Police Law: Mainly Claimant
UK Guide 2025 : UK-wide
Band 1
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
(020) 7702 5331About
Provided by Hickman & Rose
Our police law team has a formidable reputation amongst police forces, deploying in-depth knowledge of private law, public law, criminal law and information law. Its work includes bringing innovative challenges, seeking recompense for abuse of power and winning the best possible outcomes for clients.
We have a track record extending from the police complaint stage all the way to the European court in Strasbourg with significant success in holding police officers to account (from PCSOs to Chief Constables), and also have a long history of challenges to inadequate investigations by the Independent Police Complaints Commission (now the IOPC).
Clients range from financial professionals and celebrities to journalists, motorists, protestors and ordinary people. The team is one of the national leaders in acting for families bereaved by deaths in custody, and also acts for a number of core participants in the Undercover Police Inquiry.
Other clients seek redress in respect of cautions, search warrants and other decisions within a criminal justice context. We also pursue private law remedies in the field of discrimination, particularly over stop & search decisions, and uphold the right to protest by successful private law actions for false imprisonment and malicious prosecution.
More unusual cases include police duties in witness protection, and remedies for UK victims of crime, the team is known internationally for its work for victims of serious crimes outside the jurisdiction.
Chambers Review
Hickman & Rose has an impressive police actions department with a strong reputation in matters relating to controversial deaths in police custody. It regularly represents bereaved families in inquests, investigations and civil claims arising from deaths following police contact. The team is well versed in cases concerning the lethal use of Tasers and representing claimants affected by undercover policing. In addition, it offers expertise in gross misconduct proceedings.
Work Highlights
- Hickman & Rose continued to act for Liam Fitzgerald, including at two hearings in 2023 preparing for the inquest into the death of the client’s brother, Sean Fitzgerald. Seanwas shot dead by a police firearms officer in January 2019.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Hickman & Rose provide a Rolls-Royce service. They are really thoughtful in their approach."
"Everyone that I have dealt with at Hickman & Rose has been up to date on the case and was available when needed."
"Hickman & Rose have provided massive support. They were both efficient and effective."
"Hickman & Rose provide a Rolls-Royce service. They are really thoughtful in their approach."
"Everyone that I have dealt with at Hickman & Rose has been up to date on the case and was available when needed."
"Hickman & Rose have provided massive support. They were both efficient and effective."
Notable Practitioners
Stefano Ruis has an impressive practice acting for claimants in a range of matters, including challenging arrests, cautions and inappropriate disclosure of information by the police.
"Stefano is incredibly smart. He is able to take a step back and see the bigger picture in achieving the best outcome. He is perfectly polished and impressive."
"Stef is deft and careful. He has great judgement and fabulous writing."
"He goes above and beyond to what solicitors tend to do. He has extradentary integrity as well."
"Stefano is calm and so robust in the understated fashion. He doesn't waste energy and is incredibly strategic."
Leading practitioner Daniel Machover is highly regarded for his wealth of experience representing bereaved families in high-profile inquests, particularly following deaths in custody or deaths following police contact. He also works with clients on high-profile cases involving miscarriages of justice.
"Daniel is careful in his approach. He is really kind and very knowledgeable with clients."
"Daniel is doing an amazing job."
"Daniel deserves every superlative. He brings great tactical judgement and calmness alongside dedication to his practice. He thinks very deeply about the client while pursuing creative points in cases."
Kate Maynard enjoys a strong reputation for her expertise in handling matters relating to deaths following police contact, as well as claims arising from false imprisonment and miscarriages of justice.
"She is truly exceptional practitioner who has a great eye for forensic detail. She will get through enormous quantity of material, with exceptional efficiency and dedication."
Helen Stone is well versed in a broad range of police law matters. She has notable expertise acting on behalf of bereaved families following deaths in police custody.
"Helen is very professional but also understanding of personal matters and emotions. I have never doubted her ability and have always trusted her judgement."
"Helen comes across as super knowledgeable and smart."
"Helen is an outstanding practitioner who has an exceptional amount of experience. She is extremely industrious."
Ranked Lawyers at
Hickman & Rose
UK-wide