Human Rights Case Specialist Is Firm’s New Partner In London

Irwin Mitchell has announced the appointment of one of the best known and respected human rights and discrimination case champions to join its celebrated Public Law and Human Rights Team.

Based in the London office, new partner Angela Jackman QC (Hon) is the latest senior hire for a team expanding its work and focus on discrimination and human rights cases, where Angela’s experience and skills will prove invaluable.

Previously with Simpson Millar, Angela joins the firm following a distinguished career as a lawyer and academic, that has seen her deliver success for clients in a host of high profile cases.

A graduate of Balliol College, Oxford, Angela practised at Hackney Community Law Centre for several years following qualification before moving to private practice. Specialising in Education, Mental Capacity and Human Rights Law, Angela joined City Law School in 2015 as senior lecturer/CPD consultant and is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.

In March 2021, Angela was appointed Honorary QC and named one of City’s ‘Extraordinary Women’, marking International Woman’s Day. Angela joined City’s wall of fame for her role in securing legal rights of the vulnerable or disadvantaged, through her work as both a lawyer and academic.

Angela’s high profile cases include the ‘cornrows school exclusion’ judicial review, where the High Court held a school's policy prohibiting African-Caribbean boys having their hair in cornrows resulted in indirect racial discrimination.

In the Supreme Court, Angela represented two women from Northern Ireland who challenged the Health Secretary’s refusal to permit them to access NHS abortion services in England. Despite a 3:2 loss, the case proved a pivotal moment in the wider campaign, resulting in the government conceding the issue. Angela subsequently secured compensation for the women from the UK Government, following a successful application to the European Court of Human Rights.

Commenting on her new role as a partner at Irwin Mitchell, Angela Jackman said: “I am really looking forward to meeting my new colleagues at Irwin Mitchell and continuing to work on behalf of vulnerable clients to ensure they access justice and have their voices heard.

“Irwin Mitchell has a reputation for success in strategic cases that have led to important changes in the law.  I am  thrilled to be taking on this new challenge and ensuring that this vital work continues for the benefit of our clients and the wider community I am also excited that I have an additional role and will be involved in further developing the firm’s responsible business strategy.”

Expert Opinion

“All of us on the public law team are delighted to welcome someone of Angela’s calibre on board. The high profile cases she has navigated on behalf of her clients mark her out as one of the finest lawyers of her generation.

“Our public law and human rights team are committed to delivering the very best outcomes for clients and Angela’s proven track record will be a considerable asset. We have big plans for the future and Angela is part of the initiative to ensure we have some of the very best lawyers in their field leading our national team.” Yogi Amin - Partner and National Head of Public Law and Human Rights

In addition to being an active member of the Law Society’s Human Rights Committee, Angela is an expert panel member of the Strategic Legal Fund for Vulnerable Migrants and an Accredited Practitioner under the Law Society's Mental Capacity (Welfare) Accreditation Scheme.

Angela was granted an award for Outstanding Achievement at the Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year Silver Jubilee Ceremony in 2009 and was named Lawyer of the Year at the Modern Law Awards in 2018.