Clifford Chance
Anna Kirkpatrick specialises in business and human rights, ESG risk, international law and international arbitration.
Anna has acted for a variety of clients in international arbitrations conducted under the LCIA, ICC, LME and SCC Rules of Arbitration dealing with disputes in the construction, energy, and financial sector.
Anna acts for corporates in disputes relating to human rights and environmental harms (including in relation to the effects of climate change) and advises on other forms of dispute resolution such as complaints to the OECD's National Contact Points.
She also advises international organisations, governments and corporates on international law issues including privileges and immunities, the implementation of soft law standards, such as the UNGP and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and emerging ESG regulatory frameworks.
Her BHR and ESG risk experience also encompasses governance and strategic work for companies seeking to embed human rights as well as ESG and sustainability focused elements into their policies and processes, while managing the risk of litigation, liability and reputational harm.
- Acting for a fund in a series of LCIA arbitrations and related litigation arising out of an investment in India.
- Acting for a fund in relation to a shareholder dispute concerning an investment in a Nigerian chemical company under the auspices of the LCIA.
- Acting for a client in relation to litigation concerning allegations of environmental impacts and human rights harm arising from a facility in Africa.
- Advising an energy company on due diligence and response to identified human rights risks connected with potential investment or sale of assets.
- Advising multiple companies on human rights reporting and due diligence requirements, for example, under the UK Modern Slavery Act 2015.
- Acting for a company subject to English high court litigation brought by multiple claimants regarding human rights and environmental impacts arising from an incident at an oilfield.
- Advising various clients on the legal, reputational risks and non financial considerations associated with clients’ operations, including in relation to investments made in jurisdictions where sovereignty is contested under international law and/or in post-conflict situations.
- Advising an energy company on incorporation of human rights considerations into contractual arrangements and supplier codes of conduct.
News and client work
Contact details
- Clifford Chance, London
- +442070062069
- Email me
- Follow me on LinkedIn
- Practice area Litigation, dispute resolution & risk management
- Sector Energy & resources, Oil & gas, Power & energy networks, Mining & metals, Private equity
Career and qualifications
- University College London, LLB in Law (Hons) 2000
- Norton Rose Fulbright 2004 – 2013
- Admitted as a solicitor in England & Wales 2006
- Obtained Higher Rights of Audience (Civil Proceedings) 2008
- School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, LLM in International Law (Distn) SOAS 2010
- Joined Clifford Chance 2013
- International Human Rights Law and Practice Certification from London School of Economics 2013
Professional bodies
- External Communications Officer for the IBA’s Business and Human Rights Committee.
Awards and citations
- "The highly rated Anna Kirkpatrick advises clients on human rights-related due diligence and risk assessments. She draws praise from one interviewee for being "very sharp, detail-oriented and on top of latest developments."
Chambers Global 2022 - She has been described as ""[a]mazing … a rising figure in this practice area…valued by clients, who underline [her] communication skills and 'adaptability in understanding the way the customers think".
Chambers Global 2021 - Clients voice their praise for [her] as an ‘outstanding’ lawyer in the field who is ‘excellent and very knowledgeable’ in matters concerning human rights due diligence. Sources also acknowledge her ‘contribution to the knowledge base and development of the practice area’.
Chambers Global 2019 - One of her strongest assets is a brilliant intellect which she uses to always astound you with her sharp analysis, and her ability to help you see things in new ways and find practical solutions. This makes it possible to rely on Anna to always help you in the best way possible.
Business and Human Rights Law, Chambers Global Guide 2024.