Juliet Spender

Practice Areas

I’ve developed expertise over a number of years working on behalf of clients in cases against Public Authorities. I’m a solicitor specializing in civil liberties. I joined the Public Law and Human Rights team in August 2017 and I’m based in our London office. I’m a member of the coordinating committee of StopWatch, a charity which was set up to address the disproportionate and discriminatory use of stop and search powers by police. I’m also part of a network of lawyers from across Europe and the USA sharing knowledge and expertise on how to address ethnic profiling. The network is run by the Open Society Justice Initiative.

I advise and represent clients on a broad range of issues including:

Inquests:

I represent family members at inquests and have predominantly worked on inquests following deaths in state detention or after contact with public authorities.

False imprisonment, malicious prosecution, and assault:

I act for clients who have been wrongfully detained, prosecuted, or assaulted by the police, prison, or immigration authorities. I have settled a large number of claims, securing clients significant financial compensation for their losses and apologies.

Discrimination on grounds of race, gender, or other characteristics:

My previous cases include advising transgender clients on discrimination by police, and assisting clients with physical disabilities to secure suitable adaptations, courses, or work placements within the prison system.

Human Rights Act and Data Protection Act issues:

I assist with a broad range of human rights issues and have particular expertise in privacy cases against the police arising out of the retention or disclosure of personal data. I bring claims for degrading treatment following unlawful use of force.

Immigration detention:

I act for clients who have been unlawfully detained by the immigration authorities due to breaches of Home Office policy.

Unlawful stops and searches:

I advise on whether a traffic stop, stop and search, or strip search is unlawful and support clients to bring a claim when appropriate.

Police complaints:

I assist with making police complaints, or with pursuing an appeal if a complaint is not upheld.

Judicial review:

I assist clients with challenging decisions made by public authorities. I have particular expertise in challenging decisions by the CPS, prison and probation services, and the police.

Trespass to land/goods by police:

I help with challenging police searches of business premises or homes, with a view to obtaining an apology, preventing further interference and securing financial compensation.

Adverse criminal records:

My previous work has led to the successful removal of police cautions, arrest records, and other information held by the police. I can advise on criminal record certificates ("CRB checks" or "DBS checks").