Police Law: Mainly Claimant

Phillippa Kaufmann KC is an exceptional civil liberties barrister who can boast considerable experience in claims against the police. She is highlighted for her skills in advocacy and is frequently instructed in high-profile public inquiries and ground-breaking human rights claims in relation to the police's investigatory failures, misconduct, misfeasance and police shootings. Of particular note in recent years is her work on behalf of core participants in the Undercover Policing Inquiry and the Jermaine Baker Inquiry.

"Phillippa is excellent. She is very impressive."

Helen Law is a highly regarded barrister known for her expertise in complex civil claims against the police regarding discrimination, false imprisonment and assault. She is active in cases concerning the police's failure to investigate and the misuse of private information.

"Helen Law has the ability to understand the issues and has a pragmatic approach which is really effective. She doesn't pull any punches in advocacy."

"She has really strong experience and understanding of criminal procedure. She turns the work around really quickly, she is realistic about timeframes and she is also a really good strategist."

"Helen Law's advocacy and written work are fantastic and she brings excellent client care skills to boot. A real fighter with a track record to match."

Hugh Southey KC specialises in judicial review challenging police action or inaction, including the disclosure of information or failure to investigate. He has taken on a number of cases scrutinising the role of the Northern Irish police during the Troubles.

"Hugh Southey's ability to grasp the essence of the case and convey key information to the judges is impressive."

"He is always on top of his brief. He is technically excellent, a master strategist and an exceptional advocate. His level of expertise and sophistication of work is exceptionally high."

"Hugh is excellent at all levels! He is attentive, very quick to respond and a tactical mastermind in working through the matrix of complex litigation."

Jesse Nicholls is an increasingly prominent barrister in the field of actions against the police. He is highly regarded for his work in cases relating to death during police contact, assault and police restraint, as well as claims alleging the failure to investigate or protect.

"Jesse is responsive, very imaginative and really good with the clients."

"His attention to detail is unrivalled in his case preparation and advice."

"Jesse is encyclopedic in his knowledge of case law in particular."

Raj Desai is a strong barrister offering experience in civil claims against the police concerning deaths during police contact and failure to investigate, as well as human rights-related claims.

"Raj is wonderful to work with. He is measured and collaborative, and his approach is appropriately cautious where stakes are high for vulnerable clients."

"Raj Desai is really careful, considered and strategic. He has that kind of charm that keeps everything running really smoothly."

"Raj is fantastically bright, hard-working and excellent with clients."

Ifeanyi Odogwu is lauded for his expertise in claimant representation, covering a range of actions against the police concerning restraint, death in custody and retention of data. He is noted for his specialism in discrimination and the representation of bereaved families.

"He gives very considered advice and will always take the time to meet the clients and spend time with them. His written work is very good - concise, clear, with a persuasive submission."

"Ifeanyi's client care is brilliant – he is empathetic and patient. He is one step ahead and, even in the early days of a case, always has an eye on how issues will play out with a jury."

"Ifeanyi is incredibly hard-working and great at advocacy and strategy."

Matthew Ryder KC regularly handles cases involving unlawful arrest and false imprisonment, in addition to issues related to police shootings and national security. Most recently he has been involved in the Undercover Policing Inquiry.

"Matthew is totally unflappable. He approaches everything calmly and strategically, and has such a wealth of experience to draw on that clients feel safe and assured with him on their team."

"He's a calm and persuasive advocate."