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Aidan Wills
MEET:

Aidan Wills

Aidan is a “highly analytical, creative, strategic and tactical junior” who “runs cases with authority, intuition and confidence.” (Legal 500 2025 and Chambers & Partners 2024)

Called: 2015

Aidan specialises in public law, civil liberties and human rights, media and information law, and equality and discrimination law. Aidan has acted in leading cases across these practice areas. He has been instructed as a junior at all levels up to the Supreme Court and the Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights, and appeared unled in the Court of Appeal. Aidan is ranked by the directories in the areas of Administrative/Public Law, Civil Liberties and Human Rights, Defamation and Privacy and Data Protection.

Aidan’s diverse public law and human rights practice covers policing, prisons, national security, surveillance, education, social welfare, and the disclosure and barring regime. His clients have included individuals, NGOs, media organisations, unions, public bodies and a political party. Aidan’s practice in these areas is addressed in more detail under the subheadings below. His public law and human rights cases include:

Aidan is also a co-author of the current edition of Blackstone’s Guide to the Human Rights Act 1998, which is a leading text on Human Rights Law in the UK.

Aidan’s equality and discrimination law practice is primarily in judicial review claims concerning allegations of discrimination by public bodies. In this context, he is regularly instructed in substantive discrimination claims arising under Article 14 of the ECHR and the Equality Act 2010. Aidan also has considerable experience of challenges concerning breaches of the Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED) under s.149 of the Equality Act. His cases have included:

  • R (Black Equity Organisation) v MOPAC and SSJ [2024] (concerning indirect discrimination in the selection of released prisoners for GPS tracking and breaches of the PSED arising from failures to monitor and evaluate racial disproportionalities – settlement led to the withdrawal of the selection criteria and a commitment to monitor the scheme [led by Raj Desai]
  • R (Awale) v SSJ [2024] EWHC 2322 (Admin) (a successful PSED challenge arising from the SSJ’s failure to monitor and have due regard to the equalities implications of holding significant numbers of racist and Islamophobic prisoners in the CSC system) [led by Dan Squires KC]
  • R (YVR) v Birmingham City Council [2024] PTSR 866 (an ongoing Article 14 ECHR & PSED challenge to the treatment of severely disabled people in the context of social care charging) [led by Dan Squires KC]
  • A successful challenge to the exclusion of a person from trade organisation on the grounds of nationality through proceedings brought in the Employment Tribunal
  • R (JENGbA) v Director of Public Prosecutions [2022] (a challenge to the DPP’s failure to monitor the equalities implications of joint enterprise prosecutions – this led to an agreement to introduce pilot and nationwide monitoring schemes) [led by Raj Desai]
  • R (StopWatch) v SSHD [2021] (a challenge to the Home Office’s failure to comply with the PSED prior to removing safeguards on suspicionless stop and searches which disproportionately impacted particular groups) [led by Raj Desai]
  • R (Bridges) v Chief Constable of South Wales Police [2020] 1 WLR 5037 (the leading case on the application of the PSED to the use of new technologies by police) [led by Dan Squires KC]
  • R (AA) v Metropolitan Police [2019] (a challenge to the deployment of police officers in schools without proper consideration of the equalities implications – this led to a commitment to undertake monitoring) [led by Sarah Hannett KC]

Aidan has also acted for claimants and respondents in the context of discrimination claims arising in the context of employment, education, trade organisations and the provision of goods & services (including transport).

Aidan’s prison law work covers issues ranging from (re)categorisation decisions to segregation and confinement in small group units, access to corporate worship, licence conditions, release on Home Detention Curfew, transfers to open conditions and decisions of the Parole Board. His cases include:

  • R (Thakrar) v SSJ [2025] EWHC 230 (Admin) (ongoing Articles 3, 8 and common law challenge to the segregation of a prisoner in the Close Supervision Centre arising from passive non-compliance with the regime) [led by Nick Armstrong KC]
  • R (Awale) v SSJ [2024] EWHC 2322 (Admin) (successful challenge to a prisoner’s de facto segregation in the Close Supervision Centre – a key case on the review requirements under r 46 of the Prison Rules) [led by Dan Squires KC]
  • R (H Syed) v SSJ [2021] (successful challenge to a prisoner’s segregation)
  • R (Orlebar-Forbes) v SSJ [2018] (a successful challenge to a prisoner’s selection for and detention in the Separation Centre leading to a substantial award of damages)
  • R (Elsemait) v SSJ [2018] (a systemic challenge concerning the giving of reasons to segregated prisoners which led to changes to training and monitoring practices) [led by Dan Squires KC]

Aidan’s civil claims prison work has covered challenges to the misuse of a prisoner’s personal data, segregation, restrictions on collective worship, and assaults on prisoners. He has also represented prisoners before the Parole Board.

Aidan’s police law practice covers both judicial review and civil claims. He has been instructed in challenges concerning stop and search, port stops under Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act 2000 and Schedule 3 of the Counter-Terrorism and Border Security Act 2019, Prevent-related decisions, and equalities issues arising from the exercise of police powers. His recent matters include:

Aidan also has considerable experience of the regime governing erasure/deletion of local and national police records; he is the co-author of a forthcoming book on this subject: Criminal Records, Privacy and Criminal Justice System 2nd ed. (Bloomsbury, 2024).

