Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Police Law: Mainly Defendant - All Circuits

1
Band 1

What the Team is Known For

5 Essex Court offers extraordinary depth of expertise in the defence of police forces in the full gamut of civil claims. Its range of insight is highlighted by clients who say "everyone at 5 Essex impresses me, right from Jason Beer down to pupils. I have never had a situation where we have found fault with what they have said. I would implicitly trust what they give me". The barristers handle misfeasance in public office, malicious prosecution, false imprisonment and assault, with one interviewee noting "if I have a significant claims involving a false imprisonment or malicious prosecution, 5 Essex is my first port of call. They are accepted as being the leading set in this area". The barristers are sought out to represent the police at inquests and in other sensitive matters involving the death of members of the public. Other notable work arises from matters including the use and retention of data on offenders, or the conduct of police investigations. Most recently, the set has been involved in the Post Office Inquiry and the public inquiry into the fatal shooting of Chris Kaba.

Mark Waller is the senior clerk.

Strengths

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Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

Georgina Wolfe
Georgina Wolfe
Star Individuals

Georgina Wolfe is a highly regarded barrister with a focus on high-profile police cases. She is noted for her skill in inquests and public inquiries, and her practice also includes representing police forces in judicial reviews.

Georgina is an amazing team player, very easy to get along with. She has very good judgement and is very good at handling clients. She is very personable but also not afraid to deliver tricky advice.

Georgina’s expertise is second to none. Her impressive ability to think on her feet and provide tailored solutions to nuanced issues faced throughout the inquiry process has been invaluable.

Georgina Wolfe is very strong, she is top-class.

Georgina Wolfe is a total star, people love her. She is a very safe pair of hands, just excellent.

Georgina Wolfe is a proper, proper talent. She is the best police law junior. She is incredible really, she buzzes with enthusiasm and is incredibly collaborative.

Jason Beer
Jason Beer
Star Individuals

Jason Beer KC is an outstanding silk who is regularly instructed in high-profile civil claims concerning police shootings and a host of other issues such as data protection breaches. He represents police forces in claims brought under the Human Rights Act, and in public inquiries, an area in which he is arguably the leading expert at the Bar. Judicial reviews concerning policing policy are an additional focus.

Jason Beer is an area leader. He is very effective - depressingly effective if you're against him.

Jason Beer is outstanding, first-rate. He is one of the most outstanding practitioners, the best in the UK. He is the most hard-working barrister you could ever hope to meet.

Jason Beer is the leading barrister in many fields. He is an incisive and robust advocate.

Jason is the leading police barrister, full stop. He is instructed by pretty much every police force in the country. He has a commanding presence in the court. The judges listen to him closely.

Any counsel should be worried when they are up against Jason, he is that good. You cannot take your eye off the ball for a moment with him. He is focused, creative, analytical and persuasive.

Amy Clarke
1
Amy Clarke
1
Band 1

Amy Clarke is known for her deft handling of litigation brought under the Human Rights Act concerning the police's failure to investigate, in addition to claims of false imprisonment and misfeasance.

Amy Clarke is fabulous, way ahead of her call; she is really good. She is fair and that is unusual. She is realistic and knows when to withdraw, and that is a skill.

Amy is fantastic. She is really good at drafting and has really good judgement. I wholeheartedly recommend her; she has a lovely manner and supports clients.

Amy Clarke is thorough and proactive. She is impressive.

Amy is top of my list for inquest work for her level of call.

Anne Studd
1
Anne Studd
1
Band 1

Anne Studd KC represents the police and the IOPC in sensitive police inquiries, disciplinary hearings and civil claims, with a focus on death by police contact. She is noted for her effectiveness in misfeasance and personal injury claims, as well as inquests.

Experienced clients appreciate Anne's ability to go straight to the heart of complicated issues. She is a commanding presence in court and conference.

Beatrice Collier
1
Beatrice Collier
1
Band 1

Beatrice Collier defends police forces in civil claims pertaining to unlawful arrest, false imprisonment and malicious prosecution. Her practice focuses on representing the police against claims driven by alleged breaches of the ECHR. She is also noted for utilising her public law knowledge to advise on police-focused judicial reviews.

Beatrice is quite simply the best barrister I have ever worked with. She is friendly, highly intelligent, calm, reassuring and articulate. She is exceptional.

