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David Hughes
David started practice at the Anglo-Welsh Bar in 2007. Before that, he was in full-time practice at the Gibraltar Bar.
David appears for and advises claimants in actions against the Police, and similar public authorities such as prisons and the MoJ.
Practice Overview
David started practice at the Anglo-Welsh Bar in 2007. Before that, he was in full-time practice at the Gibraltar Bar..
David had a mixed practice in Gibraltar, undertaking criminal cases as well as a significant number of public law and constitutional cases. In his early years at the Bar, David had a broad civil practice, before focussing more on his current specialisms. He remained a consultant at a Gibraltar Law Firm for many years after his return to the UK
David speaks fluent Spanish, excellent French and good Italian.
AREAS OF PRACTICE
Actions against the Police
David appears for and advises claimants in actions against the Police, and similar public authorities such as prisons and the MoJ. His cases include unlawful detention, use of excessive force (including taserings), the misuse of information by police, challenges to licence recalls, and even a successful claim relating to the unlawful seizure by police of sheep. He also represents victims of crime failed by the police. He is an experienced jury advocate. He is instructed in claims across England and Wales, and is a member of the Police Action Lawyers’ Group.
Defamation
David has an active defamation practice, and is one of the few barristers based outside London to regularly practice in this field. Much of this work involves advising with a view to early settlement, and is necessarily confidential, but his experience includes defamation cases involving social media and in the local government context, and he has advised defendants in a number of cases involving Gibraltar government ministers. He has also advised lawyers defamed on social media, and businesses the subject of unfavourable on-line reviews. David authored the joint response of Public Law Wales and the Wales Commercial Law Association to the Government’s consultation on the draft Defamation Bill (which became the Defamation Act 2013), and has regularly given talks on defamation.
Inquests
David appears in inquests for the families of the deceased. He has experience of Article 2 inquests, and jury inquests.
Memberships
Liberty – member of national policy council 2015-2023, member of executive 2020-21, vice-chair July-December 2021
Member of Inquest
Wales Commercial Law Association (chair)
Public Law Wales (committee member)
Administrative Law Bar Association
Commonwealth Lawyers Association
British-Spanish Law Association
Appointments
Fee-paid Employment Judge 2020
Fee-paid judge of the First-tier Tribunal 2020
Professional Endorsements
He is an extremely motivated, inspiring individual.” “An excellent team player and advocate.” Chambers UK, 2023 – Police Law: Mainly Claimant
“A junior who thinks outside the box.” The Legal 500, 2023 – Administrative & Public Law incl Civil Liberties & Human Rights
“He builds an excellent relationship with clients.” “He is excellent in cross-examination.” “He is able to relay complex legal issues in a clear and effective manner.” Chambers UK, 2022 – Police Law: Mainly Claimant
‘He is able to think outside the box which often gives a case added strength.’ The Legal 500, 2021 – Administrative and Public Law
‘Particularly recommended for judicial reviews concerning sentencing and parole.’ The Legal 500, 2020 – Public Law
‘Prepares well and is very good with clients.’ The Legal 500, 2020 – Commercial, Banking, Insolvency and Chancery Law
‘Noted for handling cases involving mental health issues.’ The Legal 500, 2019
‘Well known for partnership and building disputes.’ The Legal 500, 2018
‘Highly recommended for judicial reviews’ The Legal 500, 2017
‘Experienced in businesses, partnership and building disputes’ The Legal 500, 2017
‘Recommended for contractual disputes in the construction and engineering industry’ The Legal 500, 2016
‘Knowledgeable in judicial reviews and a wide range of constitutional matters’ The Legal 500, 2016
Blog
The Latest News and Cases From Richard Barraclough QC
Follow our blog for further information on the latest news and cases from Richard Barraclough QC, and all other members of our team.
Blog
The Latest News and Cases From David Hughes
Follow our blog for further information on the latest news and cases from David Hughes and all other members of our team.
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With around 600 people convicted of benefit fraud offences between 2021 and 2022, it is important to be aware of …
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1m ago
What to Expect in a Dawn Raid
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