Aidan’s education law practice covers judicial review, private law claims under the Equality Act 2010 and Human Rights Act 1998, and SEN appeals to the FTT and the Upper Tribunal. His work in this area has included issues relating to:

  • Admissions Exclusions
  • Use of isolation rooms
  • Alternative educational provision and education otherwise than at school Special educational provision and placement
  • Pupil referral units
  • Academisation and changes to academies (including faith-based designations) The right to education under Article 2 of the First Protocol to the ECHR
  • School transportation
  • Challenges to universities hosting events

Aidan’s education judicial review cases include:

  • R (Holland Park School Parents Collective) v SSE [2022] EWHC 3159 (Admin) (a challenge to a consultation on a school’s move from a single to multi-academy trust) [led by David Wolfe KC]
  • R (AA) v Metropolitan Police [2019] (a challenge to the deployment of police officers in schools without proper consideration of the equalities implications – this led to a commitment to undertake proper monitoring) [led by Sarah Hannett]
  • R (AA & CC) v Gloucestershire County Council [2019] (a challenge to a local authority’s policy/practice on the quantification of special educational provision in EHCPs) [led by Sarah Hannett]

Aidan has appeared in FTT and Upper Tribunal appeals concerning the content of EHCPs, placements, and refusals to assess/ issue. He successfully represented the appellants in the following Upper Tribunal cases:

  • ET v Buckinghamshire Council [2022] (concerning the award of costs in an FTT appeal)
  • JE v Croydon LBC [2018] (concerning a refusal to assess a child for SEN)
  • GK v North Somerset [2018] UKUT 259 (AAC) (concerning the making of special educational provision outside term time)

Aidan also represents parents and schools in hearings concerning permanent exclusions before Independent Review Panels and governing bodies, and he has served as a clerk to a governing body’s disciplinary committee. He has also advised on challenges to examination results.

In the context of higher education, Aidan has acted for universities and students in claims for breach of contract and under the Equality Act 2010.

Aidan provides advice and representation on legal issues arising from the use of information by public bodies, including through the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), automated decision-making and other new technologies. The directories describe him as “a real star when it comes to emerging tech” and his “expertise on the use of data by public bodies” is described as “exceptional” (Chambers & Partners 2024 and 2025). His practice covers relating to surveillance, data retention and exploitation, and information sharing by public bodies. Aidan’s recent work in this area has included:

Aidan has experience of both the public and private law aspects of the disclosure of information arising from criminal investigations and convictions, including:

  • Appeals against DBS barring decisions
  • Challenges to the content of Enhanced Criminal Records Certificates and decisions of the Independent Monitor
  • Privacy and data protection claims arising from the publication of information about police investigations and spent convictions
  • Exercising the right to erasure against primary publishers and search engine operators, including through civil claims and complaints to the ICO
  • Advising on a public law challenge to a Notification Order under the Sexual Offences Act 2003
  • Securing the amendment of a Notification Order under the Magistrates’ Court’s civil slip rule jurisdiction

Aidan is a co-author of Criminal Records, Privacy and Criminal Justice System 2nd ed. (Bloomsbury).

Aidan is regularly instructed (led and unled) in high-profile High Court privacy, libel, and breach of confidence cases. He acts for both claimants and defendants; his clients have ranged from celebrities to refugees, national newspapers, investigative journalists, charities, large corporations and regulators. Aidan has experience of cases concerning the identification of anonymous publishers (including by way of Norwich Pharmacal relief and self-identification orders); relief against persons unknown; notice-and-takedown procedures; and the liability of internet service providers. His recent/ongoing cases include:

  • Greensill v Department for Business and Trade [2024] (acting for the claimant in an ongoing privacy, breach of confidence and DP claim arising from leaks of information to the media concerning a directors’ disqualification investigation [led by Gavin Millar KC]
  • Smart Shirts Ltd v Sheffield Hallam University [2024] EWHC 3276 (KB) (acting for the defendant in an ongoing libel claim by a Hong Kong company against a university concerning a report published by its human rights centre) [led by Sara Mansoori KC]
  • Sinton v Maybourne Hotels Ltd [2024] EWHC 647 (KB) (acting for the defendant in an ongoing libel, malicious falsehood and data protection claim arising in the context of hotel construction) [led by Guy Vassall-Adams KC]
  • Banks v Cadwalladr [2023] KB 524 and [2022] 1 WLR 5236 (acted for the defendant in a high-profile libel case in which the public interest defence largely succeeded) [led by Gavin Millar KC]
  • Del Rosso v Stokoe Partnership Solicitors [2023] (acted for the claimant in a successful claim for delivery up of private and confidential information) [led by Adrian Waterman KC]
  • Wollenberg v Corker Binning [2022] (acted for the defendant in a libel claim arising from the publication of a case report – obtained reverse summary judgment as the statement was protected by qualified privilege)
  • Floreat Private Limited v Graham-Watson [2022] (acted for the defendant in a breach of confidence claim which was withdrawn on the eve of trial with an award of indemnity costs)
  • Cooper v Sison [2021] (acted for the defendant political refugee in a libel claim arising from publications that were critical of a foreign government – the claim was struck out)
  • Ashley v Times Newspapers [2021] EWHC 2082 (QB) (acted for the defendant in a libel claim arising from a publication in a national newspaper) [led by Anthony Hudson KC]
  • JKL v VBN [2019] EWHC 2227 (QB) and [2020] EWHC 458 (QB) (acted for the claimant obtaining a privacy injunction and resisting applications for specific and non-party disclosure) [led by Anthony Hudson KC and Hugh Tomlinson KC]
  • Doyle v Smith [2019] EMLR 15 (acted for the defendant in a libel case concerning the application of the public interest defence to a blogger) [led by Guy Vassall-Adams KC]
  • Bains v Moore (acted for the claimants in a privacy, confidence and data protection case concerning corporate espionage) [led by Hugh Tomlinson KC]
  • The NGN Mobile Telephone Voicemail Interception Litigation

Aidan has also worked as a night lawyer at three national newspapers and is a contributing author to Matrix’s Online Publication Claims guide. He is a contributor to Phillip Coppel KC’s leading practitioner text on Information Rights and he has also written for the Entertainment Law Review, The Media Lawyer, McNae’s, LexisPSL and The Reporter.

With experience of data protection (DP) claims in both the private and public law spheres, Aidan’s practice covers (among other things) large scale data breaches, data sharing, publication claims concerning inaccurate data, data retention, and the DP implications of new technologies. Aidan has particular expertise in the right to erasure (and associated rights) as it applies to both private and public sector organisations.

