Fatima has a broad public law and civil liberties practice, with a focus on state accountability and youth justice.
Her broad practice enables her to provide effective advice and representation in cases with a crossover of areas of law. Fatima is particularly suited to instruction in cases involving complex mental health issues, because of her background and expertise in mental health research.
Fatima became a tenant in October 2020 after the completion of her pupillage under the supervision of Stephen Simblet QC (civil liberties) and Lucie Wibberley (criminal defence).
Claims Against the Police and Public Authorities
Fatima regularly advises and represents Claimants in claims against the police including false imprisonment, assault, malicious prosecution, misfeasance in public office and claims under the Human Rights Act 1998 and the Equality Act 2010. Fatima has acted in settlement hearings in actions against the police, for children and vulnerable adults who lack capacity. She also advises on claims relating to false imprisonment in immigration detention.
Fatima is a member of the Police Action Lawyers Group (PALG).
During her pupillage, she worked with Stephen Simblet QC on a number of highly specialist claims against the police as well as jury trials in false imprisonment and malicious prosecution claims.
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Protest Rights
Overview
Fatima is building a practice in protest law and has represented protesters in cases involving court injunctions taken out by commercial organisations, as well as the police. She has also represented protesters in committal proceedings, as well as those charged with a range of criminal offences.
Fatima also represents protesters in actions against the police arising from incidents of unlawful arrest, false imprisonment and assault during protests.
Fatima is a founding member and Director of Black Protest Legal Support (BPLS), who support protesters and activists in the Black Lives Matter and anti-racist movements. Fatima is part of the group’s strategic litigation team. She is also a volunteer Legal Observer and regularly provides legal updates to volunteers as well as contributing to drafting bust cards explaining protesters’ rights.
Fatima contributed to the Second Edition of The Protest Handbook.
Notable Cases
UK Oil & Gas Plc v Persons Unknown (2021)
High Court radically scales back wide-ranging UK Oil and Gas protest injunction granted in 2018 against protesters at oil and gas sites.
Thames Valley Police v DB [2021] (Milton Keynes County Court)
Committal proceedings against HS2 protester dismissed for lack of notice of the civil injunction.
R v MM & Ors [2020] (City of London Magistrates’ Court)
Protester acquitted of criminal damage, having glued their hands to the window of an Oxford Circus store.
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Inquests and Inquiries
Fatima acts for bereaved families in inquests and inquiries. She has particular experience of inquests concerning deaths from suicide in the community, as well as those arising within the mental healthcare context.
Fatima is a member of the INQUEST lawyers’ group.
During pupillage, Fatima gained experience of public inquiries, working with her supervisor, Stephen Simblet QC, on the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA).
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National Security
Fatima is building a practice in the Special Immigration Appeal Commission, and is currently junior counsel on a high profile deprivation of citizenship case. She also advises on actions against the state in cases arising out of the unlawful use of counter-terrorism powers.
Fatima’s background in counter-terrorism law makes her suited for instruction in such cases. She previously worked with the former Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation to review the operation of the Terrorism Acts as well as their impact on community and individual rights. She also reviewed the use of terrorism laws by counter-terrorism police during the investigations into the Westminster Bridge, London Bridge and Manchester Arena attacks of 2017.
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Trafficking & Modern Slavery
Overview
Fatima has experience representing victims of trafficking and modern slavery in the youth court and crown court. She also represents victims of trafficking in appeals within the immigration tribunal and in claims for judicial review of asylum support and accommodation and NRM decisions.
Notable Cases
R v SP [2020] (Highbury Corner Youth Court)
The defendant is a vulnerable child with multiple mental health conditions and is a victim of trafficking. He faced two counts of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs and one count of possession of a bladed article. Following legal representations and lengthy and repeated oral submissions, the CPS discontinued all the charges.
R v SP [2020] (Bexley Youth Court)
The defendant is a vulnerable child with multiple mental health conditions and is a victim of trafficking. He faced two counts of assault against an emergency worker and one count of threatening with intent. Following legal representations, the CPS discontinued all the charges.
R v DW [2020] (Wimbledon Youth Court)
The defendant is a vulnerable child who suffered from psychosis and is a victim of trafficking. He was convicted of knife-point robbery. Successfully argued for a non-custodial sentence.
