MEET:
Karon Monaghan KC
“She is the ultimate equality and discrimination expert at the Bar.”
“She’s a fantastic advocate: she knows discrimination law inside-out and is always incredibly persuasive.”
Chambers & Partners 2021 - 2023
Karon practises principally in the fields of equality and human rights law. She has a broad, largely claimant, practice, encompassing public law, employment law and civil actions. She also acts for NGOs and statutory bodies. Karon has an extensive advisory practice and in addition acts in, conducts, and advises on, statutory and non-statutory inquiries and investigations.
Karon has acted in numerous cases at appellate level, including in the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, Court of Justice of the EU, European Court of Human Rights, Hong Kong Court of Appeal and Court of Final Appeal, and in the UN Committee on the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women.
Karon is an A Panel member of the Equality and Human Rights Commission Panel of Preferred Counsel.
Karon’s recent cases include:
- Maughan v. Oxfordshire Senior Coroner [2021] AC 454, Supreme Court (standard of proof in case of death by suicide, Article 2, Human Rights Act 1998).
- A v. Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority [2021] 1 WLR 3746, Supreme Court (discrimination against victims of trafficking/slavery).
- Eckland v. CC, Avon and Somerset Constabulary [2022] ICR 606, Court of Appeal (police officers, discrimination claims and employment tribunals).
- Metropolitan Housing Trust v. TM [2022] 1 WLR 2161, Court of Appeal (failure by social landlord to comply with Public Sector Equality Duty and defence to possession proceedings).
- Wisbey v. Commissioner of the City of London Police [2021] ICR 1485, Court of Appeal (compensation for indirect discrimination).
- FDJ v SS for Justice [2021] 1 WLR 5265, Div Court (placement of trans women into women’s prisons).
- QSA v. National Police Chiefs’ Council [2021] 1 WLR 2962, Div Ct (on remission from CA: [2020] 1 WLR 2062) (disclosure of spent convictions for soliciting (prostitution)).
- QSA v. United Kingdom (2021): written application under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) to the CEDAW committee (criminalisation of prostitution and keeping of records on convictions).
- Forstater v. CGD Europe and others [2022] ICR 1, Employment Appeal Tribunal (“gender critical” beliefs, Article 9, Human Rights Act and Equality Act).
- Rosana Flamer Caldera v Sri Lanka (2022): written application under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) to the CEDAW committee (lesbians and criminalisation).
- Leung Chun Kwong v Secretary for the Civil Service and another [2019] HKCFA 19, Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal (same-sex marriage and discrimination)
- Gilham v Ministry of Justice [2019] 1 WLR 5905, Supreme Court (worker status, whistleblowing and judges)
- Pimlico Plumbers Ltd and another v Smith [2018] ICR 1511, Supreme Court (worker status and disability discrimination)
Please see here for more of Karon’s recent and notable cases.
Karon has acted for and advised individuals, regulatory and other bodies in public inquiries, other statutory inquiries and internal investigations. These include:
- The Infected Blood Inquiry
- The Grenfell Tower Inquiry
- Equality and Human Rights Commission’s investigation into antisemitism in the Labour Party
Further, Karon has conducted investigations, including:
- Investigation into Sexual Harassment and the Management of Sexual Harassment Complaints within the GMB (2020)
- Investigation into the Labour Party’s Handling of Sexual Harassment Complaints (2018)
- Chair, Inquiry Panel: Formal Investigation into Fitness Standards: Maintaining Standards: Promoting Equality: Professional Regulation within Nursing, Teaching and Social Work and Disabled People’s Access to these Professions(Disability Rights Commission) (2006-7).
Karon has also acted in a number of lengthy and complex Inquests:
- Inquest into the Death of Olaseni Lewis (restraint related death and state failings).
- Inquest into the Death of Kingsley Burrell (restraint related death and state failings).
- Inquest into the Death of Cassandra Hasanovic (domestic violence homicide and state failures).