Aidan’s recent DP cases include:

  • Pacini & Geyer v Dow Jones Inc [2024] EWHC 2714 (KB) (acted for the claimants in a DP claim arising from the publication of news articles referring to third party allegations of misconduct – this was the first trial of meaning as a preliminary issue in a data protection case) [led by Hugh Tomlinson KC]
  • MAG v Crown Prosecution Service [2023] (acted for the claimant in a privacy and DP claim concerning the loss of sensitive information about a criminal investigation – secured a significant settlement)
  • Various Claimants v Robert Dyas [2022] (acted for the defendant in a DP claim arising from an alleged data breach – most of the claims were withdrawn)
  • Rondon v LexisNexis Risk Solutions UK [2021] EWHC 1427 (QB) (acted for the claimant in a case concerning due diligence services and the liability of nominated representatives under Article 27 of the GDPR) [led by Hugh Tomlinson KC]
  • Google LLC v Lloyd [2021] 3 WLR 1268 (acted for interveners – Liberty, Coram and Inclusion London – in the landmark case on representative actions and the recovery of loss of control damages in DP law) [led by Dan Squires KC]
  • R (Bridges) v Chief Constable of South Wales Police [2020] 1 WLR 5037 (acted for the claimant in a challenge to the use of Live Facial Recognition by police – this is the first reported case addressing DPIAs) [led by Dan Squires KC]
  • R (Open Rights Group) v SSHD [2019] EWHC 2562 (Admin) (acted for an intervener, Liberty, in a challenge to the immigration exemption in the Data Protection Act 2018)

Aidan provides advice and representation in matters concerning the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 as it applies to publications and other forms of conduct. His cases include:

  • Dyer & Williams v Molloy [2024] (acted for the defendant in multi-track trial involving alleged harassment by publication)
  • Pande v Randhawa & Sandhu [2021] (acted for the defendants in multi-track trial involving alleged harassment by publication)
  • Khan v Khan [2018] EWHC 241 (QB) (acted for the claimant in a harassment case involving siblings) [led by Hugh Tomlinson KC]

Aidan is regularly instructed in privacy, data protection, public law and criminal cases in which restrictions on open justice are sought and/or resisted. His cases include:

  • Moss v Upper Tribunal (AAC) [2024] 4 WLR 99 (acted for a non-party seeking access to written submissions in the Upper Tribunal; the Court of Appeal allowed his appeal and gave guidance on the correct approach to this issue)
  • BCC Trade Credit Pty Ltd v Department for Business and Trade & Lex Greensill [2024] EWHC 2039 (Ch) (acted for a defendant resisting non-party insurers’ application to access the claimant’s evidence before trial in directors’ disqualification proceedings)
  • Financial Times v Department for Business and Trade & Lex Greensill [2024] EWHC 1803 (Ch) (acted for a defendant resisting a newspaper’s application to access the claimant’s evidence before trial in directors’ disqualification proceedings – the Court gave guidance on the status of and non-party access to the Statement of Matters Determining unfitness contained in witness evidence in proceedings of this kind)
  • Obtained reporting restrictions on behalf of a victim and householder in a domestic burglary case
  • TYU v Ila Spa [2022] ICR 287 (acted for a non-party named in an Employment Tribunal judgment as the subject of criminal allegations – the judgment was anonymized after the EAT allowed the appeal and remitted the case)
  • Khan v Meadows [2019] EWCA Civ 152 (acted for the Press Association in an application to lift anonymity in a clinical negligence case)
  • R (DSD & ors) v Parole Board & SSJ [2019] QB 285 (acted for the media in a leading case on open justice (which led to a change of the Parole Board Rules on the making public of information about proceedings) [led by Gavin Millar KC]

Aidan regularly delivers training on this topic and is the co-author (with Eleanor Mitchell) of a guide on this subject: Restrictions on Open Justice: A Guide for Public Law Practitioners (2023).

Aidan has advised and acted for a range of media organisations resisting applications for production orders and the exercise of investigatory powers touching on journalistic and source material. His work in this area has included:

  • Representing media organisations in the Metropolitan Police’s applications for production orders under the Terrorism Act 2000 concerning the so-called “Beatles” cell
  • Advising on resisting applications for production orders under the Charities Act 2011.
  • Acting for the Bureau of Investigative Journalism in the challenge to the UK’s bulk surveillance regimes before the ECtHR; the Grand Chamber held that there were insufficient protections for journalistic sources
  • Advising on responses to the Law Commission’s proposals on the reform of official secrecy laws, and the consultation on the Codes of Practice under the Investigatory Powers Act 2016

Prior to coming to the Bar, Aidan worked for eight years doing legal policy work on national security and human rights as a researcher, trainer and adviser. He has acted as a consultant (while at the Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance and as an independent consultant) to (among others) the European Parliament, the Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe, and the UN Special Rapporteur on Counter-terrorism and Human Rights. Aidan also published, lectured and delivered training sessions on security sector governance in Europe, Africa and the Middle East. He played a prominent role in drafting the “UN Compilation of good practices on intelligence agencies and their oversight”, and the “Global Principles on National Security and the Right to Information (Tshwane Principles)”.

Aidan holds a first-class honours degree in Politics from the University of Nottingham, an M.A. in International Affairs (distinction equivalent) from the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies (Geneva), and a Graduate Diploma in Law (Dist.) from BPP University.

Aidan is an ADR Group Accredited Civil & Commercial Mediator and speaks French to an advanced level.

