Naomi Hart

Professional practice

Naomi is described as a “leading star at Essex Court” and a “first choice junior” with a “brilliant mind” and “huge commitment to her cases”. She has a diverse practice in international, commercial, human rights and public law and was identified as one of the Hot 100 by The Lawyer in 2023. She is recognised in the major directories as a leading junior in Public International Law, International Arbitration, Public and Administrative Law, International Human Rights Law and International Criminal Law. In 2023 Naomi was shortlisted as International Law Junior of the Year.

Naomi has acted in nine cases before the International Court of Justice as well as in proceedings before the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, the European Court of Human Rights (including four cases before the Grand Chamber), the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, various United Nations treaty bodies and the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization. She is routinely involved in cases before English and foreign domestic courts which involve questions of public international law as well as in investor-State disputes. Much of her wide human rights practice before English, international, regional and foreign domestic courts is pro bono.

Naomi’s commercial practice encompasses civil fraud, conflict of laws, shipping and general commercial disputes. She acts as junior and sole counsel, having recently appeared in the Court of Appeal, the Commercial Court, the Chancery Division and the King’s Bench Division (including the Administrative Court). She has also been involved in cases before the courts of the Cayman Islands, the British Virgin Islands, Mauritius, Sweden, Türkiye, Norway, Australia and Malaysia (among others). Her arbitration experience includes proceedings under the DIFC, LCIA, ICC, PCA, SCC, ICSID, UNCITRAL and LMAA Rules.

Spanning her international, human rights, commercial and public law practice, Naomi acts regularly in diverse matters involving climate change and other environmental issues.

In 2020, Naomi was appointed to both the Public International Law C Panel of Junior Counsel and the Attorney General’s London C Panel of Civil Counsel. She was appointed in 2023 to the Legal Services Panel of the Government of the Virgin Islands, and in 2024 to the B Panel of Counsel of the Equality and Human Rights Commission. She is an Honorary International Law Practice Fellow of the British Institute of International and Comparative Law, a member of the Bar Council’s International Committee and on the Executive Committee of the Bar Human Rights Committee.

Naomi holds a doctorate in international law from the University of Cambridge, for which was she awarded the Faculty of Law’s prestigious Yorke Prize. She is admitted as a solicitor in New South Wales. At the University of Sydney, she received First Class Honours in her Law degree (ranking second in her year) and the University Medal and First Class Honours in History (ranking first in her year).

What Others Say

The Lawyer listed Naomi as one of its “Hot 100” of 2023. It said that her practice in public international and human rights law had “surged” and that she had “an impressive case list for a barrister who was called to the Bar just six years ago”.

The directories list Naomi as a leading junior in Public International Law, International Arbitration, Administrative/Public Law, Human Rights Law and International Criminal Law. In 2023 Legal 500 shortlisted Naomi as International Law Junior of the Year.

Legal 500 2025 (Public International Law): “Naomi is highly reliable, diligent and competent. She has outstanding drafting skills and pays close attention to details. An invaluable member of the legal team.”

Legal 500 2025 (International Human Rights and Criminal Law): “Naomi is excellent, a true expert in public international law. She has super judgement, is a really hard worker and very popular with clients. Pragmatic but well-thought-out advice. A first choice junior for anything to do with public international law.”

Legal 500 2025 (Administrative Law and Human Rights): “Naomi is a star in the field of human rights law.”

Legal 500 2025 (International Arbitration: Counsel): “Naomi is very articulate and has a very good legal mind. She is able to master complex legal issues very well.”

Chambers and Partners 2025 (Public International Law): “Naomi is super sharp, very meticulous and diligent. You have confidence that she will always produce work of the highest quality.”

Chambers and Partners 2025 (International Arbitration: General Commercial & Insurance): “Naomi is a really prodigious worker. She’s very bright, efficient and a pleasure to deal with.”

Chambers and Partners 2025 (International Human Rights Law): “Naomi has been consistently over her brief on a complex and high-profile case. Her knowledge of human rights and international law is impressive and her written work accomplished”; “I have been impressed with Naomi’s grasp on international law”.

Legal 500 2024 (Administrative Law and Human Rights): “A fantastic lawyer — legally sharp and incredibly knowledgeable, with great attention to detail and huge commitment to her cases.”

Legal 500 2024 (Public International Law): “Naomi is a star — ferociously bright, very hard-working, a great team player and her analytical skills are exceptional. Her practice in PIL is growing quickly.”

Legal 500 2024 (International Arbitration: Counsel): “Naomi has a first-rate academic mind, coupled with a practical and no-nonsense approach to the details of a case. This is a formidable combination, and means that she performs well beyond her years.”

Chambers & Partners 2024 (International Arbitration: General Commercial & Insurance): “Naomi is very intelligent, very sharp, very efficient and gets on with things”; “She is super user-friendly and a pleasure to work with.”

Chambers & Partners 2024 (Public International Law): “She is very diligent”; “Good knowledge of some niche areas.”

Chambers & Partners 2024 (International Human Rights Law): “She is a delight to work with, incredibly hard-working and well trusted by clients. Really excellent on ECHR issues in particular.”

Chambers & Partners 2023 (Public International Law): “Naomi is an outstanding public international lawyer”; “She’s extremely good, and is very thorough and efficient — she has a wisdom about her.” “She’s a really fantastic advocate.”

Chambers & Partners 2023 (International Human Rights Law): “She has an incredibly thorough and forensic mind. Excellent legal research skills and impressive legal judgement.”

Legal 500 2023 (Public International Law): “Naomi has a brilliant mind and her analytical skills are exceptional. Her practice in PIL is growing quickly, and rightly so. She is excellent in the investor state dispute field, but in pure state-versus-state cases also.”

Legal 500 2023 (International Arbitration): “A leading star at Essex Court — tremendously able as an advocate with a wonderful style and a huge pleasure to work with.”

Legal 500 2022 (Public International Law): “Naomi is beyond brilliant, extremely pleasant to work with and dedicated to her clients. She is superb at drafting and has astute analytical abilities.”

Legal 500, 2021 (Public International Law): “super efficient and quick to respond to several different issues that may arise”; “her instincts are spot on when giving advice”.

Notable Recent Cases

Legal Consequences arising from the Policies and Practices of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem: counsel and advocate for the Republic of Maldives in these advisory proceedings before the International Court of Justice (led by Amy Sander).

Allegations of Genocide under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (Ukraine v Russian Federation): counsel for the United Kingdom as an intervening State in this case before the International Court of Justice (led by Ben Juratowitch KC and Philippa Webb).

Obligations of States in respect of Climate Change: counsel for Belize (led by Sam Wordsworth KC, Amy Sander and Sean Aughey) and counsel and advocate for the Republic of Maldives (with Jessica Wells and Camille Boileau) in these advisory proceedings before the International Court of Justice.

HMM v Latvia: counsel and advocate for the Applicants in a landmark Grand Chamber case concerning pushbacks of asylum seekers from Latvia to Belarus (with Kirill Koroteev, Nikita Matyushchenkov, Joshua Jackson and Camille Boileau).

Application of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (The Gambia v Myanmar): counsel for the United Kingdom in its joint intervention with Canada, Denmark, France, Germany and the Netherlands in this case before the International Court of Justice (led by Alison Macdonald KC and Dapo Akande).

