Police Law

Identified as a premier set in police law by Chambers UK and the Legal 500 directories, we are instructed by nearly every police force in the country ["Forces around the country look to 5 Essex Court for advice and representation, and the set is involved  in most of the key police law cases".....Legal 500, 2006 Edition] and have a formidable and unrivalled record of appearance in almost every recent case or inquiry of substance concerning police law.  We have the highest number of counsel specialising in this area of work of any set in the country, and have more members (two silks and ten juniors) identified by the reputable legal practice directories as leaders in the field of police law than any other set.

Our police team's size and expertise means that we are able to offer clients strength in depth in the full range of police law work; we provide, in effect, a one-stop shop service.  Members have been instructed in civil jury actions, judicial reviews, inquests, misconduct and discipline, employment, EL/PL matters, POCAs and the full range of banning orders.  Members are also instructed to provide advice on operational and sensitive issues of police policy.

Our expertise in the field of police law means that members are regularly invited to contribute at national conferences and seminars, and Chambers itself hosts its own highly regarded annual police conference each summer.  Chambers also publishes its Police Civil Actions Update every four months and has an advice line for immediate assistance in areas of law impacting on the police.