Department profile
Doughty Street Chambers

Police Law: Mainly Claimant

UK Bar Guide 2026 : All Circuits


Doughty Street Chambers

Rankings

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Police Law: Mainly Claimant - All Circuits

Band 1

Band 1


What the Team is Known For

Doughty Street Chambers offers a "range of expert barristers who have excellent experience" in cases against the police. They are esteemed for their work in high-profile civil claims relating to arrests and assault, negligence, discriminatory policing and the failure to investigate. Members have notable experience in sensitive claims arising from deaths in custody or during operations, and frequently appear for families in associated inquests. The set routinely handles the most significant cases in the field, including the civil claim for misfeasance concerning the police cover-up of the Hillsborough disaster. Barristers from the set have also attracted major instructions for non-police participants in public inquiries, including the Undercover Policing Inquiry. An interviewee notes that "Doughty Street contains noted experts in their respective fields. Barristers from the set provide a consistently high quality professional service. It is the go-to set in many fields."

Sian Wilkins is the senior civil clerk.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Doughty Street Chambers is one of the sets I approach first when looking for counsel. The clerks are very friendly and responsive.

    Police Law: Mainly Claimant respondentUK Bar
  • Doughty Street's clerking team is always really good, helpful and responsive.

    Police Law: Mainly Claimant respondentUK Bar
  • Doughty Street's billing team are good, they are not aggressive or unreasonable, but pleasant to deal with. Hania is very good, she manages difficult schedules well.

    Police Law: Mainly Claimant respondentUK Bar
  • The clerks at Doughty Street are really good, particularly Grace and Hania, who are responsive and accommodating.

    Police Law: Mainly Claimant respondentUK Bar
  • Doughty Street is clerked really well and they also look after us as clients, especially Sian. They are very good at dealing with issues if they arise.

    Police Law: Mainly Claimant respondentUK Bar

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 1Adam Straw
    Band 1Adam Straw

    Adam Straw

    Adam Straw KC is a leading police action and public law barrister, well known for his work in relation to police shootings. He also handles claims concerning the national legislation for disclosure and miscarriages of justice. He is particularly notable for his strength in public inquiries.

    • Adam Straw is very good. He's very successful because he's persuasive and measured, an attractive advocate.

      Police Law: Mainly Claimant respondentUK Bar
    • Adam Straw is the leading silk for police shootings, he is incredibly knowledgeable. He is forensic and very talented.

      Police Law: Mainly Claimant respondentUK Bar
    • Adam is an extremely strong advocate with an eye for detail. I would recommend him for complex matters in particular.

      Police Law: Mainly Claimant respondentUK Bar
    • Adam Straw is a real leader in the field. He is able to skilfully handle the most complex of cases.

      Police Law: Mainly Claimant respondentUK Bar
  • Band 1Alison Seaman
    Band 1Alison Seaman

    Alison Seaman

    Alison Gerry is a skilled barrister who is highly reputed for her work in failure to protect, assault and false imprisonment claims, in addition to police-focused inquests. She attracts acclaim for her work in the long-running legal fallout of the Hillsborough disaster.

    • Alison Gerry is very calm, clever and responsive. She is pretty unflappable, she knows what she's doing. She is good on the law and the evidence.

      Police Law: Mainly Claimant respondentUK Bar
    • I am really impressed by Alison Gerry. She is good with clients; I've recommended her.

      Police Law: Mainly Claimant respondentUK Bar
    • Alison is knowledgeable, down to earth and excellent with clients.

      Police Law: Mainly Claimant respondentUK Bar
    • Alison is an exceptional advocate, deeply committed to her clients, adept at strategy and has first-class knowledge of the law in this area.

      Police Law: Mainly Claimant respondentUK Bar
    • Alison Gerry is incredibly good; she is passionate and very good with clients. She never takes a step back in her advocacy, you want her in your corner.

