Civil Liberties & Human Rights: Prison Law
UK Guide 2025 : UK-wide
Band 2
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
(020) 7702 5331About
Provided by Hickman & Rose
The civil liberties team at Hickman & Rose are leading experts addressing some of the most serious abuses by police and other detaining authorities, including the use of force and arrest and decision making in the police station. Clients are victims, suspects and detainees from all walks of life, from those regularly involved with the criminal justice system to bereaved families and professionals who have not previously been involved with the police until their rights have been breached.
The team has particular expertise in police shootings, taser and restraint related deaths. Such incidents are no respecters of class or age, but disproportionately affect people who are suffering from mental health breakdown, and black men. Bereaved families need help tackling investigations by the Independent Office for Police Conduct and the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman, inquests, civil proceedings and public law challenges.
A core area of expertise lies in seeking remedies for ill treatment in prison and immigration detention, including prisoner on prisoner violence and sexual abuse to false imprisonment, the use of excessive force by staff and discrimination.
Another strand of the team’s work is upholding protest rights through civil and public law proceedings. This currently includes the ongoing public inquiry for victims of undercover policing, acting for police officers’ family members who were duped, protesters and lawyers who were targeted.
Chambers Review
Hickman & Rose has a strong focus on representing bereaved families in restraint and death-in-custody cases, assisting them in bringing civil challenges and proceedings against state entities. The practice also incorporates immigration detention issues. It handles sophisticated international work, including matters relating to war crimes, and also demonstrates expertise in undercover policing matters.
Work Highlights
- Hickman & Rose acted for the family of Luke Clarke at the Article 2 ECHR inquest into his death. Luke died at HMP Wormwood Scrubs less than 24 hours after having arrived at the prison from the hospital where he had undergone an assessment under the Mental Health Act.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"We received massive support from Hickman & Rose. They are an efficient and effective team."
"Hickman & Rose handled matters extremely effectively and efficiently."
"Hickman & Rose provides a Rolls-Royce service. They are really thoughtful in their approach."
"We received massive support from Hickman & Rose. They are an efficient and effective team."
"Hickman & Rose handled matters extremely effectively and efficiently."
"Hickman & Rose provides a Rolls-Royce service. They are really thoughtful in their approach."
Notable Practitioners
Daniel Machover is a renowned human rights practitioner. He regularly represents claimants bringing claims against the police and accusations of miscarriages of justice, and has handled international matters involving claims of war crimes and torture.
"Daniel is very established."
"Daniel brings tactical judgement and calmness, alongside dedication and thought, to his practice. He values everyone's contribution to the case, and brings a lot to the overall representation."
"He thinks very deeply about the client, while pursuing fascinating, creative points in cases."
Kate Maynard is well regarded for her representation of vulnerable individuals and the families of those who have died or experienced alleged neglect while held in prison or immigration detention.
"Kate is an absolutely brilliant solicitor who is amazing with clients."
Helen Stone has built a strong reputation for her work bringing claims against the police and prison services. She has particular expertise in representing bereaved families at inquests.
"Helen is very smart and strategic. I was really impressed by her."
"Helen has really good attention to detail. She is thorough and persistent. She comes across as super-knowledgeable and smart."
"Helen is an outstanding practitioner in the inquest and inquiries space and she has an exceptional amount of experience. She is extremely industrious."
Stefano Ruis has a strong reputation for handling civil liberties claims against the police and also undertakes public inquiry work.
"Stefano is very experienced and well regarded."
"Not only is he a good lawyer, but he is also very humane and understanding of clients' needs."
"Stefano is someone who does extremely good-quality work."
Ellie Cornish is an associate at Hickman & Rose who focuses her practice on advising clients in civil actions arising from contact with the criminal justice system.
"The level of service I have received from Ellie has exceeded my expectations, which has made my overall experience pleasant."
"She is a very good lawyer."
"She is really excellent, committed and thorough, and also incredibly bright."
Toby Wilton has extensive experience representing claimants in false imprisonment matters. He is well versed in miscarriage of justice cases, supported by his knowledge of the Human Rights Act 1998 and Equality Act 2010.
"Toby is impeccable at drafting, has great listening skills, and is easy to work with. He is careful to get full instructions from the client and ensure their views are heard."
"Toby is absolutely a rising star. He is really cutting through a number of areas involving civil liberties and human rights. He has great public law instincts."
Ranked Lawyers at
Hickman & Rose
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Provided by Hickman & Rose