About
Provided by Deighton Pierce Glynn
The civil liberties team at DPG has a wealth of expertise in helping those who have been victims of abuses by the state. We represent families at complex inquests whose relatives have died in prison and police custody, immigration detention, whilst sectioned in hospital under the Mental Health Act or following police contact. We help our clients fight to secure the accountability of those responsible through criminal and/or disciplinary proceedings, bringing compensation claims and securing policy changes.
We assist our clients to secure release from detention in IRCs and prisons under immigration powers, and to challenge the conditions of their detention. Our focus is working for detainees who have a mental or physical illness or disability, children, victims of trafficking or torture and those who have been detained for very long periods or are from an EU state or a country where removal is difficult. We have secured substantial awards of compensation for our clients who have been unlawfully detained or unlawfully treated.
We have specialist expertise to help victims of modern slavery and human trafficking. We work sensitively and fearlessly to help those who have been trafficked to enforce their legal rights.
Our solicitors offer a high level of client care and this is an essential part of how we work. We are renowned for our commitment to our clients and for our skilful and determined use of the law to achieve their objectives.
Chambers Review
Deighton Pierce Glynn demonstrates a highly varied portfolio of claimant-focused work, ranging from damages claims arising in the national security context to immigration detention and trafficking cases. The firm's client base includes activists, NGOs and individual migrants. It offers capability in taking on cases funded by alternative sources including crowdfunding. The team also handles cases and proceedings under the Equality Act concerning discrimination.
Work Highlights
- Deighton Pierce Glynn represented 38 families in Bah & Others, a ground-breaking claim for compensation under the HRA arising from the claimants having been subjected to a policy that breached Article 3 of the ECHR, thus giving rise to a procedural breach of the claimants’ Article 3 rights.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The team is extremely capable and provides support around the needs of the individual."
"Deighton Pierce Glynn always go above and beyond for their clients."
"They show excellence in the breadth of their practice and handle a lot of high-profile cases."
"The team is extremely capable and provides support around the needs of the individual."
"Deighton Pierce Glynn always go above and beyond for their clients."
"They show excellence in the breadth of their practice and handle a lot of high-profile cases."
Notable Practitioners
Jane Deighton is an eminent figure within the civil liberties market. She is a senior consultant at the firm and is notably skilled in discrimination claims.
"Jane is one of the country's most eminent civil action lawyers."
"Jane could not be more tenacious, switched on to her clients needs and endlessly empathetic; she is a force to be reckoned with."
Sue Willman is an exceptionally well-regarded human rights lawyer who has a wealth of experience across a variety of claims including those relating to immigration detention and disability discrimination.
"Sue is extremely detailed and is extremely good at legal strategy."
"She has really good insight and knows how the courts work - it is a learning experience working with someone like her."
"Sue is very good - she has an encyclopedic knowledge of human rights and absolutely deserves her status."
Managing partner Polly Glynn is deeply experienced in handling judicial review proceedings in the country's highest courts and the ECtHR. She also runs the firm's PAP Project, which provides frontline organisations with training and supervision to challenge government decisions.
"Polly is a phenomenally talented practitioner."
"She is a force of nature."
Daniel Carey is noted for his expertise in privacy cases as part of a broad domestic and international human rights practice which also incorporates immigration and military detention claims.
"Daniel is super intelligent, careful and conscientious in everything he does."
"He is an absolutely top-drawer solicitor."
"Dan is an incredible lawyer who has great judgement and client skills."
Sarah Ricca is notably skilled in representing the families of those who died as a result of alleged neglect from public bodies, such as the police, mental health services and social services. She is highly experienced in cases involving domestic violence.
"She stands out in terms of her commitment to her clients. Clients trust her judgement and her leadership."
"She is truly passionate about her work."
Adam Hundt is experienced in a wide range of cases including those corncerning torture, immigration and trafficking. He also handles judicial reviews arising in the health and social care space.
"He is extremely knowledgeable and will turn over every stone for his client."
Ugo Hayter is a highly regarded expert in civil liberties and human rights. Her practice in this area sees her represent victims of human trafficking in bringing damages claims against those involved in exploitation.
"I really rate Ugo; she is very good at thinking strategically and looking at how her cases might impact a wider group of people."
"She is a brilliant solicitor."
"Ugo deals with everything incredibly smoothly and produces fantastic legal work."
"She thinks outside the box when exploring court challenges, keeping a close eye on intersectional issues and innovative legal arguments."
"She is a fighter who is solidly committed to the complexity of her clients' cases."
Emily Soothill regularly acts for clients in challenging unlawful decisions by the state, including in relation to asylum seeker accommodation.
"Emily is a certified genius. She works incredibly hard and is super bright, empathetic and thoughtful."
"She is someone who is very emotionally intelligent, and clients love her."
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Provided by Deighton Pierce Glynn