Emmerson, of Monckton chambers, received a CBE for his work as an international lawyer, which includes representing the widow of Alexander Litvinenko; representing Ukraine in a series of cases against Russia arising out of the invasion and annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the shooting down of Malaysian Airlines MH17a, and representing Georgia following the Russian invasion of South Ossetia in 2008.
He has served as a UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights and Counter-Terrorism, and a Judge on the UN international criminal tribunals, in the equivalent UN rank of the Assistant Secretary-General.
Emmerson said: ‘I was both chuffed and at the same time humbled when I heard the news.
‘I am sensitive to the debate surrounding the continued use of the word “empire” in the name of the award, but from a purely personal point of view, it’s a great way to mark the end of what has been an amazing and rewarding 35 year career at the Bar, and a great way to start the next chapter of my life. I am leaving the Bar at the end of this month to move on to a new challenge, and this is a high note for me to go out on.’
Prominent media silk Browne, of 5RB, received a CBE for services to the Inns of Court and diversity at the Bar. His fellow head of chambers Justin Rushbrooke QC said: ‘There can be few lawyers who devote so much of their time unpaid work, and to such effect.’
Also appearing in the roll call of honour were barrister Islamuddin Chowdhary, who has specialised in landlord and tenant disputes, professional negligence and immigration law, was named an MBE. Among City lawyers, finance and capital markets specialist Farmida Bi, chair, Norton Rose Fulbright (EMEA), received a CBE, while Reed Smith partner Daniel Winterfeldt QC (Hon) was named an MBE for services to capital markets and equality and diversity in the legal profession.
OBEs were awarded to Ayodele Idowu Awoyungbo, senior crown prosecutor, international unit, Crown Prosecution Service, for services to law and order, and to Jacqueline Findlay, formerly a regional tribunal judge.
Cambridge University’s Professor Sarah Worthington, who is Downing Professor of the Laws of England, was made a Dame for services to English private law.