Beatrice Collier is one of the best defendant barristers. She is very hard-working, and an excellent advocate. She thinks carefully about how to achieve the best for her client.

Beatrice Collier is top-notch .

Beatrice Collier is friendly and she has a very good understanding of the cases. She is a very calm advocate and has a good judgement of the important points on cases.

Cicely Hayward
1
Cicely Hayward
1
Band 1

Cicely Hayward represents the police in civil claims concerning false imprisonment and other torts, including those arising from investigative failings. Her practice also covers judicial reviews. She is additionally an excellent choice for prominent inquest work.

Cicely Hayward is a very good advocate, very sensible. She can tailor the case in the way that it develops. She is also very good in court. She provides good written advice, and is concise.

Cicely Hayward is fantastic to work with. She is very good at understanding the key points of complex cases. She is also an effective advocate.

Cicely Hayward is so, so good. She is very effective and all over the detail. As a junior, she does stuff without you even asking; she is outstanding.

Cicely Hayward is excellent, I rate her very highly.

Fiona Barton
1
Fiona Barton
1
Band 1

Fiona Barton KC is a highly regarded police defence barrister with a focus on complex civil claims of all kinds, including those stemming from the collapse of criminal trials due to non-disclosure, those alleging the failure to investigate crime and those arising from shootings. She is particularly adept in inquests and public inquiries work.

I get excellent advice from Fiona on complex work.

Fiona Barton is really good with claimants and families in sensitive cases.

Fiona handles high-profile cases well. She is superb and very experienced. For someone of her standing, she's so down to earth. She's calm and that's good with officers, especially in sensitive cases.

Fiona is an exceptional barrister and advocate. She has the sharpest mind combined with being personable and approachable. She is a definite go-to for the most complex work.

Fiona Barton is very good, I use her all the time. She is very responsive and reliable. She is my go-to person for work-related matters involving the most senior officers.

Jonathan Dixey
1
Jonathan Dixey
1
Band 1

Jonathan Dixey assists the police with a range of high-profile cases and hearings, including civil claims, judicial reviews, group litigation orders and public inquiries. He also acts for police forces in misconduct proceedings and employment tribunals.

Jonathan is really charming, extremely easy to work with and get on with. He is fiercely bright, knows his cases well and will run it. I never have any concerns about what he's doing.

Jonathan Dixey's understanding of the police regulations and determinations is second to none; he is able to cut through legal issues and set out clearly legal risks and positives to clients.

Jonathan provided an excellent service at a high-profile inquest supporting witnesses and presenting the force position clearly. He was responsive and always on hand to deal with any issues arising.

Jonathan Dixey is one of the most reassuring people for clients. He is incredibly strategic, as well as very careful and personable. Clients feel very safe in his hands. He is excellent in court.

Jonathan Dixey has a real expertise in handling complex and sensitive cases. He works incredibly well with clients and is great to work with as part of a wider legal team.

Olivia Checa-Dover
1
Olivia Checa-Dover
1
Band 1

Olivia Checa-Dover is instructed in the defence of civil claims by a number of police forces across the North. She has notable experience in matters concerning alleged misconduct by officers, false arrest and failure to investigate, including those involving issues of discrimination.

Olivia's client care is second to none. She puts clients and witnesses at ease in even the most serious of claims. Olivia's takes a no-nonsense approach to advocacy and cross-examination.

Olivia Checa-Dover is very well respected by her clients. She has a solid grasp and provides tactical advice.

Olivia's work is outstanding, articulate and concise. She can get to the core of the issue very quickly. She is fierce, a tough cross-examiner. She supports and champions juniors' successes.

Olivia Checa-Dover gets to the thrust of the argument quickly, efficiently and succinctly, ensuring that the point is not lost on anyone. Olivia is very approachable, making her a go-to barrister.

Russell Fortt
1
Russell Fortt
1
Band 1

Russell Fortt defends the police against civil claims in relation to deaths in custody, misfeasance, malicious prosecution, the retention of information and false imprisonment.

Russell is very competent technically and has an ability to break down complex matters and present them in a favourable manner to the judge.

Russell Fortt is very good on complex cases and anything to do with the Humans Rights Act.

I use Russell Fortt for bigger cases. He is brilliant on paper and I hear he is great in court.

