Gary Oliver
Senior Clerk
+44 (0) 207 822 7325
Isabel practices across the main areas of Chambers' work, with particular experience of public, regulatory and human rights law, competition law, commercial litigation, public international law and sanctions and employment law.
She is ranked in The Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners. Recent comments include:
Isabel combines her commercial practice with a substantial pro bono and publicly funded practice. She has appeared before the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, High Court, Competition Appeal Tribunal, First Tier Tribunals (Immigration), SIAC and Employment Tribunals.
Some highlights of Isabel's practice include:
Before coming to the Bar, Isabel worked as a caseworker for Justice Project Pakistan, providing pro bono representation to persons facing the death penalty in Pakistan. Isabel also taught jurisprudence and property law at the University of Glasgow and equity and trusts and contract law at Birkbeck College, University of London. She was a legal panellist and contributor to Protecting Children in Armed Conflict (London: Hart Publishing, 2018). She is the author of Trials: On Death Row in Pakistan (London: Jonathan Cape, 2016) which won the Saltire Scottish First Book Award and was an Economist and Spectator book of the year.
Isabel is member of the Attorney General's panel of counsel (C panel) and the Equality and Human Rights Commission's panel of counsel.
Isabel has a broad public law practice. She regularly acts and advises (led and unled) for claimants and defendants in wide range of cases: from those engaging issues of international human rights law to commercial judicial review. Her clients include regulators, government departments, individuals, NGOs and companies. In addition to privately paid and publicly funded work, Isabel has a strong commitment to pro bono work.
She is ranked as a “rising star” in Legal 500 (Administrative Law & Human Rights and Immigration) and “up and coming” in Chambers and Partners (Administrative & Public Law and Civil Liberties & Human Rights). She is a member of the Attorney General's C Panel of Counsel and the Equality and Human Rights Commission’s Panel of Counsel, and she is a committee member of the Young Public Law Group.
“Isabel has good analytical skills. She has a good ability to navigate complex legal landscapes.”
Chambers and Partners, 2025
“Isabel is extremely bright and responsive. She writes well.”
Chambers and Partners, 2025
“Isabel has enormous commitment, responsiveness and creativity.”
Chambers and Partners, 2025
“Her strengths are her attention to detail and her procedural knowledge, which is unparalleled. For detailed procedural problems, I'll always turn to her.”
Chambers and Partners, 2025
“Isabel is extremely bright. Her legal analysis is impeccable.”
Legal 500, 2025
“Intelligent and helpful at all times.”
Chambers and Partners, 2023
“She is very responsive and friendly and she goes the extra mile.”
Chambers and Partners, 2023
“"She is incredibly bright and can produce really effective legal analysis of very difficult subject matter."”
Chambers and Partners, 2023
“Her drafting and legal work are amazing, she is very clever and has great ideas, and sees her way through complex legal issues in a way that suggests experience beyond her call.”
Chambers and Partners, 2022
“A real star of the future.”
Chambers and Partners, 2022
“A fantastic advocate; she is great to work with and makes things easy for solicitors.”
Chambers and Partners, 2022
“Isabel is reliable, hard-working and detail oriented.”
Legal 500, 2022
“She is excellent. Bright, hardworking, and committed.”
Legal 500, 2021
Acted for the Claimant in a challenge to Ofcom’s regulation of the launch of BBC Radio 1 Dance.
Working (pro bono) with the Human Dignity Trust, and in particular assisting counsel in foreign jurisdictions, on strategic litigation claims challenging laws that persecute people on the basis of their sexual orientation and/or gender identity.
Acting pro bono on behalf of Ukraine in an inter-state case before the ECtHR concerning the Ukrainian Government's allegations of "human rights violations committed by the Russian Federation in its military operations on the territory of Ukraine since 24 February 2022".
Acted for Visa in successfully (i) resisting the Claimants' appeal against refusal of summary judgment on certain aspects of their claim; and (ii) maintaining Visa's appeal (in part) against summary judgment on certain aspects of their defence.
Acted for Visa at a substantial CMC before the CAT concerning the case management of mass parallel claims.
Acted for the Appellant in an appeal brought under s.192 of the Communications Act 2003 against a decision contained in a statement made by Ofcom in September 2021, relating to Openreach's new proposed pricing arrangements for FTTP services.
Acted for the claimant in a judicial review challenging the Home Secretary's decision (i) not to consider, and apply her "Exclusion from the UK" policy to, a dossier of material provided by the claimant in support of his request for exclusion of the interested party; and (ii) not to notify the claimant of whether a decision has been made and give reasons for that decision.