      Police Law: Mainly Claimant respondentUK Bar
  • Band 1Fiona Murphy
    Band 1Fiona Murphy

    Fiona Murphy

    Fiona Murphy KC is known for leading national conversations on policing policy. She is regularly sought out to represent the families of those killed as a result of interaction with the police, including at inquests and public inquiries, and provides outstanding counsel in matters arising from areas such as IOPC procedure.

    • Fiona has a real practical grasp on the important guiding principals and is always on top on developments in the law. She has specialised in police law all her career, so she is uniquely experienced.

      Police Law: Mainly Claimant respondentUK Bar
    • Fiona Murphy is very strong in her field.

      Police Law: Mainly Claimant respondentUK Bar
    • Fiona is exceptional. She has encyclopedic knowledge of police law. Her experience of working as a solicitor means that she is particularly empathetic towards clients.

      Police Law: Mainly Claimant respondentUK Bar
    • Fiona Murphy is good on claims and very bright. I like working with her.

      Police Law: Mainly Claimant respondentUK Bar
    • Fiona Murphy is really good, especially on tricky procedural matters. Her experience as a solicitor gives her an edge, especially in negotiations.

      Police Law: Mainly Claimant respondentUK Bar
  • Band 1Jude Bunting
    Band 1Jude Bunting

    Jude Bunting

    Jude Bunting KC is a superbly talented barrister acclaimed for his all-encompassing police law practice that includes civil claims, inquests and public inquiries, as well as judicial review. He has particular strength in data retention and protest-related matters and frequently handles cases concerning deaths occurring during police contact.

    • Jude Bunting is an absolute pleasure to work with, he has eclectic knowledge of everything and is outstandingly bright. He is incredibly responsive and gets on fabulously well with all our clients.

      Police Law: Mainly Claimant respondentUK Bar
    • Jude Bunting is one of the best. I like how he cuts across issues, that's great. He is good at leading. He is the silk I'd pick.

      Police Law: Mainly Claimant respondentUK Bar
    • Jude Bunting is just outstanding for advising on police matters. He has great attention to detail and is great with clients, he makes them feel at ease. He is particularly strategic on civil claims.

      Police Law: Mainly Claimant respondentUK Bar
    • Jude is the silk to go to for any complex or politically motivated public law challenge against the police. He is incredibly responsive for someone who must be inundated with work in this area.

      Police Law: Mainly Claimant respondentUK Bar
    • Jude Bunting is a complete legend. He is really good with clients, always a pleasure to work with and highly intelligent. He is a brilliant all-rounder.

      Police Law: Mainly Claimant respondentUK Bar
  • Band 1Ruth Brander
    Band 1Ruth Brander

    Ruth Brander

    Ruth Brander is a formidable barrister renowned for her work in claims against the police, as well as inquests and public inquiries. She is noted for her prominent involvement in the Undercover Policing Inquiry and for acting in related judicial review. She boasts considerable expertise in Article 3 breaches concerning the police's failure to investigate, and a range of other claims including false imprisonment and assault.

  • Band 1Sam Jacobs
    Band 1Sam Jacobs

    Sam Jacobs

    Sam Jacobs successfully represents victims of police wrongdoing in a variety of claims, including those for false imprisonment, and has acted in cases which closely examine the legal grounds for police liability in negligence.

    • Sam Jacobs is absolutely fantastic with clients and is good at thinking tactically.

      Police Law: Mainly Claimant respondentUK Bar
    • Sam is great, he has a very good knowledge of the law. He is very good at taking a tactical view on cases. He gives simple and pragmatic solutions to very complex issues; I enjoy working with him.

      Police Law: Mainly Claimant respondentUK Bar
    • Sam Jacobs is my go-to. He is low-key, sensible, super professional and always gets things right. He is really solid and gives sound advice. He is also good on his feet. I enjoy instructing him.

      Police Law: Mainly Claimant respondentUK Bar
    • Sam Jacobs is excellent; a safe pair of hands.

      Police Law: Mainly Claimant respondentUK Bar
    • Sam Jacobs is an excellent advocate for vulnerable clients. I could not recommend him more highly.

