Police Law: Mainly Claimant

Adam Straw KC is a leading police action and public law barrister, well known for his work in relation to police shootings. He also handles claims concerning the national legislation for disclosure and miscarriages of justice. He is particularly notable for his strength in public inquiries.

"Adam Straw has such a great tactical brain but he never loses sight of the client's objectives."

"He is a superb advocate. He has impeccable judgement, he pushes his good points very well and he's got the trust of the court as a result."

"He is very bright, academic, and his intellectual arguments are very carefully researched."

Alison Gerry is a skilled barrister who is highly reputed for her work in failure to protect, assault and false imprisonment claims, in addition to police-focused inquests. She attracts acclaim for her work in the long-running legal fallout of the Hillsborough disaster.

"Alison develops nuanced legal arguments with great attention to detail. She shows great empathy for clients, with in-depth understanding and genuine concern for them."

"She is thoughtful, clear and persuasive in her approach to all aspects of her work."

"Alison is brilliantly pragmatic and has a wonderful ability to distil very complex matters into simple facts."

"She is clear and concise in her advice, and has excellent client care skills and brilliant knowledge of inquest law and civil claims. She is incredibly responsive and very much a safe pair of hands."

Caoilfhionn Gallagher KC is esteemed for her pioneering human rights work for children and women within the scope of police law. She is also notable for her work in the Hillsborough group litigation.

"Caoilfhionn is excellent with clients, committed to the work and very generous with her time and expertise. She is a joy to work with."

"She's a force of nature."

"Caoilfhionn is super bright and she's very sensitive to clients, who love her."

Jude Bunting KC is a superbly talented barrister acclaimed for his all-encompassing police law practice that includes civil claims, inquests and public inquiries, as well as judicial review. He has particular strength in data retention and protest-related matters and frequently handles cases concerning deaths occurring during police contact.

"Jude is brilliant. He has got a very quick and creative legal mind and he fights incredibly hard for his clients."

"Jude's client demeanour is excellent and he always provides the best service possible."

"He is ridiculously bright and works incredibly hard. He's also an absolute joy to work with, very effervescent and gets on well with clients."

"Jude is a pleasure to work with, lovely with clients and a powerful advocate. You can have absolutely trust that Jude will win people over with a combination of his knowledge, advocacy and charm."

Nick Stanage acts in a range of actions against the police, including cases concerning malicious prosecution, misfeasance and unlawful arrest. His experience encompasses claims alleging human rights breaches, and he has appeared in major public inquiries involving the police.

"Nick's use of language is exquisite. He possesses the judgement to know what points to take and what points not to take. He is one of the most compelling advocates at the Bar."

"Clients love him and he makes even the most complex matter accessible for them. His advocacy is brilliant."

Ruth Brander is a formidable barrister renowned for her work in claims against the police, as well as inquests and public inquiries. She is noted for her prominent involvement in the Undercover Policing Inquiry and for acting in related judicial review. She boasts considerable expertise in Article 3 breaches concerning the police's failure to investigate, and a range of other claims including false imprisonment and assault.

"Ruth is very good."

Stephen Cragg KC is highly regarded for his work in civil claims challenging police actions and decisions, particularly in relation to data retention and privacy. He also advises on inquests and claims relating to deaths in custody and injuries.

"Stephen Cragg has encyclopedic knowledge of the law and provides a pragmatic approach, handling all matters with exceptional dynamism."

"He is my go-to for any tricky, complex legal points."

"He is extremely approachable, brilliant and tactical."

"Steve is my go-to barrister for public law issues involving the state and is very effective."

Tom Stoate is a barrister highlighted for his expertise in representing bereaved families at inquests and in claims against the police. His focuses include death following police pursuit, as well as discrimination and false imprisonment. Additionally, he handles a number of cases relating to alleged breaches of the Human Rights Act and the Equality Act.

"Tom manages to tread the balance of being utterly fearless in his advocacy while maintaining the respect and confidence of coroners and juries."

"Tom is an excellent and persuasive advocate, adept at dealing with complex issues. He is empathetic and has fantastic client care skills."

"He is an excellent, hard-working barrister who always goes the extra distance for clients. He approaches all cases with care and precision, leaving no stone unturned, and he is a formidable advocate."