Acted for Visa in resisting (successfully in part) the Claimants' application for summary judgment.
Acted for Visa in a hearing concerning the relevant counterfactual for the (remitted) trial of quantum in these proceedings.
Advising Government Departments on the ECHR compliance of proposed legislation and policy.
Acted for Visa in a hearing of a preliminary issue concerning the law applicable to certain of the Claimants' claims.
Acted for the Claimant (with Charlotte Kilroy QC and Tom Lowenthal) in her successful claim against the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis and the National Police Chiefs' Council. The Investigatory Powers Tribunal found that the police had breached Articles 3, 8, 10, 11 and 14 ECHR in deploying undercover police officers to spy on protest groups in the late 1990s and 2000s.
Successfully acted (unled) for the appellant in an appeal against refusal of asylum.
Acting (with Jason Pobjoy and others) for the claimant in a judicial review challenging the legality of the regime imposing a fee for applications by children for registration as a British citizen.
Represented the Secretary of State in a successful application for judicial review of the Parole Board's refusal to reconsider a release direction made in error. The High Court held that the Parole Board's decision was a nullity and there was therefore no valid release direction. In obiter comment, the Court noted, however, that the Secretary of State has no power to 're-refer' a prisoner's case to the Parole Board. (With Sir James Eadie QC and Jason Pobjoy.)
Acting (unled) for the ASA in defence of a County Court claim brought in relation to investigation of a complaint, and a related application for strike out and/or summary judgment.
Provision of advice to a financial services company in relation to a regulatory investigation. With Javan Herberg QC.
Providing advice to a foreign public body on the scope and effect of freedom of information legislation. With Monica Carss-Frisk QC.
Successfully represented (unled) the Appellant (an EU citizen) in an appeal against a deportation made against her.
Advising the claimant in relation to a potential judicial review challenging the FCO’s failure to act in relation to British nationals seeking to return from refugee camps in Syria.
Acting for the claimant in an application for permission to proceed with judicial review following rejection of his claim for asylum.
Acted (unled) for the appellant in her appeal to the Upper Tribunal against rejection of her deportation appeal.
Acted (unled) for the appellant in an appeal against a deportation order.
Acting for the claimant, a child, in their claim for registration as a British citizen.
Advising an individual making an application for asylum.
Acting for a claimant bringing a challenge before the ECtHR in relation to the UK’s violation of Articles 6, 8 and 13 of the ECHR.
Acted for the claimants in a number of cases concerning strip searches in prisons (with Jason Pobjoy).
Providing pro bono advice in relation to an asylum claim.
Successfully acted (with Jason Pobjoy) for the claimants in a challenge to the SSJ's failure to put in place measures to ensure that prison officers in a contracted-out prison were adequately trained in the strip searching of female and transgender prisoners.
Acted for a group of Libyans said to be members of or affiliated to the LIFG in connection with their detention in the UK, detention and torture abroad and subjection to domestic sanctions (with Thomas de la Mare QC and others).
Acted for the Equality and Human Rights Commission, advising and preparing submissions on the human rights and equality implications of the Grenfell Tower tragedy including, in particular, in relation to the right to life under Article 2 ECHR, the right to adequate and dignified housing, the right to non-discrimination and equality, and children's rights under the Convention on the Rights of the Child (with Jason Pobjoy).
Advising an overseas entity on susceptibility of certain government decisions to judicial review (with David Pannick QC).
Advising the General Medical Council on whether allowing registered doctors to serve in the armed forces was compatible with international humanitarian law (assisting Ivan Hare).
Acted for the Secretary of State in these cases challenging the Secretary of State’s policy on release of prisoners with a whole life tariff or (as in Du’s case) a tariff which is likely to extend beyond their lifetime on the basis of Article 5 of the ECHR. The cases follow the ECtHR’s decision in Vinter v United Kingdom (2012) 55 EHRR 34 (assisting Ivan Hare who, in Vinter, appeared with James Eadie QC).
Advised a potential claimant in a judicial review claim as to possible grounds of review and the merits of a claim against HMRC (assisting Ivan Hare).
Acted for the Secretary of State in a judicial review challenging the Secretary of State’s policy of accepting the recommendation of a High Court judge in a detention at Her Majesty’s Pleasure tariff review, the Secretary of State’s decision not to allow the claimant to make submissions on the High Court judge’s representation, the Secretary of State’s refusal to review the High Court judge’s decision not to disclose a victim impact statement (assisting Ivan Hare).