Shell UK Limited and Ors v Greenpeace Limited and Ors: counsel for Greenpeace and individual activists in a claim by Shell following a protest action at sea against the development of the Penguins oilfield in the North Sea, with important consequences for the rights to freedom of expression, assembly and association (led by Richard Lord KC and with David Simpson, Anna Hoffmann and Joshua Jackson).

Dillon and Ors (Proceedings Challenging the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023) [2024] NIKB 11, [2024] NICA 59: acting in high-profile challenge to primary legislation concerning the grant of immunity and termination of criminal investigations, civil proceedings, inquests and police complaints for crimes committed during the Troubles, raising issues of the UK’s obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights, the Windsor Framework and the Belfast Good Friday Agreement (for the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission as intervener, led by Hugh Mercer KC).

London Steam-Ship Owners’ Mutual Insurance Association Limited v French State (“M/T Prestige”) [2023] EWHC 2474 (Comm), [2024] 2 All ER (Comm) 175; [2024] EWCA Civ 1536: acting for France (led by Anna Dilnot KC) in high-profile, long-running litigation and arbitration arising out of a major shipping casualty causing environmental damage to the French and Spanish coasts, giving rise to important conflict of laws and State immunity issues.

Sovereignty over the Sapodilla Cayes/Cayos Zapotillos (Belize v Honduras): counsel for Belize in this case before the International Court of Justice concerning sovereignty over a group of islands in the Gulf of Honduras (led by Payam Akhavan, Sam Wordsworth KC, Ben Juratowitch KC and Mathias Forteau).

Zeph Investments Pte Ltd v Commonwealth of Australia: acting as junior counsel for Australia (led by Jesse Clarke, Stephen Donaghue KC, Sam Wordsworth KC and Chester Brown SC) in a substantial investment claim relating to a mining project in Western Australia (AANZFTA, UNCITRAL Rules).

SS Tilawa (Argentum Exploration Ltd v Government of Republic of South Africa) [2022] EWCA Civ 1318, [2023] 2 WLR 209: acting as junior counsel for the Republic of South Africa (led by Christopher Smith KC and Jessica Wells) before the Court of Appeal in a claim concerning 2,391 bars of silver allegedly salvaged from a vessel sunk by Japanese torpedoes during the Second World War, giving rise to issues of State immunity and the right to a fair hearing under Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights. This was listed by The Lawyer as one of the top 20 appeals of 2022.

Hulley Enterprises Ltd, Yukos Universal Ltd and Veteran Petroleum Ltd v Russian Federation [2021] EWHC 894 (Comm), [2021] 1 WLR 3429; [2025] EWCA Civ 108: acting as junior counsel (led by Jonathan Crow KC and David Peters KC) for three companies seeking to enforce multi-billion-dollar arbitral awards (under PCA Rules) against Russia, focusing in particular on issues of State immunity.

Tsaava v Georgia: acting in case before the Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights concerning the suppression of a political protest in Georgia and the protection of media freedom (with Can Yeğinsu, for PEN International, PEN Georgia and English PEN as interveners).

Republic of Azerbaijan v Republic of Armenia; Republic of Armenia v Republic of Azerbaijan: acting as junior counsel (led by Malcolm Shaw KC and with Jessica Wells, Peter Webster and Freddie Popplewell) for the Republic of Azerbaijan in multiple inter-State proceedings before the Grand Chamber and various Sections of the European Court of Human Rights concerning the occupation of and armed conflict in the Nagorno-Karabakh region and surrounding territories over three decades. The proceedings also concern the treatment of prisoners of war and civilian captives, as well as Armenia’s failure to provide maps to facilitate landmine clearance in the liberated territories.

Arbitration & related court applications

Naomi appears in the major directories for International Arbitration. She has acted in both commercial and investor-State arbitrations under a variety of rules and also frequently appears in litigation before domestic courts related to arbitral proceedings.

Legal 500 (2025): “Naomi is very articulate and has a very good legal mind. She is able to master complex legal issues very well.”
Chambers and Partners (2025): “Naomi is a really prodigious worker. She’s very bright, efficient and a pleasure to deal with.”
Legal 500 (2024): “Naomi has a first-rate academic mind, coupled with a practical and no-nonsense approach to the details of a case. This is a formidable combination, and means that she performs well beyond her years.”
Chambers & Partners (2024): “Naomi is very intelligent, very sharp, very efficient and gets on with things”; “She is super user-friendly and a pleasure to work with.”
Legal 500 (2023): “leading star at Essex Court — tremendously able as an advocate with a wonderful style and a huge pleasure to work with.”

Zeph Investments Pte Ltd v Commonwealth of Australia (II): acting as junior counsel for Australia (led by Jesse Clarke, Stephen Donaghue KC, Sam Wordsworth KC and Chester Brown SC) in a substantial investment claim relating to a coal project in Queensland (AANZFTA, UNCITRAL Rules).

Maxis Communications Berhad and Global Communication Services Holdings Limited v. Republic of India: acting for two investors in proceedings under bilateral investment treaties concerning India’s breaches of duties in the telecommunications sector (led by Toby Landau KC and Lucas Bastin KC, UNCITRAL Rules).

Hulley Enterprises Ltd, Yukos Universal Ltd and Veteran Petroleum Ltd v Russian Federation [2021] EWHC 894 (Comm), [2021] 1 WLR 3429; [2025] EWCA Civ 108: acting as junior counsel (led by Jonathan Crow KC and David Peters KC) for three companies seeking to enforce multi-billion-dollar arbitral awards (under PCA Rules) against a foreign State in the English Commercial Court, focusing in particular on issues of State immunity.

Zeph Investments Pte Ltd v Commonwealth of Australia (III): acting as junior counsel for Australia (led by Jesse Clarke, Stephen Donaghue KC, Sam Wordsworth KC and Chester Brown SC) in a substantial investment claim concerning a refusal to grant an environmental authority for a coal mining project in the Galilee Basin (AANZFTA, UNCITRAL Rules).

Zeph Investments Pte Ltd v Commonwealth of Australia (IV): acting as junior counsel for Australia (led by Jesse Clarke, Stephen Donaghue KC, Sam Wordsworth KC and Chester Brown SC) in a substantial investment claim concerning a refusal to grant permissions for the Jericho Power Station (AANZFTA, UNCITRAL Rules).

Arbitration pursuant to Article 32 of the Constitution of the Universal Postal Union (State of Qatar v Arab Republic of Egypt): acted as junior counsel (led by Payam Akhavan) for the Arab Republic of Egypt in these proceedings before a PCA-administered Tribunal constituted under the instruments of the Universal Postal Union.

Socomet Sales S.A.R.L. v GMB Marine Group Oil & Gas Security: acted as sole counsel in a claim before the Commercial Court to restrain pursuit of an arbitration against a shipbroker which was not a party to the arbitration agreement.

Counsel (led by Toby Landau KC and Will Thomas KC) in an arbitration in respect of gas development projects in Nigeria (UNCITRAL Rules).

Counsel (led by Penny Madden KC and Vernon Flynn KC) in an arbitration concerning exclusive distributorship agreements in Angola, Mozambique and Cameroon (LCIA Rules).