Aidan has published widely (both prior to and since coming to the Bar), his publications include:

  • “The Right to Erasure” in Online Publication Claims: A Practical Guide 2nd ed. (Matrix Chambers: forthcoming) [co-author with Robbie Stern]
  • Blackstone’s Guide to the Human Rights Act, 8th, (OUP: 2024) [co-author with John Wadham, Raj Desai, Sarah Hannett KC, Jessica Jones and Eleanor Mitchell]
  • Criminal Records, Privacy and Criminal Justice System, 2nd ed., (Bloomsbury: 2024) [co-author with Edward Jones and Jessica Jones]
  • “National Security and Education Law” in R. Ward and D. Blundell, National Security Law, Procedure, and Practice, 2nd, (OUP: 2024) [contributing author with Sarah Hannett KC and Mark Greaves]
  • Restrictions on Open Justice: A Guide for Public Law Practitioners (Matrix Chambers: 2023) [co-author with Eleanor Mitchell]
  • “Commercial and other confidentiality” and “Common law rights and controls” in P. Coppell KC, Information Rights, 6th, (Hart Publishing: 2023) [contributing author]
  • “Liability for Online Publication: Defamation, Malicious Falsehood and Harassment” and “Liability for Online Publication: Breach of Confidence, Misuse of Private Information and Data Protection” in H. Tomlinson KC and Guy Vassall-Adams KC, Online Publication Claims: A Practical Guide (Matrix Chambers: 2017) [contributing author with Hugh Tomlinson KC]
  • Democratic and Effective Oversight of National Security Services (Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe: 2015) [sole author]
  • Making International Intelligence Cooperation Accountable (Parliament of Norway: 2015) [co-author with Hans Born and Ian Leigh]
  • Parliamentary Oversight of Security and Intelligence Agencies in the European Union (European Parliament: 2011) [co-author with Matthias Vermeulen]
  • International Intelligence Cooperation and Accountability (Routledge: 2011) [editor and contributing author, with Hans Born and Ian Leigh]

Aidan is committed to protecting and respecting your privacy. In order to provide legal services to their clients, including advice and representation services, Aidan needs to collect and hold personal data. This includes their client’s personal data and the personal data of others who feature in the matter upon which they are instructed. To read Aidan’s privacy notice in full, please see here.

Aidan is regulated by the Bar Standards Board and accepts instructions under Standard Contractual Terms. To find out more information on this and the way we work at Matrix, including our fee transparency statement, please see our see our service standards

DIRECTORY RECOMMENDATIONS

"Aidan is a brilliant and highly intelligent barrister with such a wide range of expertise and so much knowledge. He's an asset to every case we've worked on together and I trust him wholeheartedly." "He is extremely thorough, highly detail-oriented and hard-working in pursuit of aspects that will help advance the client's position." "Aidan is a very talented lawyer who produces fantastic written work, is very perceptive and displays good judgement."

Chambers & Partners, 2025, Defamation & Privacy

"Aidan is a real star when it comes to emerging tech. I trust him when it comes to unique and novel challenges. He is one of our main choices when it comes to complex areas."

Chambers & Partners, 2025, Data Protection

"Aidan is very impressive on the cross over in public law and privacy law."

Chambers & Partners, 2025, Administrative & Public Law

"Aidan has an impressively extensive knowledge and understanding of defamation and privacy law and the overlapping areas. Aidan provides comprehensive and considered advice, and is frank with instructing solicitors when the case does not have sufficiently good merits and prospects of success to warrant pursuing it."

Legal 500, 2025, Defamation and Privacy

"A highly analytical, creative, strategic and tactical junior."

Legal 500, 2025, Administrative Law and Human Rights

"Aidan's expertise on the use of data by public bodies is exceptional. He is an asset to any data protection claim and a highly competent junior." "Aidan has a broad practice and a lot of knowledge. He is very sensible and clever."

Chambers & Partners, 2024, Defamation & Privacy

"Aidan is incredibly generous with his time and knowledge; he has an excellent grasp of issues and thinks very strategically." "He is a highly competent junior; his expertise on the use of data by public bodies is exceptional."

Chambers & Partners, 2024, Administrative & Public Law

"Aidan Wills is knowledgeable and good at applying public law knowledge which is helpful. He's a good communicator and puts things in an understandable and accessible form." "Aidan's expertise on the use of data by public bodies is exceptional. He is an asset to any data protection claim and is a highly competent junior."

Chambers & Partners, 2024, Data Protection

"Aidan has extensive knowledge and understanding of data protection law and the overlapping areas, as well as good judgement. He is a good communicator and is able to deliver advice in an accessible manner to clients."

Legal 500, 2024, Data Protection

"He is very focused on trying to use public law to bring challenges that are of concern to society. He has an ability to home in on the critical issues."

Chambers & Partners, 2024, Administrative & Public Law

"He runs cases with authority, intuition and confidence."

Chambers & Partners, 2024, Administrative & Public Law

"Clients love working with him. He is an important person in the technology and human rights overlap."

Chambers & Partners, 2024, Civil Liberties & Human Rights

"Aidan is just terrific. What's great is that his practice is wider than a single area; he offers real depth of knowledge and benefit to clients."

Chambers & Partners, 2024, Data Protection

Rising Star: “A clear, engaging and persuasive advocate with good judgement.”

Legal 500, 2024, Data Protection

"He is willing to go above and beyond and is incredibly empathetic with clients." "He is incredibly bright, hard-working, and his writing is excellent."

Chambers & Partners, 2023, Administrative & Public Law

"He has a really good grasp of issues and sees issues in a progressive way which is helpful in a fast-developing area." "He's very user-friendly; he'll phone up and get involved and is always thinking about the case."

Chambers & Partners, 2023, Data Protection

"He is willing to go above and beyond and is incredibly empathetic with clients." "He is incredibly bright, hard-working, and his writing is excellent."

