Fri, 23 Oct 2020
No5 Barristers' Chambers Public Law group is very pleased to note its members 'and many of its practice areas being recognised in the 2021 Chambers UK guide to the leading sets and individuals at the Bar.
As usual this year our members have been involved in some of the most high-profile inquests, inquiries, and litigation in our fields of expertise. Our members have continued to conduct work internationally, including in the Caribbean, at the Supreme Court and Privy Council and European Court of Human Rights, as well of course at courts and tribunals below.
Our cases continue to regularly appear in the law reports on points of principle, and our clients continue to extol our virtues and those of our dedicated clerks - and we are very grateful for all our clients' continued support.
This is what the directory says about us:
Court of Protection: Health & Welfare
No5 Barristers' Chambers offers expertise in a wide range of health and welfare matters. Members are experienced in the handling of complex residence, forced marriage, deprivation of liberty and capacity to consent to sexual relations cases. The set's barristers are regularly instructed to act on behalf of the Official Solicitor, the Office of the Public Guardian, local authorities and health bodies, as well as vulnerable individuals and their families.
Client service: "The clerks are all very helpful and proactive - if a particular barrister is not available they are able to recommend other counsel. They also always acknowledge instructions and are very good at ensuring fee notes are received on time." "The clerks always respond promptly to enquiries and are very helpful." Abdul Hafeez is the practice director for the public law group.
Regularly appears in the Court of Protection in health and welfare matters, including complex cases involving mental health, sexual relations and forced marriage. She acts for local authorities, families and relevant person's representatives, and is frequently instructed by the Official Solicitor.
Strengths: "Deals with issues very sensibly and sympathetically." "Authoritative and good at getting people to reach a compromise." "She provides very clear and concise advice, and her drafting is excellent. She is a confident advocate."
Administative & Public Law
London Bar
Philip Rule
Impresses with his knowledge of public and human rights law as it relates to the criminal justice system. He demonstrates a strong commitment to challenging decisions which curtail the rights of prisoners.
Strengths: "Knows the law inside out on prisoners' rights and parole. He's very committed and great at turning round urgent work." "Really hard-working and as a leader he's the type of junior who's really good at pushing you that little bit further."
Recent work: Represented Andrew Morris in his challenge to the Parole Board's new policy of considering unproven allegations when deciding whether to refuse parole, following the case of John Worboys.
Midlands Bar
Abid Mahmood – Band 1
A strong choice for the representation of either local authorities or members of the public, particularly in public law matters concerning immigration, or the care of vulnerable individuals.
Strengths: "Provided clear and decisive input in a judicial review claim."
Recent work: Represented the claimants in litigation against Herefordshire Council, concerning the council's failure to promote contact with their child who had been taken into care.
Inquests and Public Inquiries
London Bar
Philip Dayle - Band 3
Instructed by victims and bereaved families in major public inquiries, and in bringing judicial review challenges to their scope. He also acts for a variety of interested parties in inquests involving prisons, health and safety breaches and other matters.
Strengths: "His written advocacy is phenomenal – like nothing I've ever seen before. It's so simple but so effective and well written."
Recent work: Acted on behalf survivors and bereaved family members in Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry.
Regions
Richard Grimshaw – Band 2
Impressive barrister who has a strong command of Article 2 proceedings involving prisons, or those examining the quality of medical care.
Strengths: "He was well prepared, approached the matter very well and had an impressive style on his feet."
Bernard Thorogood – Band 2
Notable experience in handling complex inquests which involve health and safety issues. He represents interested persons in inquests examining workplace deaths and deaths in public spaces. He is sought after by local authorities, inquiry chairs and professional individuals.
Strengths: "Bernard is an exceptional barrister. He is a great operator and a tremendous individual to have on your side. He has strong human qualities and he is highly capable of dealing with a High Court judge."
Recent work: Represented Wolverhampton City Council at the inquest touching the death of Tahnie Martin, who died when she was struck by debris falling from a poorly maintained shopping centre during Storm Doris.
Other individuals within the group recognised for their skills include:
Stefano Nuvoloni QC
Respected silk practising in all areas of childcare law, from cases of severe injury or fatality to the most contentious residence and relocation disputes. He has an expanding practice advising local authorities on human rights issues, and has been involved in ground-breaking work on the disruption of child sexual exploitation. He also has considerable expertise in non-accidental injury and factitious illness cases.
Manjit Gill QC
Enormously experienced silk, recognised by market sources for his involvement in a number of landmark policy-shaping cases. He is well versed in both business and personal immigration matters.
Strengths: "He is fiercely driven, passionate and never misses a beat when it comes to challenging a complex area of law. His skeleton arguments and advocacy are superb." "He has an excellent approach due to his vast knowledge and attention to detail. He is also easy to work with as counsel."
Recent work: Acted in R (Begum and Rahman) v Entry Clearance Officer, Dhaka, a case concerning certificates of entitlement to right of abode in UK for a Bangladeshi mother and her daughter, where the British Citizen husband and father had passed away.
Adrian Keeling QC
Highlighted for his strategic approach to heavyweight drugs and homicide cases. He also has significant experience of handling fraud cases. He frequently acts for both the prosecution and the defence.
Strengths: "He has an absolutely fantastic manner and he glides through a court case like a swan on water. He is a fantastic jury advocate." "A very good problem-solver." "Adrian is a first-class barrister, who has an innate sense for the right tactical approach to a case and a magical touch with juries."
Henry Pitchers QC
Has a strong personal injury practice centred on high-value and complex claims. He manages a diverse selection of cases, including those involving head and spinal injuries and amputations. He is also well regarded for his handling of severe psychiatric cases and fatal accident claims. He is regularly instructed in cases involving claimants who lack capacity.
Strengths: "A very likeable barrister - clients adore him." "He is consistently excellent and I have 100% confidence in his abilities and his drive to get the best possible result for his clients."
"He has really good client management skills and is very charming and pragmatic in his advice." "A very thorough and personable barrister."
Mark Bradshaw
Well versed in asylum, country guidance, unlawful deportation and other human rights-related cases. He often represents vulnerable clients, including unaccompanied asylum seekers and individuals with mental health issues.
Strengths: "He is amazing. He is very practical and hands-on in terms of looking at and preparing bundles, and he knows what case law to use." "His strengths include attention to detail, his knowledge of asylum law and procedure and his constant and regular engagement with the solicitor and the case. He puts clients at ease."
Ramby De Mello
Receives attention for his excellent advocacy and experience acting for clients in the ECJ, ECtHR and UK Supreme Court. He is able to handle a range of immigration, asylum and nationality matters.
Strengths: "He is an innovative lawyer, very good at picking a point and running with it. He has impressively deep legal skills."
View all the barristers in our group here https://www.no5.com/people/barristers/?name=&area=Public%20Law&year=