Counsel (led by Claire Blanchard KC) for a State-owned gas aggregator in two sets of parallel proceedings relating to gas supply to chemical plants, each worth tens of millions of dollars (ad hoc).

Counsel (led by Iain Quirk) for an international organisation in several arbitrations concerning termination of certain consultancy contracts (UNCITRAL Rules) and related High Court challenges.

Counsel (with Peter Webster) on behalf of an African State in an investor-State arbitration concerning two construction contracts interrupted by armed conflict (UNCITRAL Rules).

Counsel (led by Graham Dunning KC) for three investors in a multi-billion dollar investor-State arbitration against an Eastern European State brought pursuant to a multilateral investment treaty, which has involved advising on the effect of an associated arbitration under the LCIA Rules (SCC Rules).

Counsel (led by Claire Blanchard KC) in an arbitration seated in Dubai concerning recovery under a guarantee for non-payment of a commercial debt (DIFC-LCIA Rules).

Counsel (led by Philippa Hopkins KC) in an arbitration concerning allegedly undersized anchors on a superyacht (LMAA Rules).

Sole counsel in an arbitration concerning alleged underperformance of a vessel and a claim in respect of damaged cargo (LMAA Rules).

Sole counsel in an arbitration concerning a claim for overpaid hire following the late delivery of a vessel (LMAA Rules).

Arts and cultural heritage

Naomi has a growing practice in matters relating to art and cultural heritage. She has, for example, advised on issues relating to the repatriation and/or loans of cultural property. She has a particular specialism in international law relating to the protection of cultural heritage and conflict of laws issues concerning items of cultural significance.

Republic of Azerbaijan v Republic of Armenia: acting as junior counsel (led by Malcolm Shaw KC and with Jessica Wells, Peter Webster and Freddie Popplewell) for the Republic of Azerbaijan in inter-State proceedings before the Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights, with the claim covering destruction of cultural property during armed conflict and throughout a decades-long occupation.

Barngarla Determination Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC v Minister for Resources [2023] FCA 809: assisted Dapo Akande in preparing an expert report on the rights of indigenous peoples under customary international law (including in relation to cultural heritage and identity) in a case before the Federal Court of Australia concerning a decision to establish a radioactive waste facility on indigenous land.

Co-authored a high-profile opinion on international criminal liability and State responsibility for crimes against humanity and genocide, including with reference to deliberate cultural erasure and the destruction of cultural property (led by Alison Macdonald KC).

Co-authored (with Malcolm Shaw KC) reports for the United Nations General Assembly and Security Council concerning war crimes relating to the destruction of cultural property.

Business and Human Rights

Naomi is frequently instructed in complex claims involving individual rights in the context of corporate actors’ activities, often involving novel duties of care, foreign applicable laws and/or a large number of individual litigants.

Cardoso v Salic (UK) Limited: acting in Admiralty Court proceedings on behalf of several thousand claimants seeking compensation, pursuant to Brazilian environmental law, for significant environmental damage caused by a shipping disaster at a Brazilian port (with Jon McDonagh and Russell Hopkins).

Benyatov v Credit Suisse Securities (Europe) Ltd [2020] EWHC 85 (QB), [2020] EWHC 313 (QB); [2020] EWHC 682 (QB), [2020] 1 WLR 2913; [2022] EWHC 135 (QB), [2022] 4 WLR 54: acting as junior counsel (with Charles Ciumei KC and Andrew Legg) on behalf of a former investment banker arising from alleged breaches of duty by his former employer in relation to his prosecution for espionage in Romania.

BB and Ors v Al Khayyat and Ors: acted as junior counsel (led by Joe Smouha KC) in a claim brought by Syrian refugees concerning alleged terrorist financing by Qatari institutions and nationals, involving questions of Syrian law and the jurisdiction of the English courts.

Advised an international organisation on a potential mass tort claim before English courts implicating questions of domicile, applicable law and immunity from suit under domestic and international law (led by Vaughan Lowe KC).

Advised on a potential claim against a social media company for a death caused by doxxing.

Co-author of blog posts on climate change-related tort claims by foreign claimants, the regulation of deforestation in supply chains, and environmental complaints under the OECD’s complaints procedures.

Civil Fraud & Asset Recovery

Counsel (led by Penny Madden KC and Vernon Flynn KC) in an arbitration concerning allegedly fraudulent breaches of exclusive distributorship agreements in Angola, Mozambique and Cameroon (LCIA Rules).

Assisted REDRESS in the preparation of a major report on asset tracing and recovery in the context of international criminal proceedings (“Financial Accountability at the International Criminal Court: Compliance with ICC Asset Recovery Requests”) and spoke to the report at an ICC Assembly of States Parties side event.

Advising (as sole counsel) on a potential claim concerning a sham investment scheme.

Advising (as sole counsel) on a potential claim concerning a man-in-the-middle fraud in the commodities sector.

Instructed in Chancery Division proceedings concerning the recognition by English courts of Russian liquidation proceedings following allegations of fraud by the company’s liquidator.

Climate Change and the Environment

Naomi has experience of cases relating to climate change and the environment in a wide variety of legal fields, including public international law, tort, public law, investor-State and human rights claims. She has acted for States and private parties in diverse domestic and international fora and advises regularly on environmental issues.

Request for an Advisory Opinion submitted by the Commission of Small Island States on Climate Change and International Law: acting for Belize in these landmark proceedings concerning climate change and the law of the sea (led by Sam Wordsworth KC and Sean Aughey).

European Union v United Kingdom: inter-State arbitration concerning the United Kingdom’s prohibition on sandeel fishing in the North Sea for environmental and conservation purposes, and the first claim under the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement (for Greenpeace Limited as amicus curiae).

Zeph Investments Pte Ltd v Commonwealth of Australia (II): acting as junior counsel for Australia in a substantial investment claim concerning the impact of environmental offsets legislation on a coal project in Queensland (led by Jesse Clarke, Stephen Donaghue KC, Sam Wordsworth KC and Chester Brown SC).

R (River Action) v Environment Agency [2024] EWHC 1279 (Admin): acted in judicial review proceedings concerning the regulation of agricultural pollution in the River Wye (for the National Farmers’ Union as intervener, led by Hugh Mercer KC).

Barngarla Determination Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC v Minister for Resources [2023] FCA 809: assisted Dapo Akande in preparing an expert report on the rights of indigenous peoples under customary international law (including in relation to land, territory and resources) in a case before the Federal Court of Australia concerning a decision to establish a radioactive waste facility on indigenous land.

Advised on a potential arbitration where a government failed to renew a petroleum exploration licence, including in light of environmental concerns.

Advised States on matters relating to international climate change negotiations and treaties through Legal Response International.

Advised on obligations under the Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources.

Co-author of multiple blog posts on legal issues relating to climate change and the environment, including in relation to climate change-related tort claims by foreign claimants, the regulation of deforestation in supply chains, climate change and proceedings before the ICJ and ITLOS, the human right to a clean and healthy environment under custom and treaty, and environmental complaints under the OECD’s complaints procedures. She has also appeared at a conference to speak on using international law in climate change cases before domestic courts.

