UK.
  • Judicial assistant to the Justice Kiefel of the High Court of Australia, assisting with the hearing of many cases concerning a constitutionally protected right to freedom of political communication.
  • Assisted the State Counsel and the State Solicitor for Western Australia in providing advice on international conventions, including especially the Convention on the Rights of the
  • Researcher at Human Rights Watch in Washington, DC, focusing on the rights of persons accused of terrorist Worked especially on fair trial rights under instruments such as the Inter-American Convention on Human Rights.
  • Assistant Editor of the European Human Rights Reports, published by Sweet &
Investment treaty disputes
  • Junior counsel for the claimant in a multi-billion dollar claim, brought under an investment treaty, for mistreatment of an investment in an Asian telecommunications market. Led by Toby Landau KC and Lucas Bastin KC.
  • Acted for the claimant in an ICSID claim for US$700 million brought by an investor in a national aviation industry, against an Eastern European State, for breach of a bilateral investment treaty. Led by Graham Dunning KC and Lucas Bastin KC.
  • Acted for the claimant in a claim against a Caribbean nation, concerning an investment in a port-building project. Led by Angeline Welsh KC.
  • Acted for the claimant in a multi-billion dollar SCC claim under a multilateral investment treaty, brought by energy investors against an Eastern European State. Led by Graham Dunning KC.
  • Acted for a multi-sector investor in a State of the Caucasus region, in a claim brought under a bilateral investment treaty, concerning excise duties, national competition law, enforcement of revenue law, and the application of most favoured nation provisions to a jurisdictional dispute. Led by Sam Wordsworth KC and Lucas Bastin KC.
  • Zaza Okuashvili v The Republic of Georgia, SCC EA 2019/038, Emergency Award on Interim Measures: Junior counsel in a successful application to the SCC for emergency interim measures. An interim injunction was granted by the emergency arbitrator, in respect of a forthcoming BIT claim concerning the alleged expropriation of assets by compulsory sale in satisfaction of a tax liability.
  • Advised a UK Government department on the extent of protection for foreign investors under UK domestic law, as compared to under investment treaties. With particular focus on judicial review standards, and company and insolvency law.
  • Assistant to a Permanent Court of Arbitration tribunal, acting under a bilateral investment treaty and the UNCITRAL Rules 1976.
Public & administrative law
  • Ranked by Legal 500 as a leading junior in Administrative Law and Human Rights. Currently ranked in Band 3.
  • Attorney-General’s B Panel for London, appointed in September 2025. Prior to that, appointed to the C Panel for London since September 2019.
  • T v Secretary of State for Work and Pensions [2023] EWCA Civ 24 (Court of Appeal): Acted for the Secretary of State, defending a discrimination claim against the decision to limit a pandemic uplift in benefits to recipients of Universal Credit. Led by Edward Brown KC.
  • R (Al Haq) v Secretary of State for Business and Trade [2025] EWHC 1615 (Administrative Court): Judicial review claim challenging a decision by the Secretary of State to continue licensing the export of F-35 fighter jet components to Israel. The claim raised issues as to the applicability of the foreign act of State rule, the justiciability of alleged breaches of international law, and the “tenable view” standard.  Led by Sir James Eadie KC, Sam Wordsworth KC, Richard O’Brien KC and Jason Pobjoy KC.
  • R (Ingold) v Secretary of State for Work and Pensions [2024] 4 WLR 14 (Administrative Court): Acted for the Secretary of State in a judicial review claim alleging that the Child Maintenance Service systematically failed to properly assess and enforce child maintenance debts, and thereby breached the rights of the claimant single mothers and their children. Led by Sir James Eadie KC.
  • R (Western Sahara Campaign UK) v Secretary of State for International Trade [2022] EWHC 3108 (Administrative Court): Acted for COMADER, an interested party, in a judicial review challenging the validity of tariff regulations enacted to give effect to an international trade agreement, which applied preferential tariff rates to a territory subject to a right to self-determination. Led by Peter Turner KC and Sam Wordsworth KC.
  • R (K) v Secretary of State for Work and Pensions [2023] EWHC 233 (Administrative Court): Represented the Secretary of State in defending a judicial review claim against a decision not to waive the obligation to repay a welfare overpayment. The claim was brought on the basis that the decision and the policy under which it was taken were unlawful, as well as alleging breach of the Equality Act 2010. Led by Cecilia Ivimy KC.
  • Crane Bank Ltd v dfcu Bank Ltd [2023] 2 CLC 120 (Court of Appeal): Jurisdiction challenge brought on the basis of the foreign Act of State rule. Led by Joe Smouha KC.
  • R (Webster) v Secretary of State for Exiting the EU [2018] EWHC 1543 (Admin): a judicial review application heard by the Divisional Court, challenging the validity of the UK Government’s notification of withdrawal from membership of the EU. Led by Hugh Mercer KC.
  • Regularly acts as sole counsel in statutory appeals and oral permission hearings, in various courts and tribunals including the Administrative Court, the Upper Tribunal and the Family Court.
  • Regularly drafts pleadings and advice, and appears on behalf of various government departments, in respect of:
    • Immigration judicial reviews;
    • Social security appeals and judicial reviews;
    • Statutory appeals;
    • Lump sum deduction orders;
    • Prisoner rights; and
    • Immigration matters.
  • Advised multiple Government departments on issues spanning:
    • Arms export licenses;
    • Energy and utility regulation;
    • Immigration law;
    • State aid and unlawful subsidy rules;
    • Protections for foreign investors under UK domestic law;
    • Rights under third party service contracts;
    • Unlawful imprisonment; and
    • Quantum of damages.
  • As a member of the Western Australian government legal service:
    • TEC Desert v Commissioner of State Revenue (2010) 241 CLR 576 (assisting senior counsel in the High Court of Australia): concerning issues of taxation law, mining law, and the distinction between fixtures and chattels;
    • Arnold v Minister Administering the Water Management Act 2000 (2010) 240 CLR 242 (assisting senior counsel in the High Court of Australia): concerning water rights and the constitutional limitations on compulsory property acquisition;
    • Apache Northwest Pty Ltd v Agostini (2009) 177 FCR 449 (assisting senior counsel in the Federal Court of Australia): concerning permitted uses for documents that had been compulsorily obtained by a government investigator;
