Caoilfhionn Gallagher KC severs Doughty Street link
Portmarnock, Co Dublin native Caoilfhionn Gallagher KC has left London’s Doughty Street Chambers.
In what the renowned human rights lawyers described as “a very difficult decision” Gallagher has ended her associate tenant arrangement with the London chambers which she joined at 28.
'Mid-life clarity'
Gallagher said the decision was prompted by “mid-life clarity” after the premature deaths of a number of friends and colleagues.
“I want to spend more time with my family in Ireland; I plan to focus on where I am most needed; and the world seems to be on fire and there is much to do,” she wrote in a LinkedIn post.
The KC is no longer accepting instructions on new England and Wales cases and will instead be concentrating on international and Irish work, such as her representation of jailed Hong Kong newspaper owner Jimmy Lai.
“I will be spending time on strategic, campaigning initiatives to try to move the dial on issues I care deeply about (including accountability for the deaths of journalists; hostage taking/ arbitrary detention by autocratic States; and some Irish child protection and human rights issues),” the barrister wrote.
Gallagher will also be “carving out time for writing, something I love but have sidelined for a long time”.
The KC can be contacted at cg@caoilfhionngallagher.com