Commercial dispute resolution

Hulley Enterprises Ltd, Yukos Universal Ltd and Veteran Petroleum Ltd v Russian Federation [2021] EWHC 894 (Comm), [2021] 1 WLR 3429; [2025] EWCA Civ 108: acting as junior counsel (led by Jonathan Crow KC and David Peters KC) for three companies seeking to enforce multi-billion-dollar arbitral awards against a foreign State in the English Commercial Court.

Counsel (led by Toby Landau KC and Will Thomas KC) in an arbitration in respect of gas development projects in Nigeria (UNCITRAL Rules).

Counsel (led by Penny Madden KC and Vernon Flynn KC) in an arbitration concerning exclusive distributorship agreements in Angola, Mozambique and Cameroon (LCIA Rules).

Counsel (led by Claire Blanchard KC) for a State-owned midstream gas aggregator in two sets of parallel proceedings relating to gas supply to chemical plants, each worth tens of millions of dollars (ad hoc).

Tansy Shiptrade Inc v Elemento Limited and Rothenberg [2020] EWHC 248 (Comm): acted for the Defendants in proceedings involving an injunction preventing the sale of cargo of a ship (led by James Collins KC).

Aegean Baltic Bank S.A. v Renzlor Shipping Limited, Oceanwide Shipping Limited and Alexandros N. Tranos: acted as sole counsel, including as advocate before the Commercial Court, in this claim concerning alleged default under a loan agreement and two guarantees.

European Metal Recycling Limited v Charterama BV: acted as junior counsel (led by David Walsh) in this Commercial Court claim under a policy of charterers’ liability insurance.

Peter Black Footwear and Accessories Limited and Visage Limited v Fawaz Abdulaziz Alhokair & Co: acted as junior counsel (led by Claire Blanchard KC) in Commercial Court litigation concerning recovery of a debt under a contract for the sale of fashion goods.

Bush v Baines, Taylor and Attorney-General of the Cayman Islands: acting as junior counsel before the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands, instructed by the Attorney General’s Office, concerning alleged conspiracy to injure and malicious prosecution of the former Premier of the Cayman Islands.

Conflict of laws & private international law

Hulley Enterprises Ltd, Yukos Universal Ltd and Veteran Petroleum Ltd v Russian Federation [2021] EWHC 894 (Comm), [2021] 1 WLR 3429; [2025] EWCA Civ 108: acting as junior counsel (led by Jonathan Crow KC and David Peters KC) for three companies seeking to enforce multi-billion-dollar arbitral awards (under PCA Rules) against a foreign State in the English Commercial Court, involving consideration of issue estoppel based on principles of res judicata under Dutch law.

Shell UK Limited and Ors v Greenpeace Limited and Ors: counsel for Greenpeace and individual activists in a claim by Shell following a protest action at sea against the development of the Penguins oilfield in the North Sea, involving questions of Maltese civil and criminal law (led by Richard Lord KC and with David Simpson, Anna Hoffmann and Joshua Jackson).

Instructed as junior counsel (led by Louise Hutton) in a counter-appeal before the Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal regarding the stay of a claim before the BVI courts in favour of a claim before the courts of Mauritius, where both claims related to alleged breaches of internal corporate governance rules.

Acted as junior counsel (led by Toby Landau KC and Will Thomas KC) in an arbitration in respect of gas development projects in Nigeria, giving rise to matters of BVI company law (UNCITRAL Rules).

Employment

Naomi’s employment law cases primarily involve issues of conflict of laws or public international law, including State immunity issues. Many of her employment cases also have a business and human rights angle.

Gale v Kingdom of Eswatini: sole counsel for the Kingdom of Eswatini in a State immunity challenge to employment proceedings concerning the claimant’s employment as a driver at its High Commission in London.

Muda v Malaysia: acting as counsel and advocate for the Claimant in a State immunity challenge to employment proceedings, including regarding the distinction between sovereign and non-sovereign acts, and in relation to the compatibility of the State Immunity Act 1978 with the European Convention on Human Rights given the Claimant’s permanent residence in the UK (with Lorraine Aboagye). An appeal is currently pending.

Blagoev and Ors v Uber London Ltd and Ors: acting as junior counsel (led by Dan Oudkerk KC) on behalf of several hundred Uber drivers in High Court and Employment Tribunal proceedings against Uber for failure to pay minimum wage and holiday pay.

Mulumba v Partners Group (UK) Ltd and Partners Group (USA) Inc, UKEAT/0237/20/RN, [2021] ICR 1501: acted as junior counsel (led by David Craig KC) for a private equity firm in a successful appeal against the Employment Tribunal’s judgment that it had jurisdiction in respect of an employment relationship with significant connections to places outside of the United Kingdom.

Tabidi v British Broadcasting Corporation [2020] EWCA Civ 733, [2020] IRLR 702: acted as junior counsel (led by Charles Ciumei KC) in Court of Appeal proceedings regarding a claim of sex discrimination in a recruitment exercise.

Janah and Benkharbouche v United Kingdom: acted as junior counsel (led by Jessica Wells) for the United Kingdom in these cases before the European Court of Human Rights concerning the interaction between Articles 6 and 14 of the European Convention on Human Rights and grants of State immunity in the context of employment claims by domestic workers.

Ahmed and Buttet v United Kingdom: acted as junior counsel (led by Jessica Wells) for the United Kingdom in these cases before the European Court of Human Rights concerning State immunity in the context of employment claims against a foreign State’s embassy by a driver and a security guard.

Acted as junior counsel (led by Iain Quirk) for an international organisation in several arbitrations (and related High Court challenges) concerning termination of certain consultancy contracts where the claimants alleged they were de facto employees of the organisation (UNCITRAL Rules).

Human rights & civil liberties

Naomi’s human rights practice (much of which is pro bono) has related to domestic, United Nations and regional (European, African and Inter-American) human rights systems. She has worked on cases before international and regional courts and tribunals, as well as before domestic courts in a number of jurisdictions. She has also acted in an advisory capacity on human rights issues for States, individuals, international organisations and civil society organisations, and has prepared expert reports for domestic courts on human rights questions.

Naomi has expertise on: (i) the scope and application of human rights obligations (such as their application during armed conflict, their extraterritorial application, and States’ purported derogation and withdrawal from human rights treaties); and (ii) a range of substantive rights including the rights to life, to a fair trial, to freedom from torture and cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment, to freedom of peaceful assembly, to freedom of expression, to privacy and home life, and to freedom of movement, as well as the rights of refugees, internally displaced persons and asylum seekers.

Naomi appears in the major directories in the human rights field:

Legal 500 (2025): “Naomi is excellent, a true expert in public international law. She has super judgement, is a really hard worker and very popular with clients. Pragmatic but well-thought-out advice. A first choice junior for anything to do with public international law”; “Naomi is a star in the field of human rights law.”
Chambers and Partners (2025): “Naomi has been consistently over her brief on a complex and high-profile case. Her knowledge of human rights and international law is impressive and her written work accomplished”; “I have been impressed with Naomi’s grasp on international law”.
Legal 500 (2024): “A fantastic lawyer — legally sharp and incredibly knowledgeable, with great attention to detail and huge commitment to her cases.”
Chambers & Partners (2024): “She is a delight to work with, incredibly hard-working and well trusted by clients. Really excellent on ECHR issues in particular.”
Chambers & Partners (2023): “She has an incredibly thorough and forensic mind. Excellent legal research skills and impressive legal judgement.”

