Department profile
5 Essex Chambers

Professional Discipline

UK Bar Guide 2026 : London (Bar)


5 Essex Chambers

Rankings

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Professional Discipline - London (Bar)

Band 3

Band 3


What the Team is Known For

5 Essex Court is a strong set of chambers for police disciplinary matters. Members are selected by over half of all police forces in the country to present disciplinary proceedings. Barristers from the set additionally represent the IOPC in related matters. Their work includes the prosecution of serious allegations such as those relating to inappropriate use of force or allegations of racism, sexism and homophobia. Tenants are involved in high-profile cases in police misconduct, including disciplinary proceedings relating to the death of Chris Kabba. One commentator mentions the "vast array of talent and expertise" that the set has to offer.

Mark Waller is the senior clerk.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • The clerks at 5 Essex are some of the best around.

    Professional Discipline respondentUK Bar
  • The clerks always give a swift response.

    Professional Discipline respondentUK Bar
  • The whole clerking team are really good and very responsive.

    Professional Discipline respondentUK Bar

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 1Jason Beer
    Band 1Jason Beer

    Jason Beer

    Jason Beer KC is well known as one of the leading lights of the police law Bar and is in constant demand among chief constables throughout the land. He is a top choice for presenting serious allegations of misconduct against senior officers. Related public law challenges form a complementary area of expertise.

    • Jason Beer KC is a big hitter.

      Professional Discipline respondentUK Bar
    • Jason is seriously good, he is a very able barrister.

      Professional Discipline respondentUK Bar
  • Band 3Barnabas Branston
    Band 3Barnabas Branston

    Barnabas Branston

    Barnabas Branston is recognised as an expert barrister in disciplinary procedures involving police officers. He routinely acts on behalf of police forces in cases involving the use of excessive force and gross misconduct. He also acts for the police in inquests.

    • Barney provides comprehensive assistance. He is personable and non-egotistical while holding his own work to a very high standard.

      Professional Discipline respondentUK Bar
    • He's incredibly easy to deal with. Barney is very knowledgeable and unfazed by anything. He's excellent all round.

      Professional Discipline respondentUK Bar
  • Band 4Amy Clarke
    Band 4Amy Clarke

    Amy Clarke

    Amy Clarke is highly adept in police disciplinary matters relating to sexual impropriety and abuse of power, among other forms of misconduct. She regularly acts for police services throughout the country.

    • Amy Clarke is always fantastic to work with.

      Professional Discipline respondentUK Bar
  • Band 4Anne Studd
    Band 4Anne Studd

    Anne Studd

    Anne Studd KC is highlighted for her involvement in high-profile police disciplinary matters. She represents forces in matters arising from alleged misconduct both on and off the beat, in addition to appeals concerning decisions of forces or the IOPC.

    • Anne Studd KC is a really strong individual in this area. She is incredibly experienced and instructed in major cases.

      Professional Discipline respondentUK Bar
  • Band 4Daniel Hobbs
    Band 4Daniel Hobbs

    Daniel Hobbs

    Daniel Hobbs is frequently instructed by police forces to present in misconduct cases involving grave reputational risk.

    • Daniel Hobbs is a very good police law lawyer who understands the market and what the client wants.

      Professional Discipline respondentUK Bar
  • Band 4Fiona Barton
    Band 4Fiona Barton

    Fiona Barton

    Fiona Barton KC is a renowned silk who possesses a wealth of experience in police discipline matters. She is particularly capable in defending allegations of gross misconduct. She is also called upon to handle significant inquests and judicial reviews.

    • Fiona Barton KC is a longstanding silk who is sensible and strong.

      Professional Discipline respondentUK Bar
  • Band 5Charles Apthorp
    Band 5Charles Apthorp

    Charles Apthorp

    Charles Apthorp specialises in police misconduct, where he is instructed to present for a number of different police forces. He is a legal assessor to the GDC.

    • Charles is a great advocate and a safe pair of hands.

      Professional Discipline respondentUK Bar

Ranked Barristers at 5 Essex Chambers (7)

London (Bar)

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