Ijeoma Omambala QC

Old Square Chambers

It is often remarked that taking silk can have a drag effect on one’s practice. However, for Ijeoma Omambala QC of Old Square Chambers, her first year as a QC coincided with a career-defining result.

In representing the Independent Workers’ Union against the UK Government, Omambala was involved in one of the many judicial reviews born out of the pandemic. Out of all of them, Omambala thought her ambitious case was the “hardest nut to crack”, although it ultimately ended in a game-changing triumph.

After a hard-fought virtual hearing, the High Court deemed the Government had failed to properly implement EU law by not extending health and safety protections to gig economy workers, including for the provision of personal protective equipment.

For Omambala, this result was one of those rare moments where she could celebrate making a difference for her client. Yet, with a practice that thrives on holding power to account, there’s no doubt that there will be many more to come.