Civil liberties and human rights

Hickman & Rose

Upholding the rights of victims of serious abuses of power by the police and other detaining authorities stands at the heart of Hickman & Rose’s ‘unwavering commitment to justice’, including challenging failures to discharge Articles 2 and 3 obligations. The team is also well versed in bringing alleged perpetrators of war crimes committed abroad to justice in the UK, and pursuing claims against the state to the ECtHR. Practice head Daniel Machover is recognised as ’astute and a master of strategy’ in dealing with human rights abuses and failures in the criminal justice system, while Kate Maynard’s inquest law expertise is magnified by her ability to ‘build trust with clients in the most difficult of circumstances’. Stefano Ruis is ’able to achieve fantastic results’ in challenging DBS disclosure and DBS barring decisions. Helen Stone is ‘very understanding of sensitive or possibly upsetting occasions’ and performs best in matters relating to deaths in police custody or prison.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘Hickman & Rose is one of the best law firms that deal with civil liberties litigation and actions against state malfeasance or overreach. I am finding them very effective and efficient. I get welcome and regular updates on our current progress and detailed explanations of options at every stage which is quite reassuring in navigating what appears to be minefields to the average layperson.’
‘Kate Maynard is a brilliant solicitor. Extremely dedicated and able to build trust with clients in the most difficult of circumstances, including bereaved families of those who have died in police custody.’
‘Daniel Machover is a leader in the field, particularly in respect of inquests and civil claims. He is astute and a master of strategy.’
‘Toby Wilton is experienced in all critical areas of law for taking on powerful entities like the police, and always informing the client of progress at each critical juncture of the process, and patiently explaining the reasoning behind and availability of options, and even explaining why the laws are created the way they are.’
‘Helen Stone has lots of experience and always seems very professional. She is also very understanding of sensitive or possibly upsetting occasions and adapts to suit.’
‘Hickman & Rose excels in communication and explaining complex concepts clearly, which is essential in advocating for civil liberties and human rights. They have strong problem-solving skills which allows them to navigate challenging legal situations and provide effective solutions.’
‘Hickman & Rose bring a unique combination of expertise, passion, and dedication to their work. Their unwavering commitment to justice and their ability to think outside the box sets them apart. They are willing to go the extra mile to fight for what’s right. Exceptional in their research skills and attention to detail.’
‘Stefano Ruis is a fantastic solicitor and an extremely skilled litigator, who is able to achieve fantastic results in the most difficult cases. His reputation among clients, colleagues, opponents, and barristers alike place him right at the forefront of the field.’

Key clients

Andrew Malkinson
Helen Lumuanganu (mother of Chris Kaba)
Ali Babitu Kololo
Louise Grennan
Luke Clarke
Grenfell Tower Inquiry participants
Grenfell Tower civil claimants
UCPI core participants
The family of Thomas Orchard
The family of Sean Fitzgerald

Work highlights

Acted for the mother of Chris Kaba, an unarmed Black man who was shot dead on 5 September 2022 by a Metropolitan Police Service firearms officer.
Acted for Ali Babitu Kololo in proceedings related to his wrongful conviction in 2013 in Kenya in connection with the kidnapping of British tourist Judith Tebbutt and murder of her husband, David Tebbutt.
Acted for the family of Thomas Orchard who died in the custody of Devon and Cornwall Police in October 2012.