The Civil Law Department at David Gray Solicitors in Newcastle, UK

Civil Liberties, Human Rights and Inquests

The civil law team at David Gray Solicitors has developed considerable expertise in advising and representing clients who need to defend their civil liberties or who have a claim under the Human Rights Act.

David Gray Solicitors has a contract with the Legal Services Commission in the category “Actions against Police” which means that clients who are eligible may have their cases funded by the Legal Services Commission.

It also means that the team can advise clients in cases of police misconduct and we have experience of advising and representing clients in cases involving racism, violence, unlawful imprisonment, and malicious prosecution.

The civil liberties and human rights services offered by David Gray Solicitors includes:

• Advising on the police complaint procedure;

• Bringing claims for compensation;

• Advising on disciplinary proceedings or criminal proceedings against police officers;

• Advising clients who have been unlawfully detained (which may include detention in police custody, prison, or under the mental health legislation).

Clare Routledge is a Higher Courts Advocate with considerable experience in advising and representing bereaved families at inquests and we are able to help families through the difficult process of the Inquest. This will include advice on the procedure and on human rights issues which often arise.

Although Legal Aid is not usually available for representation at an Inquest, in exceptional cases where a death has occurred whilst the deceased was in police custody, in prison, or detained under the Mental Health Act or in circumstances following a chase by a police car, Legal Aid may exceptionally be available.

David Gray Solicitors has an in-house Human Rights Consultant, Kevin Kerrigan, who is available to advise when human rights issues arise.

David Gray Solicitors is a member of the INQUEST Lawyers Group.

Personal Injury Claims

The team at David Gray Solicitors has considerable expertise in dealing with all types of personal injury claims – from minor road traffic accidents to major head injuries.

Clare Routledge, head of the team, is a member of the Solicitor’s Regulation Authority Personal Injury Panel, and a member of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers.

David Gray Solicitors is committed to giving each client a personal service, tailored to his or her individual needs. The focus is always on the best financial settlement for the client, but we are never afraid of giving our clients clear advice.

We offer conditional fee agreements (“no win, no fee”) backed by after the event insurance, to protect our clients from the financial risk of litigation.

Criminal Injury Compensation Claims

David Gray Solicitors can advise on the eligibility to make a claim for compensation to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority and we can help you prepare your application and advise you of the process including whether or not the award you are offered is the right award for you. If necessary we can apply for a review of an award and represent you before the Criminal Injury Compensation Appeals Panel.

David Gray Solicitors hold a contract with the Legal Services Commission in personal injury law and we can, if you are eligible, advise you under the Legal Help Scheme (Legal Aid).