Jason Beer KC
‘Jason is a powerful orator with a superb legal mind and the ability to persuade the court to do what he wants. The stand-out silk in his fields.’
5 Essex Chambers is ‘a leading set in the field, with an unparalleled breadth and depth of expertise’. The set has an outstanding reputation for representing police forces across the full spectrum of areas, including major public inquiries, inquests, civil and Human Rights Acts claims, misconduct and discipline matters, and sensitive issues of police policy. Jason Beer KC is acting for The Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police in The Andrew Malkinson Inquiry, concerning a high-profile wrongful conviction, while Anne Studd KC represented the Chief Constable of Hampshire Police in disciplinary proceedings against a former Chief Superintendent. Fiona Barton KC is acting for defendant force in Martyn v The Chief Constable of Devon and Cornwall, civil claims arising following the 2021 Plymouth shootings. Francesca Whitelaw KC successfully represented the Met in defending an appeal under the Freedom of Information Act regarding a journalist’s attempt to obtain details of a police disciplinary involving misuse of WhatsApp.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'The clerks are always incredibly helpful and go out of their way to help resolve issues. Mark Waller and James Cole are extremely good'
- 'Of all the chambers practicing defendant police law, the service provided by the clerks is without question the best. They are head and shoulders above other sets. The clerks have a real understanding of this area of law and what is required from their members. They make time to get to know those who instruct them and to understand personalities and which counsel would be best suited to the particular solicitor and the case they are working on.'
Lawyers
Leading Silks
KCs at the very top of their field, with a long-established record of market-defining cases, and widespread endorsement from clients and peers. All silks appointed in the last two rounds are listed further below.
Fiona Barton KC
‘Fiona's legal acumen is matched only by her strategic insight, persuasive advocacy and unwavering professionalism. In court, she is articulate, composed and grounded.’
Anne Studd KC
Francesca Whitelaw KC
‘Francesca is a composed and persuasive advocate who’s fully across the detail but never loses sight of what really counts.’
2024 Silks
KCs at the very top of their field, with a long-established record of market-defining cases, and widespread endorsement from clients and peers. All silks appointed in the last two rounds are listed further below.
Leading Juniors
Leading juniors are those with significant experience of key cases, strong market recognition from both peers and clients, and are seen as future candidates for silk.
Robert Cohen
‘Robert’s advocacy is polished, concise and persuasive.’
Jonathan Dixey
‘Jonathan has excellent tactical awareness and impeccable judgment. His diligence, calm, and ability to read a tribunal make him a highly persuasive advocate. He has an extensive knowledge of the theory and practice of police law and the experience and ability to handle the most complex and sensitive cases.’
Russell Fortt
‘Russell is a formidable barrister, robust in advocacy, unflinching under pressure. He is unfettered by obstacles and steadfast in his purpose to securing the best possible outcome for the client.’
Robert Talalay
Robert's preparation is always impeccable. His confidence in court is second to none. He is a formidable and tactically astute advocate.’
John Goss
'John is an exceptional legal analyst and persuasive advocate in this specialist area.'
Amy Clarke
‘Amy is utterly professional and competent. She is always at the top of her game.’
Cicely Hayward
‘Cecily represents the best of her trade. She is personal, professional and committed to the proper course of justice.’
Peter Laverack
‘Peter is extremely capable, both on his feet and on paper.’
Aaron Moss
‘Aaron is seriously sharp and very bright; he possesses excellent judgement and foresight. He is unflappable, and his calm and considered approach means he is the go-to choice for matters which are particularly complex or high risk.’
Claire Palmer
Sarah Taylor
‘Sarah has particular attention to detail, both when reviewing the evidence and advancing her legal arguments.’
Mark Thomas
‘Mark brings very thorough case preparation, and he is a calm and incisive advocate.’
Andrew Waters
‘Andrew is well-prepared and an excellent advocate.’
Jennifer Wright
‘Jennifer has built a broad practice in work for police forces across a range of legal areas. She brings to bear in her advocacy an excellence in legal and factual analysis which is well beyond her years of call.’
John-Paul Waite
'John deals with all matters patiently and competently, offering solutions to novel issues that arise.'
Olivia Checa-Dover
Olivia’s advocacy is second to none. She has mastered the art of advocacy; commanding the entire courtroom’s attention with ease and finesse. She persuades even the most staunch of judges. Olivia is unrivalled as an expert in police law.’
Rising stars
Rising stars at the Bar are defined as barristers between four and eight years’ call who are seen as up-and-coming members of the Bar in their respective practice areas by clients and peers alike. They will already be instructed in high-profile, complex, and high-value contentious and non-contentious matters, working with and opposite more experienced leading counsel.
