Civil liberties and human rights in London

Bhatt Murphy

Bhatt Murphy is widely respected for its expertise in police and prison law, immigration detention, and matters involving the security services. The firm has been at the forefront of many of the most high-profile civil liberties cases both in the UK and internationally, representing clients at all levels of the legal system, including before the European Court of Human Rights. Sophie Naftalin has experience in all aspects of litigation related to the criminal justice system, with a particular focus on representing bereaved families during inquest proceedings, while Janet Farrell is dedicated to advocating for the rights of vulnerable individuals, including children, women, and immigration detainees. Carolynn Gallwey is a prominent figure in civil actions and police complaints; Mark Scott brings significant experience in both private and public law claims against the state; and Jane Ryan is well-versed in handling complex investigations into discrimination, health, and social care claims, including in cases of the misuse of handcuffs on pregnant women during medical examinations and labour. Founding partner Raju Bhatt remains closely involved with the team, specialising in the treatment of individuals by the criminal justice system.

Autres avocats clés:

Raju Bhatt; Carolynn Gallwey; Mark Scott; Sophie Naftalin; Janet Farrell; Jane Ryan; Joanna Khan


Les références

‘A value-driven team who are extremely intelligent and dedicated to representing claimants. Carolynn Gallwey is a tenacious lawyer specialising in cases against police and public authorities. She is an extremely experienced litigator, always on the front foot, and gets superb results for her clients.’

‘I have found Joanna Khan to be professional, attentive, and socially-minded whilst working together. Joanna is reliable and committed to the case she is representing me in. She is considered and clearly very knowledgeable in her practice. I would recommend Joanna highly!’

‘Bhatt Murphy solicitors have restored my faith that there are still those in the profession who genuinely care about justice above their personal gain.’

Principaux dossiers


Deighton Pierce Glynn

Deighton Pierce Glynn is well-regarded for its work in international human rights law, including litigation in supra-national courts, efforts to aid individuals left behind in Afghanistan with evacuation to the UK, and advice on the use of corporate governance tools, such as OECD complaints, to address human rights abuses linked to corporate activity abroad. Team lead Jo Eggleton is known for her work challenging police misconduct, particularly where racial discrimination is involved. Jane Deighton contributes significantly to this area through her representation of victims of racially motivated policing practices. Polly Glynn focuses on public law matters, including challenges to inadequate accommodation and support for Afghans under ‘Operation Warm Welcome’, while Sue Willman specialises in work relating to allegations of torture. Sasha Rozansky stands out in the area of migrant rights, successfully challenging Home Office policies. Gus Silverman leads the police accountability team in Bristol and brings extensive experience to the firm’s civil liberties practice.

Responsables de la pratique:

Jo Eggleton


Autres avocats clés:

Jane Deighton; Polly Glynn; Sue Willman; Sasha Rozansky; Gus Silverman; Megan Smith


Les références

‘Exceptional knowledge, commitment, and care with their clients and charity partners. DPG goes over and beyond. They are able and willing to take on tough cases and issues that need a change in the law so as to protect vulnerable people. I cannot rate them highly enough.’

‘I work mostly with Polly Glynn and Megan Smith. Both are exceptional in terms of knowledge, commitment, and care with clients and important issues.’

‘DPG has a unique ability to combine excellence in law with an empathetic approach to very vulnerable clients. It places them head and shoulders above other firms, not just in getting good results, but in leaving their clients feeling like justice has been done.’

Principaux dossiers


  • Advised in AAA (& 21 others) v Home Office, a multi-party damages claim against the Home Office on behalf of 22 asylum seekers arising from their unlawful detention at the controversial Manston Short-Term Holding Facility in Autumn 2022.
  • Advised Hennie Fenlon in securing an unlawful killing conclusion at an inquest into the self-inflicted death of an individual in Woodhill Prison in 2016.
  • Advised in ASY & Others v Home Office, a claim for damages for breach of Article 3 due to no resource to public funds conditions.

