International Human Rights and Justice
Defending dignity and pursuing justice — for you.
Arendt Chambers was founded in 2025 with a clear mission: to provide exceptional legal representation to individuals seeking justice before international human rights and justice mechanisms.
As the first firm of its kind in Canada, our practice is a direct continuation of Canada’s proud and significant historic contributions to the development of international human rights law and international justice. The core principles underpinning these legal systems — freedom, equality, celebration of human difference, and unwavering respect for the rule of law — are deeply woven into Canadian culture and identity, and our own.
What sets Arendt Chambers apart is not only our focus, but our integrity and independence. Unlike other firms in this field, we never represent corporations or governments. Unlike non-governmental organisations, our operations are not reliant on external funding or subject to the influence of donors. This independence allows us to provide unbiased, trustworthy legal advocacy without compromise.
Arendt Chambers is guided solely by the principles of human rights and the rule of law. We are committed to standing with you at every step of your journey toward justice, because you deserve nothing less.
Arendt Chambers is a law firm registered with and regulated by the Law Society of British Columbia. We are a member of, among others, the Coalition for the International Criminal Court and the Global Initiative against Impunity.
Practice Areas
International Human Rights Law
International human rights law is a body of law that mediates the relationship between individuals and collectives ("rightsholders") and states ("duty-bearers"). International human rights can be enshrined in treaties or established through customary law. Violations of international human rights law may be adjudicated before a number of different institutions, including the United Nations and regional courts.
International Criminal Law
International criminal law addresses egregious violations of human rights that amount to crimes against humanity, genocide, or war crimes. International crimes are often adjudicated at the International Criminal Court in The Hague, or in ad hoc tribunals established following mass violations (for instance, in Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia).
Transitional Justice
Transitional justice is an approach to addressing large-scale, historical human rights abuses. The four pillars of transitional justice are truth, justice, reparations, and guarantees of non-recurrence. International criminal law often plays a major role in transitional justice schemes.
Universal Jurisdiction
Universal jurisdiction is an accepted legal principle that allows one state's courts to prosecute individuals for serious international crimes, like crimes against humanity or war crimes, regardless of where the crime occurred or the nationality of the perpetrator or victim.
VALUES
INTEGRITY
To us, integrity means unwavering loyalty to rightsholders and an uncompromising defence of human rights and dignity. This commitment guides every decision and action in our practice.
ACCESSIBILITY
All rightsholders deserve equal access to justice. Regardless of background, resources, or circumstances, we empower survivors of human rights violations to seek remedies before international mechanisms.
DEDICATION
This work is our calling, not merely a profession. With passion, creativity, and deep expertise in international human rights law, we go beyond expectations to pursue justice for every rightsholder who entrusts us with their cause.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is Arendt Chambers different from other law firms or human rights organisations?
Arendt Chambers is not just the only law firm in Canada that practices exclusively in international human rights law and international justice. We are also one of the only international human rights law firms globally that represent rightsholders exclusively. This means we only represent individuals who have had their rights violated. We never represent governments or corporations. Unlike non-profit organisations, Arendt Chambers focuses exclusively on the needs of our clients, rather than on, say, advocacy and fundraising. We also do not rely on or accept any external sources of funding, which may create a conflict of interest and deviate from our purpose of providing outstanding service to our clients. In short, we are driven by our values, not profit. We are uniquely positioned to provide exceptional legal representation to our clients at below-market fees. They deserve nothing less.
What types of clients do you represent?
We represent and assist individuals, human rights organisations (HROs), civil society groups, and other law firms. In exceptional circumstances, we may offer research services and human rights training to governments; however, we never offer legal representation to state actors. Under no circumstances do we provide services to corporations.
Which countries or regions do you work in?
Our firm operates globally and represents rightsholders and human rights organisations in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and the Americas. We work primarily with international and regional human rights bodies.
How do I know if I have a case that Arendt Chambers can assist with?
Contact us for a confidential consultation. Our Principal will assess whether your issue involves violations under international or regional human rights instruments.
What can Arendt Chambers do to help me or a loved one who has experienced a human rights violation?
Arendt Chambers provides legal representation before all international human rights and justice mechanisms. Using creativity and an exceptional command of the law, we create a plan of action that addresses the complex problems our clients face using short- and long-term solutions. There is no "one size fits all" solution to human rights violations. When you schedule a consultation with Arendt Chambers, you will receive a strategy package detailing all of the international avenues available to you, based on the facts of your case as we understand them. To schedule a consultation, please contact our Principal at katemcinnes@protonmail.com.
Does Arendt Chambers provide pro bono or "low bono" services?
Yes. Arendt Chambers offers "low bono" (that is, significantly discounted and below market) legal services to all individuals who retain us as counsel, using flexible fee structures tailored to each client’s circumstances. Each year, we also take on a number of pro bono cases, with a particular commitment to supporting persons with intellectual and psychosocial disabilities.