The Rt Hon Lord Richard Hermer KC

The Rt Hon Lord Richard Hermer KC

Richard Hermer was appointed Attorney General on 5 July 2024. Richard Hermer KC was called to the Bar in 1993 and he took silk in 2009. He was previously Head of Chambers at Matrix and has served as a Deputy High Court Judge.

Lord Richard Hermer KC is a distinguished British barrister renowned for his expertise in human rights law and international law. He was called to the Bar in 1993 and became a King’s Counsel (KC) in 2009. Educated at the University of Oxford, Hermer has built a formidable reputation in the legal community through his work on high-profile cases involving complex legal issues, often related to human rights abuses and civil liberties. He is a member of Matrix Chambers, a leading set of barristers’ chambers in London known for its progressive approach to legal practice and its commitment to social justice.

Throughout his career, Lord Hermer has been involved in numerous landmark cases that have had significant implications both domestically and internationally. He has represented clients in cases before the UK Supreme Court, the European Court of Human Rights, and various international tribunals. His work has often focused on issues such as torture, unlawful detention, and freedom of expression, reflecting his deep commitment to protecting fundamental human rights. Hermer’s advocacy has not only contributed to the development of the law in these areas but has also had a tangible impact on the lives of those he has represented.

In addition to his legal practice, Lord Hermer is also a respected author and lecturer, frequently writing and speaking on topics related to human rights and international law. His contributions to legal scholarship and his active participation in public debates have made him a prominent figure in the field. He has also been involved in various pro bono initiatives, demonstrating his dedication to using his legal skills to promote justice and equality. Through his work in and out of the courtroom, Lord Richard Hermer KC has established himself as a leading voice in the fight for human rights and the rule of law.

Attorney General

The Attorney General is chief legal adviser to the Crown and has a number of independent public interest functions, as well as overseeing the Law Officers’ departments.

Responsibilities include:

• Overall responsibility for the work of the Attorney General’s Office and superintended Departments (the Government Legal Department, the Crown Prosecution Service, the Serious Fraud Office and HM Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate)
• Specific statutory duty to superintend the discharge of duties by the Director of Public Prosecutions (who heads the Crown Prosecution Service) and the Director of the Serious Fraud Office
• Non-statutory general oversight of the Services Prosecuting Authority and government prosecuting departments
• Government’s principal legal adviser dealing with (amongst others) questions of international law, human rights, devolution and COVID-19 issues
• Public interest functions, for example, reference of unduly lenient sentences to the Court of Appeal, bringing proceedings for contempt of court and intervention in certain proceedings to protect charities
• Questions of law arising on Bills and with issues of legal policy
• Legal aspects of all major international and domestic litigation involving the Government, (including matters related to future relations with the EU)

The Attorney General also holds the separate office of Advocate General for Northern Ireland. The Advocate General for Scotland has specific responsibility for Scottish law matters.

Attorney General’s Office

The Attorney General’s Office (AGO) provides legal advice and support to the Attorney General and the Solicitor General (the Law Officers) who give legal advice to government. The AGO helps the Law Officers perform other duties in the public interest, such as looking at sentences which may be too low.