Chambers & Partners, 2022, Administrative & Public Law

MAIN AREAS OF PRACTICE:

LANGUAGES:

  • French
Matrix Chambers
24 HOUR ASSISTANCE
+44 (0)20 7404 3447
Aidan Wills
Called: 2015

Aidan is a “highly analytical, creative, strategic and tactical junior” who “runs cases with authority, intuition and confidence.” (Legal 500 2025 and Chambers & Partners 2024)

MAIN AREAS OF PRACTICE

  • Public Law
  • Civil Liberties and Human Rights
  • Equality and Discrimination Law
  • Media and Information Law
  • Defamation and Privacy
  • Data Protection
  • Harassment 
  • Court Orders affecting the Media
  • Police, Inquests and Prison
  • Education Law
  • Public Law: Information, Data and Privacy

Aidan Wills

Contact Aidan: aidanwills@matrixlaw.co.uk | +44 (0)20 7404 3447

Contact Aidan's Practice Team (Team M): TeamM@matrixlaw.co.uk

Aidan specialises in public law, civil liberties and human rights, media and information law, and equality and discrimination law. Aidan has acted in leading cases across these practice areas. He has been instructed as a junior at all levels up to the Supreme Court and the Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights, and appeared unled in the Court of Appeal. Aidan is ranked by the directories in the areas of Administrative/Public Law, Civil Liberties and Human Rights, Defamation and Privacy and Data Protection.

Public Law & Human Rights

Aidan’s diverse public law and human rights practice covers policing, prisons, national security, surveillance, education, social welfare, and the disclosure and barring regime. His clients have included individuals, NGOs, media organisations, unions, public bodies and a political party. Aidan’s practice in these areas is addressed in more detail under the subheadings below. His public law and human rights cases include:

Aidan is also a co-author of the current edition of Blackstone’s Guide to the Human Rights Act 1998, which is a leading text on Human Rights Law in the UK.

Equality and Discrimination Law

Aidan’s equality and discrimination law practice is primarily in judicial review claims concerning allegations of discrimination by public bodies. In this context, he is regularly instructed in substantive discrimination claims arising under Article 14 of the ECHR and the Equality Act 2010. Aidan also has considerable experience of challenges concerning breaches of the Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED) under s.149 of the Equality Act. His cases have included:

  • R (Black Equity Organisation) v MOPAC and SSJ [2024] (concerning indirect discrimination in the selection of released prisoners for GPS tracking and breaches of the PSED arising from failures to monitor and evaluate racial disproportionalities – settlement led to the withdrawal of the selection criteria and a commitment to monitor the scheme [led by Raj Desai]
  • R (Awale) v SSJ [2024] EWHC 2322 (Admin) (a successful PSED challenge arising from the SSJ’s failure to monitor and have due regard to the equalities implications of holding significant numbers of racist and Islamophobic prisoners in the CSC system) [led by Dan Squires KC]
  • R (YVR) v Birmingham City Council [2024] PTSR 866 (an ongoing Article 14 ECHR & PSED challenge to the treatment of severely disabled people in the context of social care charging) [led by Dan Squires KC]
  • A successful challenge to the exclusion of a person from trade organisation on the grounds of nationality through proceedings brought in the Employment Tribunal
  • R (JENGbA) v Director of Public Prosecutions [2022] (a challenge to the DPP’s failure to monitor the equalities implications of joint enterprise prosecutions – this led to an agreement to introduce pilot and nationwide monitoring schemes) [led by Raj Desai]
  • R (StopWatch) v SSHD [2021] (a challenge to the Home Office’s failure to comply with the PSED prior to removing safeguards on suspicionless stop and searches which disproportionately impacted particular groups) [led by Raj Desai]
  • R (Bridges) v Chief Constable of South Wales Police [2020] 1 WLR 5037 (the leading case on the application of the PSED to the use of new technologies by police) [led by Dan Squires KC]
  • R (AA) v Metropolitan Police [2019] (a challenge to the deployment of police officers in schools without proper consideration of the equalities implications – this led to a commitment to undertake monitoring) [led by Sarah Hannett KC]

Aidan has also acted for claimants and respondents in the context of discrimination claims arising in the context of employment, education, trade organisations and the provision of goods & services (including transport).

Prison Law

Aidan’s prison law work covers issues ranging from (re)categorisation decisions to segregation and confinement in small group units, access to corporate worship, licence conditions, release on Home Detention Curfew, transfers to open conditions and decisions of the Parole Board. His cases include:

  • R (Thakrar) v SSJ [2025] EWHC 230 (Admin) (ongoing Articles 3, 8 and common law challenge to the segregation of a prisoner in the Close Supervision Centre arising from passive non-compliance with the regime) [led by Nick Armstrong KC]
  • R (Awale) v SSJ [2024] EWHC 2322 (Admin) (successful challenge to a prisoner’s de facto segregation in the Close Supervision Centre – a key case on the review requirements under r 46 of the Prison Rules) [led by Dan Squires KC]
  • R (H Syed) v SSJ [2021] (successful challenge to a prisoner’s segregation)
  • R (Orlebar-Forbes) v SSJ [2018] (a successful challenge to a prisoner’s selection for and detention in the Separation Centre leading to a substantial award of damages)
  • R (Elsemait) v SSJ [2018] (a systemic challenge concerning the giving of reasons to segregated prisoners which led to changes to training and monitoring practices) [led by Dan Squires KC]

Aidan’s civil claims prison work has covered challenges to the misuse of a prisoner’s personal data, segregation, restrictions on collective worship, and assaults on prisoners. He has also represented prisoners before the Parole Board.

Police Law

Aidan’s police law practice covers both judicial review and civil claims. He has been instructed in challenges concerning stop and search, port stops under Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act 2000 and Schedule 3 of the Counter-Terrorism and Border Security Act 2019, Prevent-related decisions, and equalities issues arising from the exercise of police powers. His recent matters include:

Aidan also has considerable experience of the regime governing erasure/deletion of local and national police records; he is the co-author of a forthcoming book on this subject: Criminal Records, Privacy and Criminal Justice System 2nd ed. (Bloomsbury, 2024).