- Inquest into the Death of Sabina Akhtar (domestic violence homicide and state failures).
- Inquest into the Death of Colette Lynch (domestic violence homicide and state failures).
She has also been appointed ad hoc Assistant Coroner to conduct a number of lengthy and complex Inquests (2010 – 2017).
In 2015, Karon was appointed to the Reference Group on the Independent Review of Deaths and Serious Incidents in Police Custody by Dame Elish Angiolini who reported to the Home Secretary in 2017.
Karon is an honorary visiting professor in the UCL Faculty of Laws.
Karon was a member of the International Labour Organisation’s (ILO) Committee of Experts on the Application of Conventions and Recommendations (2013-2022).
Karon is a member of the Advisory Board for the Sir Lenny Henry Centre for Media Diversity.
Karon has in the past held a number of judicial positions:
- Deputy High Court Judge (Administrative Court) (2010-March 2019).
- Recorder (Crown Court) (2006-March 2019).
- Fee-paid Employment Tribunal Judge (2000-2008).
Karon is a Matron of the charity FORWARD (Foundation for Women’s Health Research and Development).
She is also a Bencher of Inner Temple.
- Her publications include:
- Monaghan, K. (2013). Equality Law. Oxford: Oxford University Press (cited by the Supreme Court in Patmalniece v Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (AIRE Centre intervening) [2011] 1 WLR 783 and by the Court of Appeal in R (Bridges) v Chief Constable of South Wales Police (Information Commissioner and others intervening) [2020] 1 WLR 5037).
- Monaghan, K. (2023) “Harassment” in C. O’Cinneide, J. Ringelheim and I. Solanke (eds) Research Handbook on European Anti-discrimination Law. Cheltenham: Elgar, forthcoming.
- Monaghan, K. (2022) “Brenda Hale: Understanding Discrimination and Championing Equality” in R. Hunter and E. Rackley, (eds) Justice for Everyone: The jurisprudence and Legal Lives of Brenda Hale. Cambridge: CUP, 338.
- Monaghan, K. (2021) “The Committee of Experts on the Application of Conventions and Recommendations: The Centenary Year”, King’s Law Journal, 32:2, 197-206
- Monaghan, K. (2019). “Equality Law” in D. Clarry (ed) The UK Supreme Court Yearbook, Volume 9: 2017-2018 Legal Year. Appellate Press, 485.
- Monaghan, K. (2018). “Employment Law and Professional Misconduct” in D. Clarry (ed) The UK Supreme Court Yearbook, Volume 8: 2016-2017 Legal Year. Appellate Press, 513.
- Monaghan, K. (2010) “EM (Lebanon) v Secretary of State for the Home Department” in R. Hunter, C. McGlynn and E. Rackley (eds), Feminist Judgments: From Theory to Practice. Oxford: Hart 2010, 449.
- Monaghan, K. (2010) “Wilkinson v Kitzinger” in R. Hunter, C. McGlynn and E. Rackley (eds), Feminist Judgments: From Theory to Practice. Oxford: Hart 2010, 42.
Karon is committed to protecting and respecting your privacy. In order to provide legal services to her clients, including advice and representation services, Karon needs to collect and hold personal data. That may include personal data of my client and others who feature in the matter upon which she is instructed. To read Karon’s privacy notice in full, please see here.
"She provides solid, practical advice, and is a phenomenal advocate, one judges listen to because she is thoughtful, convincing, and logical."
"She is second to none and quite simply superb. Very approachable and has encyclopaedic knowledge."
"A stateswoman of discrimination law and a phenomenal advocate."
"Karon provides high-quality advice and advocacy." "Karon is very approachable and down to earth alongside her huge intellect. She knows her stuff inside out and can distil really complex issues into understandable answers." "Karon walks into tribunal, speaks and people listen to her. She is commanding. There is not a piece of law she doesn't know." "She really inspires us as a barrister who uses the law to make the world a better place."
