Modern Slavery

7BR is a multi-disciplinary set with expertise in a number of fields which traverse modern slavery and anti-trafficking law. The expertise we provide is also rooted in working with victims of trauma and vulnerable clients alongside legal complexities. This means our members are uniquely placed to represent and advise victims who are often trafficked before being unlawfully exploited for personal or commercial gain.

7BR members act in litigation arising out of forced labour and exploitation in the following respects:

• Civil litigation concerning personal injury, assault/harassment and breach of contract claims
• Criminal proceedings under the Modern Slavery Act 2015
• Employment and discrimination law claims
• Family law issues and Court of Protection work
• Public law challenges
• Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme claims
• Regulatory risks and human rights assessments in relation the UNGP and the OECD Guidelines
• International law that cuts across these areas such as the regulation of cross-border abduction and movement of children and the UK’s obligations under the Convention on the Compensation of Victims of Violent Crimes and the Victims’ Rights Directive

As well as helping victims to access justice and compensation, we are also proactive in working with businesses looking to meet their obligations under the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and other legislation. This breadth allows 7BR to work strategically with local authorities, charities and others in order to prevent forced labour in the future whilst obtaining individual redress in the present.

Partnership with the Anti Trafficking Labour Exploitation Unit (ATLEU)

We launched a new partnership with the ATLEU in January 2023. ATLEU is a charity that works at the forefront of strategic litigation in this area whilst providing advice and support to survivors of trafficking and modern slavery. This project will see 7BR members work as part of an internal panel of specialist counsel that advise and represent victims referred by ATLEU.