Acted for the Secretary of State in resisting an application for permission to proceed with judicial review challenging the Secretary of State’s decision to temporarily suspend a fisheries management agreement with the States of Guernsey and to temporarily suspend licences issued to fishing vessels of the States of Guernsey (assisting James Segan).
Acted for Defra in defence of a challenge by Greenpeace to the UK’s allocation method for fishing quota and effort, on ground of alleged incompatibility with EU law (assisting James Segan).
Acting for the SFO in a judicial review claim concerning the SFO’s procedure for handling of documentary evidence potentially attracting legal professional privilege (assisting James Segan).
Advice to a commercial fishing company as to whether EU Regulation 404/2011 required the installation of a vessel monitoring system (“VMS”) on-board their vessels and advice as to the merits of a potential judicial review claim challenging a government decision not to grant a licence to vessels without a VMS (assisting James Segan).
Isabel frequently acts and advises, both led and unled, on matters concerning civil liberties and human rights in both a domestic and international context. Her clients include charities, government departments, the Equality and Human Rights Commission and individual claimants. In addition to privately paid and publicly funded work, Isabel undertakes substantial pro bono work.
She is ranked as a “rising star” in Legal 500 (Administrative Law & Human Rights and Immigration) and “up and coming” in Chambers and Partners (Administrative & Public Law and Civil Liberties & Human Rights). She is a member of the Attorney General's C Panel of Counsel and the Equality and Human Rights Commission’s Panel of Counsel, and she is a committee member of the Young Public Law Group.
“Isabel's attention to detail was second to none, as was her depth of legal knowledge.”
Chambers and Partners, 2025
“Isabel's drafting is really crisp, clean and powerful. She can strike the right balance of technicality and emotional perspective, bearing in mind the outlook of the case.”
Chambers and Partners, 2025
“Isabel has a sharp legal mind. She is a fantastic communicator and provides top quality advice.”
Legal 500, 2024
“A brilliant academic whose written work is just fantastic.”
Chambers and Partners, 2023
“She is hugely committed to solving issues in the case and leaves no stone unturned. A real asset to have on a team.”
Chambers and Partners, 2023
“She is really clear in the advice she gives. She is creative and great at problem solving, especially when thinking about solutions for impecunious clients. She is thorough and her drafting is spot-on.”
Legal 500, 2023
Working (pro bono) with the Human Dignity Trust, and in particular assisting counsel in foreign jurisdictions, on strategic litigation claims challenging laws that persecute people on the basis of their sexual orientation and/or gender identity.
Acting pro bono on behalf of Ukraine in an inter-state case before the ECtHR concerning the Ukrainian Government's allegations of "human rights violations committed by the Russian Federation in its military operations on the territory of Ukraine since 24 February 2022".
Advising on the application of the UK's Magnitsky sanction regime; in particular on making submissions to the UK Government under that regime.
Acted for the claimant in a judicial review challenging the Home Secretary's decision (i) not to consider, and apply her "Exclusion from the UK" policy to, a dossier of material provided by the claimant in support of his request for exclusion of the interested party; and (ii) not to notify the claimant of whether a decision has been made and give reasons for that decision.
Acted for 71 Claimants in reaching settlement with Petra Diamonds Ltd. The Claimants alleged that they suffered serious human rights abuses at the Williamson Diamond Mine in Tanzania.
Advising Government Departments on the ECHR compliance of proposed legislation and policy.
Acted for the Claimant (with Charlotte Kilroy QC and Tom Lowenthal) in her successful claim against the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis and the National Police Chiefs' Council. The Investigatory Powers Tribunal found that the police had breached Articles 3, 8, 10, 11 and 14 ECHR in deploying undercover police officers to spy on protest groups in the late 1990s and 2000s.
Acted for C4 in an appeal against the Secretary of State’s decision to deprive C3, C4 and C7 of their British citizenship. Allowing their appeal, SIAC found that the decision to deprive C3, C4 and C7 of their citizenship breached s.40(4) of the British Nationality Act 1981 since a consequence of the decision would be to leave them stateless.
Successfully acted (unled) for the appellant in an appeal against refusal of asylum.
Acting (with Jason Pobjoy and others) for the claimant in a judicial review challenging the legality of the regime imposing a fee for applications by children for registration as a British citizen.
