Police Law: Mainly Defendant | UK Bar

5 Essex Court offers extraordinary depth of expertise in the defence of police forces in the full gamut of civil claims, including misfeasance in public office, malicious prosecution, false imprisonment and assault. The barristers are sought out to represent the police at inquests and in other sensitive matters involving the death of members of the public. Other notable work arises from matters including the use and retention of data on offenders, or the conduct of police investigations. Most recently, the set has been involved in the Undercover Policing Inquiry and the public inquiry into the fatal shooting of Jermaine Baker.

Serjeants' Inn Chambers possesses a formidable bench of barristers adept at handling a broad range of issues on behalf of police forces throughout England and Wales. Members are entrusted with the defence of extremely high-stakes civil claims, including those concerning misconduct and deaths involving the police. They have also been instructed in numerous inquests examining alleged investigatory failures in murder or manslaughter cases. They have continued to act in the Undercover Policing Inquiry and are involved in the ongoing public inquiry into the poisoning of Dawn Sturgess.

3 Raymond Buildings stands out for its team of accomplished barristers who offer a dedicated service to police clients. The chambers is perhaps best known in this field for representing police officers in disciplinary matters or parallel criminal proceedings. In addition, the barristers are instructed by police forces in prominent judicial reviews, inquests and public inquiries. Notable recent work includes the accountability review arising from the murder of Chris Kaba by an officer and a matter relating to allegations of racial profiling and unlawful detention of two athletes during a stop and search.

Deka Chambers combines the forces of two former sets with a strong reputation for representing police forces across the country. Acting for the Metropolitan Police, the National Crime Agency and other leading organisations, the barristers are renowned for their work defending civil claims against the police. They have represented forces in a number of high-profile inquiries, including the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, and have been involved in the group action civil claims following the Hillsborough inquests and the Fishmongers' Hall terror attack. Recent work includes their participation in the inquest into the death of Kellie Sutton.