David Messling

Practice Areas

David has a broad public law practice, including judicial review and human rights, inquests and inquiries, civil claims, professional discipline, and data protection and information law.

His recent work has included acting for the Metropolitan Police in the inquest into the death of PS Ratana, for NHS Digital in the Covid-19 Inquiry, and as junior counsel to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry.

David undertakes police misconduct work for forces across the country, including appearing in recent judicial review proceedings against a misconduct panel outcome (R(O’Connor v Police Misconduct Panel [2023] EWHC 2892 (Admin)).

He regularly advises on complex and sensitive matters, including protest and public order, strip searching of minors, dangerous dogs cases, firearms, sexual impropriety and abuse of position.

He is often instructed in jury trial claims against police forces in the High Court and County Court for false imprisonment, malicious prosecution and assault. His public law practice has included recent appearances in the High Court regarding police powers of seizure, mental health powers and a challenge to a Serious Crime Prevention Order (Juul v Chief Constable of Dyfed-Powys [2024] EWHC 193 (Admin)).

Before joining 5 Essex Chambers, David worked as an Assistant Adjudicator for the Officer of the Independent Adjudicator for Higher Education.

David is a regular speaker at 5 Essex Chambers’ annual Police Law Conference, as well as contributing to Chambers’ police law publication The Beat.

Please visit the 5 Essex Chambers website for David’s profile, which sets out full details of his practice including relevant work.