Hickman & Rose

Hickman & Rose provides high-quality criminal defence representation and acts for victims of serious abuses of power by police and other authorities. The practice also handles universal jurisdiction cases, including bringing alleged perpetrators of war crimes abroad to trial in the UK. Daniel Machover leads the practice, specialising in human rights cases in the criminal justice system, including deaths in custody and failures to protect inmates. He is supported by Kate Maynard, who is a leading inquest law expert focusing on deaths and serious injuries in prison and immigration settings, particularly those involving tasers, police restraint, and use of force; and Helen Stone, who handles inquests, civil claims, and complaints against the police. Ellie Cornish is noted for matters including allegations of discriminatory police actions and decisions.

Responsables de la pratique:

Daniel Machover


Autres avocats clés:

Kate Maynard; Helen Stone; Ellie Cornish; Stef Ruis; Toby Wilton


Les références

‘Stef Ruis, Daniel Machover, and Toby Wilton are hugely impressive in this area. Stef and Daniel are the elder statesmen with all the experience that comes with that. Toby is a star of the future – across all the detail in a range of areas, to an extraordinary degree and well beyond his years.’

‘Committed, meticulous, excellent judgement and tenacious.’

‘Stef Ruis is superb, the best solicitor I work with in this field by a margin.’

Principaux dossiers


  • Advised an individual in his compensation claims following a miscarriage of justice that led to 17 years of wrongful imprisonment, including a statutory compensation claim, potential civil actions, and representation in the Andrew Malkinson Inquiry and related investigations.
  • Advised the family of a deceased individual in an ongoing civil claim against the British Transport Police for malicious prosecution, following the posthumous quashing of his 47-year-old conviction by the Court of Appeal in January 2024.
  • Advised the brother of a deceased individual in preparation for the Article 2 ECHR inquest into the deceased individual’s fatal shooting by a police firearms officer in January 2019, where the client is an Interested Person.

Hodge Jones & Allen

Hodge Jones & Allen challenges the actions of police forces, the Prison Service, the Crown Prosecution Service, and immigration detention centres through judicial reviews, formal complaints, and civil litigation, responding to national tragedies such as the Grenfell Tower fire and holding the State accountable for failing to protect vulnerable people from the health impacts of toxic air pollution. Team leader Susie Labinjoh is highly experienced in civil actions against the police and prison service, and she regularly represents individuals in political protest cases involving claims against the police. She is supported by Jocelyn Cockburn, an expert in actions against the police, who also represents bereaved families at inquests, brings civil claims related to deaths in custody, and pursues claims involving the military.

Responsables de la pratique:

Susie Labinjoh


Autres avocats clés:

Jocelyn Cockburn; Sasha Barton; Maria O’Connell; Cormac McDonough; Claire Brigham; Olivia Coffey; Gimhani Eriyagolla


Les références

‘Hodge Jones & Allen is one of the leading firms in the civil liberties and human rights sector. The team is exceptionally well prepared, with instructions that reflect not only a mastery of the case material but also a commitment to ensuring that legal proceedings are used as vehicles for accountability and systemic change. They balance legal rigour with compassion for their clients – an increasingly rare combination.’

‘I have worked most closely with Susie Labinjoh, whose reputation as a leader in actions against the state is richly deserved. She is a tenacious, principled, and highly experienced litigator who consistently demonstrates excellent judgement.’

‘HJA is an innovative firm, driving change through legal means. They fight fearlessly for their clients and always have a legal and tactical advantage through exceptional legal minds.’

Principaux clients

Extinction Rebellion


Night Stars


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised an individual on the impact of UK Government failures to protect the right to life in relation to air pollution.
  • Advised over 40 core participants at the Grenfell Tower Inquiry into the Grenfell Tower fire, undertaking 118 civil claims.
  • Advising over 100 core participants at the Undercover Policing Inquiry and in associated criminal and civil cases.

