Amanda John

Overview

Amanda John was called to the Bar in 2008 having previously worked in Parliament and Central Government, in various positions including responding to judicial reviews and the management of case worker teams. Amanda’s experience also broadened to the drafting of legislation and responding to questions tabled in the House of Lords, writing the equality scheme, guiding ministers in an advisory capacity and temporarily acting as a Head of Unit before leaving to pursue a career at the Bar. Amanda also enjoyed a former career working in mass communication in various positions including at acting managerial level. Against that background, Amanda has established herself as an approachable and user-friendly barrister, described as a natural communicator who is ‘genuine’, ‘refreshing’ and ‘charismatic’. Her varied background also gives Amanda insight into the commercial and professional realities for clients, allowing her to provide pragmatic advice. Amanda’s impressive level of preparation, meticulous attention to detail and sensitive yet forthright cross examination style has been commented favourably by the judiciary.

Since being at the Bar, Amanda has developed a broad practice base in immigration, asylum, international human rights, international humanitarian law, public international law, international criminal law and criminal law. Amanda has experience in actions against the police, matters of extra-judicial killings and extradition. More recently, against that solid and varied background through numerous requests Amanda is seeking to her broaden her practice into civil, employment and family matters.

In addition to traditional advocacy services, Amanda has also provided advice both domestically and abroad ranging from senior politicians to impoverished individuals in her areas of expertise. She prides herself on her meticulous preparation, tactical pre-emptive thinking and intelligent strategy in her work. Amanda, whilst part of the immediate office of the Prosecutor (UN International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals in Arusha, Tanzania) made representations through legal argument on behalf of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) Chief Prosecutor for victims of mass atrocities, including genocide and sexual violence in Rwanda. Other international postings have included a high profile case on behalf of an UN NGO supported by Amnesty International which made legal history and as a result Amanda was invited to return to that jurisdiction.

Amanda has routinely been commended for her “impressive advocacy” and has been identified as ‘a rising star’ and ‘one to watch’, described as having the potential to achieve very senior appointments as her legal skills are “second to none”. Amanda has a formidable style coupled with a forensic memory and attention to detail meaning that she quickly gains the trust of the Bench and her client. She is regarded as a ‘fearless advocate’ in pursuing justice and is described as ‘incisive’ with an ability to pre-empt her opponent. Whilst representing the Secretary of State Amanda was chosen by senior counsel as the barrister to help train new recruits on issues regarding fairness at all times thereby upholding the right to a fair hearing, working in the interest of justice for parties including the unrepresented appellant, protecting the vulnerable applicant, effective advocacy and excellent case presentation.

Amanda is determined to ‘be the change you want to see’ and is therefore committed to assisting impoverished individuals (particularly those she came across whilst working abroad but also in the UK), also encouraging secondary school students, university law students and aspiring lawyers in the UK or abroad so that they are genuinely supported, guided and empowered with knowledge and the tools on how to succeed.

Amanda is determined that all members of society can enjoy access to justice through first-class representation. She prides herself on ensuring that vulnerable individuals have the best possible experience of the justice system. Amanda accepts instructions on a direct public access basis in appropriate cases.