Karen Steyn

Biography

Karen read history at the University of Liverpool, before obtaining a distinction in the Diploma in Law at City University, where she was awarded the Worshipful Company of Arbitrators' Award for being placed first in her year.

Karen practises mainly in the field of public law and human rights. She has appeared and advised in a wide variety of public law cases, relating to education, community care, social security, housing, financial services, mental health, immigration and asylum, prisons, planning and licensing.
Karen is a member of the Attorney General’s A Panel and the Information Commissioner’s panel of counsel.

What others say about Karen:

“Karen Steyn has a reputation as a “high-quality player who’s very user-friendly and competent in court.” Clients singled her out for her calm and relaxed style.” (Chambers 2007)

She is “a name to look out for in the future” (Chambers 2008)

Recent Cases

R (Corner House Research and CAAT) v Director of the Serious Fraud Office (and BAE plc)

[2008] UKHL 60
Rule of law – separation of powers – national security – threat – unincorporated treaty

R (Binyam Mohamed) v Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs

[2008] EWHC 2048 (Admin) and [2008] EWHC 2100 (Admin)
Guantanamo detainee – allegations of torture/CIDT – request for disclosure – Norwich Pharmacal – UN Convention Against Torture

Home Office v British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection and Information Commissioner

[2008] EWCA Civ 870; [2008] EWHC 892 (QB)
Freedom of information – statutory prohibition on disclosure – statutory construction – law of confidence

R (N) v Secretary of State for Health

[2008] EWHC 1096 (Admin)
Smoking ban – mental health patient – Articles 8 and 14 of the ECHR

R (Elphinstone) v City of Westminster

[2008] EWHC 1287 (Admin)
School closure and re-opening as Academy – adequacy of consultation – fundamental change

Corporate Officer of the House of Commons v ICO and others

[2008] EWHC 1084 (Admin)
Freedom of information – data protection – reasonable expectations – disclosure of addresses

H. Barhanu, B. v. Wandsworth London Borough Council, Hackney London Borough Council, Islington London Borough Council

[2007] 2 FCR 378; (2007) 10 CCLR 439
S.17 Children Act 1989 - Duty to provide accommodation to lone child under section 20(1) Children Act 1989

Areas of Practice

• Public and Administrative
• Education
• Mental Health
• Prisoners’ rights
• Human Rights
• Freedom of Information and Data Protection
• Asylum and Immigration
• Discrimination
• Civil Liberties
• Local Government
• Regulatory