Leslie Thomas KC

Year of Call: 1988, 2003 (Commonwealth of Dominica), 2008 (Antigua and Barbuda), 2014 (Northern Ireland), 2019 (Ireland) | Year of Silk: 2014

"Leslie is phenomenal: he is a brilliant trial advocate who is excellent with juries. He has great client care and his paperwork is always on time."

Chambers UK, 2023

"He is an amazing advocate in police law."

Chambers UK, 2022 (Police Law, Band 1)

"There is no one in the country to rival Leslie Thomas; he is a good tactician and he is very creative in his cross-examination."

Chambers UK, 2022 (Civil Liberties & Human Rights)

"He is just outstanding. He's exceptional when it comes to juries and is amazing with families."

Chambers UK, 2022 (Inquests & Public Inquiries, Band 1)

"He is extremely bright but down to earth so great with clients. He is a good trial advocate."

Legal 500, 2022 (Civil Liberties & Human Rights)

"An expert in Article 2 inquiries and is adept at handling public law challenges. He's a brilliant advocate."

Chambers UK, 2021 (Civil Liberties & Human Rights)

Contact

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Leslie is a leading expert in claims against the police and other public authorities, and claims against corporate bodies, with expertise across the full spectrums of civil wrongs, civil litigation, human rights, data and privacy claims.

He is an expert in all aspects of inquests and public inquiries, having represented many bereaved families, in particular where there has been abuse of state or corporate power.

Leslie acts for claimants in judicial review proceedings and other public law proceedings. He regularly acts for clients in the Caribbean region on constitutional law challenges. He has represented claimants in clinical negligence and personal injury claims for the last 20 years. Leslie is ranked in Band 1 in Chambers & Partners and Tier 1 in Legal 500 for Inquests & Public Inquiries and Police Law (Claimant). He is also ranked by Chambers & Partners and Legal 500 in Civil Liberties & Human Rights.

Leslie is currently Professor of Law at Gresham College delivering his lecture series 
Hard Choices: The Law's Struggle with Ethical Dilemmas

Civil Liberties and Human Rights

Leslie has a UK-wide reputation in civil liberties and human rights. He has acted as counsel and advocate in dozens of high-profile Article 2 inquiries, such as the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, Independent Inquiry into Child Sex Abuse, Carl Sargeant inquiry, the legacy cases involving the Provisional IRA and the Anthony Grainger and Azelle Rodney inquiries. His expertise, adroit handling of sensitive matters and dedication to vulnerable clients are widely acknowledged across the country.

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Inquests and Inquiries

Overview

Leslie’s UK-wide practice in civil liberties, police law and inquests has made him the go-to specialist for deaths in custody, shootings, pursuits and restraint deaths. As a result of his expertise and adroit handling of sensitive matters, Leslie was instructed in high-profile cases such as the Birmingham Pub Bombing inquest, Kevin Clarke inquest, Sean Rigg inquest, Hillsborough disaster inquest, Mark Duggan inquest, the legacy cases involving the Provisional IRA and Christopher Alder inquest. Leslie’s notable experience in ECHR, judicial review and privacy matters proceedings is widely acknowledged in the marketplace.

Notable Cases

Past notable cases can be viewed below. Click here to see a list of recent notable cases.

Christi and Bobby Shepherd Inquest (Thomas Cook Corfu Carbon Monoxide case) [May 2015]
Leslie represented the families of Christi and Bobby Shepherd who died tragically as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning in 2006 whilst on a Thomas Cook holiday with their father and his partner. More information here, here and here.

Eleanor De Freitas Inquest [March 2015]
Leslie represented the family of Eleanor De Freitas at the inquest into her death. More information here.

The Glenanne murders - Elizabeth MacDonald - Inquest
Leslie represented the family of Elizabeth MacDonald who was murdered by the Glenanne Gang in Northern Ireland during the troubles. More information here.

Hillsborough inquests [March 2014]
Leslie represented 11 of the 96 families whose love ones died in the Hillsborough Stadium disaster. More information here.

Arsema Dawit inquest
Arsema Dawit aged 15 was stabbed in excess of 60 times and died in 2008. Leslie and Una Morris represented Arsema’s mother at the inquest into her death which looked at the way the police handled her complaint that she was being harassed by the man who killed her in the weeks before her death. More information here.

Mark Duggan inquest and judicial review
Mark Duggan’s death on 4 August 2011 sparked civil unrest in the United Kingdom. Leslie represented Mark’s family and loved ones. More information here.

Azelle Rodney public inquiry
Azelle Rodney was killed having been shot six times by Metropolitan Police Officer, Anthony Long. Leslie represented Azelle’s mother at the public inquiry into the death. In 2013, Sir Christopher Holland, the Chairman, determined that the shooting was an unlawful killing. More information here, here and here.

