Nancy Collins—Hodge Jones & Allen

Hodge Jones & Allen has grown its civil liberties team with the hire of new partner, Nancy Collins from Irwin Mitchell. 

Nancy specialises in bringing actions against state authorities, advising on claims and challenges against the police, the Ministry of Justice and local authorities. Her appointment grows the civil liberties team to 17, including five partners, two associates and six solicitors.

Nancy has over 15 years’ experience in civil liberties. Having qualified at Clifford Chance, she spent time at both Liberty and the Prisoners’ Advice Service, developing expertise in prison law and deaths in custody. She worked at Bhatt Murphy Solicitors for six years before heading up the civil liberties team at Irwin Mitchell.

She has a particular interest in acting for those with learning disabilities who have been caught up in the justice system, those who experience discrimination on the grounds of race, gender or disability, prisoners, and the families of people who have died in police custody, prison or mental health detention. She also has extensive experience of public law, challenging unlawful decisions by public authorities on behalf of campaign groups and political organisations.

Susie Labinjoh, joint head of civil liberties at Hodge Jones & Allen, says: “We are delighted to welcome Nancy to the team. She has extensive experience in prison law, civil claims against detaining authorities, complex inquests and public law challenges. Her expertise will enable us to continue to grow our caseload, taking on cases that challenge the state and hold the prison service, police and other state authorities to account.”

Nancy says: “Hodge Jones & Allen has a leading reputation in civil liberties work and the team has a strong track record for bringing important cases against public authorities. The practice is a good fit with my experience and I am pleased to join the growing team.”