Yvonne Kestler

Yvonne is a solicitor working with partner Emma Jones in the human rights department. Yvonne acts in a wide range of cases involving human rights claims against the police. Yvonne also represents individuals in claims against public bodies for false imprisonment, assault, malicious prosecution, misfeasance in public office and claims under the Equality Act 2010. Yvonne also represents families at inquests.

Legal expertise

Yvonne has significant experience in actions against the police having practiced in this area for several years prior to joining Leigh Day. 

Yvonne began her career as an immigration caseworker. Her work specifically focused on cases involving human rights abuses. She challenged the decisions of public bodies such as the Home Office and played a significant role in the preparation of the country guidance case BK (Failed Asylum Seekers) DRC CG [2007] UKAIT. Yvonne conducted multiple judicial review proceedings challenging the removal of her clients.
 
Yvonne has a keen interest in civil liberties and human rights. She returned from New Orleans, Louisiana in 2011 after undertaking a six month internship with Amicus (a UK charity working with individuals on death row). She assisted two criminal defence attorneys in pre-trial and capital post-conviction cases.
 
Yvonne studied for an undergraduate degree in English Literature & Creative Writing before going on to complete the Graduate Diploma in Law and the Bar Vocational Course. Yvonne was called to the Bar of England and Wales in July 2010. Yvonne transferred to qualify as a solicitor and was admitted to the Roll of Solicitors on 2 December 2013.