One Pump Court boasts exceptional experience in handling a broad range of Civil Actions against Public Authorities on behalf of some of the most vulnerable members of society.  We are instructed in high profile and sensitive cases, frequently involving the exploration of novel issues.

Members of the team are well known for taking a practical approach in achieving substantial damages for their clients and are noted for their hands-on and collaborative approach, willing and able to offer practical and/or strategic advice from the pre-litigation stage, often including complex limitation issues, right through to the conclusion of trial. Members are fully familiar with the different funding regimes, including Fixed Recoverable Costs (and escapes from the regime) and are willing to accept instructions on traditional or low-cost CFAs.

A particular strength is the team’s multidisciplinary approach and expertise, being particularly sought after in cases involving interlinking areas of law, such as inquest law, discrimination and modern slavery. Further we are equally as comfortable in different jurisdictions, from the Administrative Court to the County Court and from Inquest hearings to the High Court, meaning we are able to act for the same client from beginning to end, even when the claim is transferred to a different jurisdiction and/or connected claims are being considered or pursued.

We have extensive expertise in a full range of matters, including:

• Civil actions against the Home Office, including false imprisonment, misfeasance in public office and negligence, often involving an Equality Act or modern slavery element.
• Civil actions against the police, including false imprisonment, malicious prosecution, misfeasance in public office, negligence and assault/battery.
• Civil actions involving breaches of Article 5 and 8 ECHR arising from failures by Prisons and probation services, including unlawful recall, security categorisation and re-categorisation decisions, prison conditions and challenges to licence conditions.
• Civil actions against Local Authorities, adult and children services arising for example, from failures in provision for looked after children and leaving care.
• Civil actions arising out of failures to meet special educational needs and the continuing health care needs of children with disabilities.
• Historical abuse/failure to protect claims on behalf of children in care and vulnerable adults.
• Equality Act/Article 14 ECHR discrimination claims.
• Civil actions following representation in Inquests, involving Article 2 ECHR, negligence and claims brought under the Fatal Accidents Act 1976/Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1934.
• Civil actions involving breaches of Article 4 ECHR, including failures to investigate, on behalf of victims of trafficking or modern slavery.
• Associated civil claims against private companies acting as agents for the state (such as G4S or Serco), including the maladministration of electronic monitoring conditions.
• Breaches of the Data Protection Act 2018, Article 8 and 10 ECHR.