Naomi serves on the Executive Committee of the Bar Human Rights Committee and is a member of the B Panel of Counsel of the Equality and Human Rights Commission.

EUROPEAN COURT OF HUMAN RIGHTS

Tsaava v Georgia: acting in case before the Grand Chamber concerning the suppression of a political protest in Georgia and the protection of media freedom (with Can Yeğinsu, for PEN International, PEN Georgia and English PEN as interveners).

Republic of Azerbaijan v Republic of Armenia: acting as junior counsel (led by Malcolm Shaw KC and with Jessica Wells, Peter Webster and Freddie Popplewell) for the Republic of Azerbaijan in inter-State proceedings before the Grand Chamber and Sections of the European Court of Human Rights concerning the occupation of and armed conflict concerning the Nagorno-Karabakh region and surrounding territories over three decades. The proceedings also concern Armenia’s failure to provide maps to facilitate landmine clearance in the liberated territories.

Republic of Armenia v Republic of Azerbaijan: acting as junior counsel (led by Malcolm Shaw KC and with Jessica Wells, Peter Webster and Freddie Popplewell) for the Republic of Azerbaijan in multiple inter-State applications by Armenia before the Grand Chamber and Sections of the European Court of Human Rights concerning conflict in the Nagorno-Karabakh region, which Armenia had occupied for three decades.

G.A. and H.A. v Azerbaijan: case concerning the death and alleged mistreatment of a member of Armenia’s armed forces, raising issues of the extent of Azerbaijan’s jurisdiction and allegations of unlawful discrimination.

Ghazaryan v Azerbaijan: case concerning alleged unlawful detention of an enemy soldier during armed conflict, giving rise to important issues concerning the role of international humanitarian law in the interpretation of the European Convention on Human Rights.

Adamyan v Azerbaijan: case concerning alleged violations of Articles 2 and 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights in respect of enemy combatants during armed conflict.

Narayan v Azerbaijan: case concerning the alleged wrongful killing of members of an opposing State’s armed forces.

Asgarova and Veselova v Armenia: acted for the Republic of Azerbaijan as intervener in proceedings concerning alleged human rights violations against Azerbaijani nationals visiting territory now occupied by Armenian forces, focusing on the responsibility of Armenia for the conduct of a subordinate local administration.

Advised as sole counsel on a potential claim before the European Court of Human Rights regarding a Western European State’s interferences with a property development project, raising issues under Articles 6 and 13 of the European Convention and Article 1 of Protocol No. 1.

Advised on a potential claim before the European Court of Human Rights concerning conduct of organs of the European Union, raising questions of Member States’ responsibility for the conduct of international organisations.

OTHER INTERNATIONAL COURTS AND TRIBUNALS

Acting in proceedings before the Committee for the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women concerning allegedly discriminatory provisions of a State’s criminal law.

Vélez Loor v Panama: acting for an amicus curiae in this case before the Inter-American Court of Human Rights concerning a failure to investigate alleged acts of torture (including in light of the expiry of a statute of limitations), with a focus on the rights of asylum seekers and refugees (with Philippa Webb, Ali Al-Karim, Ruben Robertson and Camille Boileau).

Application of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (The Gambia v Myanmar): acting for the United Kingdom in its joint intervention with Canada, Denmark, France, Germany and the Netherlands in this case before the International Court of Justice (led by Alison Macdonald KC and Dapo Akande).

Allegations of Genocide under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (Ukraine v Russian Federation): acting for the United Kingdom as an intervening State in this case brought under the Genocide Convention before the International Court of Justice (led by Ben Juratowitch KC and Philippa Webb).

Khachatryan v Azerbaijan: claim before UN Committee Against Torture concerning alleged mistreatment of a prisoner of war.

Legal Consequences of the Separation of the Chagos Archipelago from Mauritius in 1965: instructed as junior counsel (led by Vaughan Lowe KC) for the Republic of Cyprus in these advisory proceedings before the International Court of Justice concerning the right to self-determination.

DOMESTIC COURTS

Dillon and Ors (Proceedings Challenging the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023) [2024] NIKB 11, [2024] NICA 59: acting in high-profile challenge to primary legislation concerning the grant of immunity and termination of criminal investigations, civil proceedings, inquests and police complaints for crimes committed during the Troubles, raising issues of the UK’s obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights, the Windsor Framework (incorporated into the UK-EU Withdrawal Agreement) and the Belfast Good Friday Agreement (for the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission as intervener, led by Hugh Mercer KC).

R (SM, YXY and SY) v Secretary of State for the Home Department: acted in lead challenges to the Safety of Rwanda Act 2024 which included requests for declarations of incompatibility with the Human Rights Act 1998 (and Articles 2 and 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights) on the basis of risks of onward refoulement from Rwanda contrary to the Refugees Convention.

Channel Rescue, Freedom from Torture and Ors v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2022] EWHC 517 (Admin): acted as junior counsel (led by David Blundell KC) in judicial review proceedings challenging the Secretary of State’s “pushback” policy in respect of migrant vessels crossing the English Channel. The challenge rested largely on the Human Rights Act and the United Kingdom’s international obligations under the law of the sea.

Acted as sole counsel for a victim of human trafficking before the First Tier Tribunal in an appeal against a decision of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority, successfully overturning the Authority’s finding that the appellant had not sufficiently cooperated in bringing his traffickers to justice.

The “Saturday Mothers/People” case: co-author of an expert opinion on the human right to protest, submitted on behalf of the Bar Human Rights Committee and Article 19 to an Istanbul criminal court in relation to the prosecution of members of a peaceful protest movement.

London Steam-Ship Owners’ Mutual Insurance Association Limited v French State (“M/T Prestige”) [2023] EWHC 2474 (Comm), [2024] 2 All ER (Comm) 175; [2024] EWCA Civ 1536: acting for France (led by Anna Dilnot KC) in high-profile, long-running litigation and arbitration arising out of a major shipping casualty causing environmental damage to the French and Spanish coasts, involving issues of the human right to a fair trial in light of a conferral of State immunity.

Barngarla Determination Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC v Minister for Resources [2023] FCA 809: assisted Dapo Akande in preparing an expert report on the rights of indigenous peoples under customary international law in a case before the Federal Court of Australia concerning a decision to establish a radioactive waste facility on indigenous land.

R (AA) v Secretary of State for the Home Department: acted as sole counsel in a judicial review claim before the Upper Tribunal relating to delay in resolving an application for leave to remain on the basis of Article 8 ECHR.

Advised in relation to a claim before Norwegian courts concerning Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights following a maritime collision.

ADVISORY AND OTHER WORK

Advised the International Human Rights Service (with Alison McDonald KC, Ben Juratowitch KC and Amy Sander) on the crime of gender apartheid under international law, with particular reference to the conduct of the Taliban in Afghanistan (advice available here).

Co-authored a high-profile opinion on international criminal liability and State responsibility for crimes against humanity and genocide (led by Alison Macdonald KC).

Advised a State on the drafting of its new constitution in light of international treaty law and human rights obligations (led by Dapo Akande).

Co-authored reports on behalf of the Republic of Azerbaijan concerning international legal matters arising from occupation of its territory, including in relation to war crimes and breaches of human rights obligations, which were circulated to the United Nations General Assembly and Security Council.

