Harrison Gorst

Harrison has experience beyond his years of call in judicial review litigation and public law advisory work across a broad range of subject matter, including constitutional law, foreign affairs, regulatory decision-making, human rights, national security and public international law. He regularly advises on the lawfulness of executive and regulatory decision-making, with expertise in matters involving disclosure obligations, the duty of candour, procedural fairness, statutory powers and human rights considerations.

He has acted in a wide range of judicial review proceedings, from challenges to policy and regulatory decisions to cases raising complex constitutional and national security issues. His experience includes advising on litigation strategy, evidence and disclosure issues, and the management of legally and politically sensitive matters.

Harrison has experience of cases arising at the intersection of public law and commercial interests, where government action or regulatory decision-making has significant implications for businesses and markets. He advises on public law risks associated with regulatory intervention, economic and market regulation, sanctions, trade-related measures and other exercises of executive authority, often in high-profile and strategically important contexts.

Harrison has substantial experience of public inquiries and investigations involving sensitive and high-profile matters.

During his time with the Government Legal Department, Harrison acted on the Afghanistan Inquiry, led by Brian Altman KC and Melanie Cumberland KC. His work included drafting witness statements for senior Government and military figures, leading conferences, advising on privilege and inquiry powers, and participating in stakeholder engagement.

He also has experience assisting on investigations involving confidential material, public law challenges and issues attracting significant public and political scrutiny.

Harrison has developed particular expertise in national security litigation and advisory work.

Before and during pupillage, he worked within the Defence, Security and General Public Law team of the Government Legal Department, managing judicial review and Freedom of Information matters and assisting on national security issues. His experience includes deproscription proceedings, investigatory powers, closed material procedures, diplomatic issues and litigation.

His work has involved handling sensitive evidence, advising senior military and Government personnel, preparing witness evidence and supporting strategic litigation concerning national security interests.

Harrison’s experience encompasses a broad range of public international law issues, including state immunity, diplomatic and consular privileges and immunities, the law of armed conflict, and international trade matters – including 6 months he spent within the Department for Business and Trade. He has worked on questions arising under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, as well as disputes involving the rights and obligations of states under international law.

During his time within the Department for Business and Trade Harrison worked closely with the Office for Trade Sanctions Implementation (OTSI) on numerous regulatory investigations and public law issues relating to the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018 (SAMLA) and the Trade, Aircraft and Shipping Sanctions (Civil Enforcement) Regulations 2024 (TASSCER).

Harrison is developing a planning practice within Chambers. Whilst working within the Government Legal Department, Harrison assisted on matters such as the development of Crown land to accommodate asylum seekers and a sensitive planning judicial review matter.