Police Law: Mainly Defendant

John Beggs KC is a formidable barrister and an advocate renowned for his peerless strength in trials and cross-examination. He is instructed by various police forces in a broad range of considerably high-profile claims concerning unlawful arrest other matters. He is also picked out for his leading expertise in inquests, notably those arising from police shootings.

Cecily White has a wide-ranging police law practice that encompasses inquests, inquiries, misconduct proceedings, judicial reviews and civil actions. She is adept at handling cases concerning human rights, unlawful arrest and negligence claims.

Elliot Gold is an accomplished and erudite barrister who represents the police in claims of misfeasance in public office and breaches of Article 3 ECHR due to inadequate action. He also offers experience in judicial reviews and in cases concerning discrimination and human rights issues.

Gerard Boyle KC is a go-to barrister for the police in a variety of sensitive matters, including at inquests and in public inquiries. He is also highlighted for his experience in police disciplinary procedures.

Matthew Holdcroft defends human rights claims arising from the police's failure to investigate, in addition to claims regarding negligence, human rights breaches and misfeasance in public office. He is also noted for his strength in police disciplinary hearings.

Stephen Morley is a highly regarded police law barrister who focuses on complex civil claims regarding assault and discrimination. He also regularly acts in judicial reviews challenging decisions made in police misconduct hearings, in addition to public inquiries.

Aaron Rathmell represents forces in civil claims emanating from misconduct procedure and employment-related matters, as well as a range of tort claims brought by members of the public.

Dijen Basu KC is widely recognised for defending the police against sensitive claims concerning human rights breaches and other issues. His work takes in cases including those stemming from shootings and deaths in custody.

Mark Ley-Morgan is a strong barrister with a focus on sensitive and complex civil claims concerning false imprisonment, malicious prosecution and various human rights breaches, including those brought by claimants having suffered serious injury in the course of contact with the police.

Oliver Williamson defends the police against civil claims concerning the disclosure of sensitive information, among other issues. He also acts for various police forces in misconduct proceedings against individual officers.

Briony Ballard is a respected barrister who is instructed by various police forces in sensitive matters including inquests and misconduct proceedings.

Edward Pleeth is a popular barrister who is valued by forces for his representation of the police in sensitive civil claims and in relation to corruption allegations. He is also experienced in officer misconduct proceedings.

Frances McClenaghan represents police forces across the UK in a variety of disciplinary matters and cases arising from injury and death in police custody. She is also instructed on matters involving human rights breaches and inquests.

Ian Skelt KC defends high-profile civil claims against the police concerning wrongful conviction, unlawful arrest and personal injury. He is also highlighted for his work in judicial review, including cases relating to criminal record disclosure.

Sarah Simcock is a strong choice of barrister for the representation of the police and other emergency services at Article 2 inquests.

George Thomas specialises in civil claims arising from the police's response to protests and public order matters. He represents the police in claims alleging data protection breaches and disability discrimination, and also acts in precedent-setting judicial reviews.

James Berry is a popular choice of barrister for the country's largest police forces in the defence of tort and human rights claims. The scope of his expertise also includes public inquiries, wide-reaching judicial review challenges and human rights cases.