Our Expertise
St Pauls Chambers provides legal services throughout the UK and worldwide. We are known for providing excellence in our areas of focus.
As a leading barristers chambers in Leeds, our expertise span the depth and breadth of a number of key areas of law.
Our People
St Pauls Chambers have an excellent team of Barristers, Clerks & Administration, with our barristers including KC’s, Members and Pupils.
View our teams in full detail, or browse by expertise to find a barrister.
Call 2010
Sophie Mitchell is consistently ranked by the Legal 500 as a Leading Junior across all of her practice areas. She was shortlisted in 2019 for the ‘Regional Junior Barrister of the Year’. She is the first barrister to be ranked outside of London for defamation and privacy work. Sophie has twice been appointed to the AG panel.
Defamation & Harassment
His Honour Judge X v A [2025] EWHC KBD
Representing Circuit Judge in harassment claim against a litigant in the family proceedings he presided over, who is stalking him and seeking to intimidate him, acting in contempt of court by interfering with the administration of justice. (Pre-issue).
Dickinson v Santa [2025] EWHC KBD, MAC List
Representing Defendant in defamation action concerning two scout volunteers in Yorkshire. Involves a disputed slander about a safeguarding concern.
E & Others v R & Others [2024]
Representing Defendants who had lived next-door to the Claimants suing them for harassment. Successfully compromised proceedings shortly prior to trial on a drop hands basis after drafting Part 35 Questions resulting in Claimant’s own medical expert withdrawing support and accepting exaggeration of claim.
Gallacher & Others v Wallis & Others [2023]
Successfully advised and represented Claimants at trial, securing damages, final injunctions and beat Part 36 Offers, proving 9 instances of harassment by stalking, ‘poison pen’ letters, defamatory publications online (paedophile accusations) and a claim for delivery up of goods pursuant to s.3 Torts (Interference with Goods) Act 1997. Successfully disproved all 19 instances of counterclaimed harassment.
Regularly advising public bodies, charities and other organisations seeking to protect their staff from harassment. Eg:
Representing Claimant, Migrant Help charity in ongoing s.1(1A) PHA 1997 proceedings against former employee and his mentor.
Advised and successfully obtained interim harassment injunction after threats to staff of the Trust, refusal to leave premises and business disruption. Subsequently compromised by obtaining final undertakings given to the Court.
Successfully secured General Civil Restraint Order for MOJ (vexatious litigant).
Advised on urgent basis, drafted representative proceedings and successfully obtained interim injunction for over 50 Claimants (corporate and personal) suffering harassment by former disgruntled employee. Permanent injunction agreed shortly before trial.
A v B [2021] EWHC QBD MAC List & EWHC FD
Successfully obtained injunctive relief for a father who was blackmailed with threatened release of a sex tape, then subjected to threats to kill and abduct his children. Started in High Court QBD with interim harassment injunction against ‘Persons Unknown’. Became family proceedings when evidence revealed ex-partner/mother behind threats. Lengthy finding of fact hearing proved all allegations and recovered costs, showing ability to skilfully traverse the different jurisdictions to secure the desired remedy.
Hayden v Meesam [2020] EWHC QBD MAC List
Successfully struck out a claim for harassment, breach of confidence and breach of contract claim found to be vexatious, brought in bad faith in attempt to defeat a debt.
X v Y EWHC MAC List [2020]
Obtained an urgent, ex-parte interim injunction for successful businessman in a harassment, privacy and blackmail ‘kiss and tell’ case about the threatened release of a sex tape by his former partner. Secured order anonymising parties and restricting access to sensitive documents on Court file (r.39.2(4)) and permission to serve on email address threats came from (r.6.15). Injunction maintained on return date. Later compromised.
K v CAFCASS [2020]
Acting for CAFCASS in defamation and privacy claim over allegations made during social worker investigations. Involved consideration of social worker’s duty to safeguard welfare of child (s.12 Criminal Justice and Court Services Act 2000) and whether publication was indiscriminate so as to defeat public interest defence.
