Police Law: Mainly Claimant
UK Guide 2025 : UK-wide
Band 1
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
(020) 7833 4433About
Provided by Bindmans LLP
We empower people to hold the police and other detaining authorities to account for abuses of power, unlawful operations and acts, and misconduct. For over 40 years our legal expertise in this field has helped to protect the liberties and freedoms of individuals, and has made us a first port of call for those seeking justice for wrongs done to them by the state.
Our solicitors specialise in all areas of police law, including:
- Pre-emptive policing;
- Covert and undercover policing;
- Stop and search powers;
- Protest policing; and
- Police shootings.
We use our expertise to help our clients with various matters, including:
- Complaints against the police
- Civil claims against the police, including:
- o False imprisonment, unlawful detention and loss of liberty;
- o Assault and battery;
- o Human rights breaches;
- o Negligence and failure to investigate;
- o Misfeasance and misconduct in public office;
- o Discrimination and claims under the equality act;
- o Malicious prosecution; and
- o Trespass to property or goods.
- Challenging policing decisions and police powers
- Inquests into deaths in police custody or following contact with the police
- Inquests into deaths in prison, immigration detention or hospital detention
Chambers Review
Bindmans has a leading practice with standout experience of bringing high-profile claims against the police. The department is equally adept when handling claims relating to misconduct by undercover police officers, deaths in custody, and protests. It has an integrated team that works closely with the firm's civil liberties and criminal lawyers to provide claimants with a comprehensive service.
Work Highlights
- Bindmans represented the family of Arthur Holscher-Ermert who died following a police pursuit when he was struck by an unmarked police car.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Bindmans are at the top of their game."
"From the beginning of my case to the end, Bindmans dealt with everything required to the highest of expectations."
"Bindmans are a comprehensive team doing a lot of work. They are a quality mark name for human rights work."
"Bindmans are at the top of their game."
"From the beginning of my case to the end, Bindmans dealt with everything required to the highest of expectations."
"Bindmans are a comprehensive team doing a lot of work. They are a quality mark name for human rights work."
Notable Practitioners
Jules Carey heads the firm's Actions against Police and State department. He has a formidable reputation for his handling of high-profile cases against the police, with notable expertise representing victims in the Undercover Policing Inquiry.
"Jules is pre-eminent and incredibly experienced."
"Jules knows everything: every point, how to strategise and handle it."
"Jules has been a leading figure in the actions against police space. She has great tactful judgement, a great understanding of the broader context and is very client-focused."
Alice Hardy is well known for representing victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse in failure to investigate claims against the police.
"Alice's client skills are really impressive and she has real attention to detail."
Anna-Louise Thwaites handles a full range of actions against the police, including those relating to deaths in custody, assault and false imprisonment. She also has expertise when advising on protest-related group actions.
"Anna is deeply humane and compassionate lawyer."
"She is very dedicated and hard-working."
Joanna Bennett is noted for her expertise in discrimination, false imprisonment and malicious prosecution claims against police. She also works with a range of bereaved families and vulnerable clients in the context of inquests.
"Joanna is certainly meticulous and thorough. She is a tenacious solicitor and is definitely someone to watch."
"Joanna is one of the best tactical litigators I have come across. She knows how to get the best settlement for her client and handles matters with a huge amount of skill and grace."
"Joanna is good at identifying core issues in the case. Her clients get really good service out of her."
Rachel Harger regularly works on both civil and public law claims for clients including individuals who have suffered harm by the police and the families of individuals who have died in police custody.
"The quality of Rachel's work is exemplary."
"Through her hard work and phenomenal tenacious commitment, she got us a phenomenal settlement."
Emily-Jade Defriend is an associate in the firm's Actions against Police and State team. She undertakes a range of work including challenges to protest restrictions, claims relating to racial discrimination, and claims following deaths in custody.
"Emily is determined to get good outcomes and know the sector well."
"I can always trust Emily-Jade. She manages to settle cases in clients' favour."
"Emily-Jade is very creative and thoughtful. She has great understanding and interest in technicalities of her cases. She is extremely pleasant to work with."
Ranked Lawyers at
Bindmans LLP
UK-wide
Members
Provided by Bindmans LLP
Head of Department
Rachel Harger
Industries
Provided by Bindmans LLP
Charities/Not for profit
Media
Private clients/individuals