Civil Liberties

Civil Liberties Solicitor

When your fundamental rights have been violated, it can leave you feeling powerless, frustrated, and unsure where to turn. Civil liberties law exists to protect individuals from the misuse of power by public authorities, ensuring that everyone is treated fairly, lawfully and with dignity.

Our specialist solicitors act for individuals and families whose rights have been breached by organisations such as the police, prisons and other public bodies. Whether you have experienced unlawful arrest, excessive force, abuse of authority, or a failure by the state to protect you or a loved one, we are here to help you challenge that wrongdoing and seek accountability. In some cases, families may need more than an inquest to achieve justice.

When public bodies fail to act lawfully, make unreasonable decisions, or refuse to disclose crucial information, judicial review becomes an essential safeguard—allowing decisions to be challenged in the High Court and ensuring authorities remain transparent, accountable and compliant with their legal duties.

We understand that these cases often arise from highly distressing circumstances. Whether you are seeking disclosure of key documents, representation at an inquest, or support in bringing a judicial review, we stand beside you with empathy, clarity and unwavering dedication. Our priority is to ensure your rights are protected, your questions are answered, and your loved one’s story is fully and respectfully explored, while we work to achieve meaningful outcomes including accountability, answers and, where appropriate, compensation.

Inquests

We support families through the inquest process following a death where state involvement may be a factor, including deaths in custody or involving public authorities. Our role is to ensure the investigation is thorough, the right questions are asked, and your voice is heard throughout proceedings.

Judicial Reviews

Everyone has rights and we expect these to be upheld. But what happens when the people you expect to help you are actually the ones who have left you feeling like you have been wronged?

Whilst you may feel that you are powerless against such authorities we can help you enforce your rights.

Professional legal advice can’t always stop the injustice occurring but it can give help you obtain justice in the end.

Free Case Assessment

Do you think you have a claim? Our civil liberties team offer a free initial case assessment on all types of potential claims, big or small. Our compassionate and friendly team will discuss your concerns with you and will let you know as soon as we can whether we can help.

Contact us or call us on 0114 2496 648 to book a free assessment today.

Flexible Appointments

We understand that dealing with contacting a law firm can be stressful, and finding time to attend in-person appointments isn’t always easy. That’s why we offer our full range of civil litigation services remotely, offering a more efficient and convenient service. We can offer our medical negligence legal support via telephone or secure remote online meetings.

This approach allows you to access expert legal advice from the comfort of your home, without the need to travel or rearrange your schedule. If your case requires a court hearing, many procedural matters are now handled remotely too, ensuring your legal journey is as smooth and accessible as possible.

Our remote services are designed to be just as personal and confidential as in-person consultations, with clear communication and full transparency every step of the way. Remote appointments are offered throughout the case, and most correspondence can be handled by email and Howells secure Client Portal.

Whether you’re dealing with sensitive negligence matters or simply seeking guidance, we ensure a smooth, stress-free experience that puts your needs first. Whilst we appreciate that remote services offer convenience, they may not be suitable for everyone. If you do wish to meet us face to face, you can book an appointment at one of our offices in Sheffield, Barnsley or Rotherham.

Client Reviews

“She has made sure we have understood everything every step of the way even broke it down into words we can understand none of this solicitor jargon.”

“Lovely, very caring and understanding of the issues we as family were going through, we never felt rushed or that we had taken too much of her time up.  Kept us updated throughout, letting us know when she would be out of office and who to contact if she wasn’t around. Gave us lots of support and guidance throughout regarding professionals that may need to be contacted to help our case move forward.”

“I recently had the experience of working with Philippa for my sons inquest case, and I cannot recommend her highly enough. From start to finish, her professionalism, compassion, and expertise were evident in every interaction. Philippa handled everything with sensitivity and clarity. She took the time to thoroughly explain the process, answering all my questions with patience and making sure I fully understood each step. This level of communication was invaluable during such a difficult time. She worked diligently to gather evidence, liaised with relevant authorities, and expertly represented our interests throughout the proceedings. Her guidance helped ensure that we all felt supported and that all key questions and concerns were addressed in the inquiry. Philippa provided both professional expertise and emotional support. I would highly recommend her to anyone in need of a solicitor for an inquest case, as she truly went above and beyond in every aspect of her service.”

Find a full list of client reviews on Review Solicitors.