Caoilfhionn Gallagher
Caoilfhionn Gallagher KC is a distinguished barrister based at Doughty Street Chambers in London, specializing in human rights law. She serves as the leader of the international legal team representing Jimmy Lai, the jailed Hong Kong pro-democracy activist. Gallagher has garnered attention for her work in advocating for human rights and has faced severe intimidation tactics from the Chinese state due to her legal representation of Lai, including threats and cyberattacks aimed at undermining her safety and professional integrity.
Not in the pool (under ¢1).
Recent news mentions
Caoilfhionn Gallagher is a human rights lawyer expressing concern over social media influencers' content during the conflict.
Azerbaijan hit by Iranian strikes as crisis spreads; Irish citizens arrive at Dublin Airport – The Irish Times
Ireland· 2026-03-05
Human rights barrister Caoilfhionn Gallagher was the debate chairperson.
TCD Hist and SADSI students triumph in Irish Times Debate final – The Irish TimesIreland· 2026-02-28
Caoilfhionn Gallagher is a barrister whose achievements in the legal and human-rights fields the host obviously admires.
What’s happened to Claire Byrne? It’s as if she’s rocked up to work late with a bag of cans – The Irish TimesIreland· 2026-02-06
Caoilfhionn Gallagher is an international human rights lawyer who represents journalists targeted by oppressive regimes.
Human rights lawyer Caoilfhionn Gallagher on surviving a car accident and her ‘dear friend’ Amal Clooney – The Irish TimesIreland· 2026-01-25
Caoilfhionn Gallagher is Jimmy Lai's international lawyer who emphasizes the importance of raising his case.
Carney urged to raise imprisoned Canadians, Jimmy Lai case in meeting with Xi Jinping
Canada· 2026-01-14
International lead counsel Caoilfhionn Gallagher stated that Jimmy Lai's verdict is a stain on Hong Kong's legal system.
Jimmy Lai’s Canadian family, MPs call for his release on humanitarian, health groundsCanada· 2025-12-16
Caoilfhionn Gallagher was one of the barristers drafted in to work on the media ownership report.
Denis O’Brien was a dominant player in Irish media world when defamatory statement released – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-11-21
Mr. Lai’s international lawyer, Caoilfhionn Gallagher, said the discussion of his case at the summit was an important show of solidarity by the G7 ministers.
G7 ministers to collaborate on Jimmy Lai case after jailed publisher’s plight is raised at Niagara summitCanada· 2025-11-14
Caoilfhionn Gallagher is a barrister who authored the report alongside Darragh Mackin and Gavin Booth.
Defamation action taken against Denis O’Brien by two solicitors opens at High Court – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-11-12
Caoilfhionn Gallagher told the Commons committee that it is in China’s interest to release Mr. Lai 'before he dies in prison.'
Michael Kovrig urges Canada to press China for Jimmy Lai’s release on health groundsCanada· 2025-11-08
His international lawyer, Caoilfhionn Gallagher, said in a text message that Mr. Carney’s support for Jimmy Lai’s release is welcome.
Carney breaks silence on Jimmy Lai, says jailed Hong Kong publisher should be freedCanada· 2025-10-17
Caoilfhionn Gallagher, counsel for Iran International, said she had worked with journalists threatened by Iran’s regime for many years.
Canadians among journalists threatened by Iranian authorities, Britain-based outlet saysCanada· 2025-08-06
Caoilfhionn Gallagher is Jimmy Lai's international lawyer who commented on his trial.
Immigration minister urged to grant jailed Hong Kong publisher Jimmy Lai citizenshipCanada· 2025-08-02
Caoilfhionn Gallagher is very worried about the conditions Jimmy Lai is being held in.
Jimmy Lai being targeted for his journalistic work under Hong Kong’s national security law, Amnesty International saysCanada· 2025-06-30Caoilfhionn Gallagher, lead international counsel for Jimmy Lai, said she feared that Mr. Lai is in reality facing a death sentence 'simply for speaking truth to power.'
Ottawa under pressure to raise plight of Jimmy Lai at G7 summitCanada· 2025-06-12
Caoilfhionn Gallagher, lead international counsel for Mr. Lai, said action was needed not just to secure Jimmy Lai’s liberty, but also to save his life.
MPs set to vote on motion seeking honorary citizenship for jailed Hong Kong businessman Jimmy LaiCanada· 2025-06-11
Caoilfhionn Gallagher is the lead international counsel for Jimmy Lai and has criticized the delays in his case.
Former prisoners and hostages urge Starmer to secure release of Jimmy Lai | Jimmy Lai
United Kingdom· 2025-05-21
Caoilfhionn Gallagher highlighted the lack of accountability in the Grace case and the delays in addressing her situation.
‘Grace’ case whistleblower says State response acts as ‘strong deterrent’ to others speaking out – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-04-16
Caoilfhionn Gallagher is one of Jimmy Lai's lawyers who expressed concerns about the urgency of his case.
‘Desperate’ son of Hong Kong’s jailed Jimmy Lai seeks meeting with Keir Starmer | Jimmy LaiUnited Kingdom· 2025-03-08
Caoilfhionn Gallagher is the leader of Lai’s international legal team and has been targeted the most with threats and cyber-attacks.
UK-based lawyers for Hong Kong activist Jimmy Lai targeted by Chinese state | Jimmy LaiUnited Kingdom· 2025-02-15
