Blackstone Chambers is mourning the loss of Sir Ian Brownlie QC, who died in a car accident in Egypt this weekend (3 January).

The top-ranked barrister, who was knighted for services to public international law in June last year, was called to the Bar in 1958 and took silk in 1979. His work also focused on human rights law, which he had practised since 1967.

During his long career, he appeared in a range of international tribunals, including the International Court of Justice, the European Court of Human Rights and the European Court of Justice. He also acted as an arbitrator in a number of high-profile cases, representing at least 40 different states.

He was recently re-elected for his third five-year term to the International Law Commission, the United Nations body of 35 experts concerned with the codification of international law.

In a statement, Blackstone Chambers said: "The members of Chambers and staff at Blackstone are very sad to have to announce the death of Sir Ian Brownlie CBE QC, who was tragically killed in a car accident abroad on 3 January 2010."