Chambers & Partners 2008 recommendations for civil liberties, crime, employment, immigration, social housing and police law  

CHAMBERS & PARTNERS 2008 RECOMMENDATIONS

Civil liberties : Northern

“Since its formation in 1996, Garden Court North has developed to become a highly respected player in the human rights field. Noted for its commitment to publicly funded work, this is the only set outside London to specialise in human rights. The outfit has expertise in a range of matters, including criminal defence, housing, immigration, employment and discrimination law, claims against the police and public authorities, inquests, prisoners' rights, community care, mental health and education law.”

“Possessing “a superb intellect and excellent client care skills,” Nick Stanage is held in high regard. His work is particularly focused on police law, inquests and immigration. Stanage has acted on several claims in the High Court relating to compensation for violations of Article 5 of the ECHR on behalf of unlawfully detained foreign prisoners. "

" Pete Weatherby also receives praise. Solicitors observe that “he applies his mind to a problem and really gets stuck in.” He appeared in R (Lunn) v Governor of HMP Moorland, a case that raised the question of whether the lawfulness of a person's continued detention was to be determined by reference to the terms of the order of the court directing his imprisonment or by the sentence handed down by the judge.”

Crime : Northern

“Garden Court North has the respected Farrhat Arshad who continues to attract some of the most interesting cases around, many with an immigration slant."

"Her set also includes the very talented Mark George who many a solicitor is “happy to use as a leader in place of a silk.”

Employment : Northern

“Local law firms admire the “incredible knowledge, experience and willingness to put in the hours” displayed by Garden Court North’s Paul Draycott . He has a mixed employment tribunals and human rights practice.”

Immigration : Northern

“This public law specialist tackles immigration, housing and prison law with an increasing degree of vigour now that judicial reviews can also be held in Manchester. It further works with foreign nationals in the criminal justice system on their status and immigration rights in general. Lawyers laud the “breadth of experience evidenced by a number of practitioners who are all committed experts in this field.”

“Leading light Melanie Plimmer focuses predominantly on appellate work, appearing on a number of significant cases that have clarified the law. Some solicitors believe that her work “sets her apart from the norm and she has set the standards for others to follow;” in particular interviewees mark her out for women’s issues in relation to asylum law. She was junior counsel in the House of Lords in Secretary of State for the Home Department v K, an appeal on the meaning of ‘particular social group’ in asylum claims by women fearing gender-based persecution."

" Nick Stanage specialises in complex asylum, immigration, human rights and public law cases, notably those where the abuse of executive power or the unlawful detention of foreign nationals is alleged. He counselled for the claimant in the Court of Appeal on AA v Secretary of State for the Home Department, which looked at the importance to the NHS in Tyneside of a self-employed failed asylum seeker from Afghanistan who worked as an interpreter. In addition, his “knowledge and expertise of the issues involved in asylum claims from Palestine is excellent.” Instructing solicitors describe a barrister with a compelling manner whose “communication, enunciation and use of words can easily win people over.”

" Alex Durance deals with asylum cases and third country removals as part of his overall immigration practice. Solicitors were keen to point out his “ability to find decisions that other barristers may have missed" and his "expert eye in finding the key issues to challenge cases.”

" Rory O’Ryan is especially adept at cases involving Somali asylum seekers and demonstrates a solid base of immigration knowledge."

Police law (national)

" Nick Stanage of Garden Court North offers a deep specialism in this area. “Highly cerebral, calm and assured,” Stanage has “the canny knack of communicating in plain English and getting his point across in the most effective manner possible.” He appeared in Jason Paul v Chief Constable of Humberside Police, acting for the claimant who had been wrongly accused by police of assaulting Christopher Alder before Mr Alder was unlawfully killed in police custody."

Social Housing : Northern

"For tenants' work, there really isn’t another set to touch Garden Court North in the North West. As one source phrased it, “its ethos is firmly focused on helping tenants and this dedication shines through.”

" Adam Fullwood is “extremely good at getting through the procedural nitty-gritty” and is becoming increasingly sought after for high-profile judicial review work. Recent cases include Riverside Housing Association v White in the House of Lords, on which the House of Lords handed down judgment in April 2007. "

" James Stark impressed sources with his “depth of knowledge in this area.” A former solicitor, his past twelve months have consisted of a diet of possession hearings and unlawful eviction cases, as well as a substantial number of homelessness appeals. "

"An up-and-coming presence at the set, Ben McCormack has impressed solicitors with his “ability to relate well to clients,” his “effective advocacy” and “thorough preparation.”

> More details: See all rankings for our set at

http://www.chambersandpartners.co.uk/uk/rankings36.aspx?fid=10689&solbar=2

....................................................................................................................................

Quick links

> Legal 500 2007 recommendations (published September 2007)

> Chambers & Partners 2007 recommendations (published October 2006)