David Anderson has been consistently star-rated for more than a decade by Chambers & Partners as the outstanding KC in the field of EU Law. Some 150 appearances in the Court of Justice of the EU place him among the most respected and experienced of all practitioners in that forum.  His ECJ practice extends into areas as diverse as agriculture (BSE), aviation (Open Skies), citizenship (Morgan), competition (Coats), consumer protection (easyCar), crime (Ship Source Pollution), conflict of Laws (Apostolides), free movement (Sunday Trading), immigration (Yiadom), intellectual property (Levi v Tesco), liability for judicial decisions (Köbler), pensions (Robins), pharmaceuticals (Generics), sport (UEFA), state aid (Gibraltar), taxation (Cadbury Schweppes) and telecommunications (Roaming).

He appeared in the leading cases on the relationship between EU and Human Rights (Opinion 2/94, Matthews, Spain v UK) and successfully represented the applicant, accused of funding terrorism, in the leading case on the relationship between EU and Public International Law (Kadi).

David has long experience of EU law in United Kingdom courts as various as the Patents Court and the Court of Criminal Appeal.  He has argued successfully for a number of “firsts” including the suspension of an Act of Parliament (Factortame), the judicial review of the intention to implement a directive (Imperial Tobacco) and the suspension of the operation of a directive in the UK (ABNA).   Many of his cases involve references to the Court of Justice of the EU, on which David wrote the leading practitioners’ text.

In 2019 David successfully defended Canary Wharf Group in the High Court against the EMA, its tenant, which had argued that its lease would be frustrated by Brexit ([2019] EWHC 335 (Ch)).Other recent and current cases include C-219/15 Elisabeth Schmitt v TÜV Rheinland LGA Products GmbH ECLI:EU:C:2017:128 (defective breast implants), C-359/18P European Medicines Agency v Shire Pharmaceuticals Ireland Ltd. ECLI:EU:C:2019:639 (orphan drugs), Ministry of Defence and Support for Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran v International Military Services Limited [2020] EWCA Civ 145 (sanctions) and C-145/19P Mubarak v Council (sanctions, pending).

David has written and lectured extensively on EU law and has a long-standing association with the Centre of European Law at King’s College London, where he is a Visiting Professor.

David’s public law practice initially grew out of EU Law: for 12 years he represented the Spanish Fishermen in their successful attempt to suspend an Act of Parliament and then claim damages (Factortame).  He continues to be instructed in judicial review cases with a EU-related or international element, both in the UK and outside.

His public law practice extends to purely domestic cases, often with a commercial element.  Recent examples are his successful defence of Betfair in R v Levy Board ex p William Hill and judicial reviews and appeals involving a ruling of the ASA and in the aviation, pharmaceutical and telecommunications sectors. In October 2020 he represented Heathrow Airport Limited in its Supreme Court appeal on the third runway case.

David has appeared before the European Court of Human Rights some 30 times: his leading cases there include Stubbings (discrimination), Hatton (night flights), McGonnell (separation of powers), Z (access to court), Al-Adsani (state immunity), Building Societies (retrospective legislation), Demopoulos (property) and Bancoult (exile).  He has appeared in cases against a variety of contracting States including the Czech Republic, Finland and Turkey, and represented the successful respondent state in 16812/17 Rustavi 2 Broadcasting Company Ltd, and others v Georgia (2019). David appears regularly before the Committee of Ministers for the Government of Cyprus.

Much of David’s public law practice is concerned with human rights (ProLife Alliance, Conjoined Twins, Shambo) or Public International Law (Jersey Fishermen's Association, Kibris THY, Eurotunnel).  In 2019-20 he monitored USKOK v Ivo Sanader and Szolt Hernadi, the trial in Zagreb of a Hungarian businessman and former Croatian Prime Minister.

David has served on the committee of the Administrative Law Bar Association, has reported for the Council of Europe on the freedom of the media in Russia, Ukraine, Georgia and Turkey and is a regular speaker at public law conferences and events. He is ranked in the top tier of KCs by Chambers & Partners for Public and Administrative law.

Factortame (Spanish Fishing) litigation 1988-2000; Challenges to BSE ban against the European Commission and France (CJEU); ABNA (traceability of foodstuffs, interim relief against directive, High Court and CJEU); challenges to tobacco advertising directive, tobacco products directive and plain packaging 1998-2016.

