Temple Garden Chambers is a leading common law set based in London and The Hague.
With excellence from top to bottom Chambers provides a first class service in a number of different fields.
‘He is very personable and very good with clients.’ Chambers and Partners 2025
‘He is very responsive and very committed to the field of business and human rights.’ Chambers and Partners 2025
‘He is a proper scholar of this area.’ Chambers and Partners 2025
‘He is a great team player and very organised.’ Chambers and Partners 2025
Thank you for choosing to instruct me in your case. I will need to collect and hold your personal information in order to represent you. I will take all reasonable steps to protect your personal information. I will do all that I reasonably can to ensure I do not infringe your rights or undermine your trust. This Privacy Notice describes the information I collect about you, how it is used and shared, and your rights regarding it.
Data Controller
I am registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) as a Data Controller for the personal data that I hold and process as a barrister. My registered address is Temple Garden Chambers, 1 Harcourt Buildings, Temple, London, EC4Y 9DA and my registration number is ZA744908.
Data Collection
All of the information that I hold about you is provided to me or gathered solely in the course of and for the purposes of your case, proceedings or any related matter.
Lawful Basis For Processing Your Information
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) requires all organisations that process personal data to have a Lawful Basis for doing so. The Lawful Bases identified in the GDPR are:
Examples Of Legitimate Interests
My Lawful Basis is Legitimate Interest namely the provision of professional services to you and the proper exercise of my professional obligations and responsibilities. My Lawful Bases may also include: consent and/or performance of a contract with you or steps to enter a contract with you and/or compliance with a legal obligation. In so far as I process sensitive personal data that is necessary in relation to legal proceedings and/or obtaining legal advice and/or otherwise for establishing, exercising or defending legal rights and/or for administering justice.
I Use Your Information To
I do not use automated decision-making in the processing of your personal data.
I collect and process both personal data and special categories of personal data as defined in the GDPR. This includes:
I May Share Your Personal Data With:
Transfers To Third Countries & International Organisations
I do not transfer any personal data to third countries or international organisations.
Retention
I retain your personal data while you remain a client and for as long as in necessary for me to meet my legal and professional obligations. My Retention and Disposal Policy (copy available on request) details how long I hold data for and how I dispose of it when it no longer needs to be held.
Your Rights
The General Data Protection Regulation gives you specific rights around your personal data. For example, you have to be informed about the information I hold and what I use it for, you can ask for a copy of the personal information I hold about you, you can ask me to correct any inaccuracies with the personal data I hold, you can ask me to stop sending you direct mail, or emails, or in some circumstances ask me to stop processing your details.
Finally, if I do something irregular or improper with your personal data you can seek compensation for any distress you are caused or loss you have incurred. You can find out more information from the ICO’s website and this is the organisation that you can complain to if you are unhappy with how I dealt with you.
Accessing & Correcting Your Information
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I May Update My Privacy Notice
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Updated: 01/11/2022
Russell Hopkins
Russell is a sought-after barrister with a busy practice specialising in business and human rights litigation, collective redress and CPR Part 19, corporate liability, international law and jurisdiction disputes.
Russell’s practice lies at the intersection between civil and criminal wrongdoing with a strong international slant. He is a thoughtful and creative barrister. He has extensive experience in complex cases, before domestic and international tribunals, at trial and on appeal.
Before transferring to the Bar in 2018, Russell qualified as a solicitor in 2008, practising at Herbert Smith Freehills. He worked on large-scale commercial disputes and corruption cases, as well as claims and regulatory investigations in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis. He was judicial assistant to Lord Collins and Lord Wilson at the UK Supreme Court in 2010-2011.
Russell accepted an invitation to join TGC as a tenant in 2021. He is held in high esteem among solicitors focusing on group litigation, who have instructed in the landmark Fundão Dam litigation, among numerous other prominent matters. Russell is involved with academic research projects at the University of Oxford and the University of Amsterdam related to his areas of expertise, and is currently working on a book chapter on civil liability for abuses in supply chains to be published by Lexis Nexis in 2026.
Russell also maintains a busy pro bono practice through Advocate and for NGOs.
Russell is instructed in pioneering business and human rights litigation. He publishes and speaks regularly in his specialist area.
Munícipio de Mariana and oths v BHP [2025] EWHC 3001 (TCC)
Acting on behalf of hundreds of thousands of Brazilian claimants for 7 years, Russell Hopkins has been a key member of the core counsel team in this landmark litigation against BHP arising from the collapse of the Fundão Dam in Mariana, Brazil, on 5 November 2015 – the worst environmental disaster in the country’s history.
