Channa Samkalden specializes in liability for human rights violations, both inside and outside the Netherlands. For example, she represented four Nigerian farmers and the foundation Friends of the Earth the Netherlands (Vereniging Milieudefensie) in proceedings against Shell concerning oil pollution in Nigeria. Apart from the liability of multinationals for human rights violations, she focuses on violations of fundamental rights in the Netherlands, in particular freedom of expression, freedom of religion and the right to personal privacy. She received her doctorate from the European University Institute in Italy on the topic of religious freedom, and the separation of state and religion. According to Chambers: "Based in Amsterdam, Samkalden is hailed as an 'outstanding lawyer' by clients, and praised for her 'excellent judgement, knowledge of the law and close attention to detail.'"