Education Law

Aidan’s education law practice covers judicial review, private law claims under the Equality Act 2010 and Human Rights Act 1998, and SEN appeals to the FTT and the Upper Tribunal. His work in this area has included issues relating to:

  • Admissions Exclusions
  • Use of isolation rooms
  • Alternative educational provision and education otherwise than at school Special educational provision and placement
  • Pupil referral units
  • Academisation and changes to academies (including faith-based designations) The right to education under Article 2 of the First Protocol to the ECHR
  • School transportation
  • Challenges to universities hosting events

Aidan’s education judicial review cases include:

  • R (Holland Park School Parents Collective) v SSE [2022] EWHC 3159 (Admin) (a challenge to a consultation on a school’s move from a single to multi-academy trust) [led by David Wolfe KC]
  • R (AA) v Metropolitan Police [2019] (a challenge to the deployment of police officers in schools without proper consideration of the equalities implications – this led to a commitment to undertake proper monitoring) [led by Sarah Hannett]
  • R (AA & CC) v Gloucestershire County Council [2019] (a challenge to a local authority’s policy/practice on the quantification of special educational provision in EHCPs) [led by Sarah Hannett]

Aidan has appeared in FTT and Upper Tribunal appeals concerning the content of EHCPs, placements, and refusals to assess/ issue. He successfully represented the appellants in the following Upper Tribunal cases:

  • ET v Buckinghamshire Council [2022] (concerning the award of costs in an FTT appeal)
  • JE v Croydon LBC [2018] (concerning a refusal to assess a child for SEN)
  • GK v North Somerset [2018] UKUT 259 (AAC) (concerning the making of special educational provision outside term time)

Aidan also represents parents and schools in hearings concerning permanent exclusions before Independent Review Panels and governing bodies, and he has served as a clerk to a governing body’s disciplinary committee. He has also advised on challenges to examination results.

In the context of higher education, Aidan has acted for universities and students in claims for breach of contract and under the Equality Act 2010.

Public Law: Information, Data and Privacy

Aidan provides advice and representation on legal issues arising from the use of information by public bodies, including through the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), automated decision-making and other new technologies. The directories describe him as “a real star when it comes to emerging tech” and his “expertise on the use of data by public bodies” is described as “exceptional” (Chambers & Partners 2024 and 2025). His practice covers relating to surveillance, data retention and exploitation, and information sharing by public bodies. Aidan’s recent work in this area has included:

Criminal Records, Disclosure and Barring

Aidan has experience of both the public and private law aspects of the disclosure of information arising from criminal investigations and convictions, including:

  • Appeals against DBS barring decisions
  • Challenges to the content of Enhanced Criminal Records Certificates and decisions of the Independent Monitor
  • Privacy and data protection claims arising from the publication of information about police investigations and spent convictions
  • Exercising the right to erasure against primary publishers and search engine operators, including through civil claims and complaints to the ICO
  • Advising on a public law challenge to a Notification Order under the Sexual Offences Act 2003
  • Securing the amendment of a Notification Order under the Magistrates’ Court’s civil slip rule jurisdiction

Aidan is a co-author of Criminal Records, Privacy and Criminal Justice System 2nd ed. (Bloomsbury).

Defamation, Privacy & Breach of Confidence

Aidan is regularly instructed (led and unled) in high-profile High Court privacy, libel, and breach of confidence cases. He acts for both claimants and defendants; his clients have ranged from celebrities to refugees, national newspapers, investigative journalists, charities, large corporations and regulators. Aidan has experience of cases concerning the identification of anonymous publishers (including by way of Norwich Pharmacal relief and self-identification orders); relief against persons unknown; notice-and-takedown procedures; and the liability of internet service providers. His recent/ongoing cases include:

  • Greensill v Department for Business and Trade [2024] (acting for the claimant in an ongoing privacy, breach of confidence and DP claim arising from leaks of information to the media concerning a directors’ disqualification investigation [led by Gavin Millar KC]
  • Smart Shirts Ltd v Sheffield Hallam University [2024] EWHC 3276 (KB) (acting for the defendant in an ongoing libel claim by a Hong Kong company against a university concerning a report published by its human rights centre) [led by Sara Mansoori KC]
  • Sinton v Maybourne Hotels Ltd [2024] EWHC 647 (KB) (acting for the defendant in an ongoing libel, malicious falsehood and data protection claim arising in the context of hotel construction) [led by Guy Vassall-Adams KC]
  • Banks v Cadwalladr [2023] KB 524 and [2022] 1 WLR 5236 (acted for the defendant in a high-profile libel case in which the public interest defence largely succeeded) [led by Gavin Millar KC]
  • Del Rosso v Stokoe Partnership Solicitors [2023] (acted for the claimant in a successful claim for delivery up of private and confidential information) [led by Adrian Waterman KC]
  • Wollenberg v Corker Binning [2022] (acted for the defendant in a libel claim arising from the publication of a case report – obtained reverse summary judgment as the statement was protected by qualified privilege)
  • Floreat Private Limited v Graham-Watson [2022] (acted for the defendant in a breach of confidence claim which was withdrawn on the eve of trial with an award of indemnity costs)
  • Cooper v Sison [2021] (acted for the defendant political refugee in a libel claim arising from publications that were critical of a foreign government – the claim was struck out)
  • Ashley v Times Newspapers [2021] EWHC 2082 (QB) (acted for the defendant in a libel claim arising from a publication in a national newspaper) [led by Anthony Hudson KC]
  • JKL v VBN [2019] EWHC 2227 (QB) and [2020] EWHC 458 (QB) (acted for the claimant obtaining a privacy injunction and resisting applications for specific and non-party disclosure) [led by Anthony Hudson KC and Hugh Tomlinson KC]
  • Doyle v Smith [2019] EMLR 15 (acted for the defendant in a libel case concerning the application of the public interest defence to a blogger) [led by Guy Vassall-Adams KC]
  • Bains v Moore (acted for the claimants in a privacy, confidence and data protection case concerning corporate espionage) [led by Hugh Tomlinson KC]
  • The NGN Mobile Telephone Voicemail Interception Litigation

Aidan has also worked as a night lawyer at three national newspapers and is a contributing author to Matrix’s Online Publication Claims guide. He is a contributor to Phillip Coppel KC’s leading practitioner text on Information Rights and he has also written for the Entertainment Law Review, The Media Lawyer, McNae’s, LexisPSL and The Reporter.