      Police Law: Mainly Claimant respondentUK Bar
  • Band 1Stephen Cragg
    Band 1Stephen Cragg

    Stephen Cragg

    Stephen Cragg KC is highly regarded for his work in civil claims challenging police actions and decisions, particularly in relation to data retention and privacy. He also advises on inquests and claims relating to deaths in custody and injuries.

    • Stephen Cragg gets to the point, which is great. He's strategic.

      Police Law: Mainly Claimant respondentUK Bar
    • Stephen Cragg has many years of experience.

      Police Law: Mainly Claimant respondentUK Bar
  • Band 1Tom Stoate
    Band 1Tom Stoate

    Tom Stoate

    Tom Stoate is a barrister highlighted for his expertise in representing bereaved families at inquests and in claims against the police. His focuses include death following police pursuit, as well as discrimination and false imprisonment. Additionally, he handles a number of cases relating to alleged breaches of the Human Rights Act and the Equality Act.

    • Tom provides consistently high-quality legal advice. He is an excellent and highly effective advocate. He has excellent client care skills and is empathetic and approachable.

      Police Law: Mainly Claimant respondentUK Bar
    • Tom's advice is very astute. He is particularly knowledgeable with cases involving the Human Rights Act.

      Police Law: Mainly Claimant respondentUK Bar
    • Tom is an extremely skilled and knowledgeable inquest advocate.

      Police Law: Mainly Claimant respondentUK Bar
    • Tom Stoate's written advice is very thorough and considered. He can take a tactical view of a case and have a pragmatic approach, which is best for the clients.

      Police Law: Mainly Claimant respondentUK Bar
    • Tom Stoate is the full package in terms of clients and as a jury advocate, so he is a great advocate.

      Police Law: Mainly Claimant respondentUK Bar
  • Band 2Angela Patrick
    Band 2Angela Patrick

    Angela Patrick

    Angela Patrick has acted in claims against the police regarding human rights breaches, assault and battery, and unlawful detention. Her practice also focuses on judicial reviews, inquiries and inquests.

    • Angela Patrick is super bright and incredibly hard-working. She has a really good nature and is a very good advocate. She is just brilliant.

      Police Law: Mainly Claimant respondentUK Bar
    • Angela Patrick has a very good court manner. She is very pleasant and promotes her clients' interests.

      Police Law: Mainly Claimant respondentUK Bar
    • Angela Patrick has exceptional rapport with clients, she puts them at ease and is approachable.

      Police Law: Mainly Claimant respondentUK Bar
    • Angela Patrick is a fierce advocate with a strong desire to right wrongs. She puts clients at the heart of everything she does.

      Police Law: Mainly Claimant respondentUK Bar
    • Angela Patrick is a great person, really kind and generous. She is a great talent and a great human being.

      Police Law: Mainly Claimant respondentUK Bar
  • Band 2Jamie Burton
    Band 2Jamie Burton

    Jamie Burton

    Jamie Burton KC is well regarded for handling claims against the police concerning discrimination, assault and the failure to investigate and protect. He is also experienced in protest-related cases.

    • Jamie Burton is very good, measured and cautious. He has really helped us hone our arguments.

      Police Law: Mainly Claimant respondentUK Bar
    • Jamie Burton is a fierce advocate but also practical and realistic. He is an expert on the human rights act, on which he did excellent training for us.

      Police Law: Mainly Claimant respondentUK Bar
  • Band 2Maya Sikand
    Band 2Maya Sikand

    Maya Sikand

    Maya Sikand KC is highly regarded for claims against the police in relation to police shootings and false imprisonment. She is highlighted for her prominent instruction in the Undercover Policing Inquiry and has further knowledge in claims involving malicious prosecution, misfeasance, assault and ECHR breaches.

    • Maya is bright and dedicated. She is a sharp advocate.

      Police Law: Mainly Claimant respondentUK Bar
    • Maya's biggest strength is her advocacy, she is very persuasive and good on her feet. She really cares about clients and cases, and doesn't shy away from getting into the details.

      Police Law: Mainly Claimant respondentUK Bar
    • I am very impressed by Maya Sikand. Her advice and approach are extremely impressive.

