Three Raymond Buildings are a ‘set with a great range of talent across many areas’, with members’ busy workload extending to misconduct proceedings, major public inquests and inquiries, and representing police officers and forces in significant policing failures. Hugh Davies OBE KC represented five police officers who – in a rare directed hearing – were cleared of all allegations relating to discrimination relating to the high-profile arrest of Olympic sprinter Bianca Williams. Patrick Gibbs KC represented the CO19 officer who was acquitted of murder, having shot dead Chris Kaba – later named as a suspect in an attempted murder with a firearm – who was trying to drive through a roadblock. Matthew Butt KC acted for the Metropolitan Police Service in a complex gross misconduct hearing against a Commander who himself had previously chaired misconduct hearings in the force.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Profile
Position
A leading Silk practising in inquests and inquiries, police regulation, criminal and extradition law. Matthew has particular expertise in cases relating to terrorism, national security and firearms tactics. He is currently acting in the Manchester Arena, Grenfell Tower and Jermaine Baker public inquiries. He represented the Metropolitan Police Service and Counter Terrorism Policing Headquarters in the inquests arising out of the Fishmongers Hall, London Bridge and Palace of Westminster terrorist attacks. An expert in international criminal law, Matthew successfully acted for Colonel Kumar Lama when he was tried at the Old Bailey for war crimes allegedly committed during the Nepalese civil war. Regularly instructed to represent accused officers in police disciplinary hearings and appeals, recent cases include the Sean Rigg and Henry Hicks misconduct cases. Advises and represents on all matters connected with licensed activities, including gambling, alcohol, regulated entertainment, street trading, firearms and taxis before licensing committees and on appeal to the Magistrates’ Court, the Administrative Court and the Court of Appeal. Clients include major casino operators, licensing authorities, the police, national pub operators and festivals.
Career
Call, 2002, Recorder of the Crown Court 2015, Bencher (Gray’s Inn) 2017, Silk 2020, Deputy High Court Judge 2021
Attorney General's B Panel 2012
Specalist Advocates' A Panellist for Health & Safety and Environmental Law
Lead Advocacy Trainer, Gray's Inn
Education
University College London (LLB; Dip Law); Gray’s Inn (2002 Atkin Scholar; 2000 Lord Justice Walker Scholar); English Union American Scholar 2001.
Content supplied by Three Raymond Buildings
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Eddie oversees an incredibly hardworking group of clerks.'
- 'Eddie is a great clerk and is always available to assist instructing solicitors. The clerks room has now become even stronger with the welcome addition of Emma who is an extremely capable and experienced clerk who always provides an impeccable service.'
- 'Senior clerk Eddie is fantastic, he is always available to resolve any issues. '
- 'The clerks are very approachable and always assist in offering the right barrister for the right case.'
- 'Fantastic set with great range of talent across many areas.'
- 'Three Raymond Buildings are the go-to set for police misconduct defence work and representing individual officers in inquests. Their team has strength and depth. There are no weak links.'
- 'Three Raymond buildings are a very strong set for police law and police disciplinary work. There are numerous counsel of varying years of call that specialise in this work, so there are always plenty of options.'
- 'Three Raymond buildings are identified as a leading set in this area. This reputation is well-founded. The team is strong from top to bottom.'