Leigh Day

Leigh Day represents a broad range of NGOs, charities, and individuals in complex and high-profile domestic civil liberties and human rights cases. The human rights department, jointly led by Sapna Malik and Richard Meeran, handles private and public law matters involving health and social care, inquests, abuse and exploitation, privacy and data breaches, and discrimination-related claims, while the international & group litigation department, co-led by Jamie Beagent and Gene Matthews, acts against corporations and governments responsible for alleged injury, loss, and abuse. Malik brings extensive litigation experience with a notable focus on international personal injury and human rights claims. Meeran is well-regarded for his work on landmark cases against UK-domiciled multinational corporations. Beagent focuses on environmental litigation as well as the detention and welfare of immigrants and asylum seekers, while Matthews specialises in data protection claims, particularly group and multi-party actions. Sean Humber is a name to note in relation to data privacy claims, specifically those involving unauthorised disclosure of confidential medical or other personal information. Daniel Leader handles group action and mass tort claims, while Andrew Lord represents survivors of abuse in compensation-related civil claims.

Responsables de la pratique:

Sapna Malik; Richard Meeran; Jamie Beagent; Gene Matthews


Autres avocats clés:

Sean Humber; Daniel Leader; Andrew Lord


Les références

‘A truly exceptional team that deals with cases touching on every aspect of civil liberties – it is difficult to imagine what the legal landscape looks like without them. The unifying feature is a true belief in the importance of the work that they are doing.’

‘Leigh Day is a standout firm for inquests and inquiries. Every member of the team takes great care to support bereaved families and to promote the stories of their loved ones. The firm is exceptionally well run and very polished. Instructions are always of a high quality, and the team is very responsive.’

‘Utterly unique team of innovative, tenacious, strategic lawyers who are committed and meticulous in everything they do.’

Principaux dossiers


  • Advised families of civilians killed by UK Special Forces in Afghanistan during night-raids in the period 2010-13.
  • Advised Stonewall and African Rainbow Family in MI v Switzerland (No. 56390/21) on permission to intervene to highlight Article 3 ECHR risks to gay Iranian men and unlawful targeting of LGBT refugees by Council of Europe states.
  • Advised two individuals in Milasi Josiya & others v British American Tobacco PLC, Imperial Brands PLC & others, representing thousands of Malawian tenant tobacco farmers alleging forced labour, hazardous child labour, and human rights abuses.

McCue Jury & Partners

McCue Jury & Partners is a trusted adviser to governments, international organisations, NGOs, and high-profile individuals, including philanthropists and campaigners, drawing on its expertise in human rights and litigation, as well as in the representation of political prisoners. The practice is jointly led by Jason McCue and Matthew Jury. McCue specialises in the areas of environmental protection, human rights, and governance. Jury focuses on public-interest litigation and both domestic and international human rights and humanitarian law, currently representing alleged victims of rape and sexual assault and continuing to act for families of British soldiers killed in the Second Iraq War. They are supported by Jack Beeston and Oliver Troen, who play a key role in developing many of the firm’s cases.

Responsables de la pratique:

Jason McCue; Matthew Jury


Autres avocats clés:

Jack Beeston; Oliver Troen


Les références

‘Matthew Jury is a committed solicitor with a background in social justice that permeates everything that he does. He is an excellent communicator and is extremely thorough in his preparation. Jack Beeston is hard-working and thorough.’

‘This firm has supported our cause for more years than I can remember, and their commitment is absolute. We can always rely on their prompt response to any questions we may have. Excellent company and great people.’

‘The team engages in high-profile public-interest work focusing on victims’ rights. The lawyers are all high-calibre individuals who have predominantly moved from blue-chip or magic circle firms to focus on work that they care about and are motivated to do. The associates have a lot of freedom to do the heavy-lifting, and the partners are excellent at getting public and press attention for the work that they do.’

Principaux clients

Government of Somaliland


Somaliland Matters Limited


Payback4Ukraine


Whistleblower Aid


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised in legal action against the Wagner Group on behalf of Ukrainian victims, seeking reparations for war crimes and terrorism, including a UK claim targeting sanctioned assets and a lobbying campaign that led to the UK Government designating Wagner as a terrorist organisation in 2023.
  • Advised victims of alleged rapes and sexual assaults by a social media influencer in civil claims for personal injury and psychiatric harm in the High Court, and prompted an extradition request from the UK authorities against the accused individual in relation to separate offences.
  • Advised former hostages of British Airways Flight 149 in civil proceedings against British Airways and the UK Government for compensation over their detention and mistreatment following Iraq’s 1990 invasion of Kuwait, with proceedings being served in December 2024.

