This leading civil liberties firm excels across the board in unlawful detention, police law and prison work thanks to the quality of its lawyers, who take "a completely motivated and determined approach to pursuing justice." Clients are particularly quick to praise the team's claimant work against state powers, and its challenges to the treatment of individuals by the criminal justice system.
KEY INDIVIDUALS Raju Bhatt offers expertise in death in custody inquests and police malfeasance. Through his vast experience in contentious matters he has appeared in a range of cases up to the highest appellate levels. He wins plaudits as an "extremely committed practitioner" who "leaves no stone unturned and explores every legal opportunity in a case." Fiona Murphy also commands tremendous respect amongst clients and peers in the public law and human rights sectors. She is hailed as "dedicated, hard-working and passionate" in her claimant work against the police and those responsible for police oversight. Tony Murphy specialises in challenges against state agencies, including the police, Prison Service, CPS and local authorities. Beyond this, he impresses sources with his work in inquest law and, more recently, with his involvement in the test case against the Metropolitan Police regarding its failure to investigate allegations of trafficking and enforced labour in the UK. Mark Scott focuses on cases at the cutting edge of civil liberties law relating to the treatment of young people in custody and the rights of immigration detainees. Peers perceive him as a team player who is "a pleasure to work with." Hamish Arnott is commended for his work with prisoners and those detained under the Immigration Act. Simon Creighton is a pre-eminent figure in prison law, and is particularly well-versed in cases concerning those on life tariffs. He recently successfully secured a change to a prison authority's policy on the rights of prisoners to see journalists. Shamik Dutta is best known for his police law work, but has recently also undertaken a significant amount of immigration detention cases.
This stellar human rights team is renowned for the "consistent quality and novelty" of its work. Interviewees agree that the depth and breadth of its experience in civil liberties is outstanding; it regularly handles issues relating to mental health, detention, discrimination and the rights of protestors. Notable highlights have included establishing that Brian Haw can maintain his iconic protest in Parliament Square, and securing a £20,000 damages settlement in a disability discrimination claim brought by a paraplegic prisoner at HMP Belmarsh.
KEY INDIVIDUALS Stephen Grosz heads the team's human rights and public law practice. He receives widespread acclaim for his work and is "unmatched in his ability, his meticulousness and his caring approach to clients." Sources agree that "he inspires the utmost confidence - you would never doubt his judgement." Recent work of note includes his representation of prisoners in their applications to the European Court of Human Rights over the government's failure to change the law to allow them to vote in the General Election. John Halford is an acknowledged leader for civil liberties work, with one source enthusing that he is "head and shoulders above" the bulk of his peers. He is acting in a continuing European Court of Human Rights case about the legality of ‘kettling’ at the 2001 May Day protests and also represents a number of activists who were ‘kettled’ and beaten while part of the G20 protests. Saimo Chahal enjoys a well-deserved reputation for her continuing commitment to right to life and right to die, mental health and inquest work. She is hailed as "a ferocious litigator with great instincts who also has a compassionate strand and fully understands what motivates her clients." Chez Cotton specialises in actions against the police and other detaining authorities. She has recently been involved in several freedom of press issues relating to police curtailment of legitimate reporting at protests; she successful secured damages from the Commissioner of Police on the grounds that he prevented journalists reporting on a protest outside the Greek Embassy. According to clients she is "incredibly personable and productive, and she does an excellent job of managing expectations." The market recognises Gwendolen Morgan for her "sharp brain" and recent work on a European Court of Human Rights forced labour case arising out of her successful challenges against the CPS and police for failure to properly investigate allegations of mistreatment. She is involved in a significant amount of human rights training, writing and campaigning work, and sources agree that "she knows exactly how to play a case tactically, is well in tune with the issues, and understands where the pressure points are." The "thorough and meticulous" Anna Mazzola emphasises privacy issues and has developed valuable expertise in challenging the retention and disclosure of personal information by the state. She is also acting and campaigning for journalists in relation to the police's treatment and control of their photographs.
Admiring sources cannot speak highly enough of this niche criminal defence, immigration and civil liberties firm. They commend the team's "real capacity to deal with different clients and areas of law and also to wade through countless papers."