Medihani v HM Coroner of Inner South District of Greater London
Leslie represented the mother of Arsema Dawit in the judicial review of the Coroner’s refusal to hold an Article 2 ECHR inquiry into the death of a 15-year-old girl stabbed to death by her boyfriend following her reporting her fear of him and threats made by him to the police. The case was reported in The Guardian, The Telegraph and by the BBC.

Sean Rigg inquest, judicial review and civil action
Leslie represented the family of Sean Rigg, who died in 2008 in custody at Brixton Police station following restraint. The case was widely reported by the BBC. More information can be found on the Sean Rigg Justice and Change Campaign website.

Clifford v Hertford Police [2011] EWHC 815 (QB)
Leslie represented the Claimant in successfully claiming damages and substantial costs for malicious prosecution against the police. This case was reported by The Telegraph.

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Claims Against the Police and Public Authorities

Overview

Leslie’s UK-wide practice in police law this has made him the go-to specialist for deaths in custody, shootings, pursuits and restraint deaths. As a result of his expertise and adroit handling of sensitive matters, Leslie was instructed in a number of high-profile cases Clifford v Hertfordship Police, R (on the application of Lee) v CC Essex Police , the legacy cases involving the Provisional IRA. Leslie’s notable experience in ECHR, judicial review and privacy matters proceedings is widely acknowledged in the marketplace.

Notable Cases

R (Birks) v Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis [2014] EWHC 3041 (Admin)
Leslie Thomas QC represented the Second Interested Party, Marcia Rigg-Samuel, in proceedings brought by a police officer in relation to the refusal of the Commissioner to consent to his resignation pending misconduct proceedings arising out of the death of Sean Rigg. The challenge to the decision failed. More information here.

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Administrative and Public Law

Leslie has notable experience in public law challenges and judicial review of powers of public bodies such as the police, and he often leads on test cases on human rights, policing and privacy.

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Public International Law

Leslie has been representing inhabitants of the island of Barbuda in several challenges against the state including a constitutional challenge against the government of Antigua in relation to the Barbudan’s rights to their land. A judicial review under the Antiguan Planning legislation and he has sought an injunction against the airport authorities in Antigua and Barbuda preventing the construction of an international airport.

Leslie is ranked for General Business Law in the Chambers Global Legal Guide for Antigua & Barbuda and Dominica

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Notable Cases & News

Privy Council holds that islanders have standing to challenge construction of runway on Barbuda

Marc Willers KC, Leslie Thomas KC, Stephen Cottle and Thalia Maragh, of Garden Court Chambers’ Environmental Law and Climate Justice Team, represent John Mussington and Jacklyn Frank pro bono, instructed by Theo Solley of Sheridans. Global Legal Action Ne

27 February 2024

Garden Court barristers contribute to 'Achieving Racial Justice at Inquests' Guide

Achieving Racial Justice at Inquests is a joint guide developed by human rights charities JUSTICE and INQUEST together and in consultation with advisory group members, including our Allison Munroe KC, Leslie Thomas KC, and Thalia Maragh.

21 February 2024

Garden Court counsel make closing submissions to UK Covid Inquiry Module 2

Garden Court counsel make closing submissions for Module 2 of the Covid-19 Inquiry.

15 December 2023

Rajiv Menon KC and Leslie Thomas KC question Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at UK Covid-19 Inquiry

Public hearings for Module 2 of the the UK Covid-19 Inquiry continued. Our Rajiv Menon KC and Leslie Thomas KC questioned Prime Minister Rishi Sunak

11 December 2023

Garden Court counsel question Boris Johnson at UK Covid-19 Inquiry

Rajiv Menon KC, Leslie Thomas KC, Brenda Campbell KC, Liz Davies KC & Bethan Harris questioned Boris Johnson at UK Covid-19 Inquiry Module 2.

7 December 2023

Garden Court counsel question Matt Hancock at UK Covid-19 Inquiry

Rajiv Menon KC, Leslie Thomas KC, Liz Davies KC & Bethan Harris questioned Matt Hancock at UK Covid-19 Inquiry Module 2.

1 December 2023

Leslie Thomas KC and Brenda Campbell KC question Sadiq Khan at UK Covid-19 Inquiry

Our Brenda Campbell KC and Leslie Thomas KC questioned the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, at the UK Covid-19 Inquiry Module 2.

27 November 2023

Leslie Thomas KC questions Kemi Badenoch at UK Covid-19 Inquiry

Our Leslie Thomas KC questioned Kemi Badenoch MP at the UK Covid-19 Inquiry Module 2.