    • Apache Northwest Pty Ltd v Agostini [2009] WASC 225 (assisting senior counsel in the Supreme Court of Australia): a case concerning procedural fairness in the publication of a government investigator’s report into an oil refinery explosion.
    • Advised government departments on questions involving administrative law, the interpretation of statutes, court procedure, constitutional law, election law, environmental law and climate change mitigation schemes, human rights law, mining and energy law and native title .
Public international law
  • Attorney-General’s C Panel for Public International Law, appointed in October 2020.
  • Short-listed to be International Law Junior of the Year for the Legal 500 Bar Awards for 2025
  • Ranked by Legal 500 as a leading junior in Public International Law, and International Human Rights and Criminal Law and in Administrative Law and Human Rights. Currently ranked in Band 3.
  • Ranked by Chambers and Partners as a leading junior in International Human Rights Law, for 2024-25. Currently ranked in Band 2.
  • Editor of the European Human Rights Reports, published by Sweet & Maxwell.
  • R (Al Haq) v Secretary of State for Business and Trade [2025] EWHC 1615 (Administrative Court): Judicial review claim challenging a decision by the Secretary of State to continue licensing the export of F-35 fighter jet components to Israel. The claim alleged violation of the international law prohibition on genocide, IHL, and the international law on State responsibility. The claim also raised issues as to the justiciability of alleged breaches of international law, and the standard to be applied. Led by Sir James Eadie KC, Sam Wordsworth KC, Richard O’Brien KC and Jason Pobjoy KC.
  • R (Western Sahara Campaign UK) v Secretary of State for International Trade [2022] EWHC 3108 (Administrative Court): Acted for COMADER, an interested party, in a judicial review relating to the UK-Morocco Association Agreement, and whether that Agreement contravenes an international law right of self-determination held by the people of Western Sahara. Led by Peter Turner KC and Sam Wordsworth KC.
  • The State of Qatar v The Arab Republic of Egypt, PCA Case No. 2020-26: Counsel for Egypt in an arbitration pursuant to Article 32 of the Constitution of the Universal Postal Union, arising out of the severing of diplomatic relations between Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the UAE on the one hand, and Qatar on the other hand.
  • The State of Qatar v The Kingdom of Bahrain, The Arab Republic of Egypt, The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, The United Arab Emirates (Civil Aviation Organisation Council): Counsel for Egypt in a disagreement before the International Civil Aviation Organisation Council, brought under the Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation and the International Air Services Transit Agreement, arising out of the severing of diplomatic relations between Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the UAE on the one hand, and Qatar on the other hand, and the banning of flights between the countries.
  • Ferguson v The United Kingdom, App. no. 35043/22 (European Court of Human Rights – Fourth Section): representing the UK in a claim concerning Bermuda’s legislation on same-sex marriage and civil unions. The claim is brought under Arts. 12 and 14 of the ECHR. Led by Tom Cross KC.
  • Landika v Slovenia, App. no. 45987/22 (European Court of Human Rights – First Section): acting for Slovenia, defending a claim brought under Art. 1 of Protocol No. 1 of the ECHR. The claim concerns the responsibility of the successor States to the former Yugoslav Republic for funds frozen and used by the Yugoslavian government. Led by Ben Juratowitch KC.
  • Gareth Lee v United Kingdom, App. no. 18860/19 (European Court of Human Rights – First Section): acted for the UK, defending a claim brought under Arts. 8, 9, 10 and 14 of the ECHR. The claim concerns the Supreme Court’s finding that there had been no breach of anti-discrimination regulations by the refusal of a bakery to supply the applicant with a cake iced with a message of support for gay marriage.  The application was held to be inadmissible.
  • Otite v The United Kingdom, App no. 18339/19 (European Court of Human Rights – Fourth Section): acted for the government of the United Kingdom, successfully resisting a claim of breach of Art. 8 of the ECHR by reason of the proposed deportation of the claimant, a foreign national living in the UK and convicted of an offence. The application was dismissed. Led by Lisa Giovanetti KC.
  • Osagiede v The United Kingdom, App no. 228/2020 (European Court of Human Rights – Fourth Section): acted for the government of the United Kingdom, against an Art. 8 claim brought by a foreign national offender subject to deportation. The application was held to be inadmissible. Led by Lisa Giovanetti KC.
  • Crane Bank Ltd v dfcu Bank Ltd [2023] 2 CLC 120 (Court of Appeal): Jurisdiction challenge brought on the basis of the foreign Act of State rule, which raised issues about the relevance to the rule of violations of international law, and its interaction with Art. 6 of the ECHR. Led by Joe Smouha KC.
  • Regularly acts in and advises on high-value arbitration claims under investment protection treaties, across sectors including telecommunications, energy, aviation, port-building and automotive, and centred in South Asia, Eastern Europe and the Caribbean.
  • Engaged by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office’s Legal Directorate to provide advice on international law aspects of preparations for Brexit. In particular:
    • Working with legal advisers from departments across Whitehall.
    • Providing advice on treaty law issues for the Treaty Continuity Programme, especially concerning entry into force and provisional application, territorial application, and treaty amendment.
    • Providing advice on the international and domestic law implications of the UK’s exit from the EU.
    • General assistance with treaty drafting.
  • Co-authored a high-profile opinion for non-governmental organisations in relation to issues of international criminal liability and State responsibility for crimes against humanity and genocide. Led by Alison Macdonald KC.
  • Regularly advises States and private parties on issues including sanctions, State immunity, treaty interpretation, trade law, reparations, the law of armed conflict, the law of the sea, sovereignty over overseas military bases, international human rights law, state immunity, and investment treaty protection standards. See “Arbitrations” section for more details.
  • 2015-2020: Assistant to a Permanent Court of Arbitration tribunal, acting under the UNCITRAL Rules.
  • 2008: Research assistant to the Western Australian Inspector of Custodial Services, examining compliance with the Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture.
Career

