‘At the top of the tree for police law’, Serjeants’ Inn Chambers ’has an excellent reputation in representing police forces, whether it be civil claims, inquests, employment law or regulatory matters’. Acting for all police forces around the country, the set is also regularly trusted to represent the NCA, IOPC, and Police and Crime Commissioners. In Watson v PSNI, John Beggs KC represented the respondent as the Court of Appeal in Northern Ireland ruled that police officers in that jurisdiction could not face disciplinary proceedings in relation to pre-attestation misconduct. ‘A true leader in police law’, Gerard Boyle KC is representing the NPCC in the Undercover Policing Inquiry, as well as acting for West Midlands Police in the inquest into the death of Sean Fitzgerald during a police raid. Acting on behalf of the Chief Constable of West Mercia Police, Dijen Basu KC prosecuted a police constable before a police misconduct hearing panel regarding an allegation she used excessive force on former Aston Villa footballer Dalian Atkinson, who died after being shot with a Taser by the force.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'The clerks are a pleasure to deal with and very responsible. Lee in particular goes out of his way to assist and offer an excellent service, making recommendations as appropriate and fitting in matters where possible. '
- 'The clerks are generally prompt, efficient and courteous - providing exactly what is needed.'
- 'Excellent clerking, in particular senior clerk Lee ,who is very approachable and straightforward.'
- 'All clerks provide an excellent service.'
- 'Serjeants' inn are a very strong police law set and one of our go to's for such work.'
- 'The Chambers are excellent. The availability of Counsel in Police work is vast and they are extremely accommodating.'
- 'One of the strongest chambers for police law. They do extensive criminal and professional discipline work.'
- 'Serjeants' Inn are at the top of the tree for police law.'
Silks
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.
Dijen Basu KC
Serjeants’ Inn Chambers ‘Dijen is like a wolf in sheep’s clothing. He is unassuming but it is an absolute marvel to witness him on his feet. He does not shy away from challenging a witness even when the subject matter is extremely sensitive. He also takes no prisoners when it comes to attacking the position of opposing counsel. Fearless, there is no other word.’
Gerard Boyle KC
Serjeants’ Inn Chambers ‘Gerard is a true leader in police law. He is an outstanding court advocate with excellent client handling skills. He knows just how to calibrate very sensitive points in high-stakes cases.’
Ian Skelt KC
Serjeants’ Inn ChambersJuniors
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.
Elliot Gold
Serjeants’ Inn Chambers 'Elliot is very astute and intelligent individual with an attention for detail. He is technically excellent.'
Mark Ley-Morgan
Serjeants’ Inn Chambers 'Mark's knowledge and understanding of the law is outstanding. His advocacy is excellent and second to none. He is clear, accurate and never misses any point out.
George Thomas
Serjeants’ Inn Chambers 'George has an excellent level of knowledge and recall. He is a public order policing expert and a great advocate, especially with juries.'
James Berry
Serjeants’ Inn Chambers ‘James is incredibly approachable, good with clients of all ranks and matches this with an excellent grasp of police law. His advocacy is understated - which suits the subject matter - but highly effective.’
Stephen Morley
Serjeants’ Inn Chambers 'Stephen is extremely knowledgeable and provides honest and detailed advice.'
Frances McClenaghan
Serjeants’ Inn Chambers 'Frances offers great knowledge, attention to detail, and high quality written advice.'
Aaron Rathmell
Serjeants’ Inn Chambers ‘Aaron is a passionate barrister and has incredible advocacy skills and is excellent at presenting cases in both misconduct matters and employment tribunals. He is always across the detail but able to see the bigger picture.’
