Practice
Civil actions against the police
Specialises in this broad and complex area of law. Practice covers civil claims against the police, Prison Service and immigration authorities for false imprisonment, assault, malicious prosecution and misfeasance. He has successfully used the Human Rights Act to challenge operational policing decisions. Further specialisms include judicial review of the IPCC, negligence, and claims under the Race Relations Act, Data Protection Act and Fatal Accidents Act.
Inquests
Extensive experience of coronial law and acts for bereaved families and individuals in Inquests. Inquest practice covers deaths in police, prison and immigration custody as well as deaths arising in a healthcare context, including institutions for the mentally ill. Has published articles on the subject in both Inquest Law and Legal Action Journal.
Immigration and Nationality
Specialises in asylum, immigration, human rights and public law remedies wherever abuse of executive power arises. He has worked with the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights in the Occupied Territories. Practice includes civil claims against the Home Office for false imprisonment, misfeasance and death in custody.
Criminal law
Criminal defence with specific interest in civil liberties issues. Particular expertise in cases involving serious public order offences and political protest.
Public law
Interest and experience in a wide cross-section of Human Rights and general public law applications on behalf of Claimants.
Notable cases: - Inquest into the death of Anthony Hesketh at HMP Manchester in 2003 (17/6/09) ("unlawful killing" verdict)
- SA and IA (Undocumented Kurds) Syria CG [2009] UKAIT 00006 (02 February 2009) judgment
- LS (Uzbekistan) v SSHD [2008] EWCA Civ 909; [2008] All ER (D) 413 (Jul) judgment
- Marc Vallee v Metropolitan Police (2008) (photojournalist wins apology and out-of-court settlement)
- (1) IA (Syria) (2) SA (Syria) v SSHD (13/11/07) (CA Civ Div) [2007] All ER (D) 211 (Nov) (expert evidence)
- Paul v Chief Constable of Humberside Police [2006] EWCA Civ 1433 (out of time appeal by CC Humberside Police not allowed) judgment
- Inquest into the death of Rebecca Turner at HMP Low Newton [12/05/2006] (jury returned highly critical narrative verdict
- Jason Paul v Chief Constable of Humberside Police [27/1/2006] (civil claim against the police won)
Inquest into the death of Wendy Booth at HMP Durham [02/12/2005] (jury returned highly critical verdict )
Recommendations
Leading Junior in Civil Liberties & Human Rights: National (2011) Nick Stanage is 'charismatic and knows how to get the best out of the client on the stand, and the worst out of the defendant in cross-examination'. Legal 500
Leading Junior: Police Law (Claimant) National (2011) Band 2 Nick Stanage receives praise as a rising name in the field. He has a broad remit of expertise covering civil claims against the police, as well as prison and human rights issues. Chambers and Partners 2011
Leading Junior in Civil Liberties: Northern (2011) Band 1 "An excellent trial advocate who knows what he's doing," Nick Stanage of Doughty Street Chambers has an outstanding reputation in Manchester for his representation of claimants in actions against police and prison authorities for breaches of human rights in custody. Chambers and Partners 2011 Leading Junior in Immigration: Northern (2011) Band 1 "Nick Stanage is commended for his expertise in unlawful detention". Chambers and Partners 2011 Leading Junior in Civil Liberties: Northern (2010) " a leading junior with a busy practice that takes in inquests, immigration, crime, public law and actions against the police. Clients are keen to highlight the quality of his advocacy in particular." Chambers and Partners 2010
Police law (mainly claimant): All Circuits (2010) " One of the founding members of Doughty Street's new Manchester arm. He has an impressive practice and is considered "a really fantastic trial barrister with significant experience in this area." Chambers and Partners 2010
Leading Junior in Immigration Law: Northern (2010) "He is recognised for his specialism in asylum, immigration and HR cases which contain an alleged abuse of executive power. Chambers and Partners 2010 Police law (mainly claimant): Northern (2009) "A compelling advocate whose cross-examinations are very astute." "Incredibly charismatic before a jury," UK Legal 500 2008 edition Leading Junior in Immigration Law: Northern (2009) "Nick Stanage specialises in complex asylum and immigration law, broader human rights and public law cases. He wins commendation for his "ability to explore all the options without being over-cautious." UK Legal 500 2008 edition Leading Junior in Civil Liberties: Northern (2008) "Possessing 'a superb intellect and excellent client care skills,' Nick Stanage is held in high regard. His work is particularly focused on police law, inquests and immigration. Stanage has acted on several claims in the High Court relating to compensation for violations of Article 5 of the ECHR on behalf of unlawfully detained foreign prisoners. " Chambers & Partners 2008 Police Law (National) (2008) "Nick Stanage offers a deep specialism in this area. 'Highly cerebral, calm and assured,' Stanage has 'the canny knack of communicating in plain English and getting his point across in the most effective manner possible.' He appeared in Jason Paul v Chief Constable of Humberside Police, acting for the claimant who had been wrongly accused by police of assaulting Christopher Alder before Mr Alder was unlawfully killed in police custody." Chambers & Partners 2008
Publications
Has written a number of articles for Inquest Law , Journal of the Inquest Lawyers Group. Other Activities
Provides training seminars nationwide to solicitors, NGOs and environmental groups on public order issues, rights on arrest and actions against the police, police practice and freedom of expression and association.
Has trained solicitors in law and communication skills nationwide.
Professional Associations - Police Actions Lawyers Group
- Inquest Lawyers Group
- ILPA
Background and Personal profile
Worked at Liberty as civil rights advisor on telephone advice line, advised on CCRC referrals, police surveillance and discriminatory arrests.
Languages
Fluent Spanish and French.
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