February 2026 Guest Speaker's Address - Kirsty Brimelow

Our guest speaker this month is the acclaimed international human rights and criminal law barrister, part-time Judge and mediator, Kirsty Brimelow KC. Described as a superstar and a highly effective advocate who combines vast knowledge of the law with industry, tact and charm, she is known to be unfailingly courteous in securing the best possible outcomes for her clients. Kirsty is head of the Criminal Law team at Doughty Street Chambers. She is a former Chair of the Criminal Bar Association and was the first female Chair of the Bar Human Rights Committee of England and Wales. From January next year she will assume the prestigious role of Chair of the Bar of England and Wales. Kirsty has advised and intervened in human rights cases around the world and has litigated before the European Court of Human Rights, the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, the International Criminal Court, the Supreme Court of the United States and the United Nations. She has expertise in homicide, fraud, sexual offences, drugs offences, torture cases, child rights and peaceful protest. She is a seasoned conflict resolution negotiator and represented a community of farmers during Colombia’s Peace Process. Many of Kirsty's cases concerned torture, fraud and other forms of malpractice by governments, public servants and individuals resulting in commissions and tribunals of enquiry, in addition to court proceedings. Kirsty is a trustee of the World Wildlife Fund, a Governing Bencher of Gray’s Inn and an elected Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. She has kindly agreed to address us on issues and rulings arising out of her work and the secrets of successfully reaching the upper echelons of a profession which remains male dominated and socially conservative.

Tentative schedule for the day

9:30am - 10:45am - Registration, tea/coffee, Activity Leader and vendor tables

10:50am - Members to take their seats in the auditorium

11:00am - Introductions

11:10am - Guest Speaker

12:05pm - Q and A

12:20pm - President's announcements

12:30pm - Meeting conclusion

12:45pm - Hospitality lunch (details tbc)