Tributes paid following death of "exceptional" public law barrister

Tributes have been paid following the death of “exceptional” public law barrister Anneli Robins.

In a statement released by her chambers, 4-5 Grays Inn Square, colleagues said: "It is with the utmost sadness that 4-5 Gray’s Inn Square announces the death of our dear colleague Anneli Robins, who passed away after a long illness on 7 June 2023."

Robins was called to the Bar in 2011 and joined 4-5 Gray’s Inn Square upon its merger with Arden Chambers in 2018.

The set described her as an "exceptional and skilled barrister who was deservedly ranked as a leading junior by both Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners".

Robins gained recognition for her work in social housing, property, public and Equality Act law, despite her relatively junior call, appeared in many leading cases at all levels up to and including the Supreme Court, the set said.

Last year, she appeared in Croydon LBC v Kalonga [2022] UKSC 7.

It added: "Anneli was particularly good at relating to vulnerable clients, providing them with calm support and unwavering tenacity in fighting their causes. A stellar legal career has been cut tragically short.

"Anneli was a hugely kind and selfless person who brought so much more to chambers than her undoubted legal talent and dedication to her work. She enlivened all occasions with her spirit, sense of humour and enthusiasm, was a loyal and caring friend to her colleagues, and a provider of great support to many members and staff. Simply put Anneli is irreplaceable, she will be much missed, and her death leaves a huge void in all of our lives.

"In the midst of our grief all of our thoughts are with her family and, in particular, her husband, Jeremy."

Adam Carey