Expertise
Recognised by Legal 500 as a top tier “Hall of Fame” practitioner in sanctions and public international law, I specialise in legal challenges based on the rule of law, sanctions, and human rights.
I bring deep expertise in public international law, including economic sanctions, administrative law, European law, international conflict, export controls, trade, human rights issues in diplomatic or geopolitical contexts. I also advise on complex, multi-jurisdictional disputes and reputation and crisis management within an international or diplomatic context.
With enormous, detailed knowledge of post 9/11 investigations and related litigation in the US, I can offer clients insight as well as a cost-saving gateway into the post 9/11 investigations. Over the past 15 years, I have cultivated strong relationships with leading New York lawyers who are experts in the terrorism field, including those directly instructed in the 9/11 litigation in the Southern District of New York. I have access to trusted US lawyers on all sides of these proceedings.
In 2001 I founded and subsequently led a top-ranking sanctions department in a London law firm, described by Chambers and Partners as:
“Renowned for its distinct expertise in sanctions against states and targeted asset freezing against individuals, and for its involvement in highly sensitive cases. Strong track record in the Middle East and Africa, notably in matters relating to the Arab Spring”.
I have successfully led many clients in their legal and administrative challenges to asset freezing measures - or “targeted sanctions” - by judicial review applications in England, direct actions for annulment to the General Court of the EU in Luxembourg, appeals to the European Court of Justice in Luxembourg, and petitions before the United Nations Ombudsperson, OFAC and other international bodies.
Since 2001 I have devised the strategy for, and led, the landmark litigation establishing the modern law of sanctions in the cases of Kadi 1 and Kadi 2. These cases have been relied on and continue to be cited globally as the foundation of modern sanctions law.
I bring to every case a substantial worldwide network of first-class and trusted contacts, including former senior investigators (FBI, CIA), lobbyists, former and current government officials, media and PR specialists, and lawyers in key jurisdictions around the world - all of whom contribute to delivering successful outcomes for my clients.
CLIENTS
My clients include ultra-high net worth individuals and philanthropists, royalty, rulers of states and their families, religious leaders and internationally recognised figures from the arts and media. Many have been denied the protection of the Rule of Law, a fair tribunal or due process, and have suffered other injustices, often because of international crises, political upheaval or armed conflict.
Select Cases - Sanctions and International Law
Sheikh Yassin Abdullah Kadi : Sanctioned in error by the UK, US, EU, and UN, Sheikh Kadi became the central figure in the landmark ECJ cases Kadi I (2008) and Kadi II (2013). I have represented him for over 20 years, successfully leading his legal challenges in what remain the most influential sanctions cases in European legal history.
His Majesty King Juan Carlos I of Spain: I led the team defending King Juan Carlos I against politically motivated allegations concerning conduct prior to his 2014 abdication. In December 2022, the Court of Appeal upheld his sovereign immunity.
Egyptian President Mohamed Hosni Elsayed Mubarak (Egypt): Following the Arab Spring, the family of President Hosni Mubarak were wrongly sanctioned by the EU. My legal challenges led to their removal from the UK sanctions list, and in 2021 and 2022, the EU lifted all remaining measures.
Pye Phyo Tay Za (Myanmar): Sanctioned by the EU in 2003 at just 16 due to family associations, Mr Tay Za successfully challenged his listing. I instructed legendary Sir Sydney Kentridge KC, and the ECJ ruled that imposing sanctions solely based on familial ties violated established case law - a decisive and precedent-setting judgment.
Nizar Assaad (Syria): A case of mistaken identity led to Mr Assaad’s designation by the EU. His successful challenge not only cleared his name but prompted the EU to adopt better practices, including employing Arabic language experts — benefiting many future cases involving Arabic-speaking individuals.
Mazen Al Tabbaa (Syria): Successfully challenged his EU designation before the General Court, resulting in a full annulment.
Vladimir Plahotniuc (Moldova): Former Vice President of the Moldovan Parliament. I led his successful challenge to the 2023 EU sanctions imposed against him.
Select Cases - Media and Defamation
Over the last 35 years I have advised individuals, publishers and companies on defamation and intellectual property matters. Examples include:
Armand Hammer, the US businessman, philanthropist, and founder of Occidental Petroleum
Sunday People, the former Mirror Group newspaper now owned by Reach plc
Nigel Dempster, the British celebrity journalist, and author
Hello! magazine, the British and Spanish magazine owned by the Hola! Group
Kent Messenger Group, the UK publisher
The Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem, the religious leader of Eastern Orthodox Christians in the Holy Land
Timothy Benn Publishing and its successor Incisive Media, the business-to-business publishers