Anthony Metzer
Goldsmith Chambers

Anthony Metzer KC is a highly regarded silk known for his committed and forensically-detailed approach to his practice.  He specialises in crime; immigration; Claimant civil actions against the police, defamation and inquests.

Anthony has been shortlisted for the Mentor of the Year award at the Women & Diversity in Law awards 2024.

Anthony was awarded Bar Pro Bono KC of the Year for 2021 for the second time, following receipt in 2019. He was also Highly Commended as runner-up for this award in 2020.

Anthony has been instructed on some of the most influential cases in recent years. Anthony was leading Counsel in MCP, C-603/20 PPU, (see below) which was shortlisted for Family Law Case of the Year at the Family Law Awards 2021. In immigration law, Banger v UK, in which Anthony was also successful leading Counsel, was Highly Commended as the runner up for Lexis Nexis Case of the Year 2020.

Anthony was also nominated as a finalist for Women in Law ‘Male Champion 2020’ and as “Champion of the Year” for Inspirational Women in Law 2021.

Anthony also sits as a Deputy High Court Judge for England and Wales in the Administrative Court hearing Judicial Review applications; and in the Upper Tier Tribunal of the Immigration and Asylum Tribunal, having previously sat as a First Tier Judge in the IAT since 2002. He was also appointed to the War Pensions and Armed Forces Tribunal as a First Tier Judge.

Anthony is highly recommended as a leading silk again in the 2024 edition of Chambers and Partners in the categories of Crime (Band 3) “Anthony is a top silk with a very good client manner.”; Police Law – mainly Claimant (Band 2) – Anthony Metzer KC is well versed in actions against the police, including claims for misfeasance, false imprisonment, malicious prosecution and personal injury sustained while in police custody. He is noted for his skills in both advocacy and client care; “Anthony is a very experienced counsel who is also extremely approachable and responsive.”; “He is unwavering in his ability to respond to changing circumstances, as the litigation proceeds, providing sound and accurate advice at every turn.”; and Immigration (Band 3) – Anthony Metzer KC has an impressive immigration practice, focusing on citizenship and issues including the rights of EU nationals and their families. He is routinely sought after for his experience in complex judicial reviews. He also sits in both the Upper Tribunal and the Administrative Court; “Quick on his feet and sharp in advocacy. He is meticulous with facts and always well prepared.”; “He is approachable and highly pragmatic, offering clients the insight of not only an advocate, but also of a seasoned judge.”

In the 2024 edition of the Legal 500, Anthony is ranked in Immigration (Tier 1 – Leading Silks) ‘Anthony has an exceptional eye for detail and his preparation is meticulous and precise. His oral advocacy is laser focussed. He is a natural and gifted silk’; is again ranked in Crime (Band 3 – Leading Silks) ‘Tony is a powerful and persuasive advocate who knows how to make a compelling argument to judges of all kinds. He is agile and adaptable in cross-examination. When taking witnesses through their own evidence, he puts them at ease and gets the best from them. His client handling skills are outstanding and he is very hands on and on top of the detail’; and Actions against the Police (Band 2 – Leading Silks) ‘Unparalleled advocacy and expertise, arising from representing in both civil and criminal, prosecution and defense. Remarkably approachable and amenable given seniority. Urbane and practical with clients.. He has also been ranked in Administrative Law and Human Rights (Band 3 – Leading Silks) ‘A silk with a dynamic approach to his cases.’

Anthony is known for his skill in building a successful rapport with clients and is also distinguished by his ability to achieve substantial settlements for Claimants.

Anthony was leading Counsel for the second joint intervenors in the 2021 case Re C, in which the Court of Appeal overturned the decision of the Court of Protection which many feared would lead to a “human right” to buy sex. Instructed by the Centre for Women’s Justice, as leading counsel, Anthony represented two organisations who work directly with women who are at risk of exploitation through prostitution, nia and Women@thewell.

As leading Counsel, Anthony successfully represented the mother at a hearing before the CJEU in the case of MCP, C-603/20 PPU. The application sought clarity in relation to the territorial reach of Article 10 of Brussels IIa and, principally, whether the provisions of the Regulation applied between Member States and third States, such as India. The CJEU concluded that Article 10 of Brussels IIa applied to member states and not third states, such as India. This case was the second last case referred to the CJEU from the UK and following referral back, the mother succeeded in the High Court.

Anthony’s growing reputation as leading Counsel in Immigration cases is reflected in the landmark case of Secretary of State for the Home Department v Banger – C-89/17; [2019] UKUT 00194(IAC). The CJEU found, for the first time, that the Surinder Singh rationale applies to the unmarried partner of a British national. In this case the Court found that Article 21 TFEU applies to extended family members by analogy. The Court found that a refusal of a residence card must follow as a result of an extensive examination of the applicant’s personal circumstances and must be justified by reasons. Finally, on the issue of appeal rights, the Court determined that the redress procedure must enable a full assessment of the facts and involve an extensive examination of the applicant’s personal circumstances. The case before the Upper Tribunal resumed on 20 March 2019 and concluded successfully. It has now been reported as Banger (EEA: EFM – Right of Appeal) [2019] UKUT 00194(IAC).

Anthony, along with Dr Charlotte Proudman, represented the mother in an appeal brought by the Metropolitan Police Service – Re B (Children: Police Investigation) [2022] EWCA Civ 982 (15 July 2022) . The Court of Appeal, Civil Division, allowed the appeal from an injunction made by the High Court under its inherent jurisdiction. The court held that the injunction impermissibly interfered with an operational decision made by the MPS regarding the scope and manner of a criminal investigation to be conducted into the circumstances of the case.

Anthony has delivered webinars and seminars on numerous areas of law, including a recent webinar entitled “Hamid Courts: How best to avoid them and tips if you can’t!” and as a guest speaker on a Podcast through Global Mediation where he is due to speak again shortly on how internal sexual abuse is treated within the police force. He has also been a regular contributor to newspaper articles.

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