Howard Kennedy LLP

Howard Kennedy LLP advises media entities, individuals, government bodies, and NGOs on a wide range of matters, with a strong focus on freedom of expression matters and human rights issues. Leveraging its combined expertise in media and human rights law, the team stands out for its work at the intersection of free speech and privacy. Team head Mark Stephens is an expert in international media law, representing clients in UK and global courts, including the Privy Council. Elizabeth Morley focuses on matters concerning privacy and freedom of expression.

Responsables de la pratique:

Mark Stephens


Autres avocats clés:

Elizabeth Morley; Ayesha Salim


Les références

‘Mark Stephens is an absolute star. He is so experienced and creative when it comes to human rights work, and clients love him.’

Principaux clients

John Lyon’s Charity


Principaux dossiers


  • Acting for John Lyon’s Charity in seeking a High Court declaration that the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 is incompatible with the Human Rights Act 1998, due to its impact on high-value leasehold properties.
  • Acting for the bereaved families of Chinook Zulu Delta 576 in a judicial review application challenging the Government’s refusal to hold a public inquiry into the 1994 crash, citing breaches of their human rights over the past 30 years.

Irwin Mitchell

Irwin Mitchell advises on a wide range of human rights issues, with specialists handling cases involving the police, prison services, and immigration authorities. With expertise that bridges both civil liberties and health and social welfare law, the firm is well positioned to bring claims under the Human Rights Act against providers of healthcare, social services, and education. Team leader Yogi Amin brings extensive experience with a focus on medical ethics, access to NHS care, mental capacity, and the protection of vulnerable adults. Fiona McGhie is also a key figure, particularly known for her work on claims involving police forces and local authorities.

Responsables de la pratique:

Yogi Amin


Autres avocats clés:

Fiona McGhie; Angela Jackman; Aimee Brackfield


Les références

‘This team is very dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome for its clients. Aimee Brackfield is a tenacious and strategic litigator.’

‘The public law team deals with cases of great public interest, such as inquests. They are fearless and committed to getting just and right outcomes for their clients and their families, always going the extra mile. Extremely smart but full of kindness and empathy.’

‘I worked with Aimee Brackfield. Words cannot express how capable she is: smart, strategic, hard working, and goes the extra mile for her clients. She is a rising star who will go to the top, so one to watch carefully. You often do not get great client care and exceptional legal advice – Aimee is the whole package.’

Principaux clients

ICARS


Principaux dossiers


Simons Muirhead Burton

Simons Muirhead Burton handles a high volume of work concerning the human rights of those at risk of capital punishment, and the team has successfully challenged the constitutionality of the mandatory death penalty in several countries. Saul Lehrfreund and Parvais Jabbar, the co-founders and team leaders, specialise in appellate advocacy before the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council, particularly in cases involving individuals sentenced to death. The team also has extensive experience litigating capital cases before international bodies, including the Inter-American Commission and Court of Human Rights, as well as the United Nations Human Rights Committee. Lehrfreund has extensive experience in assisting lawyers representing prisoners facing capital punishment in Commonwealth countries.

Responsables de la pratique:

Saul Lehrfreund; Parvais Jabbar


Autres avocats clés:

Killian Moran; Bethany Jackson


Les références

‘SMAB is totally unique. The firm’s knowledge and expertise in this important and difficult area is unrivalled. Every member of the team – from partners to paralegals – is dedicated and professional. Cases are handled with calm confidence; momentum is maintained in even the most difficult of circumstances.’

‘Parvais Jabbar – his passion for each new project is infectious. He manages to get the best out of everyone he works with by building a team that is collegiate and focused. Killian Moran – he has a calm and thoughtful approach, but is decisive at the same time. He is totally on top of the law, and can be relied on to ensure that everything runs smoothly.’

‘SMB is the leading firm conducting appeals to the Privy Council. They have huge experience and unrivalled expertise in this area.’

