tooks chambers

Driven by the profound belief in human rights and civil liberties for all.

Welcome
Tooks Chambers is a large, modern and efficient set of barristers united in their commitment to access to justice and representation without fear or favour. Founded on 1st May 1984 at the height of the Miners' Strike, much of Tooks' early work was defending miners wrongly accused of riot and affray. Members' expertise now extends across criminal and civil specialist areas of law but with an emphasis on protecting the individual against the interests of the state.

Our news

• High Court Orders Release of Somali Asylum Seeker After Three Years in Detention Awaiting Deportation
  Ahmed Daq, a Somali citizen who had been given humanitarian leave to remain in the UK but was subject to deportation measures on account of a long history of drug-related crime including robbery and burglary, was ordered to be released by the High Court on Friday
  26 June 2009
• Sarah Bourke Represents Male Workers in Landmark Equal Pay Case
  The EAT has today handed down its judgment in South Tyneside v McAvoy and others. The appeals arose out of circumstances where South Tyneside, Middlesbrough and Hartlepool Councils lost or settled equal pay claims brought by female cooks, cleaners and home care staff regarding the payment of bonuses to groups of predominantly male manual workers.
  24 June 2009
• High Court Judge Orders Home Secretary to Grant Entry to Grieving Mother
  Kessie Moyo, the mother of Godfrey Moyo a young epileptic man who died while on remand at Belmarsh in 2005, was refused entry clearance to attend her son’s inquest which starts today.
  22 June 2009
• Trial Without Jury!
  The Court of Appeal today ruled that the first trial without jury would take place in England & Wales
  18 June 2009
• Jane Russell to Speak at Summer Course on European Labour and Social Law
  Jane Russell has been invited to speak at the 'Summer Course on European Labour and Social Law' organised by the Academy of European Law in Trier.
  15 June 2009
• Michael Mansfield Wins Lifetime Achievement Award
  On Saturday 13th June 2009 Michael Mansfield was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award by The Monitoring Group.
  13 June 2009
• Sarah Bourke Speaks at The Academy of European Law
  Sarah Bourke was a speaker at the Academy of European Law's seminar on "EC Law on Equal Treatment between Women and Men" on 8th – 9th June.
  10 June 2009
• European Court of Human Rights Decision in Szuluk v. The United Kingdom
  Hugh Southey acted for the prisoner in Szuluk v. The United Kingdom in which the UK was found to have breached Article 8 by monitoring a prisoner's medical correspondence
  2 June 2009
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Sarah Bourke

Sarah Bourke is a specialist in the areas of Employment, Discrimination, Housing and Public law and takes a particular interest in cases raising sexual orientation or transgender issues.

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What others say about us

Hugh Southey is a "realistic and experienced" junior whose caseload encompasses human rights, prison law, crime, mental health, terrorism, immigration and election law. Many commented on his engaging style in court, remarking that "his presentation is so reasonable and fair that he finds a way to engage with the judge and quietly persuade him." He is also recommended as "a strong team player who can turn things around quickly for his clients."
- Chambers & Partners (2009) Administrative & Public Law

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