Introduction to Actions Against the Police Training 2026

What will the training cover?

LAG’s annual Introduction to Actions Against the Police training is intended for claimant practitioners aiming to to deepen their understanding of this complex area of law and those new to the area of civil actions against the police and detaining authorities.

This full-day, in-person training will be delivered by Catriona McGregor (Bhatt Murphy), Eva Roszykiewicz (Bhatt Murphy), Caleb Simpson (Bhatt Murphy), Michael Etienne (Garden Court Chambers) and Freddy Powell (Doughty Street Chambers),

The training covers key topics to support legal practitioners and other professionals involved in police law. You'll learn about important topics, including:

• Heads of claim: intentional torts

• Heads of claim: Human Rights Act (HRA) and Equality Act

• Limitation

• Case strategy

• Quantum and settlement

As well as the theory covered on the day, this is an invaluable opportunity to discuss tips and tactics with fellow claimant practitioners and trainers who are experienced in litigating in this area.

Strategy and tactics for effective practice will be also discussed throughout the day. Practical discussion of cases and delegate participation will help clarify these issues.

New to civil actions against the police? Not to worry, this course will equip claimant lawyers with the tools to start strong and advocate effectively.

Please note this course is for claimant lawyers only.

Course materials/resources

Comprehensive course handouts will be distributed electronically to all delegates. Questions and contributions from those involved in the cases under discussion are positively encouraged.

Join us at our Introduction to Actions Against the Police training to equip yourself with the knowledge and skills to make an impact, learn practical tips, continue your professional development and connect with fellow professionals in the field.

Catriona McGregor, Solicitor, Bhatt Murphy
Catriona represents clients seeking accountability in private and public law proceedings against the police and other state bodies.  Catriona also acts for bereaved families in inquests relating to deaths in custody or as a result of failings by state agencies.  She is a co-chair of the Police Action Lawyers Group (PALG).

Eva Luna Roszykiewicz, Solicitor, Bhatt Murphy
Eva Luna specialises in actions against the police and prison service, and inquests arising from deaths in custody or following contact with the state. Her practice has a particular focus on both challenging race discrimination and protecting the right to protest. She is ranked in Chambers and Partners as an Associate to Watch in the areas of both Protest Law and Police Law. In addition to her specialism in civil liberties, she previously acted for clients in a criminal defence capacity.

Caleb Simpson, Solicitor, Bhatt Murphy
Caleb assists with civil and public law cases against state bodies, such as the police. Alongside this work, he is part of the team acting for Disabled People’s Organisations on the Covid-19 Public Inquiry.

Frederick Powell, Barrister, Doughty Street Chambers
Frederick is a claimant police law specialist and is ranked as a Leading Junior in this area. His practice covers false imprisonment, assault, malicious prosecution, misfeasance in public office, failures to investigate and protect, discriminatory policing and data misuse, including claims under the Human Rights Act, Equality Act and data protection law. His recent cases include XGY v Chief Constable of Sussex Police, recently before the Supreme Court on judicial proceedings immunity in the policing context.  He also succeeded in Singh v Chief Constable of West Midlands Police, a test case on wearing the kirpan in public, and in the “spycops” litigation. He acts for bereaved families, including in the Makunova inquest, where the jury found unlawful killing amid police failures. This gives him particular insight into claims that run alongside inquests. He contributed to Police Misconduct: Legal Remedies (5th edition).

Michael Etienne, Barrister, Garden Court Chambers
Michael has a wide-ranging practice representing individuals in legal actions against the state, in public law cases and civil claims for damages. He has a particular focus on policing, as well as prisons and mental health detention. He has an allied practice representing children, young people and their families in education law cases. He has acted for clients in cases spanning the range of legal claims in this context, including: assault and battery, false imprisonment and malicious prosecution; as well as claims under the Human Rights Act 1998 and Equality Act 2010. Many of those cases have settled earlier in the litigation process, with clients recovering substantial sums in compensation.