Advised the Human Rights Law Centre, an Australian non-governmental organisation, on the legality of inter-State espionage under public international law.

Assistant Editor of the European Human Rights Reports (2017–2025).

Investment treaty disputes

Zeph Investments Pte Ltd v Commonwealth of Australia (II): acting as junior counsel for Australia (led by Jesse Clarke, Stephen Donaghue KC, Sam Wordsworth KC and Chester Brown SC) in a substantial investment claim concerning the impact of environmental offsets legislation on a coal project in Queensland (AANZFTA, UNCITRAL Rules).

Hulley Enterprises Ltd, Yukos Universal Ltd and Veteran Petroleum Ltd v Russian Federation [2021] EWHC 894 (Comm), [2021] 1 WLR 3429; [2025] EWCA Civ 108: acting as junior counsel (led by Jonathan Crow KC and David Peters KC) for three companies seeking to enforce multi-billion-dollar investor-State arbitral awards (PCA Rules) against a foreign State in the English Commercial Court, focusing in particular on issues of State immunity.

Counsel (with Peter Webster) on behalf of an African State in an investor-State arbitration concerning two construction contracts interrupted by armed conflict (UNCITRAL Rules).

Advised the owners of a minerals investment on a potential claim under a European State’s Investment Law (led by Sam Wordsworth KC).

Acted as junior counsel (led by Graham Dunning KC) on behalf of three investors in a multi-billion dollar arbitration against an Eastern European State brought pursuant to a multilateral investment treaty (SCC Rules).

Advised a South American State on an investment claim concerning alleged breaches of the fair and equitable treatment standard and the obligation to provide full protection and security, raising issues of whether the relevant investment was made in the State’s territory (with Sam Wordsworth KC) (ICSID Convention).

Public & administrative law

Naomi was appointed to the Attorney General’s London C Panel of Civil Counsel and the Public International Law C Panel of Junior Counsel in 2020. She was appointed to the Legal Services Panel of the Government of the Virgin Islands in 2023, and to the B Panel of Counsel of the Equality and Human Rights Commission in 2024.

Naomi was listed in relation to Administrative Law and Human Rights in Legal 500 (2024), which said of her: “A fantastic lawyer — legally sharp and incredibly knowledgeable, with great attention to detail and huge commitment to her cases.” In the same field in 2025, Legal 500 said: “Naomi is a star.”

Dillon and Ors (Proceedings Challenging the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023) [2024] NIKB 11, [2024] NICA 59: acting in high-profile challenge to primary legislation concerning the grant of immunity and termination of criminal investigations, civil proceedings, inquests and police complaints for crimes committed during the Troubles, raising issues of the UK’s obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights, the Windsor Framework (incorporated into the UK-EU Withdrawal Agreement) and the Belfast Good Friday Agreement (for the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission as intervener, led by Hugh Mercer KC).

Channel Rescue, Freedom from Torture and Ors v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2022] EWHC 517 (Admin): acting as junior counsel (led by David Blundell KC) in judicial review proceedings challenging the Secretary of State’s “pushback” policy in respect of migrant vessels crossing the English Channel. The challenge rested largely on the Human Rights Act and the United Kingdom’s international obligations under the law of the sea.

R (F A Gill and Ors) v Food Standards Agency [2022] EWHC 1709 (Admin): acting as junior counsel (led by Hugh Mercer KC) in a judicial review claim concerning the collection of official control charges from food business operators in England.

Barngarla Determination Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC v Minister for Resources [2023] FCA 809: assisted Dapo Akande in preparing an expert report on the rights of indigenous peoples under customary international law in a case before the Federal Court of Australia concerning a governmental decision to establish a radioactive waste facility on indigenous land.

R (Isaku) v Upper Tribunal: acted as sole counsel for the Secretary of State for the Home Department as Interested Party in a judicial review claim concerning an appeal against a deprivation of British citizenship.

R (Kashif) v Secretary of State for the Home Department: acted as sole counsel for the Respondent in relation to a judicial review regarding an application for pre-settled status.

Acted as sole counsel for the Judicial Appointments and Conduct Ombudsman in successfully defending a judicial review claim concerning an alleged failure to investigate a complaint against a member of the judiciary.

Regularly acts as sole counsel in judicial review claims concerning immigration and asylum matters.

Derby Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust v Derby City Council (Charity Commission for England and Wales Intervening) [2019] EWHC 3436 (Ch), [2020] 2 WLR 390: acted as junior counsel (led by Christopher McCall KC) for the Charity Commission making submissions on the charitable status of NHS Foundation Trusts under legislation and common law.

Co-author of Chapter 15 (EU Law) in Supperstone, Goudie & Walker: Judicial Review (Seventh edition, 2023).

Public international law

In 2023 Naomi was shortlisted as International Law Junior of the Year by Legal 500. She has repeatedly appeared in the legal directories in the field of Public International Law since the earliest years of her practice:

Legal 500 (2025): “Naomi is highly reliable, diligent and competent. She has outstanding drafting skills and pays close attention to details. An invaluable member of the legal team”; “Naomi is excellent, a true expert in public international law. She has super judgement, is a really hard worker and very popular with clients. Pragmatic but well-thought-out advice. A first choice junior for anything to do with public international law.”
Chambers and Partners (2025): “Naomi is super sharp, very meticulous and diligent. You have confidence that she will always produce work of the highest quality.”
Legal 500 (2024): “Naomi is a star — ferociously bright, very hard-working, a great team player and her analytical skills are exceptional. Her practice in PIL is growing quickly.”
Chambers & Partners (2024): “She is very diligent”; “Good knowledge of some niche areas.”
Chambers & Partners (2023): “Naomi is an outstanding public international lawyer. She is a delight to work with, incredibly hard-working and well trusted by clients. She’s really excellent on ECHR issues in particular”; “She’s extremely good, and is very thorough and efficient — she has a wisdom about her.” “She’s a really fantastic advocate.”
Legal 500 (2023): “Naomi has a brilliant mind and her analytical skills are exceptional. Her practice in PIL is growing quickly, and rightly so. She is excellent in the investor state dispute field, but in pure state-versus-state cases also.”
Legal 500 (2022): “Naomi is beyond brilliant, extremely pleasant to work with and dedicated to her clients. She is superb at drafting and has astute analytical abilities.”
Legal 500 (2021): “super efficient and quick to respond to several different issues that may arise”; “her instincts are spot on when giving advice”.

Naomi was appointed to the Attorney General’s Public International Law C Panel of Junior Counsel in 2020. She is an Honorary International Law Practice Fellow at the British Institute of International and Comparative Law and a member of the Executive Committee of the Bar Human Rights Committee.

INTER-STATE MATTERS

Allegations of Genocide under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (Ukraine v Russian Federation): acting for the United Kingdom as an intervening State in this case before the International Court of Justice (led by Ben Juratowitch KC and Philippa Webb).

European Union v United Kingdom: inter-State arbitration concerning the United Kingdom’s prohibition on sandeel fishing in the North Sea, the first claim under the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement (for Greenpeace Limited as amicus curiae).

