Claire specialises in public /administrative, inquests, inquiries, civil and employment claims.
Claire practises in public law, inquests, inquiries, vetting cases, civil and employment claims. She is regularly instructed by public bodies, including police and healthcare, and has particular experience in national security cases and other sensitivities including vetting.
Claire has over 16 years of Government experience and was appointed to the Attorney-General’s A Panel in 2019 (reappointed, 2024). She was appointed to B Panel (2014) and C Panel (2009). In March 2020, Claire was appointed as a Deputy District Judge (Civil) and sits 30 days a year as a fee paid Judge. She is a Bencher at Lincoln’s Inn.
Recent high profile cases include the substantive Rhianan Rudd inquest before the Chief Coroner (for Counter Terrorism Police), for NHS England in the COVID-19 Inquiry, and part of the Independent Inquiry relating to Afghanistan CTI team. Other cases include: misfeasance and malicious prosecution claims (HMRC and various police forces), vetting cases in SVAP and the Employment Tribunal, advising Government departments in respect of substantive policy reviews, and defending judicial reviews.
Claire joined 5 Essex Chambers in 2015 after 9 years in a common law chambers with criminal law experience, and an employment / commercial pupillage. She undertakes advocacy and advisory work for a broad range of Government departments, police forces, public bodies and private clients.
Claire has a track record of providing tactical and strategic advice, successfully defending claims on receipt of a letter before claim or at the permission stage in judicial reviews and securing favourable terms when it is necessary to settle.
Previous high profile instructions include the Undercover Policing Inquiry (Designated Lawyers), Post Office Inquiry (Simon Clarke), Veronique John inquest, Leighton Jones inquest and the Angela Best and Sobhia Khan inquests (restricted patients).
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ALBA, ELA, Faculty of Forensic and Legal Medicine, South Eastern Circuit. Worshipful Company of Security Professionals.
University of Bristol (LLB), BPP Law School (BVC)