KEY INDIVIDUALS Gareth Peirce holds a legendary status amongst peers, who comment that she "continues to make an enormous impact on the development of human rights law," and is "always willing to put in the hours." She remains committed to challenging government-implemented anti-terrorism measures and representing those who suffer ill treatment at the hands of the state. Henry Miller is well regarded for his terrorism-related work. Areas of expertise include the proscription of terrorist groups and how this conflicts with a person's right to self-determination, as well as the issues arising from the freezing of suspected terrorists' funds. The highly respected Harriet Wistrich is a specialist in issues involving police shootings, prisoner abuse and domestic violence. Marcia Willis-Stewart's practice has expanded beyond her bread and butter police work to increasingly cover terrorism-related matters. Interviewees are quick to praise her efficient and dedicated manner. Prison law specialist Daniel Guedalla recently secured a review of a convicted murderer's sentence by the European Court of Human Rights following a ruling that the former Home Secretary had breached the prisoner's human rights by imposing the original sentence.
This dedicated civil liberties team wins plaudits for its depth of experience and high quality advice. In addition to being "known for its willingness to fight long battles to the bitter end," the firm is further commended for being "prepared to handle cases that others would not be prepared to handle." A recent highlight was its victory in securing damages for several Guantanamo detainees in the high-profile Al Rawi case. The group is also involved in the lead application to the European Court of Human Rights on the lawfulness of 'kettling' in protests.
KEY INDIVIDUALS Founding partner Louise Christian is recognised as a major player in human rights. She is representing Alexander Litvinenko's widow in a case against the Russian Government before the European Court of Human Rights, in addition to advising her on the inquest into Litvinenko's death. Associate to watch Katherine Craig has built a solid reputation for her inquest and police action work, regularly fighting public bodies on behalf of the most vulnerable sections of society. Her caseload includes a disability discrimination case against the police for failure to accommodate an autistic individual, and a claim against the Home Secretary for the unlawful imprisonment of a Cameroonian refugee.
On 1st May 2012, Pierce Glynn merged with Deighton Guedalla to form Deighton Pierce Glynn. This niche practice embraces both public and private law discrimination claims as well as Human Rights Act-based judicial reviews and damages claims. It handles a high volume of unlawful immigration detention work, acting for both detainees and NGOs. The breadth and capability of the firm's work is further highlighted by two significant social welfare cases in Strasbourg. It challenged the legality of the Housing Act as it relates to assisting homeless applicants who are not UK nationals and it is also advising applicants on the relevance of Article 8 to residential possession proceedings. Sources say the firm is "unflinchingly committed to the clients it represents" and the team "always roll their sleeves up and do a very thorough job."
KEY INDIVIDUALS Sue Willman is head of the public law and human rights department. She is highly thought of by peers who describe her as "terrifyingly good" and agree that she "impresses the other side with her quiet efficiency." Willman is particularly impressive in asylum and community care work: "She is able to effortlessly combine these two complex areas of law." Adam Hundt has recently been made a partner, and he is nationally recognised for his healthcare and immigration detention work. He is heavily involved in the NGO sector, and he has successfully litigated for policy concessions on access to primary care for patients from abroad. On the immigration side, he acted in a test case about the applicability of the Disability Discrimination Act. One source comments that "his knowledge and experience make him a pleasure to work with." Also recently promoted to partner is Gareth Mitchell, who is currently handling a sizeable case concerning the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's responsibility to nationals from abroad. Zubier Yazdani specialises in issues relating to young people and children being detained and trafficked. He is currently working with various national and international NGOs in several test case challenges to the treatment of unaccompanied and trafficked minors. "Truly delightful associate" Louise Whitfield's recent focus is on public law discrimination challenges, and she is handling a six-figure Disability Discrimination Act damages claim arising from a failure to provide a placement for a student nurse. Jane Deighton is a seasoned and respected practitioner who peers cite as an inspiration for the level of her commitment to civil liberties work. She is acting in the Mark Saunders inquest. Sarah Ricca recently concluded the Lynch inquest, which concerned the mistreatment of vulnerable people in detention. Sources are impressed with her "rigorous preparation and utterly scrupulous manner," adding that "she leaves no stone unturned and is a good team player."
This civil liberties team operates out of East Anglia, although it has a national reputation for its work in unlawful detention, immigration and community care. A recent highlight was its success in a judicial review against the Home Secretary; the client was granted indefinite leave to remain after a number of previous rejections.
KEY INDIVIDUALS Hannah Graves offers expertise in handling contentious matters against public bodies and the state. She is especially heralded for her work within the complex crossover of asylum and child care, and observers note that she is "prepared to take on difficult issues" and "extremely dogged, but incredibly personable and she often manages to achieve what the client needs whilst avoiding it going to court."
This team attracts praise from market sources, who consider it to be an "impressive force in the civil liberties sector." Its prison law and immigration team is highly regarded, but the firm also applies its civil liberties expertise to a wider range of areas including education, community care and health law. Sources appreciate the team's "genuine enthusiasm and in-depth knowledge about their specialist areas of work."