Data Protection

With experience of data protection (DP) claims in both the private and public law spheres, Aidan’s practice covers (among other things) large scale data breaches, data sharing, publication claims concerning inaccurate data, data retention, and the DP implications of new technologies. Aidan has particular expertise in the right to erasure (and associated rights) as it applies to both private and public sector organisations.

Aidan’s recent DP cases include:

  • Pacini & Geyer v Dow Jones Inc [2024] EWHC 2714 (KB) (acted for the claimants in a DP claim arising from the publication of news articles referring to third party allegations of misconduct – this was the first trial of meaning as a preliminary issue in a data protection case) [led by Hugh Tomlinson KC]
  • MAG v Crown Prosecution Service [2023] (acted for the claimant in a privacy and DP claim concerning the loss of sensitive information about a criminal investigation – secured a significant settlement)
  • Various Claimants v Robert Dyas [2022] (acted for the defendant in a DP claim arising from an alleged data breach – most of the claims were withdrawn)
  • Rondon v LexisNexis Risk Solutions UK [2021] EWHC 1427 (QB) (acted for the claimant in a case concerning due diligence services and the liability of nominated representatives under Article 27 of the GDPR) [led by Hugh Tomlinson KC]
  • Google LLC v Lloyd [2021] 3 WLR 1268 (acted for interveners – Liberty, Coram and Inclusion London – in the landmark case on representative actions and the recovery of loss of control damages in DP law) [led by Dan Squires KC]
  • R (Bridges) v Chief Constable of South Wales Police [2020] 1 WLR 5037 (acted for the claimant in a challenge to the use of Live Facial Recognition by police – this is the first reported case addressing DPIAs) [led by Dan Squires KC]
  • R (Open Rights Group) v SSHD [2019] EWHC 2562 (Admin) (acted for an intervener, Liberty, in a challenge to the immigration exemption in the Data Protection Act 2018)

Harassment (Protection from Harassment Act 1997)

Aidan provides advice and representation in matters concerning the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 as it applies to publications and other forms of conduct. His cases include:

  • Dyer & Williams v Molloy [2024] (acted for the defendant in multi-track trial involving alleged harassment by publication)
  • Pande v Randhawa & Sandhu [2021] (acted for the defendants in multi-track trial involving alleged harassment by publication)
  • Khan v Khan [2018] EWHC 241 (QB) (acted for the claimant in a harassment case involving siblings) [led by Hugh Tomlinson KC]

Reporting Restrictions, Anonymity & Non-party Access to Court Documents

Aidan is regularly instructed in privacy, data protection, public law and criminal cases in which restrictions on open justice are sought and/or resisted. His cases include:

  • Moss v Upper Tribunal (AAC) [2024] 4 WLR 99 (acted for a non-party seeking access to written submissions in the Upper Tribunal; the Court of Appeal allowed his appeal and gave guidance on the correct approach to this issue)
  • BCC Trade Credit Pty Ltd v Department for Business and Trade & Lex Greensill [2024] EWHC 2039 (Ch) (acted for a defendant resisting non-party insurers’ application to access the claimant’s evidence before trial in directors’ disqualification proceedings)
  • Financial Times v Department for Business and Trade & Lex Greensill [2024] EWHC 1803 (Ch) (acted for a defendant resisting a newspaper’s application to access the claimant’s evidence before trial in directors’ disqualification proceedings – the Court gave guidance on the status of and non-party access to the Statement of Matters Determining unfitness contained in witness evidence in proceedings of this kind)
  • Obtained reporting restrictions on behalf of a victim and householder in a domestic burglary case
  • TYU v Ila Spa [2022] ICR 287 (acted for a non-party named in an Employment Tribunal judgment as the subject of criminal allegations – the judgment was anonymized after the EAT allowed the appeal and remitted the case)
  • Khan v Meadows [2019] EWCA Civ 152 (acted for the Press Association in an application to lift anonymity in a clinical negligence case)
  • R (DSD & ors) v Parole Board & SSJ [2019] QB 285 (acted for the media in a leading case on open justice (which led to a change of the Parole Board Rules on the making public of information about proceedings) [led by Gavin Millar KC]

Aidan regularly delivers training on this topic and is the co-author (with Eleanor Mitchell) of a guide on this subject: Restrictions on Open Justice: A Guide for Public Law Practitioners (2023).

Production Orders & Investigatory Powers affecting the Media

Aidan has advised and acted for a range of media organisations resisting applications for production orders and the exercise of investigatory powers touching on journalistic and source material. His work in this area has included:

  • Representing media organisations in the Metropolitan Police’s applications for production orders under the Terrorism Act 2000 concerning the so-called “Beatles” cell
  • Advising on resisting applications for production orders under the Charities Act 2011.
  • Acting for the Bureau of Investigative Journalism in the challenge to the UK’s bulk surveillance regimes before the ECtHR; the Grand Chamber held that there were insufficient protections for journalistic sources
  • Advising on responses to the Law Commission’s proposals on the reform of official secrecy laws, and the consultation on the Codes of Practice under the Investigatory Powers Act 2016

Other Experience and Education

Prior to coming to the Bar, Aidan worked for eight years doing legal policy work on national security and human rights as a researcher, trainer and adviser. He has acted as a consultant (while at the Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance and as an independent consultant) to (among others) the European Parliament, the Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe, and the UN Special Rapporteur on Counter-terrorism and Human Rights. Aidan also published, lectured and delivered training sessions on security sector governance in Europe, Africa and the Middle East. He played a prominent role in drafting the “UN Compilation of good practices on intelligence agencies and their oversight”, and the “Global Principles on National Security and the Right to Information (Tshwane Principles)”.

Aidan holds a first-class honours degree in Politics from the University of Nottingham, an M.A. in International Affairs (distinction equivalent) from the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies (Geneva), and a Graduate Diploma in Law (Dist.) from BPP University.

