Administrative and public law (including civil liberties and human rights) in Regional Bar
Doughty Street Chambers
Doughty Street Chambers is 'a go-to set for police actions and civil liberties work'. With a practice that benefits from experience in international human rights law abroad, Nick Stanage is 'extremely able on his feet, exuding in good measure calm and charisma, and excellent at incisive cross-examination'. Recent instructions for Stanage include the Public Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse, the Undercover Policing Inquiry, and acting for the claimant in John Hemming v Chief Constable of Staffordshire Police, a human rights claims in relation to the police's investigation into false allegations of rape made against the former Liberal MP.
Exchange Chambers
Members of Exchange Chambers' team regularly work on multi-discipline matters, particularly those involving commercial regulatory, inquests, and personal injury. Louis Browne QC sits on the government silk panel and successfully acted for the senior coroner in a challenge to an inquest, involving complex medical issues. His sectoral experience includes care and social services, housing, immigration, and transport. Brynmor Adams acts exclusively for public authorities, from central government departments to housing associations. He recently acted for the Environment Agency in judicial review proceedings with aspects of property and environmental law.
St John's Buildings
The team at St John's Buildings advises and represents clients in the Administrative Court, working on public law and human rights issues. Lorraine Cavanagh QC acts for children and vulnerable adults in judicial reviews and Human Rights Act claims, such as cases of unlawful removal and access to services while in care.
Garden Court North Chambers
Garden Court North Chambers members assist vulnerable individuals and community groups. Pete Weatherby QC led the team representing 80 victims in the Grenfell inquiry and continues to work on prosecutions and disciplinary charges following the Hillsborough inquest. James Stark specialises in homelessness cases, representing applicants for assistance in Safi v Sandwell London Borough Council and Samuels v Birmingham City Council. In the latter, Stark led Tom Royston, who focuses on social security litigation, acting for disability benefit claimants. Royston acted for the successful intervener in the first Supreme Court case on personal independent payments. Matthew Stanbury undertakes civil liberties cases, taking on judicial review claims on prisoners’ rights against parole decisions and rules for reviews.
Kings Chambers
Kings Chambers' team advises on judicial reviews related to children's care proceedings and Care Quality Commission decisions on care homes, as well as local government matters. Sam Karim QC heads the public law department; he successfully defended the Criminal Cases Review Commission against a challenge that the commission had unlawfully not referred a case to the Court of Appeal.