header-logo header-logo

​International justice: English lawyers in despotic jurisdictions

12 July 2018 / Ben Keith , Rhys Davies
Issue: 7801 / Categories: Features , Profession , Human rights
printer mail-detail
nlj_7801_davies

As part of an occasional series on international justice and the rule of law in other jurisdictions, Rhys Davies & Ben Keith ask whether certain countries are using English law & lawyers as a smokescreen to distract from their repressive action

  • Dubai and, increasingly, Astana are hubs for international business and commercial litigation.
  • Are they using the respectable reputation of English lawyers to disguise their shocking human rights records?

English lawyers have long been in demand around the world. However, the increasing presence of English lawyers in certain jurisdictions sits ill at ease with the despotic activities of governments in those countries. Increasingly the business of the law is being exported to countries who, on one hand, would have the world see that they are open for business, but on the other hand, deny basic freedoms to their own citizens.

Kazakhstan and Dubai might not, at first blush, appear to have much in common. While the distractions of Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan are no doubt

If you are not a subscriber, subscribe now to read this content
If you are already a subscriber sign in
...or Register for two weeks' free access to subscriber content

MOVERS & SHAKERS

NLJ Career Profile: Maria Karaiskos KC, Church Court Chambers

NLJ Career Profile: Maria Karaiskos KC, Church Court Chambers

Maria Karaiskos KC, recently appointed as the first female head of Church Court Chambers, discusses breaking down barriers, the lure of the courtroom, and the power of storytelling

Cripps—Simon Main

Cripps—Simon Main

Firm strengthens residential property team with partner hire

Hugh James—Danielle Cahill

Hugh James—Danielle Cahill

Private wealth disputes team welcomes partner in London

NEWS
In a very special tribute in this week's NLJ, David Burrows reflects on the retirement of Patrick Allen, co-founder of Hodge Jones & Allen, whose career epitomised the heyday of legal aid
Writing in NLJ this week, Kelvin Rutledge KC of Cornerstone Barristers and Genevieve Screeche-Powell of Field Court Chambers examine the Court of Appeal’s rejection of a discrimination challenge to Tower Hamlets’ housing database
Michael Zander KC, Emeritus Professor at LSE, tracks the turbulent passage of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill through the House of Lords in this week's issue of NLJ. Two marathon debates drew contributions from nearly 200 peers, split between support, opposition and conditional approval
Alistair Mills of Landmark Chambers reflects on the Human Rights Act 1998 a quarter-century after it came into force, in this week's issue of NLJ
In his latest Civil Way column for NLJ, Stephen Gold surveys a raft of procedural changes and quirky disputes shaping civil practice. His message is clear: civil practitioners must brace for continual tweaks, unexpected contentions and rising costs in everyday litigation
back-to-top-scroll