David Anderson QC

David Anderson is star-rated by Chambers & Partners Directory as the outstanding QC in the field of EU Law, and was recently named as EU/Competition Silk of the Year.  More than 130 appearances in the European Court of Justice 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 (ICI), consumer protection (easyCar), crime (Ship Source Pollution), conflict of Laws (Apostolides), free movement (Sunday Trading), immigration (Yiadom), intellectual property (Levi v Tesco), pensions (Robins), pharmaceuticals (Generics), sport (UEFA), state aid (Gibraltar), taxation (Cadbury Schweppes) and telecommunications (Roaming).

He has also argued more than 30 cases before the European Court of Human Rights, including Stubbings (discrimination), Hatton (night flights), McGonnell (separation of powers), Z (access to court), Al-Adsani (state immunity), Building Societies (retrospective legislation) and Demopoulos (property). He appeared in the leading cases on the relationship between EU and Human Rights (Opinion 2/94, Matthews, Spain v UK) and represented the applicant, accused of funding terrorism, in the leading case on the relationship between EU and Public International Law (Kadi).

In England, he practises before the full range of courts and tribunals with a particular emphasis on Public Law in the High Court and above. Many of his cases have a connection with EU Law (Factortame, Sunday Trading, BCCI, Derwin), Human Rights (ProLife Alliance, Conjoined Twins, Shambo) or Public International Law (Jersey Fishermen's Association, Kibris THY, Eurotunnel).

Recent and current cases include the US airlines' challenge to their inclusion in the Emissions Trading Scheme, the trademark infringement action brought by L'Oréal against eBay; Littlewoods' claim for £1 billion compound interest on overpaid VAT and a case before the European Court of Human Rights on behalf of the Chagos Islanders expelled from Diego Garcia.

David has been appointed as the Government's independent reviewer of terrorism legislation from 2011.  This is a part-time role which he will combine with his practice commitments.

David Anderson QC’s News and Cases

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David Anderson QC’s Directory Quotes

  • "has a wonderfully understated way of expressing himself" (Chambers UK 2012)
  • "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)
  • "represents the very best there is to offer in EU law"; "more at home in the ECJ than anybody else around" (Chambers & Partners 2008)

David Anderson QC’s CVs