23 November 2023

Peter Wilcock KC, Leslie Thomas KC, and Kirsten Heaven question Professor Sir Chris Witty at UK Covid-19 Inquiry

Peter Wilcock KC, Leslie Thomas KC, and Kirsten Heaven question Professor Sir Chris Witty at UK Covid-19 Inquiry

22 November 2023

Leslie Thomas KC and Liz Davies KC question Dame Priti Patel at UK Covid-19 Inquiry

Last week, our Leslie Thomas KC and Liz Davies KC questioned Priti Patel at Module 2 of the UK Covid-19 Inquiry.

13 November 2023

Barbuda runway challenge to be heard by the Privy Council

Marc Willers KC, Leslie Thomas KC, Stephen Cottle and Thalia Maragh, of Garden Court Chambers’ Environmental Law and Climate Justice Team, represent John Mussington and Jacklyn Frank pro bono.

2 November 2023

UK Covid-19 Inquiry Module 2 Continues - Opening statement on behalf of Core Participants

Several Garden Court Barristers are representing core participants at the UK Covid-19 Inquiry.

4 October 2023

UK Covid-19 Inquiry Module 2 - Opening statement on behalf of Core Participants

Several Garden Court Barristers are representing core participants at the UK Covid-19 Inquiry.

3 October 2023

Garden Court Chambers shortlisted for record-breaking TEN awards at The Legal 500 Bar Awards

We are delighted to announce that Garden Court Chambers has been shortlisted in a record-breaking ten categories at The Legal 500 Bar Awards.

12 July 2023

UK Covid-19 Inquiry first substantive hearing underway - Garden Court counsel instructed

Numerous Garden Court Chambers counsel, of the Garden Court Inquests & Inquiries Team, are instructed in the UK Covid-19 Inquiry.

13 June 2023

UK Covid-19 Inquiry Module 3 - Opening statement on behalf of Core Participants

Members of the Garden Court Inquests & Inquiries Team delivered opening statements on behalf of Core Participants.

28 February 2023

New report uncovers ‘institutional racism’ in the justice system

A new report by experts from The University of Manchester and barrister Keir Monteith KC has raised urgent questions about racial attitudes and practices in the justice system in England and Wales.

19 October 2022

Professor Leslie Thomas QC shortlisted for the Outstanding Contribution to Diversity & Inclusion Award by Chambers UK Bar Awards 2022

2 September 2022

OUT TODAY - Leslie Thomas QC's autobiography 'Do Right and Fear No One' hits shelves

Inspired from a young age to help the marginalised and voiceless, Leslie Thomas QC has dedicated his career to fighting for the underdog and holding the State to account.

14 April 2022

Do Right and Fear No One - Autobiography by Leslie Thomas QC available to pre-order

An unforgettable account of some of the most significant, controversial & disturbing legal cases of the last 50 years. Do Right and Fear No One presents a blistering argument for a level playing field in the pursuit of justice.

31 January 2022

The Macpherson Report more than 20 years on - Home Affairs Committee calls for urgent action to tackle deep rooted racial disparities in policing

Professor Leslie Thomas QC, Una Morris and Michael Etienne provided evidence to the committee through the Police Action Lawyers Group.

30 July 2021

Professor Leslie Thomas QC wins Outstanding Contribution to Diversity and Inclusion Award at Chambers UK Bar Awards 2020

Professor Leslie Thomas QC has spent his entire career representing clients from diverse backgrounds, acting for vulnerable, marginalised and disadvantaged people, who seek justice and accountability from the state and others.

19 November 2020

Inappropriate police restraint contributed to the death of Kevin Clarke inquest concludes

Professor Leslie Thomas QC and Ifeanyi Odogwu of the Garden Court Chambers Inquests & Inquiries Team represented the family of Kevin Clarke. Instructed by Cyrilia Davies Knight and Ben Curtis of Saunders Law.

9 October 2020

JUSTICE launches timely report on urgent reform for major inquests and inquiries

The organisation Justice launched their latest much anticipated Working Party publication:‘When things go wrong: the response of the justice system’. The Working Party included a number of retired High Court Judges and leading practitioners in the field a

25 August 2020

Grenfell Tower Inquiry - Written submission on behalf of bereaved, residents and survivors

Written submission on behalf of bereaved, residents and survivors represented by Leslie Thomas QC, Allison Munroe QC & Thalia Maragh of Garden Court Chambers and Birnberg Peirce, Saunders Law, Duncan Lewis, Deighton Pierce Glynn, Russell Cooke an

7 July 2020

"We can't breathe" - Oral statement by Professor Leslie Thomas QC to the Grenfell Inquiry on behalf of bereaved, residents and survivors

Submission made by Professor Leslie Thomas QC on behalf of bereaved, residents and survivors represented by Allison Munroe QC & Thalia Maragh of Garden Court Chambers and Birnberg Peirce, Saunders Law, Duncan Lewis, Deighton Pierce Glynn, Russell Cooke an

7 July 2020

Leslie Thomas QC appointed Gresham Professor of Law

Leslie Thomas QC of the Garden Court Civil Liberties Team to give first year of lectures on Death, The State, and Human Rights. He will be the first black Gresham Law Professor.

