Police Law: Mainly Defendant

Jason Beer KC is an outstanding silk who is regularly instructed in high-profile civil claims concerning police shootings and a host of other issues such as data protection breaches. He represents police forces in claims brought under the Human Rights Act, and in public inquiries, an area in which he is arguably the leading expert at the Bar. Judicial reviews concerning policing policy are an additional focus.

"Jason Beer is the Rolls-Royce of leading counsel. The safest pair of hands whose judgement is always spot on."

"He is fantastic, reliable and a true expert in his field."

Anne Studd KC represents the police and the IOPC in sensitive police inquiries, disciplinary hearings and civil claims, with a focus on death by police contact. She is noted for her effectiveness in misfeasance and personal injury claims, as well as inquests.

"Anne Studd is very pragmatic and live to commercial interests."

"She is recognised as an outstanding and erudite counsel. She's very direct and has an authority which enables her to deal with all levels of clients."

Beatrice Collier defends police forces in civil claims pertaining to unlawful arrest, false imprisonment and malicious prosecution. Her practice focuses on representing the police against claims driven by alleged breaches of the ECHR. She is also noted for utilising her public law knowledge to advise on police-focused judicial reviews.

"Beatrice Collier is a proper intellectual. She is very hard-working, thinks about the case from all angles, is incredibly thoughtful and is well liked by judges."

"Beatrice is the most diligent barrister I have ever worked with. Her forensic knowledge and attention to detail are second to none."

Cicely Hayward represents the police in civil claims concerning false imprisonment and other torts, including those arising from investigative failings. Her practice also covers judicial reviews. She is additionally an excellent choice for prominent inquest work.

"Cicely correctly raised and argued the technical points. Her submissions were on point, concise and persuasive."

"She's all over the detail, a brilliant advocate with cross-government expertise."

"Cicely is a rare combination of impeccably thorough, brilliantly sharp, incredibly conscientious, efficient, well organised, personable and easy to work with."

Fiona Barton KC is a highly regarded police defence barrister with a focus on complex civil claims of all kinds, including those stemming from the collapse of criminal trials due to non-disclosure, those alleging the failure to investigate crime and those arising from shootings. She is particulary adept in inquests and public inquiries work.

"Fiona is a good team player and she is able to distil complex matters in a way that we can understand."

"Fiona is very practical and a real problem solver. She makes it really easy for clients and untangles really complex cases."

"She has incredible technical ability and expertise."

Georgina Wolfe is a highly regarded barrister with a focus on high-profile police cases. She is noted for her skill in inquests and public inquiries, and her practice also includes representing police forces in judicial reviews.

"Georgina Wolfe is genuinely an exceptional barrister. She is extremely academically able, but she combines that with a wonderful way with clients. She carries authority way beyond her years."

"She is very supportive and great to work with."

Russell Fortt defends the police against civil claims in relation to deaths in custody, misfeasance, malicious prosecution, the retention of information and false imprisonment.

"Russell Fortt's written advice is always thoroughly researched and very useful."

"He's got an encyclopedic knowledge of police law and speaks very well in court."

Samantha Leek KC is highly respected for her representation of police forces in inquests and inquiries. She has a particular focus on police shootings and deaths in custody, and is also experienced in criminal and disciplinary proceedings.

"Samantha Leek is very client- and solicitor-friendly. She understands the issues and she is very empathetic, forensic and all over the detail."

Amy Clarke is known for her deft handling of litigation brought under the Human Rights Act concerning the police's failure to investigate, in addition to claims of false imprisonment and misfeasance.

"Amy Clarke is all over the detail. She has big-picture tactical awareness, and whenever she gives advice it is quick, practical and sensible."

"Amy's client care in particular is second to none."

"She is one of life's doers. No task is too big for her."

Andrew Waters acts for the police in civil claims including negligence and human rights breaches, as well as claims arising from deaths in custody and failure to investigate. He also advises on judicial review proceedings concerning the scope of police powers.

"Andrew Waters provides comprehensive advice on police conduct matters. He has excellent advocacy and a calm style which give confidence to the clients."

"Andrew is calm and unflustered and makes matters easy for a panel. I particularly value his cross-examination, which really gets to the issues in a hearing."

"Andrew Waters is solid and reliable. He's very astute and can identify strengths and weaknesses at early stages, which is of great benefit to clients."

Barnabas Branston is known for representing police forces in misconduct hearings, as well as defending against civil claims arising from unlawful arrest, assaults and misfeasance in public office. He is also highlighted for his skills in police-related inquests.

"Barnabas is liked by witnesses and clients due to his good bedside manner."

"Barnabas Branston is a very polished performer. He wins the confidence of panels with the way he opens the case and deals with witnesses."

"Barnabas is a fantastic communicator, very incisive and reliable."

John-Paul Waite acts for the police in tort claims, inquests and other matters, and has defended cases arising from disability discrimination and sexual harassment claims. He also undertakes judicial review work.

"John-Paul Waite is liked by judges and he is very nice to work with."

Jonathan Dixey assists the police with a range of high-profile cases and hearings, including civil claims, judicial reviews, group litigation orders and public inquiries. He also acts for police forces in misconduct proceedings and employment tribunals.

"People go to Jonathan as a calm ear, where otherwise it may be quite chaotic. He is taken very seriously by judges since he is calm and authoritative, and they will give weight to what he's saying."