Aidan is an ADR Group Accredited Civil & Commercial Mediator and speaks French to an advanced level.

Publications

Aidan has published widely (both prior to and since coming to the Bar), his publications include:

  • “The Right to Erasure” in Online Publication Claims: A Practical Guide 2nd ed. (Matrix Chambers: forthcoming) [co-author with Robbie Stern]
  • Blackstone’s Guide to the Human Rights Act, 8th, (OUP: 2024) [co-author with John Wadham, Raj Desai, Sarah Hannett KC, Jessica Jones and Eleanor Mitchell]
  • Criminal Records, Privacy and Criminal Justice System, 2nd ed., (Bloomsbury: 2024) [co-author with Edward Jones and Jessica Jones]
  • “National Security and Education Law” in R. Ward and D. Blundell, National Security Law, Procedure, and Practice, 2nd, (OUP: 2024) [contributing author with Sarah Hannett KC and Mark Greaves]
  • Restrictions on Open Justice: A Guide for Public Law Practitioners (Matrix Chambers: 2023) [co-author with Eleanor Mitchell]
  • “Commercial and other confidentiality” and “Common law rights and controls” in P. Coppell KC, Information Rights, 6th, (Hart Publishing: 2023) [contributing author]
  • “Liability for Online Publication: Defamation, Malicious Falsehood and Harassment” and “Liability for Online Publication: Breach of Confidence, Misuse of Private Information and Data Protection” in H. Tomlinson KC and Guy Vassall-Adams KC, Online Publication Claims: A Practical Guide (Matrix Chambers: 2017) [contributing author with Hugh Tomlinson KC]
  • Democratic and Effective Oversight of National Security Services (Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe: 2015) [sole author]
  • Making International Intelligence Cooperation Accountable (Parliament of Norway: 2015) [co-author with Hans Born and Ian Leigh]
  • Parliamentary Oversight of Security and Intelligence Agencies in the European Union (European Parliament: 2011) [co-author with Matthias Vermeulen]
  • International Intelligence Cooperation and Accountability (Routledge: 2011) [editor and contributing author, with Hans Born and Ian Leigh]
Aidan's Privacy Notice

Aidan Wills is committed to protecting and respecting your privacy. In order to provide legal services to his clients, including advice and representation services, Aidan needs to collect and hold personal data. This includes his client’s personal data and the personal data of others who feature in the matters in which he is instructed. To read Aidan’s privacy notice in full, please see here.

DIRECTORY RECOMMENDATIONS

"Aidan is a brilliant and highly intelligent barrister with such a wide range of expertise and so much knowledge. He's an asset to every case we've worked on together and I trust him wholeheartedly." "He is extremely thorough, highly detail-oriented and hard-working in pursuit of aspects that will help advance the client's position." "Aidan is a very talented lawyer who produces fantastic written work, is very perceptive and displays good judgement."

Chambers & Partners, 2025, Defamation & Privacy

"Aidan is a real star when it comes to emerging tech. I trust him when it comes to unique and novel challenges. He is one of our main choices when it comes to complex areas."

Chambers & Partners, 2025, Data Protection

"Aidan is very impressive on the cross over in public law and privacy law."

Chambers & Partners, 2025, Administrative & Public Law

"Aidan has an impressively extensive knowledge and understanding of defamation and privacy law and the overlapping areas. Aidan provides comprehensive and considered advice, and is frank with instructing solicitors when the case does not have sufficiently good merits and prospects of success to warrant pursuing it."

Legal 500, 2025, Defamation and Privacy

"A highly analytical, creative, strategic and tactical junior."

Legal 500, 2025, Administrative Law and Human Rights

"Aidan's expertise on the use of data by public bodies is exceptional. He is an asset to any data protection claim and a highly competent junior." "Aidan has a broad practice and a lot of knowledge. He is very sensible and clever."

Chambers & Partners, 2024, Defamation & Privacy

"Aidan is incredibly generous with his time and knowledge; he has an excellent grasp of issues and thinks very strategically." "He is a highly competent junior; his expertise on the use of data by public bodies is exceptional."

Chambers & Partners, 2024, Administrative & Public Law

"Aidan Wills is knowledgeable and good at applying public law knowledge which is helpful. He's a good communicator and puts things in an understandable and accessible form." "Aidan's expertise on the use of data by public bodies is exceptional. He is an asset to any data protection claim and is a highly competent junior."

Chambers & Partners, 2024, Data Protection

"Aidan has extensive knowledge and understanding of data protection law and the overlapping areas, as well as good judgement. He is a good communicator and is able to deliver advice in an accessible manner to clients."

Legal 500, 2024, Data Protection

"He is very focused on trying to use public law to bring challenges that are of concern to society. He has an ability to home in on the critical issues."

Chambers & Partners, 2024, Administrative & Public Law

"He runs cases with authority, intuition and confidence."

Chambers & Partners, 2024, Administrative & Public Law

"Clients love working with him. He is an important person in the technology and human rights overlap."

Chambers & Partners, 2024, Civil Liberties & Human Rights

"Aidan is just terrific. What's great is that his practice is wider than a single area; he offers real depth of knowledge and benefit to clients."

Chambers & Partners, 2024, Data Protection

Rising Star: “A clear, engaging and persuasive advocate with good judgement.”

Legal 500, 2024, Data Protection

"He is willing to go above and beyond and is incredibly empathetic with clients." "He is incredibly bright, hard-working, and his writing is excellent."

Chambers & Partners, 2023, Administrative & Public Law

"He has a really good grasp of issues and sees issues in a progressive way which is helpful in a fast-developing area." "He's very user-friendly; he'll phone up and get involved and is always thinking about the case."

Chambers & Partners, 2023, Data Protection

"He is willing to go above and beyond and is incredibly empathetic with clients." "He is incredibly bright, hard-working, and his writing is excellent."

Chambers & Partners, 2022, Administrative & Public Law