King’s Counsel

A woman in a kings counsel robe and white hijab holding a letter patent from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and white gloves in front of a historic building.

Sultana was appointed King's Counsel (formerly Queen's Counsel) in March 2022.  She has received international acclaim for breaking historic barriers as the first hijab-wearing Silk at the Criminal Bar of England & Wales.

A multi-award-winning King’s Counsel, Sultana Tafadar KC has an extensive, high-profile practice in human rights, international law and criminal justice. She is considered one of the foremost experts in counter terrorism & national security cases. She advises and acts for individuals, States, NGOs, multinational corporations and other national and international bodies, appearing in courts at all levels.

In 2022, she achieved international recognition for breaking historic barriers as the first hijab-wearing Silk at the Criminal Bar of England & Wales, a milestone that underscored her role as both a leading advocate and a pioneer for greater diversity within the legal profession. She has featured in leading media platforms including BBC, Al Jazeera, The Times, The Guardian, The Independent, and Harper’s Bazaar Arabia and UK.

Beyond her legal practice, Sultana advises governments, multinational companies and institutions on strategic decision-making, governance, risk, leadership and diversity, equity and inclusion.

Her global advocacy work focuses on using law, policy and strategic intervention to advance human rights and effect systemic change. She is the founder of Girls Human Rights Hub, an international initiative bringing together law, education, advocacy and policy to strengthen the rights of girls worldwide.

Press Coverage

See coverage of Sultana’s appointment and work. More

Appointments

  • King’s Counsel Selection Panel, KCA

  • Founder, Girls Human Rights Hub

  • Chair, Taskforce on Religion & Belief, Bar Standards Board

  • JUSTICE, Council Member

  • Advisory Board, Influencing Corridors of Power (ICOP), School of Oriental & African Studies, University of London

  • Legal Advisory Panel, The People’s Review of Prevent

  • Special Advisor on Human Rights, Oxford Initiative for Global Ethics & Human Rights

  • Member of Legal Expert Advisory Panel (LEAP), Fair Trial International

  • Roster for Criminal Justice Sector Experts dealing with Counter-Terrorism, Organisation for Security & Cooperation in Europe (OSCE)

  • Member of Detention Experience, Advocat Sans Frontieres (ASF)

Awards

  • Woman of the Year, Highly Commended, Women & Diversity in Law, 2026

  • Not-For-Profit Organisation of the Year, Highly Commended, Women & Diversity in Law, 2026

  • Diversity Champion of the Year, Finalist, Women & Diversity in Law, 2026

  • Advocate of the Year, Finalist, Women & Diversity in Law, 2026

  • Iconic Companies Creating a Better World, Girls Human Rights Hub - Winner, G100 Club, 2025

  • Winner of Barrister of the Year, Inspirational Women in Law Awards, 2022;

  • Winner of the Professions Category, Asian Women of Achievement, 2021;

  • Justicia Awards Nominee, 2023

  • HERoes Top 100 Women Future Leaders, 2021;

  • Finalist, BSN Lawyer of the Year (Chambers), UK Legal Diversity Awards, 2021;

  • Finalist in Outstanding Woman in Professional category sponsored by Baker McKenzie, Precious Awards 2021.

Work With Sultana Tafadar KC

Work with Sultana Tafadar KC across law, global advocacy, and public speaking — bringing KC-level expertise and impact to every arena.

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