Alex Gask is a highly experienced barrister who focuses on claims concerning breaches of Articles 2 and 3 ECHR, arising from the police's failure to investigate, or assault or death in the course of police contact. He has also been active in litigation relating to the undercover policing scandal.

Fiona Murphy KC is known for leading national conversations on policing policy. She is regularly sought out to represent the families of those killed as a result of interaction with the police, including at inquests and public inquiries, and provides outstanding counsel in matters arising from areas such as IOPC procedure.

"Fiona is an excellent practitioner who is highly knowledgeable. She is a persuasive advocate and is superb with clients."

"Fiona Murphy is thoughtful, creative and collegiate in her approach."

"Fiona is able to cut through difficult, complex material to find the legal points of interest. She is a very persuasive advocate."

"She's a real details person; she leaves no stone left unturned."

"Fiona's extensive knowledge, insight and capability ensure that clients are given the best legal advice and solicitors the strongest tactics."

Jamie Burton KC is well regarded for handling claims against the police concerning discrimination, assault and the failure to investigate and protect. He is also experienced in protest-related cases.

"Jamie Burton is hard-working and excellent on his feet, with great strategic vision."

"Jamie is incredibly bright, legally astute and a powerful advocate. He is forensically detailed and you can have absolute confidence that he will leave no stone unturned."

"Jamie is an expert strategist."

Maya Sikand KC is highly regarded for claims against the police in relation to police shootings and false imprisonment. She is highlighted for her prominent instruction in the Undercover Policing Inquiry and has further knowledge in claims involving malicious prosecution, misfeasance, assault and ECHR breaches.

"Maya is a powerful advocate with impressive attention to detail. She is forensic in her approach and leaves no stone unturned. Her written advice is incredibly thorough."

"Maya's drafting and advocacy skills are excellent."

Nicholas Bowen KC possesses notable expertise spanning tort, negligence, misfeasance and human rights claims against the police and other public authorities. He is particularly active in claims alleging a failure to properly investigate crime.

"Nick takes what the rest of us would see as a hopeless cause and he turns it into a case that goes all the way to the Supreme Court. He gets cases before appellate judges and sets huge precedents."

"He is passionate and is willing to consider complex issues."

"He has a great mind for the law and its application. He has a superb memory too. In court, he is always courteous and appropriately assertive for his clients."

Nick Brown has acted in a number of the most prominent police inquests in recent years, as well as related civil litigation. He has expertise in representing clients in a range of civil claims including assault, misfeasance and false imprisonment.

"Nick thinks deeply about every question or issue presented to him, however small, which is refreshing. His communication and response rate are excellent."

"Nick is a very good communicator and team player, and great with clients. He provides accessible advice and practical solutions."

"Nick is totally reliable, timely and provides clear advice regardless of complexity."

Sam Jacobs successfully represents victims of police wrongdoing in a variety of claims, including those for false imprisonment, and has acted in cases which closely examine the legal grounds for police liability in negligence.

"Sam is very considered in his advice and takes the time to look at things very thoroughly and give difficult advice when needed. He's also very sharp and quite reassuring with clients as well."

"Sam Jacobs is a safe pair of hands for any complex case, delivering excellent client care and sensible advice and advocacy."

"Sam is a very astute and intelligent lawyer who understands the bigger picture. He offers pragmatic advice and has excellent knowledge across a number of areas of law."

Angela Patrick has acted in claims against the police regarding human rights breaches, assault and battery, and unlawful detention. Her practice also focuses on judicial reviews, inquiries and inquests.

"Angela has a very good command of the relevant legal principles and an almost encyclopedic knowledge of case law. She is able to argue effectively and persuasively on behalf of the client."

"She is so good on the law, so good on preparation and such a good intellect, both in terms of legal and forensic analysis."

Frederick Powell is adept to handle inquests and civil claims against the police. His experience encompasses death in police custody, discrimination and failure to protect claims.

"Frederick is diligent and hard-working, with great attention to detail and excellent client care skills."

"Frederick Powell has an eye for detail and is extremely thorough."

"Frederick Powell is a rising star. He is clever and astute and works extremely hard. He is incredibly committed, passionate and has superb client care skills."