Claire Palmer > Chambers of Jason Beer KC > London, England > Barrister Profile

Claire Palmer

020 7410 2000 claire.palmer@5essex.co.uk View profile

Work Department

Claire specialises in employment, public /administrative, inquests, inquiries and civil claims.

Position

Claire practises in public law, inquests, inquiries, civil claims, and employment law. She is regularly instructed by Government departments and public bodies, including police forces, and has particular experience in cases involving national security or other sensitivities.
Claire has over 12 years of Government experience and was appointed by the Attorney-General as Junior Counsel to the Crown (A Panel) in 2019. She was previously appointed to the 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.
Claire is instructed as the senior junior counsel for NHS England for the forthcoming COVID-19 Inquiry. Other recent cases she is instructed in include: as senior junior counsel in the Undercover Policing Inquiry (for the Designated Lawyers – acting for over 100 individual ex-officers), Jermaine Baker Inquiry (for Home Office), and Sobhia Khan Inquest (for MOJ), acting for HMRC in a substantial misfeasance claim, SCOAF in a series of judicial reviews, and advising the MOD in a high profile human rights claim.

Career

Claire practised for nine years at a common law chambers before joining 5 Essex Chambers in 2014. She undertakes both advocacy and advisory work for a broad range of Government department, 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 Grainger Inquiry (for the IOPC), the Angela Best Inquest (for MOJ), Leroy Meford inquest (for Thames Valley police), Rudall v CPS (for the CPS).

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

Memberships

ALBA, ARDL, ELBA, ELA, FFLM, South Eastern Circuit. Worshipful Company of Security Professionals.

Education

University of Bristol (LLB), BPP Law School (BVC)

Leisure

Rugby, Theatre, Running, Gardening and Gin