Principaux clients

Taiwan Constitutional Challenge


Jamaicans for Justice


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised an individual in relation to his appeal against conviction and sentence to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (JCPC).
  • Advised an individual in relation to his appeal against conviction to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (JCPC).
  • Advised an individual in successfully appealing his conviction to the Privy Council, which unanimously quashed his convictions for murder and armed robbery due to misdirection on the law of joint enterprise.

BCL Solicitors LLP

BCL Solicitors LLP represents high-profile politicians, political parties, journalists, and businessmen in complex international human rights cases, including extradition and Interpol matters, involving jurisdictions such as Russia, Ukraine, Georgia, Nigeria, the UAE, and Iran. Shaul Brazil leads the team, with a focus on politically motivated cases, bad faith prosecutions, and matters related to abuses of process; Brazil has appeared in several proceedings before the European Court of Human Rights. He is ably supported by the ‘very hard-working’ Aleksandra Kardas, who brings experience in complex cross-border investigations, extradition matters, and Interpol applications for the removal of red notices and diffusions.

Responsables de la pratique:

Shaul Brazil


Autres avocats clés:

Aleksandra Kardas; Michael Drury; Anoushka Warlow


Les références

‘BCL have incredible international capabilities – in particular, I was impressed by the fact that they were able to provide support from a lawyer fluent in the language of a foreign jurisdiction to which the case related.’

‘I worked with Shaul Brazil, who was really good – highly responsive and very practical.’

‘They conduct various proceedings before the European Court of Human Rights on fundamental issues of geopolitical importance. Shaul Brazil is extremely easy to work with, very straightforward, and has a superb sense of judgment. Aleksandra Kardas is very hard-working and has excellent attention to detail. They are a reliable team.’

Principaux dossiers


Duncan Lewis Solicitors

Duncan Lewis Solicitors handles high-profile civil liberties and human rights cases as well as judicial reviews, with particular expertise in immigration-related challenges involving human rights breaches in removal and deportation, unlawful detention, inquests into immigration accommodation conditions, civil liberties protection, and costs litigation. Toufique Hossain focuses on acting for individuals and organisations challenging executive decisions, policies, and practices. Another key member is James Packer, who is known for his success in challenging legal aid regulations and high-profile detention cases.

Autres avocats clés:

Angela Sandhal; Bahar Ata; Claire Ryan; Gergana Pentcheva; Gemma Lynch; James Packer; Jenna McKinney; Nazia Khan; Pardeep Somel; Rohena Wallace; Satvir Sahota; Toufique Hossain; Vilash Gami


Les références

‘Fantastic team. Can do extremely complex and serious cases, including those with an EU dimension, and has a wealth of experience. The team expertly handles international cases.’

‘The team is hardworking and really on top of the law and any new developments. They have resources, and their strength is to be able to deal with complex cases and challenge policy where necessary. They are able to pick up cases quickly and prepare them ready for litigation.’

‘Bahar Ata is extremely creative, adaptive, and keeps a cool, methodical head in high-stress, highly complex national security and serious organised crime SIAC cases. She is able to master the difficult issues quickly and create a team that can respond quickly and effectively, making difficult decisions in an instant and drafting technical letters to the court.’

Principaux dossiers


Gold Jennings

Gold Jennings is regularly instructed to act for disadvantaged and marginalised individuals and groups in cases involving state wrongdoing. This includes pursuing damages for children abused while in local authority care, challenging failures to support disabled children and adults, and bringing claims against the police for racial discrimination, false imprisonment, and assault. Leading the firm's civil action against public authorities practice, Matthew Gold is well-versed in claims for wrongful arrests, false imprisonment, and malicious prosecution. Clare Jennings, Salima Budhani, and Rachel Etheridge co-lead the public law and human rights practice, focusing on strategic litigation, particularly in the areas of migrant rights and judicial reviews within the criminal justice system.

Responsables de la pratique:

Matthew Gold; Clare Jennings; Salima Budhani; Rachel Etheridge


Les références

‘Clare Jennings is a tenacious litigator who fights really hard for her clients, frequently going above and beyond to make sure that no stone has been left unturned when collating evidence. She’s creative and fiercely intelligent, and isn’t afraid to think outside the box both when it comes to case strategy and substantive legal arguments.’