Major cases include EasyJet v BA (Go); Turk Hava Yollari (flights to Northern Cyprus); Hatton v UK (night noise); Air Transport Association (emissions trading scheme); BA and others (denied boarding regulations); Plan B and Friends of the Earth (Heathrow third runway).

Extensive experience of judicial review over 30 years, equally divided between applicant and central government work and generally with a commercial and/or international slant.  Particular expertise in cases concerning advertising, aviation, gambling, pharmaceuticals, telecoms and all aspects of EU regulation. 

Instructed in English, Irish and European courts in challenges to marketing authorisations including Scotia Pharmaceuticals, Generics, Novartis and on data confidentiality issues (Abbvie, General Court and CJEU).  Acted in IP-related pharmaceutical cases including Novartis (SPCs) and parallel import cases. Represented and advised ABPI in PPRS-related litigation and NICE appeals. Appeared for Roche in litigation concerning pharmacovigilance obligations ([2015] EWCA Civ 1311) and for Shire in a case on the distinction between active substance and medicinal product under the Orphan Drug Regulation in Case C-359/18P (Case C-359/18P; ECLI:EU:C:2019:639).

Various CAT cases for BT and OFCOM concerning number portability, mobile call termination rates, Pay TV.

As Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation, 2011-2017, authored numerous reports on national security law and practice including regular reviews of counter-terrorism legislation and A Question of Trust and Bulk Powers Review (2015-16), blueprints for the Investigatory Powers Act 2016.  Called in to advise MI5 on changes to intelligence-handling after the terrorist attacks of 2017, he published Attacks in London and Manchester March-June 2017: independent assessment of MI5 and Police internal reviews (2017) and Implementation Stock-Take (2019). He has assisted with the drafting of terrorism and surveillance laws in Gibraltar, appeared as an expert witness in the Irish High Court on the operational utility of communications data (Graham Dwyer, currently before the CJEU), trained Judicial Commissioners (IPCO) and has advised major CSPs and prosecuting authorities.

References to the European Court (Sweet & Maxwell 1995; 2^nd edition with Marie Demetriou, 2002)

A Question of Trust (HMSO 2015)

Attacks in London and Manchester March-June 2017: independent assessment of MI5 and Police internal reviews (2017)

Shades of Independent Review in Counter-terrorism, Constitutionalism and Miscarriages of Justice: Festschrift for Professor Clive Walker (ed. G. Lennon, C. King and G. McCartney, Bloomsbury 2018).

Articles and chapters include:

“Shifting the Grundnorm (and other tales)” in Liber amicorum for Lord Slynn of Hadley, vol 1,   Kluwer 2000

Contributions on Article 6 ECHR and effective protection in Les principes communs d’une justice des états de l’Union Européenne (French Cour de Cassation, 2001)

“References for a preliminary ruling” in Civil Appeals, ed. Sir Michael Burton, 2002

“The Law Lords and the European Courts” in Building the UK’s New Supreme Court, ed. A. Le Sueur, OUP 2004

“European Influences” in The Judicial House of Lords, ed. L. Blom Cooper, OUP 2009

Contribution to Competition Litigation: UK Practice and Procedure, OUP 2010

“The EU Charter of Fundamental Rights” in Europe after the Treaty of Lisbon, ed. A. Biondi, OUP 2011

“Shielding the Compass: how to fight terrorism without defeating the law” [2013] 3 EHRLR 233-246

“The Independent Review of Terrorism Law” [2014] Public Law 403-420

“Barzini’s Question: United Europe and the United Kingdom” Academy of European Law 2015/02

A number of more recent articles and lectures are published on David’s personal website, www.daqc.co.uk.

Oxford University, New College (Ancient and Modern History) 1979-82

Cambridge University, Downing College (Law) 1982-84

Covington & Burling, Washington DC (Lawyer from Abroad) 1985-86

European Commission, Brussels (Cabinet of Lord Cockfield) 1987-88

King’s College London, Visiting Lecturer (1988-1999), Visiting Professor (1999 - )

Recorder, South Eastern Circuit (2004 - 2013)

Bencher, Middle Temple (2007 -)

Judge of the Courts of Appeal of Jersey and Guernsey (2014 - )

