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Landmark Chambers proudly announces Julia Smyth KC's appointment to the Attorney General’s Senior Treasury Counsel (Civil) Group (STCG) – a team of specialist advocates appointed by the Attorney General to handle some of the most complex and high-profile government civil litigation.
The Attorney General announced the formation of the group in June 2025, marking a significant shift in how the government manages civil litigation. The initiative coincides with changes to the First Treasury Counsel role, specifically easing the requirement for the postholder to work exclusively for the government.
Julia Smyth KC’s appointment places her at the forefront of this strategic legal transformation. The group’s members will not only advocate for the government in its most significant cases but will also support the Attorney General directly, collaborating with the First Treasury Counsel and senior figures in the Government Legal Profession.
Beyond litigation, the group will contribute significantly to legal leadership across government, guiding the Attorney General’s Civil Panel Counsel and assisting the Treasury Solicitor in mentoring and evaluating junior counsel performance.
Being named as Senior Treasury Counsel is a prestigious recognition within public law, highlighting Julia Smyth KC’s outstanding legal expertise, strategic insight and professional excellence.
As a leading barrister in public law, EU law and ECHR matters, Julia Smyth KC is frequently instructed in high-profile, complex cases in the appellate courts. Legal directories describe her as a “phenomenally gifted” barrister who “stands out at the bar” and is “what the modern bar should want … amazingly clever but also down to earth”. Recognised with the ‘Human Rights and Public Law Junior of the Year’ award (Chambers UK Bar Awards 2022) and ‘Immigration Junior of the Year’ (Legal 500 Awards 2024), Julia took silk in 2025, having served on all three Attorney-General’s Panels of Junior Counsel following her return to the self-employed Bar in 2012. She brings specialist insight into public decision-making, gained through her former role as a senior government lawyer. With wide-ranging expertise across public law and human rights, including immigration, social security and EU and Withdrawal Agreement law, Julia delivers pragmatic legal solutions to complex public sector challenges.
Commenting on the appointment, Julia Smyth KC said: “I am honoured to have been appointed as Senior Treasury Counsel (Civil). I look forward to working with my colleagues to make a positive difference and reflecting the highest standards of excellence and integrity.”
Practice Director, Ben Connor said: “We are immensely proud of Julia’s appointment, which not only demonstrates her exceptional legal ability and dedication, but also Landmark Chambers’ continued contribution to public law at the highest level.”
The appointment takes effect from 5 November 2025.
