Police Law: Mainly Defendant

John Beggs KC is a formidable barrister and an advocate renowned for his peerless strength in trials and cross-examination. He is instructed by various police forces in a broad range of considerably high-profile claims concerning unlawful arrest other matters. He is also picked out for his leading expertise in inquests, notably those arising from police shootings.

"John Beggs is an outstanding advocate and will always fight strongly for his client's interests. His written work is excellent and his tactical approach is exceptional."

"John is at the top of his game and the go-to person for complex police misconduct matters, among others."

"John Beggs is very precise and detailed and always puts the client first. He is our first choice for intricate, difficult cases."

"He takes the time to provide guidance and make you aware of issues that may have an impact on the work that you do."

"John Beggs has a massive court presence and is probably the toughest police opponent."

Cecily White has a wide-ranging police law practice that encompasses inquests, inquiries, misconduct proceedings, judicial reviews and civil actions. She is adept at handling cases concerning human rights, unlawful arrest and negligence claims.

"Cecily White is an incredibly strong advocate. She is always across the detail, well informed, and her expertise shines through. She has an incredible ability to explain things in layman's terms."

"Cecily is very bright and articulate, and working with her is always a pleasure."

Elliot Gold is an accomplished and erudite barrister who represents the police in claims of misfeasance in public office and breaches of Article 3 ECHR due to inadequate action. He also offers experience in judicial reviews and in cases concerning discrimination and human rights issues.

"Elliot Gold is a great legal mind."

George Thomas specialises in civil claims arising from the police's response to protests and public order matters. He represents the police in claims alleging data protection breaches and disability discrimination, and also acts in precedent-setting judicial reviews.

"George Thomas has a great manner with clients and a great deal of experience in dealing with this area of work."

"His advocacy is very strong."

Gerard Boyle KC is a go-to barrister for the police in a variety of sensitive matters, including at inquests and in public inquiries. He is also highlighted for his experience in police disciplinary procedures.

"Gerard Boyle is an outstanding court advocate with excellent client-handling skills. He knows just how to calibrate very sensitive points in high-stakes cases."

"He is an exceptional advocate with an excellent approach to client care. He offers advice in a supportive but pragmatic manner. He responds to any query in good time and with careful thought."

James Berry is a popular choice of barrister for the country's largest police forces in the defence of tort and human rights claims. The scope of his expertise also includes public inquiries, wide-reaching judicial review challenges and human rights cases.

"James Berry is an excellent advocate who manages clients well and ensures that all work is completed to the highest standard."

"He's great on the law but also quite pragmatic. He knows when to push a point or let one go."

Matthew Holdcroft defends human rights claims arising from the police's failure to investigate, in addition to claims regarding negligence, human rights breaches and misfeasance in public office. He is also noted for his strength in police disciplinary hearings.

"The client is always satisfied with his work and strong advocacy. He is responsive and approachable."

"Matthew is completely fearless. When you have a case where you need to get stuck into the evidence, he is my go-to for that."

"The quality of his advocacy was of a high standard."

Stephen Morley is a highly regarded police law barrister who focuses on complex civil claims regarding assault and discrimination. He also regularly acts in judicial reviews challenging decisions made in police misconduct hearings, in addition to public inquiries.

"Stephen is very engaging and has a reassuring and kind manner with clients and witnesses."

"Stephen Morley is an outstanding advocate with very good client care. He is a safe pair of hands and reliable."

Aaron Rathmell represents forces in civil claims emanating from misconduct procedure and employment-related matters, as well as a range of tort claims brought by members of the public.

"Aaron Rathmell is always prompt to respond to requests for advice and goes out of his way to be accommodating. He takes a measured approach to his work, which is reassuring and appreciated."

Dijen Basu KC is widely recognised for defending the police against sensitive claims concerning human rights breaches and other issues. His work takes in cases including those stemming from shootings and deaths in custody.

"Dijen is incredibly detailed and thorough."

Mark Ley-Morgan is a strong barrister with a focus on sensitive and complex civil claims concerning false imprisonment, malicious prosecution and various human rights breaches, including those brought by claimants having suffered serious injury in the course of contact with the police.

"Mark Ley-Morgan is always responsive and approachable. Clients are always satisfied with his work and strong advocacy."

Oliver Williamson defends the police against civil claims concerning the disclosure of sensitive information, among other issues. He also acts for various police forces in misconduct proceedings against individual officers.

"Oliver has an excellent approach to client care. He has a calming influence on clients, making them feel listened to, valued and confident that he will act in their best interests at all times."

Briony Ballard is a respected barrister who is instructed by various police forces in sensitive matters including inquests and misconduct proceedings.

"Briony Ballard has a great presence in the courtroom."

Edward Pleeth is a popular barrister who is valued by forces for his representation of the police in sensitive civil claims and in relation to corruption allegations. He is also experienced in officer misconduct proceedings.

"Edward Pleeth is incredibly intelligent, charismatic and excellent at client skills."

Frances McClenaghan represents police forces across the UK in a variety of disciplinary matters and cases arising from injury and death in police custody. She is also instructed on matters involving human rights breaches and inquests.

"Frances knows her own and is very efficient and personable."

"She gains the trust of clients and tribunal quickly."

Ian Skelt KC defends high-profile civil claims against the police concerning wrongful conviction, unlawful arrest and personal injury. He is also highlighted for his work in judicial review, including cases relating to criminal record disclosure.

"Ian Skelt is knowledgeable, friendly and offers a brilliant service."

Sarah Simcock is a strong choice of barrister for the representation of the police and other emergency services at Article 2 inquests.

"Sarah is extremely experienced, very bright and easy to work with."