The proceedings, brought in England and Wales, were subject to a jurisdiction challenge by BHP which initially succeeded in 2020 ([2020] EWHC 2930 (TCC)). Permission to appeal was subsequently granted on 15 grounds following a rare challenge under CPR 52.30 [2021] EWCA Civ 1156 , and in July 2022 the Court of Appeal allowed the claimants’ appeal ([2022] EWCA Civ 951), allowing the way for the substantive case to proceed to trial.
What followed was one of the largest group actions ever brought in this jurisdiction, representing more than 600,000 claimants – including individuals, municipalities, businesses, utility companies, churches, and indigenous communities – seeking redress for the catastrophic environmental, socio-economic, and human consequences of the dam’s collapse.
The trial of liability was heard between October 2024 and March 2025. In a landmark judgment, Mrs Justice O’Farrell DBE found BHP liable both as “polluters” under Brazilian Environmental Law, which imposes strict liability, and by reason of their own negligence and imprudence under Article 186 of the Brazilian Civil Code. The judgment also addressed key issues of standing, limitation, and the effect of sample waiver agreements entered into by certain claimants.
This decision, which is subject to an application for permission to appeal by BHP, carries profound implications not only for the victims of the Fundão Dam disaster but also for the future of mass group litigation in England and Wales, setting important precedents on liability, jurisdiction, and the management of complex transnational claims. Russell Hopkins is instructed alongside Alain Choo-Choy KC (One Essex Court), Andrew Fulton KC (Twenty Essex), Nicholas Harrison and Jon McDonagh (Serle Court), Ibar McCarthy (Normanton Chambers), Grace Ferrier (Essex Court), Antonia Eklund (Blackstone Chambers), Anisa Kassamali (Temple Garden Chambers), and Hannah Taylor (Cornerstone Barristers), among others.
Viegas, Sanches and others v Cutrale and others [2021] EWHC 2956 (Comm); [2023] EWHC 1896 (Comm)
Acting for some 1,500 Brazilian orange farmers in a high-value damages claim against alleged cartelists (individuals and a corporate defendant) involved in the international orange juice export market. The defendants’ jurisdiction challenge raised issues of domicile, service and/or whether the English claim should be stayed in favour of Brazil. The claimants successfully resisted the jurisdiction challenge by two of the three defendants. Subsequent applications addressed matters such as the addition of parties, administration of estates, pleading amendments and relief from sanctions.
R (on the application of World Uyghur Congress) v National Crime Agency [2023] EWHC 88 (Admin)
Engaged from the outset of landmark proceedings which established the application of proceeds of crime legislation to allegations of forced labour in supply chains. The Court of Appeal held that the NCA’s decision not to open a money laundering investigation was based on errors of law.
AAA v The London Bullion Market Association Limited
Acting for claimants alleging wrongful certification of gold from a mine in Tanzania as free from serious human rights abuses. The families of two men alleged to have been killed by security forces linked to the mine allege that such wrongful certification contributed to the deaths. The case is listed for trial in 2026. (With Dominic Grieve KC and Professor Andrew Higgins.)
Re a hydroelectric power project in Central America
Acted for indigenous communities alleged to be harmed by a project which forced their displacement and changed their way of life.
Re a journalist
Acting for the parents of a journalist who was killed while on assignment in a war zone. The claim alleges wrongdoing on the part of a news organisation. (With Phillippa Kaufmann KC and Kate Boakes.)
Re a garment factory in Thailand
Acting for migrant factory workers and a child who allege abuses at a garment factory and associated accommodation. The Defendants have challenged the jurisdiction of the English courts.
Re a mine in Africa
Acting for thousands of claimants who allege that a mine has contaminated waterways and damaged their way of life.
Re a mine in Central America
Acted for indigenous communities alleged to be harmed by pollution from a coal mine that neighbours a protected reservation. (With Richard Hermer KC.)
Re an oil field in central Africa
Advised on proceedings (jurisdiction, liability, causation and damage) and procedural issues following a spill in central Africa.
Re a factory in England
Acting for dozens of residents in a claim for private nuisance alleged to be caused by noise and odour emissions from a local factory.
Re a factory in England
Acting for residents in a claim for private nuisance alleged to be caused by odour emissions from a waste facility.
Re a factory in England
Acted for residents in a claim for private nuisance alleged to be caused from odour emissions from a food production factory.