‘Rachel Etheridge is wonderful to work with. She’s collaborative, super organised, and always has the facts of any given case at her fingertips. She’s exceptionally thorough when it comes to building a case, and her witness statements are exquisite: she has an amazing talent for capturing the client’s voice.’

‘A firm to watch; seems to be in some of the most interesting and important litigation around now.’

Principaux dossiers


  • Advised TG and others in litigation against the Secretary of State for the Home Department, challenging the use of RAF Wethersfield to accommodate asylum seekers.
  • Advised in challenging the lawfulness of the detention of asylum seekers held in inhumane and degrading conditions at the Manston short-term holding facility.
  • Advised CJW and others in a challenge against the Secretary of State for the Home Department, the National Crime Agency, and Kent Police regarding the unlawful seizure of mobile phones and data extraction by the NCA and Kent Police.

ITN Solicitors

ITN Solicitors specialises in complex human rights litigation, with expertise spanning the right to protest issues, judicial reviews, inquests, and prison law matters. The practice is led by William Kenyon, who has particular expertise in detention-related cases. He is supported by Kate Hallam, who focuses primarily on actions against the police and defending the right to protest, and Johanna McDavitt, who is noted for her work challenging the lawfulness of police conduct during arrests and investigations.

Responsables de la pratique:

William Kenyon


Autres avocats clés:

Kate Hallam; Johanna McDavitt


Les références

‘William Kenyon is a star – he fights with tenacity to resolve claims in his client’s favour.’

‘An outstanding team with a strong commitment to protest law. It has a niche expertise in the intersection of terrorism cases and free speech.’

‘Committed, knowledgeable and constructive. Johanna McDavitt uses her commercial background to excellent effect in identifying and chasing down points. Excellent strategic awareness and a pleasure to work with.’

Principaux clients

King & King


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised QX in High Court proceedings challenging the obligations imposed under his Temporary Exclusion Order, arguing a breach of Article 8 ECHR rights, following a landmark Supreme Court ruling affirming his right to further disclosure under AF (No.3).
  • Advised multiple XR activists in claims alleging unlawful arrest during major XR protests.
  • Advised the App Drivers and Couriers Union (ADCU) in its intervention before the Supreme Court, in a landmark appeal concerning the regulatory framework for the private hire industry, with significant implications for members’ employment rights and passenger safety.

Saunders Law

Saunders Law is recognised for its high-profile work holding authorities accountable through civil claims, inquests, and related legal challenges against prosecuting and detaining bodies such as the police, prisons, and the CPS. The ‘standout’ Nia Williams leads on public law challenges, including judicial reviews, inquiries, inquests, and civil claims. Clare Evans regularly acts for vulnerable clients, while Jag Bahra has particular expertise in cases involving police violence, discrimination, and the misuse of state and police powers.

Autres avocats clés:

Nia Williams; Clare Evans; Jag Bahra


Les références

‘Specialist lawyers in dealing with inquests and in supporting clients in action against the police.’

‘Jag Bahra is top quality for me, he has clear professionalism and integrity, along with his constant sensitivity when supporting myself and my family. I have always felt that Jag fully understands the importance of acting for our interests, and he does this at all times.’

‘Highly skilled, very approachable, and easy to work with. Nia Williams is a standout. Very experienced, deep legal knowledge of this area, combined with a friendly, client-focused approach.’

Principaux dossiers


  • Advised in the Hillsborough Victims’ Misfeasance Litigation.
  • Advised clients in privacy claims and injunctions relating to the Channel 4 programme “24 hours in police custody”.
  • Advised survivors of rape and domestic abuse in challenging failures of the police and CPS to effectively investigate and prosecute.

Simpson Millar LLP

Simpson Millar LLP has extensive experience across a wide spectrum of public law matters, including judicial reviews in areas such as community care, children’s rights, and education; claims against public authorities involving Human Rights Act breaches; inquest representation; and Court of Protection work. The practice is led by Shalini Patel, who brings extensive experience advocating for vulnerable individuals, including victims of trafficking and asylum seekers.

