New Silks
New Silks
About
Provided by Richard O'Brien KC
Practice Areas
Richard practises in public, human rights and commercial law. Recent cases include: the first challenge in the world to the use of automated facial recognition technology; the lawfulness of the use of bulk personal data by the intelligence agencies; data handling breaches in an MI5 technology environment; challenging a refusal of security clearance in the Security and Vetting Appeals Panel; a claim in Strasbourg concerning extra-territorial interception by the UK of communications of non-UK citizens; a challenge to the secrecy of reasons given by mental health tribunals; Covid-19 guidance for determination of immigration appeals on paper; the Fire Brigades Union challenge to public sector pensions legislation; the termination of police widows and widowers’ pensions on remarriage; a discrimination challenge by humanists to marriage law; challenging the British Steel Pension Scheme consumer redress scheme created by the Financial Conduct Authority; numerous cases concerning the Financial Ombudsman Services and Legal Ombudsman; defending the NCA’s warrant for the receipt of data intercepted from encrypted telephones used by serious organised criminals throughout Europe; acting for the MOD in a judicial view concerning alleged special forces unlawful killings in Afghanistan. He has been a member of the Attorney General’s A Panel since 2017.
Career
Called to the Bar 2005. Judicial Assistant to the Master of the Rolls 2008.
Professional Memberships
ALBA, PNLA
Publications
Editor of the “Human Rights, Judicial Review and Professional Liability” Chapter of Jackson & Powell on Professional Liability; Editor of the “Sanctions and Asset Freezes” chapter of Ward and Blundell, National Security: Law, Practice and Procedure.
Discover other Barristers at
4 New Square Chambers
Silks (KC)
All Circuits
London (Bar)
