Professional Discipline
UK Bar Guide 2025 : London (Bar)
Band 3
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
(020) 7410 2000Chambers Review
5 Essex Court is a strong set of chambers for police disciplinary matters. Members are selected by over half of all police forces in the country to present disciplinary proceedings. Barristers from the set additionally represent the IOPC in related matters. Their work takes in the prosecution of serious allegations relating to interactions between the police and public, inappropriate behaviour between colleagues, or substandard conduct while off duty. One commentator highlights: "Their police team is very good." Mark Waller is the senior clerk.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"5 Essex Chambers have one of the best clerking teams around. They are responsive, flexible and friendly."
"5 Essex Chambers have one of the best clerking teams around. They are responsive, flexible and friendly."
Notable Practitioners
Jason Beer KC is well known as one of the leading lights of the police law Bar and is in constant demand among chief constables throughout the land. He is a top choice for presenting serious allegations of misconduct against senior officers. Related public law challenges form a complementary area of expertise.
"Jason provides excellent written work."
"He's always impressive."
Barnabas Branston is recognised as an expert barrister in disciplinary procedures involving police officers. He routinely acts on behalf of police forces in cases involving the use of excessive force and gross misconduct. He also acts for the police in inquests.
"He is never afraid to have a difficult conversation with clients and manages to do so very effectively."
Fiona Barton KC is a renowned silk who possesses a wealth of experience in police discipline matters. She is particularly capable in defending allegations of gross misconduct. She is also called upon to handle significant inquests and judicial reviews.
"Fiona has great knowledge of police law as well as an ability to deal with challenging characters."
Amy Clarke is highly adept in police disciplinary matters relating to sexual impropriety and abuse of power, among other forms of misconduct. She regularly acts for police services throughout the country.
"She's delightful and very popular with panels."
Anne Studd KC is highlighted for her involvement in high-profile police disciplinary matters. She represents forces in presenting matters arising from misconduct both on and off the beat, in addition to appeals concerning decisions of forces or the IOPC.
"Concise and commercially aware, Anne is a go-to for matters involving senior police officers. She is forthright and astute."
Daniel Hobbs is frequently instructed by police forces to present in misconduct cases involving grave reputational risk.
"Dan is one of the best in the business in cases about police officer misconduct."
"He is absolutely fair as counsel, he is pleasant to deal with and he knows the law."
Charles Apthorp specialises in police misconduct where he is instructed to present for a number of different police forces. He is a legal assessor to the NMC and GDC.
"Charles knows his stuff and is a pleasure to work with."