Responsables de la pratique:

Shalini Patel


Autres avocats clés:

Claire MacMaster; Alex Kenney; Heather Davidson


Les références

‘Shalini Patel is an excellent new hire for Simpson Millar. She has a really broad knowledge and experience and is a true fighter for her clients. You want her on your team.’

‘Claire MacMaster is a wonderful lawyer, empathetic, thorough, and on top of every detail. Alex Kenney is also fantastic, she’s dedicated to her clients and stays calm under pressure.’

‘Alex Kenney is a very talented lawyer. Her drafting is superb and she is always on top of every issue.’

Principaux dossiers


  • Advised the family of the deceased in the inquest into the death of a 17-year-old autistic boy, where the coroner identified serious failings in his care and called for an urgent action.
  • Advised a claimant in a judicial review challenging Hertfordshire’s processes for Education, Health and Care Needs Assessments, resulting in a settlement that led to an independent review and 17 recommendations for improvement.
  • Advised TTT, a Muslim pupil at Michaela School in Brent, in challenging the school’s ban on ‘prayer rituals’.

Wilson Solicitors LLP

Wilson Solicitors LLP represents individuals and NGOs in strategic challenges against public bodies, with a strong focus on defending the rights of refugees, victims of trafficking and torture, children, vulnerable families, disabled individuals, and those with mental health conditions. Jed Pennington and Nusrat Uddin jointly lead the practice, with the former specialising in judicial reviews challenging hostile government policies affecting refugees, and the latter focusing on civil claims brought by victims of human trafficking and modern slavery against their exploiters.

Responsables de la pratique:

Jed Pennington; Nusrat Uddin


Autres avocats clés:

Serena Fasso; Lizan Ghafoor; Rebecca Ives; Katya Novakovic


Les références

‘I have not encountered a more proficient firm than Wilson Solicitors LLP. Experience, hard work, professional… what I can say more?’

‘Excellent knowledge and innovative legal solutions.’

‘Wilson Solicitors are rightly regarded as being a powerhouse of a team, with outstanding solicitors at all levels.’

Principaux dossiers


  • Acting for an individual in the first challenge considered by the Court of Appeal in relation to the use of GPS tagging for people on immigration bail.
  • Acting for a group of 35 individuals (CB and Ors) in civil actions seeking redress for unlawful detention and inhuman and degrading conditions at Manston in 2022, and in the Manston Independent Inquiry.
  • Acting for a group of 30 people (ASM, RM and Ors) in civil actions seeking redress for unlawful detention in 2022 and 2024 under the Rwanda removals policy.

AWO

Led by Ravi Naik, AWO’s practice represents clients in high-profile data rights cases, with a strong focus on AI, tech, data protection, and privacy. Naik has extensive expertise in digital rights and emerging tech matters. He is supported by Alex Lawrence-Archer, who handles matters concerning government surveillance of online speech as well as advises on UK information and AI law reforms, and Lucie Audibert, who is instructed by EU policymakers and international bodies to advise on AI, surveillance, data protection, and business and human rights.

Responsables de la pratique:

Ravi Naik


Autres avocats clés:

Alex Lawrence-Archer; Lucie Audibert


Les références

‘The AWO team really puts everything into their client’s cases. Strategic and cutting-edge, they are a great choice to fight even the most complex cases and the most well-heeled adversaries. They are particularly expert in data issues but have a broad base from which to draw.’

‘Ravi Naik is an absolutely fabulous litigator, who puts heart and soul into every case. He is a creative thinker and sees ways around the problem. Clients love him and with good reason – he will passionately fight their corner. Alex Lawrence-Archer is also making a name for himself with an excellent eye for detail and superb tactical thinking.’

‘AWO has an innovative and creative team of lawyers who are the cutting edge of legal thinking and litigation on data and privacy rights.’

Principaux clients

Global Witness


Open Rights Group


Big Brother Watch


Index on Censorship


Principaux dossiers


  • Acting for individual claimants and Big Brother Watch in challenges to facial recognition tech companies.
  • Acting for The Good Law Project and individual claimants on challenges to the use of data by corporate and public authorities, such as the NHS and the Conservative Party.
  • Acting for public interest organisations in challenging the UK Home Office’s Technical Capability Notice to Apple to break encryption on its iCloud service.