KEY INDIVIDUALS Deputy head of the police and prison law department Andrew Arthur continues to challenge the use of restraints and handcuffs on prisoners who are receiving medical treatment. He also has considerable expertise in false imprisonment, police misfeasance and wrongful conviction.
This specialist crime and human rights law firm is "an incredibly efficient operation that is wholly interested in justice," according to sources. It has a particularly strong track record in bringing actions against the police, and recent work includes civil claims for false imprisonment, malicious prosecution and a judicial review concerning a CRB certificate. Clients appreciate the team's approachability and its flexibility with fee arrangements.
KEY INDIVIDUALS Daniel Machover has a long-established civil liberties practice and is hailed as "wonderfully persistent; he will always push his case an extra 10% and is not easily intimidated." One source also commends his "laser-like focus." Machover is currently representing British passengers who were on board the Gaza Freedom Flotilla and are seeking a range of remedies, including the return of their belongings by the Israeli authorities. Beth Handley makes her ranking debut this year, with market sources labelling her as "reliable and accurate." She impresses with her civil claims against the police for false imprisonment and death in custody.
This vibrant civil liberties department maintains a strong reputation for its expertise across a range of claims. It regularly handles inquests into deaths in custody, civil actions against the police, claims in relation to immigration officers and misprosecution. Sources appreciate that the team "provides a lot of support for clients in what is an inevitably difficult process."
KEY INDIVIDUALS Sources are expansive in their praise of Jocelyn Cockburn, citing "the weight of experience that she brings to bear in her work," adding that she has "tactical nous and a clear eye on the result she is aiming to achieve." She specialises in civil actions against the police and public authorities as well as developing the firm’s inquest work, representing the families of those who die in state custody. She also continues to act in claims relating to Snatch Land Rovers and is testing the application of the principle of 'combat immunity' both under the Human Rights Act and in negligence claims in a test case this year. The newly ranked Edward Kirton-Darling and Anna-Louise Thwaites are both relatively junior, although interviewees agree that they are "ahead of the game" and "not afraid to take novel areas of law and push the boundaries," as well as being a "pleasure to work with." Thwaites is known for her police action cases and Kirton-Darling has a strong interest in inquest law.
This team maintains its long-standing commitment to the sector. It has offices in Sheffield, Hull, Leicester, Rotherham and Barnsley, and is well-equipped to advise on a range of matters including judicial review, prisoner’s rights, death in custody, miscarriages of justice, mental health, immigration, inquests and criminal law challenges.
KEY INDIVIDUALS Department head Peter Mahy offers broad public and administrative law experience, as well as being highly regarded for his specialist work in police complaints and civil actions against the police. He is currently representing a number of prisoners from psychiatric institutions in a test case concerned with the issue of whether patients in mental health establishments should be entitled to full state benefits.
This Sheffield-based team enjoys a growing national reputation for its comprehensive human rights practice. The group is driven by a number of leading individuals, and has particular strength in education litigation, social care, healthcare and prison law.
KEY INDIVIDUALS Yogi Amin focuses on health and community care, and is especially praised for his adult care work. Peers compliment his "tenacious approach to work." Peers highlight John Dickinson as an "innovative and outstanding lawyer." His main focus is human rights litigation and prison law. He was involved in the significant Supreme Court case which ruled that sex offenders who can prove that they are no longer a risk to the public may be removed from the register.
Sources identify this niche human rights and personal injury firm as "a real trail-blazer" in human rights law; it is "courageous and never afraid to take on big cases against the state and public authorities." It successfully challenged the government in a high-profile case involving the export controls on a drug used in the death penalty in the USA. The team is able to draw on the wider firm's expertise to cover a broad range of sectors from prison law to education and discrimination matters. Other recent work includes advising a number of clients on their right to access NHS treatment, handling issues surrounding the right to die and also acting in various challenges to the CPS. Clients especially appreciate the firm's ability to "give candid advice about all the legal possibilities."
