Maya Sikand, Emma Goodall, Jamie Burton, and Adam Straw sworn in as Queen’s Counsel

Doughty Street Chambers is thrilled and proud to announce that Maya Sikand, Emma Goodall, Jamie Burton, and Adam Straw have been sworn in as Queen’s Counsel today.

Maya has a strong civil liberties and human rights practice, holding public authorities to account through public law and private law damages claims; death in custody inquests and public inquiries. She is top ranked in both legal directories for Police Law and Human Rights & Civil Liberties work. She also has a specialist criminal appellate practice acting for trafficked victims.  Throughout her career she has sought to provide a voice to the marginalised and brings an intersectional approach to her work. She was appointed a Recorder in 2018; she is a contributor to Archbold and Human Trafficking & Modern Slavery Law & Practice (Bloomsbury, 2020).

Emma is a specialist criminal practitioner. She has earned a loyal following amongst solicitors due to her meticulous approach to law and case preparation and her reputation for outstanding client-care. She has a strong track record in dealing with vulnerable and mentally disordered clients. She is regularly instructed in trials of a high profile, complex and sensitive nature including serious sexual offences, homicide, drug trafficking and fraud. Emma also advises upon criminal appeals where she did not act at first instance and in Judicial Review proceedings. In 2012, she was appointed as a criminal Recorder.

Jamie is both a public lawyer and an experienced civil litigator, with particular expertise in human rights, discrimination and social welfare. Head of Chamber’s Community Care and Health Team, Jamie is an expert in judicial review and a leading authority on health and social care, homelessness, asylum support, social security and the rights of disabled people, children and migrants. Jamie’s civil practice encompasses high value tort and contract claims. He is particularly well known for bringing civil claims on behalf of victims of crime. Jamie also appears in inquests and represented former residents at the Grenfell Tower Public Inquiry.

Adam specialises in judicial review, human rights and civil claims against public authorities. His practice includes inquests, prisons, police, surveillance, closed proceedings, international law, terrorism, children’s rights, discrimination, trafficking, immigration detention, and community care.

Maya, Emma, Jamie, and Adam join our market-leading team of 33 Silks who practise across all areas of domestic and international crime, public and administrative law, and a range of other civil and criminal practice areas.

For more information on Maya’s, Jamie’s and Adam's work please contact Sian Wilkins, for more information on Emma’s work please contact Matt Butchard.