• "He is very client-friendly and knows how to explain matters in a user-friendly way." (Chambers & Partners 2025)
• "David Anderson KC is absolutely first class. He is incredibly calm and measured in submissions to court and expresses himself brilliantly in front of judges." (Chambers & Partners 2025)
• "David is a brilliant strategist and a very good advocate. He delivers very good written work and he is an entirely smooth operator who gets to the heart of a case." (Chambers & Partners 2025)
• "David is supremely gifted and he has wonderful judgement. He has huge in-depth knowledge and experience. He is a delightful advocate." (Chambers & Partners 2025)
• "David is exceptional and, in all respects, one of the most wonderful people I have met." (Chambers & Partners 2024)
• "David's range is very wide. He is very experienced, and extremely intelligent." (Chambers & Partners 2024)
• "A superb higher court advocate who commands the attention of the Bench." (Chambers & Partners 2024)
• "He gets to the heart of the case and is good at explaining matters." (Chambers & Partners 2024)
• "He is brilliant; his judgement, gravitas and persuasiveness really shine through." (Chambers & Partners 2023)
• "He is formidable in terms of his knowledge of EU law and even junior members of the team found him approachable and fun to work with." (Chambers & Partners 2023)
• "Commands enormous authority before the courts. He has an understated style of advocacy which is very persuasive." (Chambers & Partners 2023)
• "A superb advocate. David’s ability to learn and then distil and communicate complicated facts from a case he has not been involved in since the final appeal stage is exemplary."  (Legal 500 2023)
• "A silk possessing incredible gravitas in court and conference, David is both very user-friendly and authoritative."  (Legal 500 2023)
• "He is just exceptional both in writing and in court. He has been brilliant on his feet." (Chambers & Partners 2022)
• "He is undoubtedly brilliant. A heavy hitter in public law." (Chambers & Partners 2022)
• "Fantastic attention to detail and an instinct for what arguments will play well in court." (Legal 500 2022)
• "He is amazing – the best lawyer of his generation." "He is in a class of his own and arguably the leading EU law practitioner in this country." "He has really become the grand master." (Chambers & Partners 2021)
• "He's more than just a very good lawyer - he's a mover in this world. He has a great practice and a good standing in terrorism law." (Chambers & Partners 2021)
• "An excellent advocate and very much liked by clients." "Highly respected and seasoned silk." (Legal 500 2021)
• David Anderson KC ranks highly among peers for his in-depth knowledge of regulation across the life sciences sector. (Who's Who Legal - UK Bar: Life Sciences 2020)
• "Continues to excel in full-time private practice following his tenure as Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation for the government. His public law expertise is focused predominantly on EU, commercial and regulatory challenges." "He's probably the top barrister for the overlap of administrative and EU law. He's also easy to work with and a very clear advocate." "He is a leading light and national authority on terrorism and national security." (Chambers & Partners 2020)
• "Has an outstanding reputation in the EU law field that is built on vast experience representing clients before the CJEU or UK courts. He attracts attention for his work in cases that examine the potential commercial impact of Brexit, among other areas. He advises on a wide range of other topics, including CJEU challenges to decisions made by the EU pharmaceutical sector regulator." "Has been in so many of the leading cases over the years that his accumulated experience and sense of judgement is quite difficult to replicate." "He is the pre-eminent figure in EU law," and his advocacy is "focused and elegant: he's just a joy to listen to in court." (Chambers & Partners 2020)
• "A towering and authoritative figure, but very down to earth and pleasant to work with." (The Legal 500 2020)
• "An excellent and highly rated silk." (The Legal 500 2020)
• "An endlessly impressive and authoritative advocate able to guide courts through fiendish concepts with ease." (The Legal 500 2020)
• "It's impossible to praise him highly enough - he's just the real deal. Clever, urbane, and economical in his approach, he has such clarity of expression." He has "impeccable discernment and judgement" and is "immensely well respected by courts and anyone who appears against him." (Chambers & Partners 2019)
• "He is the leading EU public law silk and has an excellent advocacy style." "He is calm, measured and incredibly effective in court." (Chambers & Partners 2019)
• "A very good advocate." (The Legal 500 2018-19)
• "Hugely experienced and charming." (The Legal 500 2018-19)
• "The top barrister for EU law." (The Legal 500 2018-19)
• "An excellent counsel who is approachable and easy to work with. He provides clear, concise and practical advice. His written work is exemplary." "He is a leading EU public law expert and a spectacular advocate in the EU and domestic courts. He has a style that oozes confidence which makes everything sound reasonable and like the obvious answer. He is spectacular." (Chambers & Partners 2018)
