About me
I am an experienced barrister, UN mandate holder, independent expert, academic and leader with more than 15 years’ experience of conducting high profile legal cases, advising international bodies, university lecturing and of driving debate and opinion across a range of human rights, diversity and investment themes. I believe that real change comes from the intersection of development economics, law and commerce and I have built a significant understanding of all three during my career to date.
I am a member of the Bar of England and Wales and practise from a London set of chambers. I have particular interest in criminal law, human rights and international arbitration.
I was the first Albanian national ever appointed to a UN mandate through the Special Procedures selection process and I currently act as Independent Expert of the Expert Mechanism on the Right to Development (2020-2023). In this role I have engaged with ambassadors, economists, business people, government representatives and civil society, all of which has provided me with real insight into global political and economic issues. I have led work on sustainable development and human rights focused on building an effective international investment system and I am an established expert on Asset Recovery, Bribery and Corruption.
The UN Human Rights Council renewed my mandate on 4 April 2023 for a further three years (2023-2026).
I continually seek to contribute to public and community interests, through advisory positions as well as direct interaction with multiple stakeholders.
By way of personal background, I was born and raised in Albania and came to the UK on a university scholarship when I was 19 years’ old. Before I qualified as a barrister, I worked as a project worker for the British Red Cross and a radio presenter for the BBC World Service, the Albanian section.
About this blog
My areas of interest are law and public policy. I have written numerous articles on both English law and international law and pieces on diversity, leadership and gender equality. I have made proposals for economic reform to improve the welfare of the elderly and have advocated for a lateral approach on the issue of privilege which should not be weaponised to vilify hard work and progress.
Here you will find links to articles that have already been published elsewhere as well as new pieces which will be published for the first time in this blog.
I hope you enjoy reading it. All views expressed are personal.