"She is an encyclopaedia of equalities law and a great team player." "She is very astute with tactics and negotiations." "She is a creative legal thinker."
"An encyclopedia on equality law with a stellar reputation." "She knows the Equality Act inside out."
"Karon is calm, unflappable and excellent on her feet." "She is the ultimate equality and discrimination expert at the Bar."
"Very sharp, thorough and tough, with great breadth of abilities."
"She is a leading light at the Bar."
"She has great vision and arguments that cut straight through to the point. People underestimate Karon at their peril."
"Karon Monaghan QC is a force of nature." "She is absolutely formidable, clients absolutely love her, she is so down to earth and she has been doing discrimination claims for 30 years or more so she knows the law inside out. She seeks to change the law and we bring in Karon when there are really important landmark cases." "Karon Monaghan is absolutely excellent and all the praise that she gets is deserving as year in and year out she is a star - she is a leader in discrimination law."
"Karon is phenomenal on equality law." "Karon is very clever, concise and gets to the point. She is brilliant on her feet and able to present cases in a compelling way."
"She has very good instincts for where the real pinch points in a case are." "She is eminently approachable and goes above and beyond in her dedication."
"She's phenomenal - really impressive on her feet. I love the way she fights fearlessly for her clients and doesn't take no for an answer - clients really value that." "A really excellent speaker in court."
"She knows everything about discrimination law."
"She's a fantastic advocate: she knows discrimination law inside-out and is always incredibly persuasive." "Superb for anything in equality law."
"Brilliant, absolutely compelling and trustworthy in court."
"Karon is one of a kind - a QC genuinely shaping the law for the greater good."
“Noted for her expertise in public and administrative law cases pursued on the grounds of equality and human rights law. She has considerable experience of challenging welfare reform on behalf of marginalised claimants. Other recent cases have concerned immigration, legal aid availability and Article 8 rights. ‘She’s a brilliant advocate on human rights and equality, and is brilliant to work with.’ ‘A doughty fighter who is client-friendly,’ and ‘a very effective and passionate advocate.’”
"She’s a brilliant advocate on human rights and equality, and is brilliant to work with." "A doughty fighter who is client-friendly," "a very effective and passionate advocate."
"She is a fantastic advocate, who is calm in the face of complex legal arguments."
"A skilled practitioner with far-reaching expertise in human rights, discrimination and equality, employment and EU law. She regularly attracts instructions in high-profile, significant matters from a diverse range of clients, including charities, trade unions and private claimants."
"Widely regarded as the leading barrister for equality issues and discrimination claims. She represents individuals, charities, trade unions and NGOs, and receives instructions at all levels, including the Supreme Court. Incredible to work with and brilliant in court.” “A brilliant advocate."
"Simply breathtaking. She has a very high knowledge of discrimination law. Clear, precise, calm under pressure and an excellent advocate. Her passion for the pursuance of equality is apparent."
“Fantastic on her feet and fights for what the clients want.” “She is an incredibly good and impressive advocate.”
"She is admired for both her fierce advocacy and her emotional intelligence, which allows her to form solid relationships with clients and solicitors alike. Strengths: “She has the attention of the court; she is a commanding presence and an exceptional advocate. She is a really experienced discrimination barrister."
"She is a fantastic advocate, who is calm in the face of complex legal arguments."
"Her ability to digest cases, work out the main arguments quickly and draft strong skeleton arguments is deeply impressive.” “She is fearless, utterly user-friendly and down-to-earth but immensely clever.” “Good at demystifying the law for clients and very good at getting to the heart of issues. She is good on her feet, eloquent and really impresses clients."
MAIN AREAS OF PRACTICE:
+44 (0)20 7404 3447
“She is the ultimate equality and discrimination expert at the Bar.” “She’s a fantastic advocate: she knows discrimination law inside-out and is always incredibly persuasive.”