Russell has extensive experience in private international law, public international law (in particular immunities), and international criminal law.
Republic of Mozambique v Credit Suisse and others [2023] EWHC 2215 (Comm) 2024 EWCA Civ 184
Instructed by President Nyusi of Mozambique to defend a Part 20 claim arising from claims worth over $2 billion against entities in the Credit Suisse and Privinvest groups among others. The proceedings involved issues with respect to service of proceedings in Mozambique and sovereign immunity as a sitting Head of State. (With Rodney Dixon KC.)
Case 002, Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia
From 2014-2018, expert legal adviser to Cambodian judges of the Trial Chamber, a role funded by the Federal Republic of Germany. Case 002 was the trial of the most senior surviving members of the Khmer Rouge including the former Head of State, for the crimes of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes committed between 1975-1979.
United Nations administrative proceedings
Instructed to assist an administrative judge appointed by the United Nations to determine fees disputes between a tribunal and defence counsel.
Post-conviction proceedings at an international tribunal
Assisting a defendant in relation to post-conviction proceedings in multiple jurisdictions.
Prosecutor v Vlastimir Đorđević
Part of the defence team representing the former Chief of Police of the Republic of Serbia on appeal.
Prosecutor v Dragoljub Ojdanić
Part of the defence team representing the former Chief of Staff of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia at trial and on appeal.
Prosecutor v Radislav Krstić
Represented the former Chief of Staff of the Drina Corps following an attack on him in an English prison in proceedings before the President of the ICTY and the Council of Europe; part of the defence team acting in contempt proceedings following a refusal to testify in another trial.
Russell is recognised as a leading junior in group litigation and collective redressed.
Noteable cases include:
Munícipio de Mariana and oths v BHP [2025] EWHC 3001 (TCC)
Acting on behalf of hundreds of thousands of Brazilian claimants for 7 years, Russell Hopkins has been a key member of the core counsel team in this landmark litigation against BHP arising from the collapse of the Fundão Dam in Mariana, Brazil, on 5 November 2015 – the worst environmental disaster in the country’s history.
The proceedings, brought in England and Wales, were subject to a jurisdiction challenge by BHP which initially succeeded in 2020 ([2020] EWHC 2930 (TCC)). Permission to appeal was subsequently granted on 15 grounds following a rare challenge under CPR 52.30 [2021] EWCA Civ 1156 , and in July 2022 the Court of Appeal allowed the claimants’ appeal ([2022] EWCA Civ 951), allowing the way for the substantive case to proceed to trial.
What followed was one of the largest group actions ever brought in this jurisdiction, representing more than 600,000 claimants – including individuals, municipalities, businesses, utility companies, churches, and indigenous communities – seeking redress for the catastrophic environmental, socio-economic, and human consequences of the dam’s collapse.
Viegas, Sanches and others v Cutrale and others [2021] EWHC 2956
Acting for some 1,500 Brazilian orange farmers in a high-value damages claim against alleged cartelists (individuals and a corporate defendant) involved in the international orange juice export market. The defendants’ jurisdiction challenge raised issues of domicile, service and/or whether the English claim should be stayed in favour of Brazil. The claimants successfully resisted the jurisdiction challenge by two of the three defendants.
Commission Recovery Limited v Marks & Clerk LLP [2024] EWCA Civ 9; [2023] EWHC 398 (Comm)
Acted for defendants to a claim in the Commercial Court under CPR 19.8 involving alleged breaches of fiduciary duties. (With John Machell KC.)
Re the Rivers Wye and Usk
Acting for claimants alleged to be harmed by pollution to waterways in England and Wales related to chicken manure and sewage. (With Anneliese Day KC, Catherine Dobson, Nicholas Ostrowski and Alistair Mackenzie.)
Re a hydroelectric power project in Central America
Acted for indigenous communities alleged to be harmed by a project which forced their displacement and changed their way of life.
Re a garment factory in Thailand
Acting for migrant factory workers and a child who allege abuses at a garment factory and associated accommodation. The Defendants have challenged the jurisdiction of the English courts.
Re a mine in Africa
Acting for thousands of claimants who allege that a mine has contaminated waterways and damaged their way of life.
Re Emissions litigation
Acting on claims against multiple vehicle manufacturers, finance companies and car dealerships in claims related to the so-called ‘diesel-gate’ scandal. The claims allege that vehicles contain unlawful defeat devices within the meaning of Article 5(2) of EC Regulation 2007/715.