      Police Law: Mainly Claimant respondentUK Bar
    • Maya is a noted and respected expert. She is an excellent and highly effective advocate, who combines excellent, wide-ranging and in-depth expert legal knowledge with a persuasive style.

      Police Law: Mainly Claimant respondentUK Bar
    • Maya Sikand is amazing, really good on her feet. She is quite tactical and very good at thinking about the long-term game.

      Police Law: Mainly Claimant respondentUK Bar
  • Band 2Nicholas Bowen
    Band 2Nicholas Bowen

    Nicholas Bowen

    Nicholas Bowen KC possesses notable expertise spanning tort, negligence, misfeasance and human rights claims against the police and other public authorities. He is particularly active in claims alleging a failure to properly investigate crime.

    • Nicholas Bowen's great strength is that he takes on cases that everyone thinks are hopeless and makes them sound plausible. He's quite inventive.

      Police Law: Mainly Claimant respondentUK Bar
    • Nicholas Bowen is absolutely reliable. You have to be able to engage with a client on a personal level, which he can do, and can stand in front of lords or ladies with equal skill.

      Police Law: Mainly Claimant respondentUK Bar
  • Band 2Nick Brown
    Band 2Nick Brown

    Nick Brown

    Nick Brown has acted in a number of the most prominent police inquests in recent years, as well as related civil litigation. He has expertise in representing clients in a range of civil claims including assault, misfeasance and false imprisonment.

    • I would recommend Nick Brown, he is really good on cases that cross over between police and personal injury.

      Police Law: Mainly Claimant respondentUK Bar
    • Nick is extremely thorough and excellent with clients. He is excellent, always available or will come back quickly. I can have honest discussions with him.

      Police Law: Mainly Claimant respondentUK Bar
    • Nick Brown is one of the most competent barristers you could hope to work with. His level of knowledge and understanding is second to none - he goes way over and above what is ever expected.

      Police Law: Mainly Claimant respondentUK Bar
    • Nick Brown is able to cut through all the noise and drill down on the issues. He is not afraid to push.

      Police Law: Mainly Claimant respondentUK Bar
  • Band 3David Lemer
    Band 3David Lemer

    David Lemer

    David Lemer enters the Police Law rankings this year. He has extensive experience in litigating against the police and public authorities, as well as handling with cases concerning national security.

    • David Lemer is excellent.

      Police Law: Mainly Claimant respondentUK Bar
    • David Lemer is really able.

      Police Law: Mainly Claimant respondentUK Bar
    • David Lemer is super intelligent, very academic, focused and comes up with ideas.

      Police Law: Mainly Claimant respondentUK Bar
    • David Lemer is very bright, I have a lot of respect for him. He is quite cerebral.

      Police Law: Mainly Claimant respondentUK Bar
  • Band 3Frederick Powell
    Band 3Frederick Powell

    Frederick Powell

    Frederick Powell is adept to handle inquests and civil claims against the police. His experience encompasses death in police custody, discrimination and failure to protect claims.

    • Frederick Powell is very thorough and a thoughtful advocate. He is good at working collaboratively.

      Police Law: Mainly Claimant respondentUK Bar
    • Frederick Powell is my go-to barrister for more complex valuations of quantum. He is extremely thorough in his analysis, he always puts the time in and it is pleasure to work with him.

      Police Law: Mainly Claimant respondentUK Bar
    • Frederick Powell is very hard-working and collaborative. He is very good in a team, he involves everyone. He is very thorough in his approach and good at spotting the difficult points.

      Police Law: Mainly Claimant respondentUK Bar
    • I have instructed Freddie on a number of CAPA matters. He is an excellent advocate and provides very high-quality expert advice. He is easy to communicate with and puts clients at their ease.

      Police Law: Mainly Claimant respondentUK Bar
    • Frederick Powell is a very reliable and strong junior counsel. I would recommend him for AAP and inquest work.

      Police Law: Mainly Claimant respondentUK Bar

Ranked Barristers at Doughty Street Chambers (15)

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