Barrister Jane Russell has moved from Tooks Chambers to leading commercial set Essex Court Chambers. Called to the Bar in 2004, Jane had previously practised as a solicitor in the city for 6 years.
The respected Junior is best known for her employment and discrimination work. Jane has acted for a wide range of clients, both Claimants and Respondents. She has a particular focus on appellate work, complex or high-value claims. Jane has an interest in the application of the law to new areas. One of her cases, involving surrogacy issues, has recently been referred to the Court of Justice of the European Union for a Preliminary Ruling. She has experience of whistleblowing and restrictive covenants as well as cases with a national security aspect.
Notable recent cases include appearing in Court of Appeal proceedings in a sexual orientation case which is understood to be one of the first cases about “outing”; she also appeared in one of the first IVF pregnancy discrimination case.
Jane is a regular speaker at the European Academy in Trier, which is a European Commission funded judicial training academy. In December 2008, she was selected by the United Nations Development Programme to review the gender equality laws of Armenia.
Senior Clerk David Grief welcomes Jane Russell to Essex Court Chambers: “We are known for our high calibre of both Silks and Juniors and recognise the client demand to keep a balance in terms of the range of seniority and expertise available. Although in 2011 our three new silks were balanced by our three new tenants joining on completion of pupillage, attracting an experienced Junior of the calibre of Jane Russell, is perfect in terms of the range and breadth of expertise we wish to offer our clients. Employment litigation is a growth area and is becoming increasingly complex. We feel that both Jane and her practice will be a superb fit and an asset for Essex Court Chambers, its members and its collective reputation.”
Jane is also a named individual in Legal 500 for Employment: “Jane Russell shows ‘excellent legal knowledge and very strong cross-examination skills’” (Legal 500). She is a member of the Discrimination Law Association, Employment Law Bar Association, Employment Lawyers Association and an honorary member of the American Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Division. She joins Essex Court Chambers as of the 13th February 2012.