Harcus Sinclair LLP and another v Your Lawyers Ltd [2021] UKSC 32
Assist the team acting for the successful appellant following the Court of Appeal’s decision to discharge an injunction to prevent a law firm acting in group litigation concerning the Volkswagen emissions scandal. The appeal raised issues in respect of covenants in restraint of trade and the enforcement of solicitors’ undertakings.
Russell has been involved in some of the most significant environmental cases in recent years.
Notable examples include:
Munícipio de Mariana and oths v BHP [2025] EWHC 3001 (TCC)
Acting on behalf of hundreds of thousands of Brazilian claimants for 7 years, Russell Hopkins has been a key member of the core counsel team in this landmark litigation against BHP arising from the collapse of the Fundão Dam in Mariana, Brazil, on 5 November 2015 – the worst environmental disaster in the country’s history.
The proceedings, brought in England and Wales, were subject to a jurisdiction challenge by BHP which initially succeeded in 2020 ([2020] EWHC 2930 (TCC)). Permission to appeal was subsequently granted on 15 grounds following a rare challenge under CPR 52.30 [2021] EWCA Civ 1156 , and in July 2022 the Court of Appeal allowed the claimants’ appeal ([2022] EWCA Civ 951), allowing the way for the substantive case to proceed to trial.
What followed was one of the largest group actions ever brought in this jurisdiction, representing more than 600,000 claimants – including individuals, municipalities, businesses, utility companies, churches, and indigenous communities – seeking redress for the catastrophic environmental, socio-economic, and human consequences of the dam’s collapse.
Re the Rivers Wye and Usk
Instructed for claimants alleged to be harmed by pollution to waterways in England and Wales related to chicken manure and sewage.
Re a mine in Africa
Acting for thousands of claimants who allege that a mine has contaminated waterways and damaged their way of life.
Re a hydroelectric power project in Central America
Acted for indigenous communities alleged to be harmed by a project which forced their displacement and changed their way of life.
Re a mine in Central America
Acted for indigenous communities alleged to be harmed by pollution from a mine that neighbours a protected reservation.
Re an oil field in central Africa
Advised on proceedings (jurisdiction, liability, causation and damage) and procedural issues following a spill in central Africa.
Re a factory in England
Acting for dozens of residents in a claim for private nuisance alleged to be caused by noise and odour emissions from a local factory
Re a factory in England
Acting for residents in a claim for private nuisance alleged to be caused by odour emissions from a waste facility.
Re a factory in England
Acting for residents in a claim for private nuisance alleged to be caused from odour emissions from a food production factory.
Many of the cases on which Russell is instructed involve issues and advice relating third-party litigation funding and costs (including security for costs). Russell is familiar with the commercial reality of litigating complex cases and the risks this can present.
As a judicial assistant at the UK Supreme Court, Russell worked on numerous public law cases.
R (World Uyghur Congress) v The National Crime Agency [2024] EWCA Civ 715; [2023] EWHC 88 (Admin)
Engaged from the outset of landmark judicial review proceedings which established the application of proceeds of crime legislation to allegations of forced labour in supply chains. The Court of Appeal held that the NCA’s decision not to open a money laundering investigation was based on errors of law.
Russell qualified and practised as a solicitor at Herbert Smith Freehills from 2006 until 2014. Cases on which he acted included:
Since transferring to the Bar, Russell has continued to be instructed on commercial matters.
Commission Recovery Limited v Marks & Clerk LLP [2024] EWCA Civ 9; [2023] EWHC 398 (Comm)
Acting for defendants to a claim in the Commercial Court under CPR 19.8 involving alleged breaches of fiduciary duties and questions as to the validity of assignments. (With John Machell KC.)
In a judgment handed down on 4 September 2023, Mr Justice Robin Knowles held that the sitting President of Mozambique, His Excellency President Nyusi, is entitled to immunity in respect of a Part 20 Claim brought against him by the...
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On 5 November 2015 Brazil suffered its worst ever environmental disaster when the Fundão Dam collapsed, releasing around 40 million cubic metres of tailings from iron ore mining. Russell Hopkins is acting on behalf of more than 200,000 Brazilian Claimants.The collapse...
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Russell Hopkins is instructed by Pogust Goodhead to act on claims against multiple vehicle manufacturers, finance companies and car dealerships in claims related to the so-called ‘diesel-gate’ scandal. The claims allege that vehicles contain unlawful defeat devices within the meaning...