Russell is a tough negotiator, he doesn't suffer fools. He looks under every stone to find a solution. I'm impressed by his fortitude. He rolls the sleeves up and gets involved: that's a real asset.

Samantha Leek
1
Samantha Leek
1
Band 1

Samantha Leek KC is highly respected for her representation of police forces in inquests and inquiries. She has a particular focus on police shootings and deaths in custody, and is also experienced in criminal and disciplinary proceedings.

Samantha Leek and I got a lot of work done together sensibly, even in a high temperature case. She is phenomenal, I send work to her. If I was a public body in trouble, I would go to her.

Aaron Moss
2
Aaron Moss
2
Band 2

Aaron Moss has considerable experience in claims concerning wrongful arrest, assault, negligence, data protection and misfeasance. He also acts in high-profile inquiries.

Aaron Moss has an incredible grip on the law. He is very thorough. He is also personable and friendly.

Aaron Moss is excellent counsel, he is able to deal with complex matters comprehensively and provide a much-needed guiding hand with patience and expertise.

Aaron Moss has phenomenal judgement, he can distil things so well; his brain works so quickly.

Aaron Moss's ability to provide clear strategic advice to clients and inspire confidence is excellent.

Aaron is wise beyond his years and has worked on a number of complex, sensitive and high-profile matters over the last few years.

Andrew Waters
2
Andrew Waters
2
Band 2

Andrew Waters acts for the police in civil claims including negligence and human rights breaches, as well as claims arising from deaths in custody and failure to investigate. He also advises on judicial review proceedings concerning the scope of police powers.

Andrew Waters is very patient, accommodating, happy to talk through complex issues in an easy-to-understand manner. It is helpful to have somebody willing to pick up the phone to discuss a case.

Andrew Waters is particularly good at cross-examining the respondent officer, often leaving them nowhere to go. His closing submissions are also very effective and of great assistance to the panel.

Andrew Waters is highly regarded by clients for his personal approach and insight.

Barnabas Branston
2
Barnabas Branston
2
Band 2

Barnabas Branston is known for representing police forces in misconduct hearings, as well as defending against civil claims arising from unlawful arrest, assaults and misfeasance in public office. He is also highlighted for his skills in police-related inquests.

Mr Branston is a class act. He has a real presence in the hearing room and is well-liked by Hearing Officers who tell me that he makes their life easy. He is particularly` good with witnesses.

Barnabas Branston is highly regarded by Coroners for his knowledge of specialist areas.

Barnabas Branston does a lot of misconduct work, he is very good and knowledgeable.

Claire Palmer
2
Claire Palmer
2
Band 2

Claire Palmer is a well-respected barrister with a police and government department-focused practice. Her profile among police lawyers has risen thanks to a key instruction in the Undercover Policing Inquiry, which builds on her work for forces in inquests and employment matters.

Claire Palmer is very detail-oriented. Nothing gets past her.

Francesca Whitelaw
2
Francesca Whitelaw
2
Band 2

Francesca Whitelaw KC specialises in inquests in relation to terror attacks, and also represents the police and the IOPC in a range of civil claims and in judicial review.

Francesca is just everywhere. She really deserves her success and reputation, she is very clever. She speaks with authority and people respect her. She is trusted to be strong and forceful.

Francesca Whitelaw has a beautiful way of reducing tension. She is so personable and likeable and people really respond to that. She is so charismatic that people respond to the tone that she sets.

Francesca Whitelaw is a brilliant advocate. She has a fantastic eye for detail and a nice, relaxed manner to her advocacy.

Francesca Whitelaw is great, she is very bright. She is a bit of a role model for me.

John Goss
2
John Goss
2
Band 2

John Goss acts for police forces in claims brought on grounds of misfeasance, malicious prosecution, false imprisonment, negligence and more. He also has a strong practice in judicial reviews.

John Goss has an encyclopedic memory of the law; his knowledge of the law is so good.

John Goss is brilliant, quietly intellectual and a great advocate.

John Goss is very thorough, he really understands the detail. He is a very nice advocate, calm in his manner and effective at getting his point across. He is a good opponent and easy to work with.

John is excellent on the more complicated cases and his client service level is always very good.

John Goss is working beyond his call. He is exceptional.