• "The leading EU public law expert. He is a spectacular advocate with a style that oozes confidence." (Chambers & Partners 2018)
• "A charming and hugely experienced advocate." (The Legal 500 2017)
• "An excellent advocate, who provides well-researched and thought-out advice." (The Legal 500 2017)
• "A leading EU public law advocate, who has a way of making his side seem eminently reasonable." (The Legal 500 2017)
• "He is highly respected by the EU judiciary and his fellow barristers. Combines adept client-handling skills with an exceptionally strong strategic instinct - he's a delight to work with." (Chambers & Partners 2017)
• "Hugely assured. Having him as your advocate is like being driven in a Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow." "He is a very clear advocate. Judges will adopt what he says into their judgments." (Chambers & Partners 2017)
• "Excellent and very much in demand." (The Legal 500 2016)
• "Stands out for his ability to win over everyone – clients, other parties and judges." (The Legal 500 2016)
• "He is extremely responsive and has second-to-none knowledge of EU law." (The Legal 500 2016)
• "Highly experienced silk advising clients on the full range of administrative and public law issues. His case experience ranges from commercial judicial reviews and regulatory challenges to human rights and state immunity." (Chambers & Partners 2016)
• "David has an incredible level of analysis and mastery of presentation, he is charismatic and charming." (Chambers & Partners 2016)
• "A terrific, well-judged court advocate who is intelligent and commercial." "The top barrister for EU-related public law. A very good advocate who always makes his submissions appear reasonable." (Chambers & Partners 2015)
• “Praised time and time again for his matchless knowledge of this area. The mention of his name is instantly met with appreciation and approval of his status as a star individual.” (Chambers & Partners 2015)
• "David Anderson is amazing! He is one of the best barristers around." "The finest practitioner of European [EU] law in the market." (Chambers & Partners 2015) 
• "Widely admired." (The Legal 500 2014)
• David is ranked in the 'Chambers 100 UK Bar', a list of the top barristers practising at the Bar of England and Wales.
• “Universally acknowledged to be the standout name for European law matters. His enviable talents are well catalogued by sources who seek him out for his "eloquence," "analytical approach" and "incredible advocacy." His experience of the EU system and his extensive knowledge across the field make him the top choice for high-profile clients involved in complex and drawn-out legal challenges.” (Chambers & Partners 2014)
• "He brings a global view to a problem, and his understanding of EU law is outstanding. He takes an analytical approach and always considers the bigger picture."  "The best EU litigator at the Bar - he's a real star." (Chambers & Partners 2014)
• "He is fabulous - a very attractive advocate." "He is an absolutely excellent advocate, who commands the confidence of the court." (Chambers & Partners 2014)
• “Brick Court Chambers’ highly respected silks include the ‘outstanding’ David Anderson KC” (The Legal 500 2013)
• "David Anderson KC is a "first-rate judicial review lawyer" and a "real heavyweight" in public law litigation that has a commercial flavour. Allied to this he is currently the Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation. He works closely with the UK government and the Treasury Solicitor on matters of public and international public law, and also has a renowned EU law and competition practice. Instructing solicitors comment that he is "the complete opposite of pompous - he is very user-friendly and clients like him."" (Chambers & Partners 2013, Administrative & Public Law)
• "Commentators are quick to confirm that "there is no question that David Anderson KC is an absolute star" in the EU law arena, and are happy to detail the qualities that make the man. His "gravitas and wealth of experience" are beyond doubt, as are the "great judgement and analysis" which he applies to a wide range of EU law-related matters. A recent example of his work was a challenge to the way that the pricing of international roaming on mobile telephones is regulated." (Chambers & Partners 2013, Competition/European Law)
• "Brick Court Chambers’ standout silks include the ‘superb’ David Anderson KC, who is ‘brilliant with clients’" (Legal 500 2012, Administrative and public law)
• "the renowned David Anderson KC." (Legal 500 2012, Civil Liberties and Human Rights)
• "‘One of the most experienced and accomplished English advocates before the European courts’, David Anderson KC has ‘a compendious knowledge of the law’." (Legal 500 2012, EU and Competition)
• "amazing attention to detail and limitless knowledge" (Chambers UK 2012)
• "‘excellent advocate" (Legal 500 2011)
• "an exemplary advocate"; "handles clients just beautifully"; "he is a fantastic choice since he is so approachable and has a holistic understanding of the EU legal framework that is almost unparalleled" (Chambers & Partners 2011)
• "really brilliant" (Legal 500 2010)
• "unfussy and incisive, he has a real understanding of the mood of the court"; "a strong advocate, who has a broader public law perspective" (Chambers & Partners 2010)

French