Delivering training in Lebanon to two Lebanese Bar Associations on international and domestic law standards prohibiting torture and the role of human rights lawyers in upholding those standards (with Timothy Otty QC and Natasha Simonsen).
Providing advice to a foreign NGO on the rule of law and the right to property. With Jeffrey Jowell QC and Naina Patel.
Acted (on issues related to international law and assurances) for Her Royal Highness Princess Haya bint Al Hussein (the “Mother”) in family law proceedings that concerned her, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum (the “Father”) and their two children. The proceedings concerned a process of fact-finding and the application of international law relevant to assurances and human rights. By judgments published in March 2020, the High Court found that (i) the Father had been involved in the abduction of one of his daughters from the UK and the forcible return of another daughter to Dubai, and had conducted a campaign of harassment against the Mother; and (ii) no weight could be placed on assurances and waivers of immunity provided by the Father and the UAE. The Father appealed the decision to publish those judgments to the Court of Appeal, which dismissed the appeal. The Father was refused permission to appeal by the Supreme Court. Led by Timothy Otty QC.
Successfully acted (with Jason Pobjoy) for the claimants in a challenge to the SSJ's failure to put in place measures to ensure that prison officers in a contracted-out prison were adequately trained in the strip searching of female and transgender prisoners.
Acted for the claimants in a number of cases concerning strip searches in prisons (with Jason Pobjoy).
Provided advice on the international law applicable to freedom of expression and the right to a fair trial.
Providing pro bono advice in relation to an asylum claim.
Acted (unled) for the appellant in an appeal against a deportation order.
Acted for a group of Libyans said to be members of or affiliated to the LIFG in connection with their detention in the UK, detention and torture abroad and subjection to domestic sanctions (with Thomas de la Mare QC and others).
Acted for the Equality and Human Rights Commission, advising and preparing submissions on the human rights and equality implications of the Grenfell Tower tragedy including, in particular, in relation to the right to life under Article 2 ECHR, the right to adequate and dignified housing, the right to non-discrimination and equality, and children's rights under the Convention on the Rights of the Child (with Jason Pobjoy).
Support provided to Sir Jeffrey Jowell QC in his giving expert evidence in extradition proceedings on the rule of law and protection of fundamental rights and constitutional guarantees in contemporary Turkey. Such evidence was accepted and relied upon by the Court.
Successfully defended a tort claim brought by 22 Peruvian nationals regarding a protest in Peru. The matter raised issues of foreign act of state, choice of law and corporate liability for alleged human rights abuses by the Peruvian National Police (with Shaheed Fatima QC and Hanif Mussa).
Advising an applicant on the convention and charter rights potentially relevant to applications under ss. 790ZF and 790ZG (assisting Ivan Hare).
Acted for the Secretary of State in these cases challenging the Secretary of State’s policy on release of prisoners with a whole life tariff or (as in Du’s case) a tariff which is likely to extend beyond their lifetime on the basis of Article 5 of the ECHR. The cases follow the ECtHR’s decision in Vinter v United Kingdom (2012) 55 EHRR 34 (assisting Ivan Hare who, in Vinter, appeared with James Eadie QC).
Acted for the Secretary of State in a judicial review challenging the Secretary of State’s policy of accepting the recommendation of a High Court judge in a detention at Her Majesty’s Pleasure tariff review, the Secretary of State’s decision not to allow the claimant to make submissions on the High Court judge’s representation, the Secretary of State’s refusal to review the High Court judge’s decision not to disclose a victim impact statement (assisting Ivan Hare).
Isabel is presently acting in one of the largest domestic competition cases being litigated in the United Kingdom, representing Visa in defence of multiple competition damages claims alleging that multilateral interchange fees charged on the use of credit and debit cards breached EU and English competition law. Isabel also acts in matters in which issues of EU law arise, in a sanctions context or through the application of directives and the Charter of Fundamental Rights. And she is frequently instructed on judicial reviews that raise competition law issues and analysis.
“She is bright, commercial and easy to work with.”
Chambers and Partners, 2025
“Isabel's attention to detail is second to none. She stays laser-focused on the issues which are important. She is user-friendly and understands client management well.”
Chambers and Partners, 2025
“Isabel is a fantastic junior to have on the team. She is commercially driven and understands what is important to the client. She is technically excellent and detail orientated. Her oral advocacy is succinct and effective.”
Legal 500, 2025
“Isabel is extremely bright and very responsive. She produces clear, thorough and well-written analysis and presents well. She is also adept at grasping the key issues on a large piece of competition litigation.”