2025: Appointed to the Attorney General’s B Panel of Counsel for London

2020: Appointed to the Attorney General’s Public International Law C Panel of Counsel

2019: Appointed to the Attorney General’s London C Panel of Counsel

2016: Tenant at Essex Court Chambers

2015-2016: Pupillage, Essex Court Chambers

2015: Called to the Bar at Inner Temple

2014-2015: Associate to the Hon. Justice Kiefel, High Court of Australia, Canberra

2012: Research Intern, Human Rights Watch, Washington DC

2011: Articled Clerk, State Solicitor’s Office for Western Australia

2009-2011: Legal Research Assistant to the State Solicitor and State Counsel for Western Australia

2008: Research Assistant to Western Australian Inspector of Custodial Services, focusing on compliance of prison systems with the Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture

Education

2013: Master of Philosophy (Law), Magdalen College, Oxford (Distinction) 2012: Bachelor of Civil Law, Magdalen College, Oxford (Distinction, with distinctions awarded in all subjects)

2009: Bachelor of Laws, University of Western Australia (First class, ranked first in year)

2011: Bachelor of Arts (Political Science), University of Western Australia (First class)

Awards

2014: Winner, Shearman & Sterling University of Oxford Moot Competition 2010: Rhodes Scholar for Western Australia

2010: J.A. Wood Memorial Prize for most outstanding humanities graduate at the University of Western Australia

2010: Jean Rogerson Honours Studentship (political science and international relations) for highest ranked honours student

2010: Frank Edward Parsons Prize in Law for outstanding leadership and service

2009: Malleson Stephen Jaques Prize for best law honours dissertation

2009: Jean Rogerson Honours Studentship (law) for highest ranked honours students 2009: Jackson McDonald Mooting Prize

2009: Jackson McDonald Mooting Prize

2009: Mannkal Foundation Honours Scholarship (law) 2009: Advanced Constitutional Law Prize

2009: Advanced Constitutional Law Prize

2008: Public International Law Prize

2008: Australian and New Zealand Society of International Law Internship Award 2008: Champion, University of Western Australia Open Mooting Competition 2007: Constitutional Law Prize

2008: Champion, University of Western Australia Open Mooting Competition

2007: Constitutional Law Prize

Publications

Supperstone, Goudie and Walker: Judicial Review (7th edn, 2024), Chapter 15: European Union Law (ed., with Hugh Mercer KC)

General International Law in International Investment Law: A Commentary (2024), Chapter 7: Article 28 of the VCLT: Non-Retroactivity of Treaties (with Ben Juratowitch KC)