The Human Edge

It's Become Increasingly Difficult To Separate The Political From The Personal - Conor Gearty KC

Julian Harris

Conor Gearty KC is a founder member of Matrix Chambers. His practice as a barrister is primarily in human rights law and in public law, together with work in the field of corporate social responsibility. 

Apart from his work as a barrister, Conor is Professor of Human Rights Law at the London School of Economics (LSE) where he has been Director of its Centre for the Study of Human Rights and LSE’s Institute of Public Affairs. Gearty is also a published author, with the acclaimed book on human rights law, On Fantasy Island (Oxford University Press) and Homeland Insecurity. The Rise and Rise of Global Anti-terrorism Law, which was published in 2024.

This was a shorter conversation that many, but no less engrossing for it! It's always a thrill for me when sitting down with someone so intelligent and articulate. His life story, which took Conor from Ireland to the heart of the English establishment, is absolutely fascinating - as are his musings on his own vulnerabilities (or lack of them).

As my editor said to me: "the clarity and precision of his mind is exhilarating." I hope you think so too!