Chambers & Partners 2021 - 2023
MAIN AREAS OF PRACTICE
- Employment Law
- EU Law
- Civil Liberties and Human Rights
- Immigration, Asylum and Free Movement
- Investigations
- Public Law
- Extradition and Mutual Assistance
- Commercial Public Law
- Equality and Discrimination Law
- Competition and EU
Karon Monaghan KC
Contact Karon: karonmonaghan@matrixlaw.co.uk | +44 (0)20 7404 3447
Contact Karon's Practice Team (Team X): TeamX@matrixlaw.co.uk
Karon practises principally in the fields of equality and human rights law. She has a broad, largely claimant, practice, encompassing public law, employment law and civil actions. She also acts for NGOs and statutory bodies. Karon has an extensive advisory practice and in addition acts in, conducts, and advises on, statutory and non-statutory inquiries and investigations.
Karon has acted in numerous cases at appellate level, including in the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, Court of Justice of the EU, European Court of Human Rights, Hong Kong Court of Appeal and Court of Final Appeal, and in the UN Committee on the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women.
Karon is an A Panel member of the Equality and Human Rights Commission Panel of Preferred Counsel.
Notable cases
Karon’s recent cases include:
- Maughan v. Oxfordshire Senior Coroner [2021] AC 454, Supreme Court (standard of proof in case of death by suicide, Article 2, Human Rights Act 1998).
- A v. Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority [2021] 1 WLR 3746, Supreme Court (discrimination against victims of trafficking/slavery).
- Eckland v. CC, Avon and Somerset Constabulary [2022] ICR 606, Court of Appeal (police officers, discrimination claims and employment tribunals).
- Metropolitan Housing Trust v. TM [2022] 1 WLR 2161, Court of Appeal (failure by social landlord to comply with Public Sector Equality Duty and defence to possession proceedings).
- Wisbey v. Commissioner of the City of London Police [2021] ICR 1485, Court of Appeal (compensation for indirect discrimination).
- FDJ v SS for Justice [2021] 1 WLR 5265, Div Court (placement of trans women into women’s prisons).
- QSA v. National Police Chiefs’ Council [2021] 1 WLR 2962, Div Ct (on remission from CA: [2020] 1 WLR 2062) (disclosure of spent convictions for soliciting (prostitution)).
- QSA v. United Kingdom (2021): written application under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) to the CEDAW committee (criminalisation of prostitution and keeping of records on convictions).
- Forstater v. CGD Europe and others [2022] ICR 1, Employment Appeal Tribunal (“gender critical” beliefs, Article 9, Human Rights Act and Equality Act).
- Rosana Flamer Caldera v Sri Lanka (2022): written application under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) to the CEDAW committee (lesbians and criminalisation).
- Leung Chun Kwong v Secretary for the Civil Service and another [2019] HKCFA 19, Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal (same-sex marriage and discrimination)
- Gilham v Ministry of Justice [2019] 1 WLR 5905, Supreme Court (worker status, whistleblowing and judges)
- Pimlico Plumbers Ltd and another v Smith [2018] ICR 1511, Supreme Court (worker status and disability discrimination)
Please see here for more of Karon’s recent and notable cases.
Investigations/ Inquiries
Karon has acted for and advised individuals, regulatory and other bodies in public inquiries, other statutory inquiries and internal investigations. These include:
- The Infected Blood Inquiry
- The Grenfell Tower Inquiry
- Equality and Human Rights Commission’s investigation into antisemitism in the Labour Party
Further, Karon has conducted investigations, including:
- Investigation into Sexual Harassment and the Management of Sexual Harassment Complaints within the GMB (2020)
- Investigation into the Labour Party’s Handling of Sexual Harassment Complaints (2018)
- Chair, Inquiry Panel: Formal Investigation into Fitness Standards: Maintaining Standards: Promoting Equality: Professional Regulation within Nursing, Teaching and Social Work and Disabled People’s Access to these Professions(Disability Rights Commission) (2006-7).
