Leading International Criminal & Humanitarian Lawyers
Ghahhary Thomas LLP provides strategic legal counsel on complex matters involving international criminal law, humanitarian law, and international human rights law. Our lawyers advise sovereign states, international organizations, institutions, and private actors navigating issues involving international crimes and global accountability frameworks.
Our partners are internationally recognized barristers called to the Bars of Ontario, Canada and the United Kingdom. With experience across tribunals, governmental institutions, and global law firms, we bring a multidisciplinary perspective to highly sensitive international legal matters.
We combine rigorous legal analysis with a clear understanding of the political, diplomatic, and institutional realities that shape international criminal and humanitarian law.
International Criminal Law Representation
We advise and represent clients in matters involving international criminal law and accountability frameworks, including:
- Crimes against humanity
- War crimes
- Genocide
- Individual criminal responsibility under international law
- Jurisdiction of international criminal tribunals
- Complementarity and domestic prosecution frameworks
Our lawyers assist clients navigating complex international legal proceedings, investigations, and compliance obligations under international criminal law regimes.
We provide strategic counsel at all stages of international proceedings, from early investigations and advisory mandates to representation before international or hybrid tribunals.
International Humanitarian Law Advisory
As humanitarian law lawyers, we advise governments, institutions, and organizations on the application of international humanitarian law in both conflict and post-conflict environments.
Our advisory work includes:
- Law of armed conflict compliance
- Protection of civilians
- Military rules of engagement
- Occupation law
- Detention and treatment of prisoners
- Accountability for violations of humanitarian law
We assist clients in understanding and applying the complex legal obligations that arise during armed conflict and humanitarian operations.
International Human Rights Law
Human rights obligations increasingly intersect with international criminal and humanitarian law. Our lawyers advise on a wide range of international human rights matters, including:
- State obligations under international human rights treaties
- Investigations into alleged violations
- International accountability mechanisms
- Transitional justice frameworks
- Institutional and governmental compliance
- Cross-border human rights litigation
Our team works with governments, international organizations, and institutions to interpret and implement evolving human rights standards within complex legal and political contexts.
Strategic Counsel in International Accountability Matters
International criminal and humanitarian law issues often extend far beyond legal doctrine. They frequently involve:
- Diplomatic considerations
- Multilateral institutional frameworks
- Political and reputational sensitivities
- Cross-border investigative challenges
Our lawyers provide measured, strategic advice that reflects these broader realities while advancing our clients’ legal and institutional objectives.
Why Clients Engage Ghahhary Thomas LLP
Clients engage our firm for matters involving international criminal and humanitarian law because we offer:
- Dual Bar qualification (Canada and the United Kingdom)
- Experience with international legal institutions and tribunals
- Deep understanding of global accountability frameworks
- Strategic counsel in politically sensitive matters
- Expertise across international criminal, humanitarian, and human rights law
- We approach each matter with precision, discretion, and intellectual rigor.
Our partner, Leila Ghahhary, is an experienced Public International Law barrister who is a member of the UK Attorney General’s Public International Law Panel of Counsel. Leila completed a Master of Laws with Honours at Columbia Law School in New York City, graduating with Kent Scholar status and having been awarded the Parker School Certificate of Achievement in International and Comparative Law. Leila’s scholarship was focused on Public International Law, Global Governance, and International Human Rights. Leila served as an editor for the Columbia Human Rights Law Review, as a Board Member for the Columbia Society of International Law, and was selected to undertake a UN Externship with UN Women: Peace and Security, during which she spent time working at UN Headquarters New York on a number of matters relating to UN Women’s role on the Security Council. Professionally, Leila acts as Senior Legal Advisor to an international NGO alongside her private practice.
Both our partners have been repeatedly recommended by Chambers & Partners UK Bar and Legal 500 UK Bar for their expertise in criminal law matters.
Speak With an International Criminal Lawyer
If you require legal advice or representation concerning international criminal law, humanitarian law, or international human rights law, contact Ghahhary Thomas LLP to discuss your matter in confidence.