"Jonathan Dixey is able to deal comfortably with complex and sensitive cases. He combines a sharp legal mind with an ability to work incredibly well with client teams."

Olivia Checa-Dover is instructed in the defence of civil claims by a number of police forces across the North. She has notable experience in matters concerning alleged misconduct by officers, false arrest and failure to investigate, including those involving issues of discrimination.

"Olivia Checa-Dover's advice is comprehensive and reliable, taking into account all relevant aspects. She is calm, unflustered, quick on her feet and confident when dealing with an opponent."

"Olivia is a reliable counsel and a true expert in police law."

Robert Cohen is a barrister with a growing reputation for successfully defending the police against civil claims stemming from malicious prosecution, and strong experience in broader matters including allegations of systemic racism. He is also particularly well regarded for his work in police-related inquests.

"Robert Cohen had a good handle on the issues of law but also on how to manage his client's case in the best way possible."

Robert Talalay is a respected barrister who is experienced in civil actions against the police concerning false imprisonment and the retention of information. His practice also covers inquests.

"Robert is well prepared and very good on his feet. I feel an immense sense of security having him on board. You know he's going to be able to handle whatever the judge throws at him."

"Robert Talalay is very approachable, and his attention to detail and knowledge are outstanding."

"Robert provided very precise and comprehensive advice, with a focus on commercial aspects of the client."

"His written work is actually a joy to read, such is its eloquence and elegance."

Aaron Moss has considerable experience in claims concerning wrongful arrest, assault, negligence, data protection and misfeasance. He also acts in high-profile inquiries.

"Aaron Moss is reliable, competent and great with clients."

"Aaron Moss is wise beyond his years and has an unparalleled ability to dissect the most complex of cases. He has a laser-focused approach to legal strategy."

Alice Meredith acts for police officers and the IOPC in relation to various civil claims brought by members of the public, as well as a host of other issues such as officers' working conditions.

"Alice Meredith is always ready to go the extra mile when dealing with a case, and the clients love her."

Catriona Hodge is a public law-focused junior barrister who has attracted significant attention among her peers at the police law Bar. She has represented numerous police forces and the IOPC in various civil claims and other related matters, including those arising from discrimination.

"Catriona Hodge is thorough and always happy to discuss things. Her advice is really detailed."

"Catriona is a good communicator and she returns the papers promptly."

Claire Palmer is a well-respected barrister with a police and government department-focused practice. Her profile among police lawyers has risen thanks to a key instruction in the Undercover Policing Inquiry, which builds on her work for forces in inquests and employment matters.

"Claire is tactically very astute."

"Claire is brilliant with clients and has a real understanding of how government bodies work."

Francesca Whitelaw KC specialises in inquests in relation to terror attacks, and also represents the police and the IOPC in a range of civil claims and in judicial review.

"Francesca Whitelaw KC is utterly charming and forceful when she needs to be. She was really impressive on her feet."

"She is very easy to work with but also a very effective cross-examiner."

John Goss acts for police forces in claims brought on grounds of misfeasance, malicious prosecution, false imprisonment, negligence and more. He also has a strong practice in judicial reviews.

"John Goss finds the best option by identifying positives, negatives, risks and implications. He gets to the crux of the issues, and his preparation and attention to detail are flawless."

"John's advice is always thorough and pragmatic."

"He is an invaluable source of reassurance to clients."

Mark Thomas is a popular choice of barrister among several police forces, who instruct him in sensitive inquests as well as tort claims involving false imprisonment, human rights breaches or inadequate criminal investigations.

"Mark Thomas constructively analysed the evidence to maximise the position for the client. He was fair and respectful of his opponent's position."

"Mark is an excellent all-rounder - approachable, pragmatic, thorough in his advice and very commercially astute."

"When I instruct Mark, I breathe a sigh of relief knowing that our client is in the best hands. He is affable, hard-working, very intelligent, creative and committed."

David Messling is regularly instructed to act on civil claims against police forces and inquests. He is sought out for cases with discrimination aspects and those involving death or injury in custody.

"David Messling is very quick-minded, straightforward and thorough. A real safe pair of hands with flair."

"David is great to work with and picks up the key issues quickly. His drafting is excellent."

"David is a very capable advocate whose legal arguments are always clearly set out and easy to follow."

Jennifer Wright is sought after for her expertise in representing police forces for a variety of claims, including false imprisonment and death in custody. She has a flourishing inquests practice which complements her standing in police matters.

"Jennifer is very meticulous, excellent at getting on top of details and able to work through a large body of material, synthesise and present a persuasive argument based on that."

Peter Laverack acts on behalf of police forces in relation to misconduct proceedings against individual officers. He is additionally instructed on false imprisonment claims.

"Peter is really good at turning around advice in a very short period of time and analysing the issues in the case, coming back to you with a viable way to proceed. He's a keen analytical mind."

"Peter Laverack is always able to explain things clearly and easily."

Charlotte Ventham KC is well respected for high-value police claims with a focus on malicious prosecution, misfeasance in public office, and false imprisonment. She also represents the police in judicial reviews and matters concerning alleged Human Rights Act breaches.

"Charlotte is an excellent advocate, both in the courtroom and in conference. She is quick to grapple with unexpected evidential issues raised by witnesses and advise accordingly."

"Charlotte has a very forensic style in her analysis."