Police Law: Mainly Defendant
UK Guide 2025 : UK-wide
Band 1
Contact number
+44 (0)20 7822 1900About
Provided by Weightmans
We are at the forefront of professional discipline work:
o Healthcare professionals - GMC, GDC and HCPC hearings. Partner to various NHS Trusts, from inception of issues through to resolution of formal disciplinary proceedings, including audits of fitness to practise cases for three UK healthcare regulators and fitness to practise case handling processes.
o Solicitors and legal services regulation - defending solicitors facing SRA proceedings and SDT proceedings, as well as early stages of complaints and advice on compliance through the firms market leading COMPLI offering
o Traditional professions - disciplinary proceedings before RIBA, ARB (architects) and ICAEW (accountants).
o Emerging professions - developing professional regulators, most notably in front of CICAIR (approved inspectors). We have secured appointment to undertake audits of fitness to practise processes and decisions for a statutory regulator of a non-healthcare profession.
Weightmans acts not just in formal disciplinary proceedings themselves, but in all stages including initial crisis containment, pre-dialogue with regulators, and associated corporate protection advice to minimise long-term business damage. We are also advocates at interim hearings of the GMC and GDC, at Performers List hearings, Inquests, and at interim and substantive hearings before the Solicitors’ Disciplinary Tribunal. Our work is high-profile including many key High Court and Court of Appeal decisions.
Chambers Review
Weightmans is a leading police practice that acts for forces across the country on inquests and judicial reviews, public liability claims and claims of human rights abuses. It frequently acts on claims for assault and malicious prosecution. The firm provides additional representation in employer liability matters.
Work Highlights
- Weightmans represented the Chief Constable of the Essex Police in a personal injury claim brought by an individual who asserts that they were injured by the Essex Police whilst in detention.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Weightmans have a quick and professional team."
"Weightmans are absolute experts in the field, and the advice we get from them is absolutely outstanding. They are always really clear about their advice and willing to go the extra mile."
"Weightmans are extremely knowledgeable and thorough. They are always quick to respond when needed."
"There is always someone who can assist, sometimes with the most bizarre cases. We have a very good working relationship with the team, and they are always available to offer advice and support."
"Weightmans have a quick and professional team."
"Weightmans are absolute experts in the field, and the advice we get from them is absolutely outstanding. They are always really clear about their advice and willing to go the extra mile."
"Weightmans are extremely knowledgeable and thorough. They are always quick to respond when needed."
"There is always someone who can assist, sometimes with the most bizarre cases. We have a very good working relationship with the team, and they are always available to offer advice and support."
Notable Practitioners
John Riddell has considerable expertise in complex police law litigation, involving claims of malicious prosecution, negligent police investigation and breaches of the Human Rights Act.
"I found John helpful and very knowledgeable."
"John Riddell is a very good police and public lawyer. He is very good."
Andrew Steel recently joined Weightmans as a partner based in Manchester. He is well regarded for defending police forces in relation to civil claims.
"Andrew is level-headed and sensible. He is somebody who understands the case law, the pros and cons, and the merits."
"Andrew is a top-drawer, high-class solicitor."
"Andrew is my go-to person for police claims. He is a leading person for sure."
Hannah Walsh heads the London police team at Weightmans. She is lauded for her expertise, acting exclusively for police clients on matters such as inquests and civil claims.
"Hannah leads the police team brilliantly. She really understands the complexities of the business and works tirelessly to come up with new and more efficient ways of doing things."
"Hannah is very knowledgeable and helpful, always quick to resolve any issues. She is very approachable, and I am comfortable going to Hannah with any issues I may need resolving."
"Hannah is exceptional in everything that she does."
Orla Scanlan is esteemed for her vast experience defending complex police-related matters, such as death in custody, false imprisonment and misfeasance in public office, on behalf of forces across the country.
"Orla is a very experienced solicitor. She has excellent judgement."
"Orla is a very good civil litigator."
"She is experienced and has worked for the police force for a long time."
Daniel Rutherford is noted for his representation of police forces in matters including inquests and civil claims.
"Daniel is an incredibly knowledgeable solicitor. He deals with all the problems the case has, and you can trust him to deal with them without fault."
"Daniel has provided an excellent service on some of our most complex civil claims."
"We have a very positive working relationship with Dan. He is extremely helpful and knowledgeable. Dan goes above and beyond to assist us."
Sadie Seabrook has a varied police practice which includes advising on claims such as false imprisonment and breach of the Human Rights Act.
"Sadie is a highly experienced practitioner."
Christopher Wilkinson is a principal associate at Weightmans. He represents police forces in various matters arising from the use of force and cooperation between the UK and EU crime agencies.
"Chris is a hard-working associate with a bright future in the police law field."
"Chris is relaxed whilst also being dedicated and committed to his clients."
Ranked Lawyers at
Weightmans
UK-wide
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Provided by Weightmans