5 Essex Chambers

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

Robert Cohen is a leading public law junior specialising in police law, inquests and public inquiries, administrative law, human rights, information law and professional discipline. He is a member of the Attorney General's A Panel of Counsel and an HM Assistant Coroner for Cumbria. Robert is ranked by Chambers UK for Police Law, Administrative and Public Law, and Inquests and Public Inquiries, and by The Legal 500 for Police Law and Inquests and Inquiries. He is regularly instructed in difficult and sensitive litigation by government departments, police forces, regulators and individuals. Recent work includes the UK COVID-19 Inquiry, the Orgreave Inquiry, the inquest into Alexander Perepilichnyy, and reported cases including O'Brien [2026] EWCA Civ 499, Murcott [2026] EWCA Civ 436, EPX [2026] EWHC 108 (Admin), Foster [2025] UKFTT 1237 (GRC), and Officer W80 [2023] UKSC 24. He also acts in complex family and Court of Protection matters and contributes case updates and training in his specialist fields.

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

Robert was called to the Bar by the Inner Temple in 2009 after completing an LLB at Durham University and the BVC at BPP. Before practice he worked as a Legal Assistant at the House of Commons, where his work included freedom of information and parliamentary privilege. He joined the Attorney General's C Panel in 2017, the B Panel in 2022 and the A Panel in 2026. He has appeared in the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, High Court, Upper Tribunal, First-tier Tribunal, major public inquiries and complex Article 2 inquests. He was appointed an HM Assistant Coroner for Cumbria.

The Honourable Society of the Inner Temple; ALBA;