Dispute concerning delimitation of the maritime boundary between Mauritius and Maldives in the Indian Ocean (Mauritius/Maldives): acted as counsel and advocate (with Alan Boyle, Payam Akhavan, Jean-Marc Thouvenin, Makane Mbengue and Amy Sander) for the Republic of Maldives in this claim before a Special Chamber of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea.

Appeal Relating to the Jurisdiction of the ICAO Council under Article 84 of the Convention on International Civil Aviation, and Appeal Relating to the Jurisdiction of the ICAO Council under Article II, Section 2, of the 1944 International Air Services Transit Agreement: acted as junior counsel (led by Payam Akhavan) for the Arab Republic of Egypt in these cases before the International Court of Justice.

Republic of Azerbaijan v Republic of Armenia: acting as junior counsel (led by Malcolm Shaw KC and with Jessica Wells, Peter Webster and Freddie Popplewell) for the Republic of Azerbaijan in inter-State proceedings before the Grand Chamber and Sections of the European Court of Human Rights concerning the occupation of and armed conflict concerning the Nagorno-Karabakh region and surrounding territories over three decades. The proceedings also concern Armenia’s failure to provide maps to facilitate landmine clearance in the liberated territories.

State of Qatar v Kingdom of Bahrain, Arab Republic of Egypt, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates: acted as junior counsel (led by Payam Akhavan) for the Arab Republic of Egypt in parallel proceedings before the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization, brought under the Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation and the International Air Services Transit Agreement.

OTHER CASES BEFORE INTERNATIONAL COURTS AND TRIBUNALS

HMM v Latvia (ECtHR): counsel and advocate for the Applicants in a landmark Grand Chamber case concerning pushbacks of asylum seekers from Latvia to Belarus (with Kirill Koroteev, Nikita Matyushchenkov, Joshua Jackson and Camille Boileau).

Vélez Loor v Panama (Inter-American Court of Human Rights): acting for an amicus curiae in this case concerning a failure to investigate alleged acts of torture (including in light of the expiry of a statute of limitations), with a focus on the rights of asylum seekers and refugees (with Philippa Webb, Ali Al-Karim, Ruben Robertson and Camille Boileau).

Acting in proceedings before the Committee for the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women concerning allegedly discriminatory provisions of a State’s criminal law.

G.A. and H.A. v Azerbaijan (ECtHR): case concerning the death and alleged mistreatment of a member of Armenia’s armed forces, raising issues of the extent of Azerbaijan’s jurisdiction and allegations of unlawful discrimination.

Ghazaryan v Azerbaijan (ECtHR): case concerning alleged unlawful detention of an enemy soldier during armed conflict, giving rise to important issues concerning the role of international humanitarian law in the interpretation of the European Convention on Human Rights.

Narayan v Azerbaijan (ECtHR): case concerning the alleged wrongful killing of members of an opposing State’s armed forces.

Adamyan v Azerbaijan (ECtHR): case concerning alleged violations of Articles 2 and 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights in respect of enemy combatants during armed conflict.

Khachatryan v Azerbaijan: claim before UN Committee Against Torture concerning alleged mistreatment of a prisoner of war.

Janah and Benkharbouche v United Kingdom (ECtHR): acted as junior counsel (led by Jessica Wells) for the United Kingdom in these cases concerning the interaction between Articles 6 and 14 of the European Convention on Human Rights and grants of State immunity in the context of employment claims by domestic workers.

Ahmed and Buttet v United Kingdom (ECtHR): acted as junior counsel (led by Jessica Wells) for the United Kingdom in these cases concerning State immunity in the context of employment claims against a foreign State’s embassy by a driver and a security guard.

Asgarova and Veselova v Armenia (ECtHR): acted as junior counsel (led by Malcolm Shaw KC) for Azerbaijan as intervener in proceedings concerning alleged human rights violations against Azerbaijani nationals visiting territory now occupied by Armenian forces, focusing on the responsibility of Armenia for the conduct of a subordinate local administration.

See also under “Investment Treaty Disputes”.

INTERNATIONAL LAW IN DOMESTIC COURTS

Dillon and Ors (Proceedings Challenging the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023) [2024] NIKB 11, [2024] NICA 59: acting in high-profile challenge to primary legislation concerning the grant of immunity and termination of criminal investigations, civil proceedings, inquests and police complaints for crimes committed during the Troubles, raising issues of the UK’s obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights, the Windsor Framework (incorporated into the UK-EU Withdrawal Agreement) and the Belfast Good Friday Agreement (for the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission as intervener, led by Hugh Mercer KC).

Shell UK Limited and Ors v Greenpeace Limited and Ors: counsel for Greenpeace and individual activists in a claim by Shell following a protest action at sea against the development of the Penguins oilfield in the North Sea, involving consideration of the law of the sea and with important consequences for the rights to freedom of expression, assembly and association (led by Richard Lord KC and with David Simpson, Anna Hoffmann and Joshua Jackson).

Hulley Enterprises Ltd, Yukos Universal Ltd and Veteran Petroleum Ltd v Russian Federation [2021] EWHC 894 (Comm), [2021] 1 WLR 3429; [2025] EWCA Civ 108: acting as junior counsel (led by Jonathan Crow KC and David Peters KC) for three companies seeking to enforce multi-billion-dollar arbitral awards against a foreign State in the English Commercial Court, focusing in particular on issues of State immunity.

The “Saturday Mothers/People” case: co-author of an expert opinion on the human right to protest under international law, submitted on behalf of the Bar Human Rights Committee and Article 19 to an Istanbul criminal court in relation to the prosecution of members of a peaceful protest movement.

Barngarla Determination Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC v Minister for Resources [2023] FCA 809: assisted Dapo Akande in preparing an expert report on the rights of indigenous peoples under customary international law in a case before the Federal Court of Australia concerning a decision to establish a radioactive waste facility on indigenous land.

OTHER ADVISORY WORK

Co-authored a high-profile opinion on international criminal liability and State responsibility for crimes against humanity and genocide (led by Alison Macdonald KC).

Advised the Human Rights Law Centre, an Australian non-governmental organisation, on the legality of inter-State espionage under public international law.

Advised States on matters relating to international climate change negotiations and treaties through Legal Response International.

Naomi’s other advisory work on behalf of States, companies, individuals and organisations has covered a vast range of international legal issues, including:

Diplomatic and State immunity;
The immunity of international organisations;
Reparations under international humanitarian law;
Territorial sovereignty, including in respect of land boundaries and islands;
Maritime entitlements under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea;
The act of State doctrine;
The United Nations Convention Against Corruption;
The legality of certain import restrictions under international trade law;
Unlawful occupation of territory;
International criminal law, including in relation to genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes (including chemical weapon use);
Organ trafficking and forced organ harvesting;
The drafting of a new constitution in light of international treaty law and human rights obligations; and
Obligations under the Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources.

EXPERIENCE PRIOR TO COMING TO THE BAR

Naomi completed a PhD entitled “Espionage and International Law” at St John’s College, University of Cambridge, supervised by Professor Roger O’Keefe. Her dissertation was awarded the prestigious Yorke Prize for a thesis “of exceptional quality, which makes a substantial contribution to its relevant field of legal knowledge”. At Cambridge she also taught Public International Law to undergraduates and The Law of Armed Conflict, the Use of Force and Peacekeeping to LLM students. She has published numerous articles and book chapters on various international law topics.