Read more
Russell Hopkins acted for more than 200,000 Brazilian claimants (including individuals, municipalities, businesses, utility companies, churches, and indigenous communities) in proceedings brought against BHP Group following the worst environmental disaster in Brazil’s history, the collapse of the Fundão Dam in...
Read more
Russell Hopkins acted for some 1,500 Brazilian orange farmers in a high-value damages claim against alleged cartelists (individuals and a corporate defendant) involved in the international orange juice export market. The defendants’ jurisdiction challenge raised issues of domicile, service and/or...
Read more
Russell Hopkins and Anisa Kassamali acted for the successful Claimants in Municipio de Mariana and others v BHP. The BHP parent companies, BHP Group (UK) Limited and BHP Group Limited have been found liable for the collapse of the…
Russell Hopkins and Anisa Kassamali continue to act in what is likely the largest ever group action brought in the English Courts to date: Municipio de Mariana and others v BHP Group. They represented approximately 620,000 claimants in a first stage trial…
TGC Collective Redress, Business and Human Rights newsletter – Second Edition, January 2025: https://crbhr.com/ Chambers is delighted to have published the second edition of our newsletter. It comprises five articles across a number of issues that will be of interest to…
Russell Hopkins and Anisa Kassamali are instructed by Pogust Goodhead in what is likely to be the largest ever group action brought in the English Courts: Municipio de Mariana and others v BHP Group. Russell and Anisa are led by…
‘He is very personable and very good with clients.’ Chambers and Partners 2025
‘He is very responsive and very committed to the field of business and human rights.’ Chambers and Partners 2025
‘He is a proper scholar of this area.’ Chambers and Partners 2025
‘He is a great team player and very organised.’ Chambers and Partners 2025
Thank you for choosing to instruct me in your case. I will need to collect and hold your personal information in order to represent you. I will take all reasonable steps to protect your personal information. I will do all that I reasonably can to ensure I do not infringe your rights or undermine your trust. This Privacy Notice describes the information I collect about you, how it is used and shared, and your rights regarding it.
Data Controller
I am registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) as a Data Controller for the personal data that I hold and process as a barrister. My registered address is Temple Garden Chambers, 1 Harcourt Buildings, Temple, London, EC4Y 9DA and my registration number is ZA744908.
Data Collection
All of the information that I hold about you is provided to me or gathered solely in the course of and for the purposes of your case, proceedings or any related matter.
Lawful Basis For Processing Your Information
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) requires all organisations that process personal data to have a Lawful Basis for doing so. The Lawful Bases identified in the GDPR are:
Examples Of Legitimate Interests
My Lawful Basis is Legitimate Interest namely the provision of professional services to you and the proper exercise of my professional obligations and responsibilities. My Lawful Bases may also include: consent and/or performance of a contract with you or steps to enter a contract with you and/or compliance with a legal obligation. In so far as I process sensitive personal data that is necessary in relation to legal proceedings and/or obtaining legal advice and/or otherwise for establishing, exercising or defending legal rights and/or for administering justice.
I Use Your Information To
I do not use automated decision-making in the processing of your personal data.
I collect and process both personal data and special categories of personal data as defined in the GDPR. This includes:
I May Share Your Personal Data With:
Transfers To Third Countries & International Organisations
I do not transfer any personal data to third countries or international organisations.
Retention
I retain your personal data while you remain a client and for as long as in necessary for me to meet my legal and professional obligations. My Retention and Disposal Policy (copy available on request) details how long I hold data for and how I dispose of it when it no longer needs to be held.
Your Rights
The General Data Protection Regulation gives you specific rights around your personal data. For example, you have to be informed about the information I hold and what I use it for, you can ask for a copy of the personal information I hold about you, you can ask me to correct any inaccuracies with the personal data I hold, you can ask me to stop sending you direct mail, or emails, or in some circumstances ask me to stop processing your details.
Finally, if I do something irregular or improper with your personal data you can seek compensation for any distress you are caused or loss you have incurred. You can find out more information from the ICO’s website and this is the organisation that you can complain to if you are unhappy with how I dealt with you.
Accessing & Correcting Your Information
You may request access to, correction of, or a copy of your information by contacting me in writing at my registered address.
Marketing Opt-Outs
You may opt out of receiving emails and other messages from my Chambers by following the instructions in those messages.
Cookies
Cookies are small text files that are stored on your browser or device by websites, apps, online media, and advertisements. The Chambers website use cookies to:
I May Update My Privacy Notice
When I make significant changes, I will publish the updated notice on my website profile.
Updated: 01/11/2022