Hamshaw v MOJ [2020]
Successfully struck out defamation claim alleging OASys Report by probation officer was false and defamatory. Claim had no reasonable prospect of success due to vital public interest in probation officers speaking frankly to achieve object of rehabilitation of offenders, and abusive as mounted collateral attack on criminal conviction.
[2019] Pre-publication advice for the Home Office in relation to counter terrorism publications.
D & Others v S [2019] EWHC QBD MAC List
Acting for Claimants, an international chain of companies, suing for defamation, malicious falsehood, data protection and privacy breaches, following a social media campaign accusing them of fraud, falsely alleging that their products breached safety standards. Led by Christina Michalos, 5RB. Claim compromised shortly before trial.
Negligent misstatement arising from employment references. Eg:
Urgently drafting pleadings for Defendant / Counterclaimant in a claim for libellous and negligent employment reference, and counterclaim for breach of a restrictive covenant in respect of financial services.
Advised a teacher pursuing claim for defamation, malicious falsehood, negligent misstatement and breach of contract following her school’s provision of a negative reference to prospective employer, and consideration of her loss of chance of an income from the prospective employer.
S v [National Newspaper] [2018]
Advised and successfully compromised defamation/privacy claim pre-issue for Claimant, a locksmith mistakenly identified in newspaper as a burglar and one of Hull’s ‘most wanted criminals’, preventing his ability to trade.
Ward v Chief Constable of North Yorkshire Police [2017] EWHC QBD
Urgently instructed to draft defence for police in defamation claim, denying that a press release was defamatory and arguing Jameel abuse; it was true, honest and published in the public interest. Claimant withdrew claim shortly after Defence served.
Majid v Walmsley & Others [2014] EWHC QBD
Successfully secured damages, a retraction, apology and costs on an indemnity basis in a defamation claim whereby Claimant, a well-known businessman, was falsely accused of corruption and bribery in relation to his planning applications.
Ryles v Morgan & Another [2013] EWHC QBD
Represented Defendants at 5-day defamation trial by jury. Partially proven libel and slander in respect of employee misconduct allegations. Involved extensive cross-examination on factual disputes, consideration of qualified privilege defence and drafting list of issues for jury to determine (adopted by Judge).
Data, Information and Privacy
Cowie & Others v MOJ [2025] EWHC KBD MAC List
Acting for 1,100 prison officer Claimants, claiming damages for an alleged data breach whereby their contact details/photographs were made accessible online, causing threat to their security.
AB v The Chief Constable of West Yorkshire Police (D1) Crown Prosecution Service (D2) [2025]
Representing the CPS in a data breach / misuse of privacy claim, concerning a report (detailing that Claimant had been suspect in criminal investigation into historic grooming offences) uploaded onto Digital Case System (‘DCS’) in criminal proceedings. Drafted Part 35 Questions that caused C’s expert to withdraw support for a personal injury. Involves consideration of interplay between eggshell rule v’s irrational fears over safety in privacy claims.
Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government v IC [2024] UKFTT 0432
Represented MHCLG in s.57 of FOIA appeal, appealing IC decision to disclose financial information underpinning a government announcement, pursuant to s.35(1)(a) (formulation or development of government policy).
Gerhold v Information Commissioner [2024] UKFTT 00039 (GRC)
Represented Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities in s.57 of FOIA appeal, successfully resisting application to obtain financial information about the UK Holocaust Memorial, pursuant to s.35(1)(a) and s.43(2) (prejudice commercial interests).
Parfitt v Ministry of Justice [2024]
Defended data protection and privacy claim for alleged unlawful disclosure of Claimant’s criminal convictions during her partner’s Parole Board hearing. Argued necessity for administration of justice, relying on s.7(3) of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and s.8(a) the Data Protection Act 2018. Claim discontinued following successful interim application pursuant to r.2(18)(c) Parole Board (Amendment) Rules 2022 seeking permission from Chair to rely on confidential information from the Parole Board proceedings.