Legal 500, 2024
This judgment is particularly significant for its analysis of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018, the scope of retained EU law and the effect of post-IP Completion Date CJEU judgments. Isabel (with Jason Pobjoy and others) successfully acted for Visa in resisting the Claimants’ arguments. Further detail below in “News”.
Acted for Visa in successfully resisting the Claimants' appeal against a decision that their unsealed amended claim forms had not been validly served.
Acted for Visa at a substantial CMC before the CAT concerning the case management of mass parallel claims.
Acted for Visa in successfully (i) resisting the Claimants' appeal against refusal of summary judgment on certain aspects of their claim; and (ii) maintaining Visa's appeal (in part) against summary judgment on certain aspects of their defence.
Acted for the Appellant in an appeal brought under s.192 of the Communications Act 2003 against a decision contained in a statement made by Ofcom in September 2021, relating to Openreach's new proposed pricing arrangements for FTTP services.
Acted for Visa in resisting (successfully in part) the Claimants' application for summary judgment.
Acted for Visa in a hearing concerning the relevant counterfactual for the (remitted) trial of quantum in these proceedings.
Acted for Visa in a hearing of a preliminary issue concerning the law applicable to certain of the Claimants' claims.
Represented Visa who successfully defended an application for relief under CPR rr.6.15, 6.16 and 6.17. The Chancery Division held that service of unsealed amended claim forms is not good service (with Brian Kennelly QC).
Successfully represented (unled) the Appellant (an EU citizen) in an appeal against a deportation made against her.
Acted for Defra in defence of a challenge by Greenpeace to the UK’s allocation method for fishing quota and effort, on ground of alleged incompatibility with EU law (assisting James Segan).
Advising an applicant on the convention and charter rights potentially relevant to applications under ss. 790ZF and 790ZG (assisting Ivan Hare).
Advice to a commercial fishing company as to whether EU Regulation 404/2011 required the installation of a vessel monitoring system (“VMS”) on-board their vessels and advice as to the merits of a potential judicial review claim challenging a government decision not to grant a licence to vessels without a VMS (assisting James Segan).
Advice as to the treatment of no-challenge clauses under article 101(1) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (assisting James Segan).
Isabel frequently acts and advises, led and unled, on a variety of commercial matters, ranging from small claims in the County Court to cases involving complex international and cross-jurisdictional disputes in the High Court and appellate jurisdictions. She has particular experience of the intersection between international, commercial and public law. In that context, she is regularly instructed in cases that involve the application of foreign law.
Acted for Visa in successfully resisting the Claimants' appeal against a decision that their unsealed amended claim forms had not been validly served.
Acted for Visa at a substantial CMC before the CAT concerning the case management of mass parallel claims.
Acted for Visa in successfully (i) resisting the Claimants' appeal against refusal of summary judgment on certain aspects of their claim; and (ii) maintaining Visa's appeal (in part) against summary judgment on certain aspects of their defence.
Acted for Visa in resisting (successfully in part) the Claimants' application for summary judgment.
Successfully acted for the Claimants (with Tom Croxford QC) on their application for an injunction enforcing restrictive covenants.
Acting (unled) for the ASA in defence of a County Court claim brought in relation to investigation of a complaint, and a related application for strike out and/or summary judgment.
Represented Visa who successfully defended an application for relief under CPR rr.6.15, 6.16 and 6.17. The Chancery Division held that service of unsealed amended claim forms is not good service (with Brian Kennelly QC).
Acted for HNA Group (the Respondents to an appeal before the Supreme Court) in a claim under a guarantee relating to a charterparty which raised issues of torture and bribery. The Supreme Court held that in assessing the reliablity of evidence, a Court should take into account any reasonable grounds for suspecting that such evidence was obtained by torture.
Claim for enforcement of foreign arbitral award worth in excess of US$1bn involving applications for search, freezing and information orders in England and various foreign jurisdictions including the Cayman Islands, Mauritius, the USA and India (with Andrew Scott and Tony Peto QC).
Assisting Harish Salve SA on matters of English law relevant to ongoing litigation in India.
Advice on the scope of common interest privilege and its application in the context of a dispute between companies and shareholders.
Representing investment funds, owned by the Libyan Investment Authority, in 10-day trial in the Cayman Islands. The case raises a number of complex issues involving the interaction between the UN, EU, UK and Cayman sanctions regimes and the application of private and public Libyan law (with Jason Pobjoy and Dinah Rose QC).