Hogan Lovells International LLP

Hogan Lovells International LLP has strong expertise across civil, political, economic, and social rights, with a proven track record in litigation before regional human rights bodies and constitutional courts. The firm is noted for its work on matters regarding terrorism, genocide, torture, human trafficking, and violations of democracy and free speech. The team is led by the ‘insightful’ and ‘passionate’ Yasmin Waljee, who has extensive experience in work related to the death penalty, human trafficking, and sexual violence.

Responsables de la pratique:

Yasmin Waljee


Autres avocats clés:

Helen Boniface; Haylea Campbell; Faiza Mukith


Les références

‘Have been very impressed by the firm’s commitment to developing and supporting democracy focused organisations and policy initiatives to improve and strengthen the voices of those who are under-represented.’

‘Yasmin Waljee is insightful and passionate about achieving justice for the firm’s clients without access to justice, building on the casework of the firm to strengthen the voices of those who are underrepresented.’

‘Hogan Lovells has lawyers with a wide range of expertise and skills. Their knowledge is from experience and being involved in so many areas of legal practice.’

‘They are the global leader of pro-bono services as a law firm.’

‘They represent clients from across the world who have been victims of injustice, exploitation or who are left behind. Their work is practical, measurable and makes a difference at the UN Sustainable Development Goals level to individual cases.’

‘Yasmin Waljee is an outstanding individual. Her work on cases of exploitation in the UK and the strategic advice and leadership she provides to Governments is unprecedented in its value.’

Principaux clients

Equality for Black Nurses


National Association of Care and Support Workers


Odessa Fine Arts Museum


Patchwork Foundation


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised two British nationals, captured, tortured, and sentenced to death by Russian forces in Ukraine, with a focus on pursuing accountability and financial reparations through legal action in Ukraine and ongoing submissions to the ICC and ECtHR.
  • Advised a group of Indigenous Peoples in preparing an application to the United Nations Human Rights Committee concerning human rights violations in a Scandinavian country, where alternative land uses and new legislation are severely impacting their way of life and cultural identity.
  • Advised NACAS, a Core Participant in the UK Covid-19 Public Inquiry, on matters relating to the care sector and care workers’ rights, including disclosure review, submissions to Module 6, resulting in an expanded scope, and preparation of a witness statement from the NACAS chair representing social care workers, ahead of hearings in July 2025.

Hudgell Solicitors

The ‘efficient’ and ‘diligent’ team at Hudgell Solicitors is known for acting against state bodies and institutions in high-profile public inquiries. Neil Hudgell has played a leading role in nationally significant cases. Vicky Richardson brings extensive experience securing compensation for victims of police misconduct and data breaches. Described as ‘insightful’ by clients, Terry Wilcox has significant experience representing individuals and families in inquests and inquiries, while Leanne Windass specialises in Article 2 inquests involving deaths in state care.

Responsables de la pratique:

Neil Hudgell; Vicky Richardson; Terry Wilcox; Leanne Windass


Les références

‘Hudgells is efficient, friendly, diligent and cares about the causes its clients are involved with, which meant a great deal to us. Having worked with other legal teams, I have to say that Hudgells are the gold standard. When acting on our behalf in the public inquiry, we had confidence that they had read everything we had sent and really understood what mattered to us and were prepared to fight our corner.’

‘Terry Wilcox worked closely with us and was always supportive, insightful, empathetic, understanding and knew ahead of time what would be needed. His advice and support were enormously reassuring, giving us confidence that we were doing what was needed in a timely manner.’

‘Hudgell Solicitors is fearless and diligent in the representation of clients. The client is front and centre throughout.’

Principaux dossiers


  • Advised more than 1,000 former sub-postmasters who were victims of the Post Office Horizon Scandal, in relation to overturning wrongful convictions and leading claims for compensation.
  • Advised more than 200 injured survivors of the 2017 Manchester Arena Bombing.
  • Advised the families of three individuals who were killed in June 2023 when they were attacked in Nottingham.