H v HM [2024]
Advising Claimants in a neighbour dispute, following intrusions into their privacy by covert filming in garden, vexatious complaints to RSPCA and Environment Agency, falsely publishing to other neighbours allegations of paedophilia, trespass and assault.
Gerhold v Information Commissioner [2024] UKFTT 00040 (GRC)
Acted for DLUHC in s.57 of FOIA appeal, successfully resisting application to obtain minutes of meetings concerning proposed siting of UK Holocaust Memorial, pursuant to s.35(1)(a) and s.43(2).
F v Ministry of Defence [2024]
Advised MOD in privacy / data claim in respect of allegations that a tribunal bundle containing sensitive information about Claimant was sent to incorrect address.
M v X Police Force (D1) X Film Production Company (D2) [2024]
Representing Claimant in breach of confidence/privacy and contempt of court claim, after his ABE police interview, in which he gave evidence about being the victim of childhood sexual abuse, was disclosed to a film production company without his consent and prior to criminal trial. (Currently pre-issue).
Breach of confidence claims resulting in claims for relocation and threat to life. Eg:
Representing HMCTS over allegation tribunal bundle inadvertently disclosed Claimant’s address to her abusive ex-partner. Involves issues of mitigation/harm reduced to de minimis level following swift HMCTS act to recover/destroy bundle.
Advised Claimant adoptive parents forced to temporarily live abroad then go into police protection following threats from birth parents to abduct their children, after Council accidentally disclosed some personal data leading to jigsaw identification.
Advised Defendant Council following inadvertent disclosure of adoptive parents’ full names and location, causing them to sell business, change schools and relocate.
Advised HMCTS following allegation it had inadvertently disclosed Claimant mother’s address to violent ex-partner when sending him a family Court Order.
Mother and child fled domestic violence, moved to secret location and changed identities. Advised SSWP following allegations new name of child inadvertently disclosed to father in child maintenance letters, allegedly causing them need to change identities again.
C v H [2023]
Successfully secured urgent injunction for C to restrain D from misuse of her private information (medical and sexual history). Successfully applied for hearing to be held in private pursuant to CPR 39.2(3)(a), (c) and (g), an order anonymising C’s name pursuant to CPR Part 39.2(4) and costs. Later compromised injunction on final basis.
Thackrey v the Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police [2022]
Successfully achieved settlement for Claimant for misuse of his private information following police publishing on Facebook (pre-charge) his name, photograph and that he had sexually assaulted a minor. The alleged victim later retracted her sex assault allegations, accepting they were false. Claimant received threats to kill him by vigilante ‘paedophile hunter’ gangs, suffered severe PTSD and attempted to take own life such that he required care under the Mental Health Act.
Reid v MOJ [2021]
Successfully represented Defendant in claim for misuse of private information. Claimant alleged mail sent to him in prison marked ‘Rule 39’ (of the Prison Rules 1999, legally privileged correspondence) had been deliberately interfered with by prison staff. Skeleton argument and oral submissions led to Claimant withdrawing claim at trial.
Kerry v NHS Digital (D1) The Pheonix Partnership (D2) [2020]
Instructed by DLA Piper to represent NHS Digital. Co-Defendant represented by a Silk. Successfully struck out data protection claim as data sufficiently anonymised and legitimate interest in conducting medical research without being impeded by exaggerated sensitivities of Claimant.
Kerry v Judicial Conduct and Investigations Office [2019]
Successfully represented JCIO at trial defending claim it had unlawfully retained data concerning complaints made against members of the judiciary. Secured findings it had lawfully and transparently processed data in order to fulfil its public duties and that the exemption pursuant to s.35 Data Protection Act 1998 (legal proceedings) applied. Negligence claim dismissed, no actionable loss. Human Rights claim dismissed; claim failed to reach minimum level of severity.
