Department profile
Bhatt Murphy

Civil Liberties & Human Rights: Prison Law

UK Guide 2026 : UK-wide


Bhatt Murphy

Rankings

About

Provided by Bhatt Murphy

Civil Liberties and Human Rights are at the heart of Bhatt Murphy’s work, including in our police law, prison law, immigration detention and security services work. Bhatt Murphy lawyers are consistently involved in some of the most high-profile civil liberties cases.

Bhatt Murphy has one of the largest and longstanding police action teams in the jurisdiction. Our reputation has been built acting for Claimants (exclusively) in high profile, high value, complex public and private law claims against chief officers nationwide. Our lawyers are known for setting precedents at all levels both domestically and in the European Court of Human Rights. We work collaboratively with clients to achieve wider police accountability, including by challenging the police complaints system where it fails to provide just outcomes.

The focus of Bhatt Murphy’s immigration detention and migrant rights work is holding those in power to account and obtaining redress for migrants who are wrongly detained, held in poor conditions or unlawfully affected by the Home Office’s ‘hostile environment’ policies. We act for individuals in civil claims for compensation, judicial reviews and inquests / inquiries; and NGOs as claimant or intervenors in judicial reviews. We advise on pursuing matters to the European Court of Human Rights when remedies in the UK have been exhausted.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Civil Liberties & Human Rights: Prison Law - UK-wide

Band 1

Band 1


What the Team is Known For

Bhatt Murphy demonstrates a strong firm-wide focus on civil liberties and human rights, often handling some of the highest-profile cases in the field. Its civil liberties work encompasses security services matters, immigration detention and prison law. The team is experienced in supporting victims of domestic violence and hate crimes, particularly in cases arising from alleged procedural failures by the state. In addition, it offers capabilities in human trafficking and mental health-related cases.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Bhatt Murphy advised former pregnant prisoners who are seeking accountability for their traumatic experiences of being handcuffed during antenatal examinations and labour.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Bhatt Murphy are able to identify the issues at the heart of complex and often highly charged situations.

    Civil Liberties & Human Rights: Prison Law respondentUK
  • Bhatt Murphy will go above and beyond in the pursuit of not just justice, but in ensuring a deep level of care for the people they represent.

    Civil Liberties & Human Rights: Prison Law respondentUK
  • Without a doubt, Bhatt Murphy is a top firm cutting across different areas of the law like civil liberties, immigration and public law.

    Civil Liberties & Human Rights: Prison Law respondentUK

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Senior StatespeopleRaju Bhatt
    Senior StatespeopleRaju Bhatt

    Raju Bhatt

    Raju Bhatt maintains a stellar reputation for his broad and varied human rights practice. He is particularly highly regarded for his handling of matters involving police law and the treatment of those held in prison.
    • Raju is a real expert on police claims work.

      Civil Liberties & Human Rights: Prison Law respondentUK
  • Band 1Hamish Arnott
    Band 1Hamish Arnott

    Hamish Arnott

    Hamish Arnott is skilled in public and human rights law, frequently handling cases touching on the treatment of prisoners, including those held in immigration detention.

  • Band 1Mark Scott
    Band 1Mark Scott

    Mark Scott

    Mark Scott is renowned for his ability to bring complaints against state bodies, particularly those concerning detention and death in custody cases.

  • Band 1Shamik Dutta
    Band 1Shamik Dutta

    Shamik Dutta

    Shamik Dutta brings a wealth of experience to his human rights practice, which frequently involves bringing a range of claims against the Home Office and police. He is also highly regarded for privacy work.
    • Shamik breaks things down into accessible language, is responsive on the phone and is practical.

      Civil Liberties & Human Rights: Prison Law respondentUK
    • Shamik is a brilliant lawyer who robustly represents his clients in large, complex cases. He has a formidable intellect, is incisive and cuts to the heart of the issue.

      Civil Liberties & Human Rights: Prison Law respondentUK
  • Band 1Simon Creighton
    Band 1Simon Creighton

    Simon Creighton

    Simon Creighton is renowned for his prison law expertise, as well as being skilled in matters concerning the conduct of the police.
    • Simon has written the books on this type of law.

      Civil Liberties & Human Rights: Prison Law respondentUK
  • Band 2Charlotte Haworth Hird
    Band 2Charlotte Haworth Hird

    Charlotte Haworth Hird

    Charlotte Haworth Hird maintains a respected practice which includes bringing claims alleging various ECHR violations. She also regularly represents bereaved families who have suffered as a result of Article 2 breaches at inquests.
    • Charlotte is a leading lawyer in terms of mental health-related matters.

      Civil Liberties & Human Rights: Prison Law respondentUK
    • Charlotte is extremely experienced and knows what will happen at every stage of the case. She is very well organised and a fierce advocate for her clients.

      Civil Liberties & Human Rights: Prison Law respondentUK
  • Band 2Jane Ryan
    Band 2Jane Ryan

    Jane Ryan

    Jane Ryan is a skilled human rights practitioner who frequently acts for prisoners and immigration detainees. She also recently acted on behalf of transgender individuals bringing claims against the police and prisons.

    • Jane is a formidable lawyer who is tenacious and empathetic in equal measure.

      Civil Liberties & Human Rights: Prison Law respondentUK
    • Jane is a true force, driven by an unwavering focus on achieving justice, and situating individual cases in wider contexts. She brings a powerful mix of expertise and humility.

      Civil Liberties & Human Rights: Prison Law respondentUK
    • She works tirelessly to understand and best represents her clients' interests. She ensures that her clients are well supported through complex and overwhelming cases.

      Civil Liberties & Human Rights: Prison Law respondentUK
  • Band 3Janet Farrell
    Band 3Janet Farrell

    Janet Farrell

    Janet Farrell has a respected practice focused on a wide range of challenges to immigration detention. She also offers expertise in matters involving access to healthcare and the imposition of curfews, and has a strong presence in the law surrounding women's rights.
    • Janet has a real tenacity, gets stuck into a case and you know she will leave no stone unturned.

      Civil Liberties & Human Rights: Prison Law respondentUK
  • Associates to watchJessie Brennan
    Associates to watchJessie Brennan

    Jessie Brennan

    Jessie Brennan is an associate noted for her representation of vulnerable claimants. She often undertakes claims against government bodies and local authorities.

    • Jessie Brennan is fantastic on migrant rights.

      Civil Liberties & Human Rights: Prison Law respondentUK
    • Jessie Brennan is super smart and a delight to work with.

      Civil Liberties & Human Rights: Prison Law respondentUK

Ranked Individuals at Bhatt Murphy (10)

UK-wide

Members

Provided by Bhatt Murphy

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