Civil Liberties & Human Rights
UK Guide 2025 : UK-wide
Band 2
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
(020) 7407 0007About
Provided by Deighton Pierce Glynn
The civil liberties team at Deighton Pierce Glynn has a wealth of expertise in helping those who have been victims of abuses by the state. We represent families at complex inquests whose relatives have died in prison and police custody, immigration detention, whilst sectioned in hospital under the Mental Health Act or following police contact. We help our clients fight to secure the accountability of those responsible through criminal and/or disciplinary proceedings, bringing compensation claims and securing policy changes.
We assist our clients to secure release from detention in IRCs and prisons under immigration powers, and to challenge the conditions of their detention. Our focus is working for detainees who have a mental or physical illness or disability, children, victims of trafficking or torture and those who have been detained for very long periods or are from an EU state or a country where removal is difficult. We have secured substantial awards of compensation for our clients who have been unlawfully detained or unlawfully treated.
We have specialist expertise to help victims of modern slavery and human trafficking. We work sensitively and fearlessly to help those who have been trafficked to enforce their legal rights.
Our solicitors offer a high level of client care and this is an essential part of how we work. We are renowned for our commitment to our clients and for our skilful and determined use of the law to achieve their objectives.
Chambers Review
Deighton Pierce Glynn demonstrates a highly varied portfolio of claimant-focused work, ranging from damages claims arising in the national security context to immigration detention and trafficking cases. The firm's client base includes activists, NGOs and individual migrants. The team offers capability in taking on cases funded by alternative sources, including crowdfunding. It also handles cases and proceedings under the Equality Act concerning discrimination.
Work Highlights
- Deighton Pierce Glynn acted on behalf of numerous asylum-seekers in a multi-party damages claim against the Home Office challenging the use of Napier barracks and Tinsley House as asylum accommodations.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Deighton Pierce Glynn has not only successfully resolved matters but has gone above and beyond to safeguard and support clients, following best practice and a trauma-informed approach."
"The team at Deighton Pierce Glynn are responsive and always go to great trouble to explain everything every step of the way."
"Deighton Pierce Glynn does a fantastic range of work across a broad spectrum of public law and human rights. It has a really dedicated and skilled team of very experienced lawyers."
"Deighton Pierce Glynn has not only successfully resolved matters but has gone above and beyond to safeguard and support clients, following best practice and a trauma-informed approach."
"The team at Deighton Pierce Glynn are responsive and always go to great trouble to explain everything every step of the way."
"Deighton Pierce Glynn does a fantastic range of work across a broad spectrum of public law and human rights. It has a really dedicated and skilled team of very experienced lawyers."
Notable Practitioners
Sue Willman is an exceptionally well-regarded human rights lawyer who has a wealth of experience across a variety of claims, including those relating to immigration detention and disability discrimination.
Managing partner Polly Glynn is deeply experienced in handling judicial review proceedings in the country's highest courts and the ECtHR. She also runs the firm's PAP Project, which provides frontline organisations with training and supervision to challenge government decisions.
"She is the migrant rights sector's choice for strategic legal advice and representation."
Daniel Carey is noted for his expertise in privacy cases as part of a broad domestic and international human rights practice which also incorporates immigration and military detention claims.
"He is a really good human rights lawyer."
Sarah Ricca is notably skilled in representing the families of those who have died as a result of alleged neglect from public bodies, such as the police, mental health services and social services. She is highly experienced in cases involving domestic violence.
"Sarah is a real campaigner; she is able to see the bigger picture clearly."
"Sarah has phenomenal judgement on what will fly and where you need to push. She is able to give a lot of direction focused on big-picture work."
"Sarah is aware of client sensitivity. She really likes to think and talk through the subtleties of the case."
Gus Silverman is experienced in advising clients on civil actions against the state, the police and other public bodies.
"Gus is really excellent."
"He is a superb tactical lawyer and really knows the law that needs to be deployed. He is a bright solicitor."
"He works really hard for the client and we got an excellent result in our case, which was really down to his work."
Emily Soothill regularly acts for clients in challenging unlawful decisions by the state, including in relation to asylum-seeker accommodation.
"Emily has something very special, she gives care and attention to each case, whatever its size. She is a whip-smart, insightful and empathetic lawyer."
"Emily is doing great, cutting-edge work."
"She is incredibly committed and diligent and goes the extra mile for her clients."
Nkiru Okafor has expertise acting in civil and multi-damage claims on behalf of asylum seekers, bereaved families and migrant detainees. She is skilled in handling challenges against the Home Office.
"Nkiru is tenacious and fearless. She looks at every possible angle and thinks outside the box."
"Nkiru's work is excellent."
Ranked Lawyers at
Deighton Pierce Glynn
UK-wide
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Provided by Deighton Pierce Glynn