Twenty Essex—Professor Payam Akhavan

Twenty Essex has welcomed Professor Payam Akhavan to its London chambers, marking a significant addition to its public international law practice. Akhavan joins as a barrister, bringing over 35 years of experience across the world’s foremost legal forums, including the International Court of Justice, the International Criminal Court, and the Supreme Courts of the US and Canada.

Akhavan has acted in more than 30 sovereign disputes and represented numerous states, heads of government, and international commissions. His work spans the full spectrum of international law, with recent roles including counsel to the Commission of Small Island States on Climate Change and International Law. Co-heads of chambers Philip Edey KC and Charles Kimmins KC described him as ‘a renowned advocate and international lawyer’ and said his arrival ‘further strengthens our proud tradition in public international law’.

Alongside his legal practice, Akhavan is a respected academic and currently serves as Senior Fellow and inaugural Chair in Human Rights at Massey College, University of Toronto. His previous appointments include professorships and visiting roles at McGill University, Oxford, Yale, and Sciences Po, among others. He has published widely on human rights and international criminal law and sits on the editorial board of Human Rights Quarterly.

Commenting on his appointment, Akhavan said: ‘I am honoured to join Twenty Essex, with its exceptional legacy of eminent international jurists… navigating this complex landscape requires brilliant minds and sound judgment, which are abundant at Twenty Essex.’ His practice will be managed through the chambers’ London team, complementing his calls to the Bar in England and Wales, New York, and Ontario.