KEY INDIVIDUALS Richard Stein is "strongly politically committed," with one source commenting that he is "very energetic in pursuing ground-breaking cases." He appeared in the Binyam Mohammed case this year, successfully blocking the government's request that the High Court judgment from the original challenge would not be published. He is also challenging the British intelligence policy of interviewing detainees overseas. Market observers report that human rights department chair Frances Swaine is "a calm, sensible and practical tactician." She is highly regarded for her civil litigation work, which focuses on the social care, healthcare, inquests and education sectors of the practice. Interviewees agree that Jamie Beagent "really shines in his devotion." He has particular experience in central government and immigration challenges; he is equally well-versed in planning, environmental and unlawful detention cases. Clients attest that associate-to-watch Rosa Curling is "hard working and extremely dedicated." She is representing UNISON in its challenge to the government’s proposal to radically change the way in which the NHS operates. Sean Humber is a talented individual with particular expertise in prisoner law. He is acting for prisoners before the European Court of Human Rights in the landmark voting rights case.
This firm is now a wholly owned subsidiary of Simpson Millar, which has significantly enhanced its national profile. The team excels in civil liberties matters concerning education, social and healthcare matters and is praised for its "dedication to matters that affect vulnerable people."
KEY INDIVIDUALS Angela Jackman has a wealth of experience in deprivation of liberty cases. She recently acted in a novel matter concerning a grandparents' challenge to a local authority's refusal to offer financial assistance in caring for their grandchildren. Sources recognise Oliver Studdert as a committed campaigning lawyer. He focuses on young people, the responsibilities owed to them by the social services and their right to education. He is regularly instructed by the Official Solicitor in parental extradition cases where children would effectively be orphaned.
Public Law Solicitors enjoys a strong reputation across a range of civil liberties sectors including housing, asylum, health and community care matters. The Birmingham-based team has recently expanded and now employs six solicitors to meet the needs of its thriving practice.
KEY INDIVIDUALS Karen Ashton has a wealth of human rights experience, with a particular focus on health and community care. She is currently handling a noteworthy case challenging the application of the asset-freezing regime to the families of those suspected of terrorism. Fellow founding partner Alastair Wallace is an equally well-known name in the public law sector, and he specialises in community care and planning cases.
This team offers expertise across the gamut of international and domestic human rights work. Interviewees agree that it shows "exceptional dedication" in making representations to public bodies on alleged breaches, and subsequently making applications to the European Court of Human Rights once all of the domestic legal remedies are exhausted. The group wins particular plaudits for its work with prisoners facing the death penalty, and it takes a large number of cases to the judicial committee of the Privy Council. A recent highlight was achieving a landmark judgment in Kenya which ruled that the automatic imposition of the death penalty for murder violates the right to life.
KEY INDIVIDUALS Department head Louis Charalambous is well regarded for his criminal and media law expertise, and is commended for his handling of human rights issues that arise within this context. Co-executives of the Death Penalty Project Pervais Jabbar and Saul Lehrfreund are held in high esteem for their work providing free legal advice to those facing the death penalty. Sources describe them as "completely committed to constitutional human rights issues."
Sources label this civil liberties group "a team of real fighters." It incorporates police law, prison law and public law teams and sits alongside the dominant criminal defence department, illustrating the breadth of the firm's expertise. It commonly handles alleged failures of the criminal justice system, complaints against the police, control orders and anti-terrorism work. The team has recently acted on behalf of Ian Tomlinson's family in the high profile inquest into his death at the G20 protests. Clients appreciate that the firm "repeatedly goes above and beyond what is expected."
KEY INDIVIDUALS Jules Carey is an outstanding civil liberties practitioner who handles an extensive range of claims including false imprisonment, assault, malicious prosecution, discrimination, death in custody, and judicial reviews. Clients admire his "go-getting attitude" and his ability to "always translate a complicated matter into layman terms."
The highly regarded
Imran Khan of Imran Khan & Partners is head of both the crime and the actions against police departments. A recent highlight was successfully achieving an acquittal for two suspects accused of planning the 7/7 London bombings.
Nicola Mackintosh of Mackintosh Law is highly regarded for her expertise in human rights issues relating to community care, health and mental health law.
Elkan Abrahamson of Jackson & Canter LLP remains well respected for his work in prisoners' rights. He recently won the prisoner voting rights case at the European Court of Human Rights, where the Strasbourg judges ruled the UK’s blanket ban on inmates voting was unlawful.
Michael Pemberton manages Stephensons prison law team. He is greatly experienced in prison law, human rights matters and judicial review.
Kristen Bender of Scott-Moncrieff & Associates has a strong reputation for prison work. She represents prisoners before parole boards, and also handles judicial reviews of prison service decisions and criminal appeals regarding indeterminate sentences.
Smita Bajaria recently arrived at The Legal Rights Partnership and is lauded for her
"wonderfully dogged persistence and ability to put vulnerable clients at ease." Her broad practice encompasses matters involving refugee and migrant justice, mental health and terrorism.