Successfully defended a tort claim brought by 22 Peruvian nationals regarding a protest in Peru. The matter raised issues of foreign act of state, choice of law and corporate liability for alleged human rights abuses by the Peruvian National Police (with Shaheed Fatima QC and Hanif Mussa).
Counsel for the Claimant in a commercial property dispute relating to appointment of directors and unjustified enrichment (unled).
Acted for the claimant in a claim in unjust enrichment, challenging the police power to charge for the provision of policing services under s. 25 of the Police Act 1996 (assisting Nick De Marco).
Acting for the claimant in a claim for breach of a series of finance agreements (assisting Nick De Marco).
Advising an applicant on the convention and charter rights potentially relevant to applications under ss. 790ZF and 790ZG (assisting Ivan Hare).
Acted for the claimant in a claim for a declaration, an injunction and damages for breach of contract (assisting James Segan).
Isabel's public international law practice is centred on cases raising issues of international human rights and humanitarian law. Her clients range from individuals to NGOs, from companies to public bodies and governments. She frequently advises on and acts in cases that concern the application of international human rights law in both the UK and foreign jurisdictions, and the interaction between public international law and domestic law in this jurisdiction.
Isabel has also published in this area. She is the author of Trials: On Death Row in Pakistan (London, Jonathan Cape). And in 2018 she was a legal panellist and contributing author to Children in Armed Conflict (London, Hart) (of which she worked on four of the book’s eight chapters). Prior to coming to the bar, Isabel spent several years working in Pakistan as a caseworker with local lawyers providing pro bono defence representation to death row inmates.
Working (pro bono) with the Human Dignity Trust, and in particular assisting counsel in foreign jurisdictions, on strategic litigation claims challenging laws that persecute people on the basis of their sexual orientation and/or gender identity.
Acting pro bono on behalf of Ukraine in an inter-state case before the ECtHR concerning the Ukrainian Government's allegations of "human rights violations committed by the Russian Federation in its military operations on the territory of Ukraine since 24 February 2022".
Acted for 71 Claimants in reaching settlement with Petra Diamonds Ltd. The Claimants alleged that they suffered serious human rights abuses at the Williamson Diamond Mine in Tanzania.
Acted for C4 in an appeal against the Secretary of State’s decision to deprive C3, C4 and C7 of their British citizenship. Allowing their appeal, SIAC found that the decision to deprive C3, C4 and C7 of their citizenship breached s.40(4) of the British Nationality Act 1981 since a consequence of the decision would be to leave them stateless.
Acted for HNA Group (the Respondents to an appeal before the Supreme Court) in a claim under a guarantee relating to a charterparty which raised issues of torture and bribery. The Supreme Court held that in assessing the reliablity of evidence, a Court should take into account any reasonable grounds for suspecting that such evidence was obtained by torture.
Acted (on issues related to international law and assurances) for Her Royal Highness Princess Haya bint Al Hussein (the “Mother”) in family law proceedings that concerned her, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum (the “Father”) and their two children. The proceedings concerned a process of fact-finding and the application of international law relevant to assurances and human rights. By judgments published in March 2020, the High Court found that (i) the Father had been involved in the abduction of one of his daughters from the UK and the forcible return of another daughter to Dubai, and had conducted a campaign of harassment against the Mother; and (ii) no weight could be placed on assurances and waivers of immunity provided by the Father and the UAE. The Father appealed the decision to publish those judgments to the Court of Appeal, which dismissed the appeal. The Father was refused permission to appeal by the Supreme Court. Led by Timothy Otty QC.
Providing advice to a foreign NGO on the rule of law and the right to property. With Jeffrey Jowell QC and Naina Patel.
Delivering training in Lebanon to two Lebanese Bar Associations on international and domestic law standards prohibiting torture and the role of human rights lawyers in upholding those standards (with Timothy Otty QC and Natasha Simonsen).
Acted for a group of Libyans said to be members of or affiliated to the LIFG in connection with their detention in the UK, detention and torture abroad and subjection to domestic sanctions (with Thomas de la Mare QC and others).
Provided advice on the international law applicable to freedom of expression and the right to a fair trial.
Advising a charity on the scope of the UK’s obligations under international human rights law, international humanitarian law and international criminal law in relation to children in armed conflict.
Acting for a claimant bringing a challenge before the ECtHR in relation to the UK’s violation of Articles 6, 8 and 13 of the ECHR.