Public Law & Human Rights
Lewis v His Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service [2025] EWHC KBD
Acting for HMCTS defending claim for breach of Art.6 ECHR following Magistrate’s Court alleged repeated refusal to issue proceedings. Considers scope of judicial immunity afforded to ‘authorised Court officers’ by ss.67E to 67G of the Courts Act 2003. Further claims for unlawful data processing and negligence.
Rutter v MOJ [2025]
Acting for MOJ in respect of a use of force incident at HMP Durham, where it is disputed officers applied excessive force, committing assault and battery.
D & Others v X Council (D1) MOJ (D2) [2025]
Sole Counsel advising MOJ (pre-issue) in group action for assault/battery, harassment, misfeasance in public office and human rights breaches in respect of alleged sexual abuse of prisoners by a prison librarian and an alleged ‘covered up’ thereafter.
Harris v MOJ [2024]
Acted for MOJ in a claim where Claimant alleged assault/battery by prison officers, and thereafter violation of his Art 3 right to effective investigation. Claim struck out.
Fogel v CPS [2024]
Successful strike out of malicious prosecution claim, arguing malice could not be established and CPS owed no general duty of care in relation to the conduct of prosecutions.
Ramsey v MOJ [2024]
Advised/drafted for MOJ in claim under the Equality Act 2010 for direct and indirect discrimination, harassment and victimisation on grounds of race and religion.
Dev v Secretary of State for Justice [2023]
Successfully represented SSJ at 3-day trial, arguing (i) a recall decision considered to be “inappropriate” by the parole board did not amount to false imprisonment and/or negligence and (ii) there had not been an assumption of responsibility to the Claimant which could create a duty of care in respect of the preparation of documentation placed before the Parole Board and (iii) recall was in any event appropriate and the Probation Service had not misled the parole board.
Regular instructions in respect of false imprisonment claims, sometimes with a human rights element. Eg:
Advised MOJ in respect of allegation of breach of art.5(4) ECHR due to delays in progression of parole matter lengthening prison term.
Advised MOJ in respect of allegation of 229 days of false imprisonment in prison due to alleged sentence miscalculation by Governor.
Successful strike out of false imprisonment claim. Immunity from suit applied in respect of allegations arising from complaints to police.
A v Ministry of Justice [2020]
Advised MOJ in respect of historic sexual abuse allegation, considering s.33 Limitation Act 1980.
Led in the widely reported Kenyan Emergency ‘Mau Mau’ Group Litigation:
Represented 20,000 Kenyan Nationals claiming for trespasses to the person/torture arising out of actions of the British Colonial Administration during the 1952 State of Emergency in Kenya. Assisted with pleadings, submissions and special measures for vulnerable witnesses in relation to the 27 ‘Test Claimants’. Junior in Court throughout medical expert evidence.
Represented 500 Claimants (part of a discrete issue in the larger Kenyan Emergency Group Litigation) in application concerning the date of issue of a claim in Group Litigation when a Claimant had deceased prior to entry onto the register, having important limitation consequences.
Parents for and on behalf of L v X Council [2018]
Advising parents in a fatal accident and human rights claim following the tragic death of their 7-year-old child on a school trip in France. Involved issues about school’s non-delegable duty of care, level of care required when supervising children in water, jurisdiction and vicarious liability.
Irving & Otr v Carter t/a Carters & Otrs [2017] ORD 19 (HC, IoM) (liability trial);
Irving & Otr v Carter t/a Carters & Otrs [2018] ORD 19 (HC, IoM) (costs).
Successfully appeared in 5-day trial in the Isle of Man, taking over the case from a silk at short notice. Involved advocate’s breach of contractual/tortious duty to client. Secured high proportion of costs on account following liability trial, pending trial on quantum.