4 June 2020

The plight of prisoners during the pandemic

By Leslie Thomas QC and David Neale of Garden Court Chambers.

27 April 2020

Garden Court barristers appointed to advise JUSTICE on reform of institutional responses to deaths or other serious incidents

Leslie Thomas QC, Thalia Maragh and Una Morris of the Garden Court Inquests and Public Inquiries Team have been appointed to the JUSTICE Working Party, 'When Things Go Wrong'.

7 August 2019

Family statement on Anthony Grainger police shooting: Public Inquiry finds police operation breached Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights

Leslie Thomas QC of Garden Court represented the family, instructed by Farleys Solicitors.

11 July 2019

Family statement following inquest conclusion into death of former Welsh Government Minster, Carl Sargeant

Leslie Thomas QC of Garden Court was instructed by Neil Hudgell of Hudgell Solicitors for the Sargeant family.

11 July 2019

Former First Minister of Wales acted unlawfully in setting up inquiry into Carl Sargeant’s death, High Court rules

Mrs Sargeant is represented by Leslie Thomas QC instructed by Neil Hudgell of Hudgell Solicitors.

27 March 2019

Leslie Thomas QC delivers closing statement at Grenfell Inquiry on behalf of survivors and bereaved families

Leslie Thomas QC and Thalia Maragh are representing 23 clients including survivors, bereaved family members and loved ones.

11 December 2018

All related news

Background

Leslie has been with Garden Court Chambers for most of his professional life. He started his legal career in a commercial set of chambers but soon realised his true passion was representing individuals whose civil liberties/human rights had been violated.

As well as his extensive legal practice, he lectures widely to various organisations including coroners, universities, schools, pressure groups and non-profit organisations. Leslie is currently Professor of Law at Gresham College delivering his lecture series Death, The State and Human Rights. He is an advocacy trainer for the Inner Temple and organises and conducts training courses for solicitors, barristers and coroners.

He has previously worked as a lecturer at the University of Westminster, Kingston University London and the Open Universities.

He has a passion for motorcycles and playing the tenor saxophone. He is a competent Russian and French speaker.

Publications

Co-author of the popular practitioners textbook Inquests: A Practitioner’s Guide published by Legal Action (1st edition 2002, 2nd edition 2008 and 3rd edition 2014)

Drafted the prison legislation for the Maldives, on behalf of the UN in 2005.

Training and Seminars

As well as his extensive legal practice, Leslie lectures widely to various organisations including coroners, universities, schools, pressure groups and non-profit organisations. He is an advocacy trainer for the Inner Temple and organises and conducts training courses for solicitors, barristers and coroners.

In June 2020, Leslie was appointed as the first black Gresham Law Professor. His first-year lectures on Death, The State, and Human Rights are available to watch here.
 

Awards

2020 - Outstanding Contribution to Diversity and Inclusion, Chambers UK Bar Awards 2020

2017 - UK Diversity Legal Awards 2017, Winner, BSN Lifetime Achievement

2016 - Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year Awards, Winner

2014 - Top 100 Lawyers award in the field of 'Campaigners', The Lawyer magazine

2013 - Awarded an LLD Honorary Doctorate in Law from Kingston University for services for civil rights

2013 - Lawyer of the year: Black Mental Health UK journal

2012 - Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year Awards, Winner

Appearances

Leslie features in the highly acclaimed film Injustice by Ken Fero. During the film he was followed on the case of Ibrahim Sey, the first fatality in this country following the introduction and use of CS Spray.

In January 2021, Leslie featured in a BBC Panorama documentary ‘I Can’t Breathe: Black and Dead in Custody’ speaking about police restraint deaths.

He also appeared on BBC Radio 4’s ‘Unreliable Evidence’ programme on ‘Public Inquiries’ presented by Clive Anderson on 25 April 2018.

Leslie Thomas KC was the legal consultant on the BBC Drama 'Undercover' (2016) directed by Peter Moffat. 

In 2015 his successful case against the Hertfordshire Police was made the subject of the book 'Fit Up: Fighting to Clear My Husband's Name' by Faith Clifford.

In 2014, Leslie received 'The Lawyer' (Magazine) Top 100 Award in the field of campaigners. In the same year he was also awarded the title of King's (Senior) Counsel.

Leslie Thomas KC was the co-executive producer on 'We Need to Talk About Kevin' (2011) directed by Lynn Ramsay.

Education

  • LLB (Kingston)
  • LLD (Kingston)

Professional Membership

Languages

  • Russian
  • French

We are top ranked by independent legal directories and consistently win awards.

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