Support provided to Sir Jeffrey Jowell QC in his giving expert evidence in extradition proceedings on the rule of law and protection of fundamental rights and constitutional guarantees in contemporary Turkey. Such evidence was accepted and relied upon by the Court.
Acted for the Equality and Human Rights Commission, advising and preparing submissions on the human rights and equality implications of the Grenfell Tower tragedy including, in particular, in relation to the right to life under Article 2 ECHR, the right to adequate and dignified housing, the right to non-discrimination and equality, and children's rights under the Convention on the Rights of the Child (with Jason Pobjoy).
Representing investment funds, owned by the Libyan Investment Authority, in 10-day trial in the Cayman Islands. The case raises a number of complex issues involving the interaction between the UN, EU, UK and Cayman sanctions regimes and the application of private and public Libyan law (with Jason Pobjoy and Dinah Rose QC).
Advising the General Medical Council on whether allowing registered doctors to serve in the armed forces was compatible with international humanitarian law (assisting Ivan Hare).
Appeared for appellants in an important constitutional appeal from Trinidad and Tobago concerning the retrospective repeal of a limitation period for certain criminal offences (assisting James Segan who appeared with Michael Beloff QC).
Isabel has acted in, or advised on, a range of matters involving the application of UK, UN and EU sanctions regimes. Some relevant work is detailed below. More generally, she has given detailed consideration to the application of the UK’s Magnitsky sanction regime, on which her advice is frequently sought. And whilst on secondment in the US in 2016-2017 she gained experience of US-Iran sanctions, working with attorneys challenging and advising on that regime.
“Isabel is excellent in all her areas of practice. She's really hard-working, really clever and really good to work with.”
Chambers and Partners, 2025
Advising on the application of the UK's Magnitsky sanction regime; in particular on making submissions to the UK Government under that regime.
Providing advice on the effect of certain sanctions regimes on employment contracts.
Representing investment funds, owned by the Libyan Investment Authority, in 10-day trial in the Cayman Islands. The case raises a number of complex issues involving the interaction between the UN, EU, UK and Cayman sanctions regimes and the application of private and public Libyan law (with Jason Pobjoy and Dinah Rose QC).
Isabel has experience of both advising on and acting in cases concerning immigration, asylum, deportation and citizenship. In particular, she has acted for several individuals subject to deportation orders, individuals who have been deprived of their citizenship, individuals appealing refusals of asylum. She has represented clients before the First Tier Tribunal (Immigration) and SIAC and in the Admin Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court on applications for judicial review (and appeals therefrom).
“Isabel is extremely bright, her drafting and legal analysis are impeccable and she is easy to work with.”
Legal 500, 2025
“Isabel is very smart and provides top quality advice. She understands cases and their facts quickly and thinks creatively to find solutions. Her legal analysis is top quality and she is a pleasure to work with.”
Legal 500, 2024
“Her quick thinking supports the effectiveness of her delivery and fluency in court. Her ability to look at, and respond to all positions in an issue, ensures that her delivery is balanced and effective.”
Legal 500, 2023
“Her quick-thinking supports the effectiveness of her delivery and fluency in court.”
Legal 500, 2022
“Isabel is an effective communicator, and an engaging speaker, which enables her to get her message across.”
Legal 500, 2022
“Very committed and responsive, real team player.”
Legal 500, 2021
Acted for the claimant in a judicial review challenging the Home Secretary's decision (i) not to consider, and apply her "Exclusion from the UK" policy to, a dossier of material provided by the claimant in support of his request for exclusion of the interested party; and (ii) not to notify the claimant of whether a decision has been made and give reasons for that decision.
Acted for C4 in an appeal against the Secretary of State’s decision to deprive C3, C4 and C7 of their British citizenship. Allowing their appeal, SIAC found that the decision to deprive C3, C4 and C7 of their citizenship breached s.40(4) of the British Nationality Act 1981 since a consequence of the decision would be to leave them stateless.
Successfully acted (unled) for the appellant in an appeal against refusal of asylum.
Successfully represented (unled) the Appellant (an EU citizen) in an appeal against a deportation made against her.
Acting (with Jason Pobjoy and others) for the claimant in a judicial review challenging the legality of the regime imposing a fee for applications by children for registration as a British citizen.
Acted (unled) for the appellant in her appeal to the Upper Tribunal against rejection of her deportation appeal.
Acting for the claimant in an application for permission to proceed with judicial review following rejection of his claim for asylum.