Her previous international legal work includes the following:

2014: Research Associate to the Lauterpacht Centre for International Law, University of Cambridge, in its project on authoritarian and post-conflict States transitioning into democracies.
2013: Co-author of a research memorandum in response to a request from the Inter-American Court of Human Rights dealing with a case that was active before the Court which involved researching laws and jurisprudence from numerous domestic, regional and international jurisdictions around the world.
2010–13: Research Assistant to Professor Ben Saul, University of Sydney, contributing to his work on international law relating to human rights and terrorism, refugees, armed conflict, peacekeeping and genocide.
2010: Interned at the Australian Human Rights Commission, contributing to projects concerning international human rights law and, for example, Australia’s program of mandatory detention of asylum seekers and discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.
2008: Intern at the Sydney Centre for International Law, undertaking legal research and drafting submissions and legal advice on topics including the provision of compensation to members of the Stolen Generation in Australia, Australia’s approach to promoting good governance in Papua New Guinea, and the drafting of the Nepalese Constitution.

Shipping & admiralty

Naomi has a particular specialism in shipping and Admiralty matters with aspects relating to public international law, environmental damage and/or human rights.

Shell UK Limited and Ors v Greenpeace Limited and Ors: acted in Admiralty Court proceedings for Greenpeace and individual activists in a claim by Shell following a protest action at sea against the development of the Penguins oilfield in the North Sea, with important consequences for the rights to freedom of expression, assembly and association (led by Richard Lord KC and with David Simpson, Anna Hoffmann and Joshua Jackson).

Aegean Baltic Bank S.A. v Renzlor Shipping Limited, Oceanwide Shipping Limited and Alexandros N. Tranos: acting as sole counsel, including as advocate before the Commercial Court, in this claim concerning alleged default under a loan agreement and two guarantees, where the creditor is alleged to have acted negligently in entering into settlements with the insurers of the primary debtor, a shipowner.

European Metal Recycling Limited v Charterama BV: acted as junior counsel (led by David Walsh) in this Commercial Court claim under a policy of charterers’ liability insurance.

Acted as junior counsel (led by Philippa Hopkins KC) in an arbitration concerning allegedly undersized anchors on a superyacht (LMAA Rules).

Acted as sole counsel in an arbitration concerning alleged underperformance of a vessel and a claim in respect of damaged cargo (LMAA Rules).

Acted as sole counsel in an arbitration concerning a claim for overpaid hire following the late delivery of a vessel (LMAA Rules).

Career

2024: Appointed to the B Panel of Counsel of the Equality and Human Rights Commission; appointed Honorary International Law Practice Fellow of the British Institute of International and Comparative Law

2023: Appointed to the Legal Services Panel of the Government of the Virgin Islands

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

2017: Tenancy at Essex Court Chambers

2016: Pupillage at Essex Court Chambers

2016: Call to the Bar at Lincoln’s Inn

2013: Admission as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of New South Wales

Education

Doctorate in public international law, St John’s College, University of Cambridge

Bar Professional Training Course, BPP Law School, London (Outstanding, ranked second across all BPP locations)

Bachelor of Laws, University of Sydney (First Class Honours, ranked second in year)

Bachelor of Arts, University of Sydney (University Medal and First Class Honours, ranked first in year in History)

Awards

Postgraduate study and professional training

Yorke Prize (Faculty of Law, University of Cambridge)

Sunley Scholarship; Buchanan Scholarship (Lincoln’s Inn)

BPP Excellence Award (BPP Law School)

McMahon Studentship (St John’s College, University of Cambridge)

Winner, American Society of International Law (International Refugee Law Interest Group) Essay Competition

Hardwicke Entrance Award (Lincoln’s Inn)

Research grant from Simón Bolívar Fund and Santander Travel Fund (Cambridge Centre for Latin American Studies)

Two full scholarships to undertake PhD at University of Cambridge: J C Hall Scholarship (St John’s College, University of Cambridge); Honorary Poynton Australia Scholarship (Cambridge Commonwealth Trust)

Undergraduate study

Convocation Medal for Undergraduate Achievement (University of Sydney Alumni Council)

In final year of Bachelor of Laws, Sir Dudley Williams Prize; Nancy Gordon Smith Prize; Academic Merit Prize (Faculty of Law, University of Sydney)

Sir John Peden Memorial Prize for Proficiency in Foundations of Law, Federal Constitutional Law, International Law and Real Property (Faculty of Law, University of Sydney)

Winner, Governor-General’s Undergraduate Essay Competition (Constitutional Education Fund of Australia)

Undergraduate Scholarship (Boston Consulting Group)

Norman Harper Prize (Australasian Journal of American Studies)

Jamieson Award (Australian Federation of University Women for leadership and academic achievement)

Other prizes from Faculties of Law and Arts, University of Sydney: Dean’s List of Excellence in Academic Performance; Philippe Erdos Prize in History; Maud Stiles Prize in Senior History; George Arnold Wood Memorial Prize for History II; G S Caird Scholarship in History II; Walter Reid Memorial Prize and Book Grants; Merit Scholarship

Publications

Co-author of Chapter 15 (EU Law) in Supperstone, Goudie & Walker: Judicial Review (Seventh edition, 2023)

N Hart, “Background Paper: Espionage and Elusive Rules of Customary International Law”, The Oxford Process on International Law Protections in Cyberspace: A Compendium (2022) 297

N Hart, “The Supreme Court’s judgment in Elan-Cane: non-gendered identity and the relationship between the Human Rights Act and the European Convention” (2022) Judicial Review

N Hart, “Complementary Protection and Domestic Courts: The Extent, Method, Purpose and Effects of Judicial Dialogue” in A Müller (ed), Judicial Dialogue and Human Rights (Cambridge University Press, 2017)

N Hart, “Complementary Protection and Transjudicial Dialogue: Global Best Practice or Race to the Bottom?” (2016) 28 International Journal of Refugee Law 171

N Hart and S Srikumar, “Investor-State Arbitration before the High Court of Singapore: Territoriality, Nationality and Arbitrability” (2015) 4 Cambridge Journal of International and Comparative Law 191

N Hart, “Whole-life Sentences in the UK: Volte-face at the European Court of Human Rights?” (2015) 74 Cambridge Law Journal 205

M Crock, N Hart, R McCallum and B Saul, “Making Every Life Count: Ensuring Equality and Protection for Persons with Disabilities in Armed Conflicts” (2014) 40 Monash Law Review 148

I Shearer and N Hart, “The Engagement of Asia-Pacific States with the UN Human Rights Committee: Reporting and Individual Petitions”, in H Nasu and B Saul (eds), Human Rights in the Asia–Pacific Region (Routledge, 2011)

N Hart, “Plaintiff M70/2011 v Minister for Immigration and Citizenship; Plaintiff M106/2011 v Minister for Immigration and Citizenship: Casenote” (2011) 18 Australian International Law Journal 207

N Hart, “Separating the Inquest from the Trial: The Mulrunji Case” (2009) 7(10) Indigenous Law Bulletin 23

Naomi is currently an Assistant Editor of the European Human Rights Reports. She has previously served as Editor-in-Chief of the Cambridge Journal of International and Comparative Law and Editor of the Sydney Law Review.

Barrister at Essex Court Chambers

Professional practice