In the ever-evolving world of British law, few names have captured attention with the same blend of competence and dedication as Scarlett Milligan. A barrister whose trajectory has been marked by intelligence, resilience, and a profound understanding of public and civil law, Scarlett Milligan has quickly become a notable figure within the UK legal system. Her involvement in high-profile inquiries, her commitment to human rights, and her reputation among peers have established her as a powerful presence in modern legal practice.
Early Career and Legal Foundation
Scarlett Milligan was called to the Bar in 2015 and joined 39 Essex Chambers, a leading barristers’ set known for its excellence in public law, regulatory affairs, and civil litigation. From the outset of her legal journey, she distinguished herself with an exceptional ability to navigate complex legal frameworks and present clear, compelling arguments.
She began practising in 2017, quickly becoming involved in areas of law that demand rigorous analytical thinking and a deep understanding of human impact—such as inquests, inquiries, public law challenges, and civil claims involving human rights. Her early work attracted positive attention, and by 2023, she had earned a place on the Attorney General’s B Panel of Counsel, an appointment that acknowledges high-calibre legal minds entrusted with representing government departments.
Expertise in Public Inquiries
Scarlett Milligan’s legal prowess shines most notably in her contributions to significant national inquiries. Two of her most high-profile engagements include the Grenfell Tower Inquiry and the Infected Blood Inquiry. These public investigations demand not only legal skill but also sensitivity, precision, and a command of large volumes of technical evidence.
In the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, which investigated the tragic 2017 fire that claimed 72 lives, Scarlett served as junior counsel, meticulously examining documents, questioning witnesses, and ensuring the inquiry proceeded with integrity. Similarly, the Infected Blood Inquiry—delving into the use of contaminated blood products in the NHS during the 1970s and 1980s—required careful navigation of both legal and ethical dimensions. In both instances, Scarlett Milligan’s work was marked by a calm command of facts and a clear commitment to justice.
Civil Liberties and Human Rights Advocacy
Beyond inquiries, Scarlett Milligan has become an authority in civil liberties and human rights law. Her practice often involves holding public bodies accountable for breaches of duty or unjust decisions, representing claimants in sensitive and impactful matters.
Ranked in Chambers and Partners for her work in civil liberties and inquests, she is recognised as a barrister who combines technical excellence with genuine compassion. Legal directories describe her as “meticulous,” “determined,” and “approachable,” highlighting both her legal intellect and her client-centred approach. Clients and solicitors alike value her ability to present deeply researched, strategically sound arguments while maintaining open and respectful communication.
She also has experience in claims under the Human Rights Act, often where they intersect with issues of negligence, policing, health and safety, or failures by local authorities. These are areas of law that not only require statutory interpretation but also the moral clarity to understand how the law protects—or fails to protect—individuals in vulnerable situations.
Strong Presence in Health and Safety Law
Scarlett Milligan’s practice extends into the realm of health and safety, where she brings a unique blend of criminal and civil expertise. She is regularly instructed in cases involving fatal accidents, workplace injuries, and breaches of regulatory duties. Her ability to balance the demands of litigation with a nuanced understanding of occupational regulations sets her apart.
She has advised public and private sector clients on compliance matters and has represented parties before tribunals and courts in proceedings that hinge on detailed technical analysis. Whether advocating for a bereaved family or defending a government department, Scarlett’s approach is rooted in fairness and clarity.
A Thought Leader in Legal Innovation
In addition to her courtroom work, Scarlett Milligan contributes to legal thought and scholarship. She is the co-author of A Practical Guide to the Law of Driverless Cars, where she explores the intersection of emerging technologies with traditional legal principles. Her contributions reflect a forward-looking mindset that embraces change without compromising on the core values of the legal profession.
Her writing addresses critical issues such as negligence, product liability, and employer responsibility in the context of automated vehicle systems. This work is particularly relevant as legal systems globally grapple with the implications of artificial intelligence and automation on liability frameworks.
Scarlett’s willingness to engage in pioneering legal topics marks her as a modern barrister—one not only capable of mastering established areas of law but also prepared to shape its future.
Recognition and Professional Affiliations
Scarlett Milligan’s rising profile in the legal community is underscored by her involvement in influential professional bodies. She is an active member of:
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The Young Public Law Lawyers’ Group, where she serves as co-chair
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The Constitutional and Administrative Law Bar Association
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The Personal Injury Bar Association
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The Health and Safety Lawyers’ Association
Her leadership in these organisations speaks to her commitment to legal development and peer support. Scarlett is not only a practitioner but also a mentor and an advocate for professional growth across the bar.
Peers frequently describe her as a formidable presence in evidence-based work, yet one who retains empathy and balance in emotionally charged cases. It’s this rare combination of technical strength and humane conduct that makes her widely respected across the legal spectrum.
Style, Strategy, and Strength in Advocacy
Those who work with Scarlett Milligan often comment on her unique blend of tenacity and warmth. She is known to prepare exhaustively for each case, approaching documents with forensic precision and crafting arguments that are both legally robust and accessible to clients.
Judges commend her clarity in oral submissions, while clients appreciate her ability to demystify complex legal issues. In inquests and public inquiries—where emotions often run high—Scarlett’s calm demeanour provides reassurance to families and helps maintain the decorum necessary for productive outcomes.
Moreover, she adapts well to the dynamics of modern courtrooms, whether in person or via remote platforms. Her digital fluency, clear communication, and structured case management make her particularly effective in today’s hybrid legal environment.
Commitment to Justice and Ethical Integrity
What stands out most about Scarlett Milligan is her unwavering dedication to justice. Every element of her practice—from public interest litigation to personal injury claims—is underscored by a desire to improve systems and protect rights. She is especially adept at ensuring state bodies are held accountable, while also recognising the practical realities of legal resolution.
Her ethics are evident not just in her work but in the causes she supports and the people she advocates for. Whether she is seeking compensation for a wronged citizen or guiding a public inquiry through thorny legal territory, Scarlett Milligan consistently upholds the highest standards of integrity.
The Road Ahead
With her inclusion in the Attorney General’s B Panel, Scarlett Milligan is poised to take on even more influential legal roles in the coming years. This panel is often a stepping stone to the highest tiers of public law counsel, indicating that she is firmly on track to join the ranks of the UK’s most trusted legal minds.
Her continued involvement in major inquiries and public interest cases ensures she remains at the forefront of developments in civil liberties and administrative law. As the legal landscape continues to evolve, particularly with emerging challenges in data protection, medical ethics, and public accountability, Scarlett Milligan will likely remain a key figure driving thoughtful, fair, and progressive outcomes.
Conclusion
Scarlett Milligan represents a new generation of barristers: principled, perceptive, and prepared. Her rise within the legal profession is no accident—it is the result of consistent excellence, deep legal insight, and an authentic commitment to the public good.
For those who follow developments in British law, particularly in the areas of civil rights, public accountability, and health and safety, Scarlett Milligan is a name that carries weight. Her story is not only one of professional achievement but also of the kind of advocacy that reaffirms the essential role of law in society.
Discover how Scarlett Milligan is shaping public law today.
