Police Law: Mainly Claimant

Leslie Thomas KC is a formidable trial advocate who is renowned for acting in high-profile claims against the police and for representing families at inquests. He is picked out for his considerable expertise in cases concerning deaths in custody or following police shootings, and his broad practice also includes claims pertaining to the police's failure to investigate.

"Leslie Thomas is brilliant all round and loved by clients and juries alike. He is charismatic and inspirational."

"He is absolutely brilliant, especially in front of juries. His cross-examination is masterful."

"Leslie is excellent on his feet."

Sarah Hemingway is an experienced claimant-side barrister who acts in civil claims against the police concerning false imprisonment, assault and malicious prosecution. She is active in claims centring on breaches of data protection and human rights.

"Her handling of clients in the most difficult of circumstances is outstanding. She can get to grips with issues quickly and can reduce them into simple yet convincing arguments."

"Sarah Hemingway is extremely diligent, hard-working and compassionate."

"Her advocacy is second to none. She is driven and determined, and has a wealth of knowledge on the subjects on which she is instructed."

Regularly instructed in high-profile claims, Stephen Simblet KC often acts for the victims of malicious prosecution. He is active in representing victims of sexual assault. He is also well regarded for his work at inquests and is known as a barrister who enjoys addressing complex points of law.

"Stephen is a brilliant advocate who is really good at getting to the point and not afraid to make difficult arguments in court in a very clear way."

"Stephen Simblet is a fearless advocate with a sharp mind. His written advice is excellent and he's great with clients. He is my first choice for any serious case."

"Stephen is a top-notch counsel who is hugely inventive on strategy."

Una Morris is a well-respected barrister in police claims concerning death in custody, shootings and assault. She garners praise for her representation of clients in discrimination and harassment claims, in addition to malicious prosecution and misfeasance matters.

"Una thinks deeply about every issue presented to her, however big or small, and never misses a point. She's refreshingly proactive and collaborative with solicitors and very sensitive to clients."

"Una is amazing - incredibly bright, a tenacious advocate with fantastic written work. Even in complex cases, her written advices are logical, easy to follow and thorough."

Patrick Roche is widely known for his prominent role throughout the legal fallout of the Hillsborough disaster, including at the fresh inquests and in the misfeasance claims.

"Patrick is very persuasive and extremely experienced. Nothing fazes him, even if he's not come across it before. He's a steady pair of hands in that sense."

Rajeev Thacker is acclaimed for his expertise in claims brought by vulnerable individuals against the police. In addition to tort actions, he focuses on human rights-grounded claims arising from the police's failure to protect.

"Rajeev is great at trial, a really safe pair of hands. He has a really good approach to strategy and settlement."

"Rajeev is very collaborative and helpful. He’s a real pleasure to work with."

Jodie Blackstock is a well-recognised advocate with experience handling a range of civil actions against the police. She routinely handles false imprisonment and assault cases, particularly on behalf of vulnerable claimants.

"Jodie is very intelligent, robust and rigorous in terms of her advice."

"Jodie Blackstock has a high attention to detail. She engaged with us throughout the case and always provided good advice. Her advocacy is clear and precise."

"Her written work was excellent, and nothing was too much for her."

Michael Etienne is a well-regarded junior barrister who receives instructions in actions against the police, including claims of false imprisonment and discrimination. He is also adept at handling claims against the police involving failures to investigate.

"Michael Etienne is my go-to for anything discrimination-related. He always goes the extra mile."