John-Paul Waite
2
John-Paul Waite
2
Band 2

John-Paul Waite acts for the police in tort claims, inquests and other matters, and has defended cases arising from disability discrimination and sexual harassment claims. He also undertakes judicial review work.

Police Forces have needed John-Paul’s analytical mind to assist the tribunal through complex issues that are unfamiliar to them and yet he does this with consummate ease.

John-Paul has an ability to structure matters in a simple way; he is direct and persuasive but delivers his submissions with charm and humour. He is someone who grasps complex issues with ease.

John-Paul Waite is very good on high-profile and weighty stuff.

John-Paul can be relied upon to pick up complex and unusual areas of law and deal with them expertly. He has a knack for explaining complex matters in a way they can be understood and acted upon.

John-Paul Waite is very accessible, friendly and easy to work with. Judges like him.

Mark Thomas
2
Mark Thomas
2
Band 2

Mark Thomas is a popular choice of barrister among several police forces, who instruct him in sensitive inquests as well as tort claims involving false imprisonment, human rights breaches or inadequate criminal investigations.

Mark Thomas can look forward and decide on a best approach. He is a very confident advocate, he is well liked by coroner, and he is a pleasure to work with.

Mark Thomas is a delightful colleague even in a very fraught case; he is very sensible, measured in his approach and is mindful of the evidence's impact on the family.

Mark Thomas is very user-friendly, responsive and helpful.

Whenever Mark's services are offered to me, I stop what I am doing to ensure nobody else beats me to it. I know that his involvement in a case means that my client will get the best service there is.

Mark has an incredibly strategic mind, a real talent for looking at a case at a high level and making judgement calls about the best approach. He has very in-depth knowledge about police forces.

Robert Cohen
2
Robert Cohen
2
Band 2

Robert Cohen is a barrister with a growing reputation for successfully defending the police against civil claims stemming from malicious prosecution, and strong experience in broader matters including allegations of systemic racism. He is also particularly well regarded for his work in police-related inquests.

Robert Cohen is helpful, responsive and a very good advocate.

Robert Cohen is responsive and shows common sense in his submissions. He has good judgement and faces issues head on.

Robert Talalay
2
Robert Talalay
2
Band 2

Robert Talalay is a respected barrister who is experienced in civil actions against the police concerning false imprisonment and the retention of information. His practice also covers inquests.

Robert is fantastic. I have instructed him for many years and he always provides an exceptional service. His knowledge and attention to detail is exceptional and he could easily stand up to scrutiny.

Robert Talalay is very approachable, easy to deal with, pragmatic and speaks plainly with people. He is a really good senior junior.

Robert Talalay is really good on his feet and really good with clients. Clients completely trust him. He is not flustered, a very good person to have in your corner on a difficult case.

Robert Talalay is incredibly bright, his knowledge is exceptional and he is very quick to respond and assist. He is always happy to go the extra mile. He is eloquent and persuasive, my go-to junior.

Robert, or 'Bobby' as he is affectionately known, is an excellent all-rounder.

Alice Meredith
3
Alice Meredith
3
Band 3

Alice Meredith acts for police officers and the IOPC in relation to various civil claims brought by members of the public, as well as a host of other issues such as officers' working conditions.

Alice is a delight to deal with. She has a calm manner and is an effective advocate. Her case openings are always well structured and make it easy for a panel to focus on the key issues in the case.

I worked with Alice Meredith on a case where there was not much to go on, as it was in the Magistrates' Court. It was difficult and she was outstanding.

Catriona Hodge
3
Catriona Hodge
3
Band 3

Catriona Hodge is a public law-focused junior barrister who has attracted significant attention among her peers at the police law Bar. She has represented numerous police forces and the IOPC in various civil claims and other related matters, including those arising from discrimination.

Charlotte Ventham
3
Charlotte Ventham
3
Band 3

Charlotte Ventham KC is well respected for high-value police claims with a focus on malicious prosecution, misfeasance in public office, and false imprisonment. She also represents the police in judicial reviews and matters concerning alleged Human Rights Act breaches.

Charlotte Ventham is an incredibly strong advocate at trial while remaining approachable to client and witnesses throughout. She provides quick and concise advice in build up and throughout trial.

Charlotte stands out, she is very bright and has a very sharp mind.