Acting for the claimant, a child, in their claim for registration as a British citizen.
Providing pro bono advice in relation to an asylum claim.
Acted (unled) for the appellant in an appeal against a deportation order.
Advising an individual making an application for asylum.
Isabel has experience in a range of employment cases, acting for claimants and respondent in both the Tribunals and the High Court. She also has particular experience of advising on employment issues arising in a public and public international law context.
Successfully acted for the Claimants (with Tom Croxford QC) on their application for an injunction enforcing restrictive covenants.
Acted (unled) for the respondent in an age discrimination claim.
Advising a claimant in relation to the merits of a potential victimisation claim against their employer.
Successfully acted (unled) for the claimant in his claim for unfair and wrongful constructive dismissal.
Acted for a group of claimants bringing a claim in the Employment Tribunal under s.189 of TULR(C)A in relation to a collective redundancy.
Providing advice on the effect of certain sanctions regimes on employment contracts.
Acting for the respondent in a claim of unfair dismissal and discrimination (assisting Nick De Marco).
Acting for the claimant in a claim for damages following the termination of the claimant’s employment contract without notice (assisting Nick De Marco).
Acted for the respondent in direct discrimination, harassment and victimisation claim (assisting Ivan Hare).
Acted for a number of care home workers in relation to their High Court breach of contract claim for unpaid wages (assisting Diya Sen Gupta).
Advising on the interrelation of statutory and contractual claims in the Employment Tribunal and contractual claims in the High Court (assisting Diya Sen Gupta).
Acting for a claimant in a High Court stigma damages claim against a bank (assisting Tom Linden QC and Diya Sen Gupta).
Acting for the claimant in a team move case (assisting Paul Goulding QC and Diya Sen Gupta).
Acting for Citibank N.A. defending various claims by former Foreign Exchange traders arising from their dismissal for sharing client confidential information in Bloomberg Chats. These cases have been widely reported in the press. (Assisting Diya Sen Gupta.)
Isabel has advised sports teams and institutions on regulatory compliance generally, and financial regulation particularly. Being confidential, these matters are not further detailed below. She also gained a broad experience of sports law as Nick De Marco's pupil.
Provision of advice to a sports body on matters of internal governance.
Acted for a sports agent in connection with a disciplinary investigation (with Nick De Marco QC).
Acting for the claimant in a claim for damages following the termination of the claimant’s employment contract without notice (assisting Nick De Marco).
Advised on the availability of third party cost orders in the event of costs having been awarded against a bankrupt party (assisting Nick De Marco).
Acted for the claimant in a potential Rule K arbitration (assisting Nick De Marco).
Acted for the player resisting FIFA’s appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport against the decision of the Saudi Arabian Anti-Doping Appeals Panel (assisting Nick De Marco).
Acted for the claimant in a claim in unjust enrichment, challenging the police power to charge for the provision of policing services under s. 25 of the Police Act 1996 (assisting Nick De Marco).
Acting for the respondent to a charge brought by The FA for breach of the Football Agents Regulations 2009 (assisting Nick De Marco).
Acted for the player defending a charge of an anti-doping rule violation following use of an inhaler (assisting Nick De Marco).
Acted for the RFU in a successful disciplinary prosecution for attempted trafficking of a human growth hormone (assisting James Segan).
LLB (Hons) (Glasgow), First Class; MRes (Glasgow), Distinction; Kennedy Scholar (Harvard); BPTC (BPP), Outstanding
VAT registration number: 263 3953 88
Barristers regulated by the Bar Standards Board
Gary Oliver
Senior Clerk
+44 (0) 207 822 7325
Derek Sutton
Deputy Senior Clerk
+44 (0) 207 822 7327
Adam Sloane
Deputy Senior Clerk
+44 (0) 207 822 7326
Dean Tolman
Clerk
+44 (0) 207 822 7331
Billy Brian
Clerk
+44 (0) 207 822 7339
Marc Armstrong
Clerk
+44 (0) 207 822 7330
Adam Fuschillo
Clerk
+44 (0) 207 822 7329
Danny Compton
Clerk
+44 (0) 207 822 7338
Sophie Reeve
Clerk
+44 (0) 207 822 7324
Toby Dennison
Clerk
+44 (0) 207 822 7328
Daniel Higgins
Clerk
+44 (0) 207 822 7322
Lilly-Grace Hilliard
Clerk
+44 (0)20 7822 7234