Karon has also acted in a number of lengthy and complex Inquests:
- Inquest into the Death of Olaseni Lewis (restraint related death and state failings).
- Inquest into the Death of Kingsley Burrell (restraint related death and state failings).
- Inquest into the Death of Cassandra Hasanovic (domestic violence homicide and state failures).
- Inquest into the Death of Sabina Akhtar (domestic violence homicide and state failures).
- Inquest into the Death of Colette Lynch (domestic violence homicide and state failures).
She has also been appointed ad hoc Assistant Coroner to conduct a number of lengthy and complex Inquests (2010 – 2017).
In 2015, Karon was appointed to the Reference Group on the Independent Review of Deaths and Serious Incidents in Police Custody by Dame Elish Angiolini who reported to the Home Secretary in 2017.
Appointments
Karon is an honorary visiting professor in the UCL Faculty of Laws.
Karon was a member of the International Labour Organisation’s (ILO) Committee of Experts on the Application of Conventions and Recommendations (2013-2022).
Karon is a member of the Advisory Board for the Sir Lenny Henry Centre for Media Diversity.
Karon has in the past held a number of judicial positions:
- Deputy High Court Judge (Administrative Court) (2010-March 2019).
- Recorder (Crown Court) (2006-March 2019).
- Fee-paid Employment Tribunal Judge (2000-2008).
Karon is a Matron of the charity FORWARD (Foundation for Women’s Health Research and Development).
She is also a Bencher of Inner Temple.
Publications
- Her publications include:
- Monaghan, K. (2013). Equality Law. Oxford: Oxford University Press (cited by the Supreme Court in Patmalniece v Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (AIRE Centre intervening) [2011] 1 WLR 783 and by the Court of Appeal in R (Bridges) v Chief Constable of South Wales Police (Information Commissioner and others intervening) [2020] 1 WLR 5037).
- Monaghan, K. (2023) “Harassment” in C. O’Cinneide, J. Ringelheim and I. Solanke (eds) Research Handbook on European Anti-discrimination Law. Cheltenham: Elgar, forthcoming.
- Monaghan, K. (2022) “Brenda Hale: Understanding Discrimination and Championing Equality” in R. Hunter and E. Rackley, (eds) Justice for Everyone: The jurisprudence and Legal Lives of Brenda Hale. Cambridge: CUP, 338.
- Monaghan, K. (2021) “The Committee of Experts on the Application of Conventions and Recommendations: The Centenary Year”, King’s Law Journal, 32:2, 197-206
- Monaghan, K. (2019). “Equality Law” in D. Clarry (ed) The UK Supreme Court Yearbook, Volume 9: 2017-2018 Legal Year. Appellate Press, 485.
- Monaghan, K. (2018). “Employment Law and Professional Misconduct” in D. Clarry (ed) The UK Supreme Court Yearbook, Volume 8: 2016-2017 Legal Year. Appellate Press, 513.
- Monaghan, K. (2010) “EM (Lebanon) v Secretary of State for the Home Department” in R. Hunter, C. McGlynn and E. Rackley (eds), Feminist Judgments: From Theory to Practice. Oxford: Hart 2010, 449.
- Monaghan, K. (2010) “Wilkinson v Kitzinger” in R. Hunter, C. McGlynn and E. Rackley (eds), Feminist Judgments: From Theory to Practice. Oxford: Hart 2010, 42.
Karon's Privacy Notice
Karon is committed to protecting and respecting your privacy. In order to provide legal services to her clients, including advice and representation services, Karon needs to collect and hold personal data. That may include personal data of my client and others who feature in the matter upon which she is instructed. To read Karon’s privacy notice in full, please see here.
DIRECTORY RECOMMENDATIONS
"She provides solid, practical advice, and is a phenomenal advocate, one judges listen to because she is thoughtful, convincing, and logical."
"She is second to none and quite simply superb. Very approachable and has encyclopaedic knowledge."
"A stateswoman of discrimination law and a phenomenal advocate."