Charlotte has excellent attention to detail and her written work is thorough and meticulous. She is clever, collaborative, hard-working and very easy to get on with; I really enjoy working with her.

Charlotte is amiable, polished, competent and responsive. She is a bright lady, I rate her highly. She is very good on paper, as well as with clients and officers.

Charlotte Ventham is absolutely brilliant. I have been very impressed by her, she always has the big picture. She is great to work with.

Peter Laverack
3
Peter Laverack
3
Band 3

Peter Laverack acts on behalf of police forces in relation to misconduct proceedings against individual officers. He is additionally instructed on false imprisonment claims.

Peter is an excellent advocate and has excellent attention to detail.

Peter Laverack is a really nice guy. He is very competent and prepared. He is so good with clients and witnesses. With sensitive and tricky cases, you would instruct him.

Conor Monighan
U
Conor Monighan
U
Up and Coming

Conor Monighan enters the rankings this year. He has experience of handling complex Police Law matters, including high-profile public inquiries.

Conor Monighan has a hand on everything. He's very articulate and does very good submissions in quite complex cases.

Conor is our go-to counsel for Police Law matters because of his work ethic and comprehensive legal knowledge in a number of key areas. His expertise and knowledge go far beyond his years of call.

Conor is always up to date with relevant case law and will share relevant updates. He is a confident and measured advocate and is always extremely well prepared for hearings.

Conor is always very helpful, has an excellent communication style and is very adept at analysing complex cases quickly.

Conor Monighan is highly rated by my team. He is delightful, eloquent and bright. One to watch.

David Messling
U
David Messling
U
Up and Coming

David Messling is regularly instructed to act on civil claims against police forces and inquests. He is sought out for cases with discrimination aspects and those involving death or injury in custody.

David is a very reliable and safe junior, with great keenness and a lovely manner.

David Messling is fair and honest, but a fighter!

David has a wide breadth of experience in police law and he is always helpful, attentive and produces work of a high standard.

Jennifer Wright
U
Jennifer Wright
U
Up and Coming

Jennifer Wright is sought after for her expertise in representing police forces for a variety of claims, including false imprisonment and death in custody. She has a flourishing inquests practice which complements her standing in police matters.

Jennifer Wright is a real rising star; she is very good.

Jennifer's client service level is always brilliant.

Jennifer Wright is becoming the junior that police forces seek out. They value her ability to analyse a lot of complicated material. She is well thought of by clients.

While Jennifer is junior counsel, she quickly navigated complex issues involved in the mediation both legal and practical, provide quick views and solutions.

Jennifer provides very good and compelling advice. She went out of her way to advise me on how to approach it with the claimant. She is a real rising star, she will go far.

Ranked Barristers at
5 Essex Chambers

Provided by Chambers
Filter by
Band

Silks (KC)

All Circuits

Police Law: Mainly Defendant

Jason Beer KC
Jason Beer KC
Star Individuals
Anne Studd KC
1
Anne Studd KC
1
Band 1
Fiona Barton KC
1
Fiona Barton KC
1
Band 1
Samantha Leek KC
1
Samantha Leek KC
1
Band 1
Francesca Whitelaw KC
2
Francesca Whitelaw KC
2
Band 2
Charlotte Ventham KC
3
Charlotte Ventham KC
3
Band 3

Juniors

All Circuits

Police Law: Mainly Defendant

Georgina Wolfe
Georgina Wolfe
Star Individuals
Amy Clarke
1
Amy Clarke
1
Band 1
Beatrice Collier
1
Beatrice Collier
1
Band 1
Cicely Hayward
1
Cicely Hayward
1
Band 1
Jonathan Dixey
1
Jonathan Dixey
1
Band 1
Olivia Checa-Dover
1
Olivia Checa-Dover
1
Band 1
Russell Fortt
1
Russell Fortt
1
Band 1
Aaron Moss
2
Aaron Moss
2
Band 2
Andrew Waters
2
Andrew Waters
2
Band 2
Barnabas Branston
2
Barnabas Branston
2
Band 2
Claire Palmer
2
Claire Palmer
2
Band 2
John Goss
2
John Goss
2
Band 2
John-Paul Waite
2
John-Paul Waite
2
Band 2
Mark Thomas
2
Mark Thomas
2
Band 2
20 of 28 results