Carters & Otr v Irving & Otr [2017] 2DS 24 (HC, IoM, Staff of Government Appeal Division)
Appeared in the Isle of Man Appeal Court before specialist chancery Lord Justices, successfully resisting appeal and claiming indemnity costs. Issue: at a split-trial hearing on liability only, whether the learned Deemster made findings binding in the causation and quantum trial which were outside the scope of the issues prescribed for his determination or wrong. Praised for ability to present Court with simple, focussed submissions that were adopted in the ruling.
Inquests & Inquiries
Inquest into the death of William Campbell Bissett [2025]
7-day (27 witnesses) Art.2 jury inquest at Preston Coroner’s Court concerning death in custody. Represented Prison, Probation and Victim Liaison. Death by hanging on day of release. Involved exploration of an exclusion zone requested by Victim Liaison which preventing return to matrimonial home due to locality of victim of historic sex offences, planning arrangements for accommodation upon release, whether engagement with Mr Bisset was adequate and the homelessness referral duty.
Inquest into the death of Richard Littlewood [2025]
Art.2 jury inquest at Doncaster Coroner’s Court concerning death in custody from methadone toxicity, representing the prison. Involved exploration of toxicology evidence about elevated concentration of Methadone in plain blood samples, optimal conditions for preserving evidence/storing body/obtaining samples, the low risk of diversion of methadone in prisons and ultimately whether methadone toxicity was due to ingested additional amount of Methadone or therapeutic dose.
Inquest into the death of Keith Andrew Turner [2024]
6-day Art.2 jury inquest at Hull Coroner’s Court concerning death in custody, representing the prison. Involved consideration of whether the Assessment, Care in Custody and Teamwork (‘ACCT’) framework was effectively used by healthcare staff, with independent psychiatric evidence addressing whether healthcare staff appropriately used the ACCT procedure given Mr Turner’s high PHQ-9 and GAD-7 screening scores and recent reduction of diazepam medication.
Inquest into the death of Milad Fathy [2024]
Art.2 jury inquest at Wakefield Coroner’s Court concerning death in custody by hanging, representing the prison. Jury returned conclusion of suicide, finding that nothing prison did/did not do caused or contributed more than minimally to the death.
Inquest into the death of Stephen Beadman [2023]
Art.2 jury inquest at Wakefield Coroner’s Court concerning death in custody by hanging, representing the prison. Involved consideration of whether razors ought to have been allowed, whether anti-ligature clothing ought to have been provided and whether psychiatrist provision at the prison was adequate.
Inquest into the death of Christopher Riley [2023]
Art.2 jury inquest at Wakefield Coroner’s Court concerning death in custody by hanging, representing the prison. Involved consideration of the prison reception process, intelligence processing from police and use of Person Escort Records.
Inquest into the death of Dylan Archibald [2022]
7-day Art.2 jury inquest at Hull Coroner’s Court concerning death in custody by hanging, representing the prison. Involved consideration of the prison keyworker and ‘buddy’ system, roll checks and training of prison staff.
Inquest into the death of Natalie Anne Ahmed [2020]
5-day Art.2 jury inquest at Durham Coroner’s Court concerning death in mental health hospital following combined overdose of amphetamine and caffeine, illicitly consumed whilst undergoing hourly observations. Represented the family. Jury narrative conclusion included that if a deterioration in Ms Ahmed’s condition had been observed before she was discovered deceased, the outcome might have been different. Secured early compromise of civil claim.
Inquest into the death of Elena Frunza [2020]
Represented the family at Kirklee’s Coroner’s Court, concerning Ms Frunza’s tragic death following a housefire caused by an explosion from a leaking gas pipe. Involved consideration of the adequacy of the cast iron pipe replacement scheme by Northern Gas Networks.
Chambers is centrally located within walking distance of the train station, secure car parks and the Courts.
St Pauls Chambers
Park Row House
19-20 Park Row
Leeds
LS1 5JF
For out of hours assistance please call the senior clerk on 07854170429.
The switchboard will open from 08:30 until 17:30
Phone: +44 (0)1132 455 866
Email: [email protected]
CJSM: [email protected]