"Karon provides high-quality advice and advocacy." "Karon is very approachable and down to earth alongside her huge intellect. She knows her stuff inside out and can distil really complex issues into understandable answers." "Karon walks into tribunal, speaks and people listen to her. She is commanding. There is not a piece of law she doesn't know." "She really inspires us as a barrister who uses the law to make the world a better place."
"She is an encyclopaedia of equalities law and a great team player." "She is very astute with tactics and negotiations." "She is a creative legal thinker."
"An encyclopedia on equality law with a stellar reputation." "She knows the Equality Act inside out."
"Karon is calm, unflappable and excellent on her feet." "She is the ultimate equality and discrimination expert at the Bar."
"Very sharp, thorough and tough, with great breadth of abilities."
"She is a leading light at the Bar."
"She has great vision and arguments that cut straight through to the point. People underestimate Karon at their peril."
"Karon Monaghan QC is a force of nature." "She is absolutely formidable, clients absolutely love her, she is so down to earth and she has been doing discrimination claims for 30 years or more so she knows the law inside out. She seeks to change the law and we bring in Karon when there are really important landmark cases." "Karon Monaghan is absolutely excellent and all the praise that she gets is deserving as year in and year out she is a star - she is a leader in discrimination law."
"Karon is phenomenal on equality law." "Karon is very clever, concise and gets to the point. She is brilliant on her feet and able to present cases in a compelling way."
"She has very good instincts for where the real pinch points in a case are." "She is eminently approachable and goes above and beyond in her dedication."
"She's phenomenal - really impressive on her feet. I love the way she fights fearlessly for her clients and doesn't take no for an answer - clients really value that." "A really excellent speaker in court."
"She knows everything about discrimination law."
"She's a fantastic advocate: she knows discrimination law inside-out and is always incredibly persuasive." "Superb for anything in equality law."
"Brilliant, absolutely compelling and trustworthy in court."
"Karon is one of a kind - a QC genuinely shaping the law for the greater good."
“Noted for her expertise in public and administrative law cases pursued on the grounds of equality and human rights law. She has considerable experience of challenging welfare reform on behalf of marginalised claimants. Other recent cases have concerned immigration, legal aid availability and Article 8 rights. ‘She’s a brilliant advocate on human rights and equality, and is brilliant to work with.’ ‘A doughty fighter who is client-friendly,’ and ‘a very effective and passionate advocate.’”
"She’s a brilliant advocate on human rights and equality, and is brilliant to work with." "A doughty fighter who is client-friendly," "a very effective and passionate advocate."
"She is a fantastic advocate, who is calm in the face of complex legal arguments."
"A skilled practitioner with far-reaching expertise in human rights, discrimination and equality, employment and EU law. She regularly attracts instructions in high-profile, significant matters from a diverse range of clients, including charities, trade unions and private claimants."
"Widely regarded as the leading barrister for equality issues and discrimination claims. She represents individuals, charities, trade unions and NGOs, and receives instructions at all levels, including the Supreme Court. Incredible to work with and brilliant in court.” “A brilliant advocate."
"Simply breathtaking. She has a very high knowledge of discrimination law. Clear, precise, calm under pressure and an excellent advocate. Her passion for the pursuance of equality is apparent."
“Fantastic on her feet and fights for what the clients want.” “She is an incredibly good and impressive advocate.”
"She is admired for both her fierce advocacy and her emotional intelligence, which allows her to form solid relationships with clients and solicitors alike. Strengths: “She has the attention of the court; she is a commanding presence and an exceptional advocate. She is a really experienced discrimination barrister."
"She is a fantastic advocate, who is calm in the face of complex legal arguments."
"Her ability to digest cases, work out the main arguments quickly and draft strong skeleton arguments is deeply impressive.” “She is fearless, utterly user-friendly and down-to-earth but immensely clever.” “Good at demystifying the law for clients and very good at getting to the heart of issues. She is good on her feet, eloquent and really impresses clients."