JUNIOR PROFILE

Robert Cohen

UK Bar 2026

5 Essex Chambers

Ranked in 3 practice areas

Police Law: Mainly Defendant

All Circuits

8 years ranked

Administrative & Public Law

London (Bar)

3 years ranked

Inquests & Public Inquiries

London (Bar)

1 year ranked

About

Provided by 5 Essex Chambers

UK Bar

Practice Areas

Robert practises in police, public law, data protection and information law, inquests and inquiries.

Having been successful as a member of the Attorney General’s C Panel, Robert was promoted to the B panel in 2022. He sits as one of HM Assistant Coroners for Cumbria He accepts Direct Public Access instructions.

He is currently instructed in several high profile cases including the COVID inquiry, and the appeal to the Supreme Court in W80 v IOPC. He acted in the inquest into the Birmingham Pub Bombings and the Guildford Pub Bombings.

Before joining 5 Essex Chambers, Robert worked in the Office of Speaker’s Counsel in the House of Commons. He became adept at understanding the pressures facing in-house lawyers working for public bodies. He also assisted in litigation concerning MP’s expenses and the Freedom of Information.

Robert regularly writes articles concerning trends in information law and judicial review.

Please visit the 5 Essex Chambers website for his profile, which sets out full details of his practice including relevant work of note.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

UK Bar

Police Law: Mainly Defendant - All Circuits

Band 2

Individual Editorial

Robert Cohen is a barrister with a growing reputation for successfully defending the police against civil claims stemming from malicious prosecution, and strong experience in broader matters including allegations of systemic racism. He is also particularly well regarded for his work in police-related inquests.

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Administrative & Public Law - London (Bar)

Band 4

Individual Editorial

Robert Cohen is a member of the Attorney General's B Panel, also sitting as an assistant coroner. He is often instructed by the Secretary of State for Justice to defend public law challenges focusing on prisoners' rights.

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Inquests & Public Inquiries - London (Bar)

Band 5

Individual Editorial

Robert Cohen maintains a busy inquest and inquiry practice instructed by a range of clients including government bodies and police forces.

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Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Robert Cohen is helpful, responsive and a very good advocate.
Police Law: Mainly DefendantUK Bar
Robert Cohen is responsive and shows common sense in his submissions. He has good judgement and faces issues head on.
Police Law: Mainly DefendantUK Bar
Robert is often instructed by the government on difficult cases.
Administrative & Public LawUK Bar
Robert is appropriately concise and gets to the heart of the issue quickly. His submissions are well made.
Administrative & Public LawUK Bar
Rob is a very comprehensive advocate and he provides an excellent service.
Inquests & Public InquiriesUK Bar