Phillippa Kaufmann KC is one of the most respected and influential barristers in the United Kingdom. Known for her exceptional work in human rights law, public law, and civil liberties, Kaufmann has dedicated her career to representing individuals and organizations in high‑profile cases involving state power and accountability. With a career that spans over three decades, Kaufmann has earned a reputation as a formidable advocate for justice, consistently championing the rights of the vulnerable and marginalized.
Early Career and Rise to Prominence
Phillippa Kaufmann’s journey to becoming one of the UK’s leading King’s Counsel (KC) began in the early 1990s. After being called to the Bar in 1991, Kaufmann quickly established herself as a skilled litigator with a passion for public law and human rights. Her early work focused on cases involving police accountability, immigration issues, and government accountability, setting the foundation for her future success.
In 2011, Kaufmann was appointed Queen’s Counsel (QC), a title that recognizes barristers of exceptional skill and standing in the legal community. In 2022, with the ascension of King Charles III, she became a King’s Counsel (KC), marking a major milestone in her career. Kaufmann’s elevation to KC was a recognition of her continued contributions to the legal profession and her expertise in the field of public law and civil liberties.
Phillippa Kaufmann Areas of Expertise and Legal Practice
Phillippa Kaufmann is known for her broad and impactful practice in public law, human rights, and judicial review. Her expertise extends to a variety of legal areas, including:
Human Rights Law
Kaufmann has dedicated much of her career to defending the fundamental rights of individuals against state actions. She has worked on numerous high‑profile cases challenging government policies and institutional practices that violate individuals’ rights under the European Convention on Human Rights. Kaufmann’s ability to navigate complex human rights issues has earned her a reputation as one of the foremost advocates in the field.
Judicial Review and Public Law
A significant portion of Kaufmann’s work involves judicial review — a legal process by which the actions of public bodies are challenged in court. Kaufmann has successfully represented clients in cases against government departments, local authorities, and public institutions, ensuring that decisions made by the state are lawful, reasonable, and fair.
Police and State Accountability
One of Kaufmann’s key areas of focus has been police law and state accountability. She has represented individuals in cases of police misconduct, including false imprisonment, discrimination, and misuse of power. Kaufmann’s work has contributed to important legal precedents, holding law enforcement agencies accountable for their actions.
Phillippa Kaufmann Notable Cases and Impactful Work
Throughout her career, Phillippa Kaufmann has been involved in numerous landmark cases that have had a significant impact on human rights and public law in the UK. Some of her most notable cases include:
DSD and NBV v. Commissioner of Police for the Metropolis (2018)
In this case, Kaufmann represented two women who were victims of serial rapist John Worboys, challenging the failure of the police to conduct a thorough investigation. The case resulted in a Supreme Court ruling that established the police’s duty to investigate allegations of sexual assault effectively under the Human Rights Act. This case became a landmark decision, reinforcing the obligation of public authorities to protect individuals’ rights to a proper investigation.
Undercover Policing Inquiry
Kaufmann has been a prominent figure in the Undercover Policing Inquiry, representing individuals whose lives were disrupted by undercover officers infiltrating their political activities. Kaufmann’s advocacy has been pivotal in demanding accountability for covert police operations, particularly those that led to infiltrating activist groups and forming deceptive relationships with activists. Her work in this inquiry has played a crucial role in challenging the use of undercover surveillance in civil society.
Immigration and Asylum
Kaufmann has represented numerous clients in immigration and asylum cases, particularly those seeking to challenge unlawful deportations, detentions, and immigration policies that violate international human rights standards. Her work in this area has helped ensure that individuals seeking refuge in the UK are treated fairly and in accordance with the law.
Phillippa Kaufmann Public and Legal Recognition
Phillippa Kaufmann has been consistently recognized for her excellence in public law and human rights law. She has received numerous accolades for her work, including being ranked as a top silk (King’s Counsel) by both Chambers and Partners and the Legal 500, where she is described as a leading individual in her field. Kaufmann has been praised for her exceptional advocacy skills, her strategic approach to complex legal issues, and her commitment to justice.
In addition to her accolades, Kaufmann is also a regular contributor to legal publications and a trusted advisor on matters related to public law, civil liberties, and human rights. She is frequently invited to speak at legal forums and conferences, where her insights into constitutional law and public policy are highly valued.
Phillippa Kaufmann Personal Life
Although Phillippa Kaufmann maintains a relatively private personal life, it is known that she was once in a long‑term relationship with Sir Keir Starmer, the current Leader of the UK Labour Party. They were both barristers at Doughty Street Chambers in the late 1990s. Kaufmann and Starmer parted ways some years ago, but their relationship remains a notable part of her personal history. Kaufmann is also known to have children, though she has kept details about her family life out of the public eye.
Legacy and Influence
Phillippa Kaufmann’s influence on UK law cannot be overstated. She has shaped human rights law, advanced the cause of justice for vulnerable communities, and held public authorities accountable for over three decades. Kaufmann’s advocacy and commitment to protecting civil liberties and demanding transparency from government bodies have made her a central figure in the fight for justice in the UK.
Her career continues to inspire both junior barristers and human rights activists, and her legacy as one of the UK’s leading barristers will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on public law and human rights litigation for years to come.
Conclusion
Phillippa Kaufmann KC is an unparalleled figure in the field of human rights and public law. With her outstanding legal acumen, dedication to justice, and unwavering commitment to defending the rights of the underprivileged and marginalized, Kaufmann remains a key player in the UK legal landscape. Whether representing victims of police misconduct or challenging government policies, Kaufmann’s career is defined by her exceptional advocacy, strategic insight, and deep understanding of the law.
As a King’s Counsel, leading advocate, and legal pioneer, Phillippa Kaufmann KC will undoubtedly continue to shape the future of public law and civil liberties in the UK.