Civil Liberties & Human Rights: Northern
THE SET This Manchester-based set is highly regarded in the North for its long-standing commitment to civil liberties work, which interviewees recognise as being at the core of much of its members' work. This expertise is complemented by strength in prison and immigration law. The front-line staff at Garden Court North are considered a real asset, with sources noting that the clerks are "helpful, friendly and easy to deal with."
JUNIORS Pete Weatherby is a top-drawer practitioner who is singled out for the "commitment and tenacity" he displays in his well-established practice covering a broad range of complex civil liberties cases. Recent noteworthy successes include a case which held that forcing sex offenders to remain on the register for life without a mechanism for review was a breach of their human rights.
Nick Stanage of Doughty Street Chambers is particularly strong in bringing civil actions against the police, and has handled numerous claims concerning breaches of the right to free expression and the right to peaceful assembly. Specific highlights include a £1 million false imprisonment and breach of human rights case against Gloucestershire Police on behalf of political protesters. Sources herald him as "extremely approachable and not overly legalistic when discussing matters; he always offers clients wonderfully comprehensive advice."