Practice Profile [Criminal]
Nigel Hall has extensive experience in a broad range of criminal matters, with particular expertise in mental health issues. He also has a background in personal injury and general common law. Nigel joined Chambers in 2008, having previously enjoyed a busy practice in Birmingham and the West Midlands.
Nigel believes that early case preparation is frequently the key to the successful resolution of cases. He is always prepared to consider cases with instructing solicitors whether in person, by ‘phone or in writing. Nigel’s aim on every occasion when giving his opinion is that it should be understandable, realistic and down-to-earth.
Experience
Nigel defends and prosecutes in the Crown Court. Recent instructions include cases of conspiracy to commit arson, allegations of rape, high-value fraud and cruelty. Other recent cases include:
R v Pearson – instructed to represent one of those accused with perverting the course of justice in a multiple-handed murder;
R v Pooley – an RAF officer who was charged with rape, his defence being non-insane automatism, specifically somnambulism.
Crime
Nigel practices in all areas of criminal law, acting for both prosecution and defence. His experience includes appearances before the Divisional Court and the Court of Appeal (Criminal Division). His practice encompasses a wide range of criminal offences, with special interest in matters involving drugs, computing, fraud, money laundering and sexual offences including trials involving video link and child witnesses. He has been instructed as a junior on a number of cases involving rape and serious crimes of violence. As a CPS prosecutor he is often instructed in matters of serious violence, including aggravated arson and serious public order matters (large scale violent disorder). With his background in mental health care, his particular expertise is in dealing with mentally disordered offenders and mental health defences, including defences of non-insane automatism. He is particularly skilled at dealing with vulnerable or challenging clients.
Police Law
Nigel has experience in conducting misconduct hearings as presenting officer. He also practises in areas of civil actions involving Proceeds of Crime, Anti-Social Behaviour, Sexual Offences Prevention Orders and Firearms licensing. He has also appeared on behalf of Constabularies in a number of other spheres, including proceedings under the Police Property Act.
Regulatory and quasi-crime
Nigel is instructed by both prosecution and defence to advise on and appear in a wide range of regulatory criminal matters including:
- Trading Standards prosecutions
- Prosecutions brought under Health and Safety legislation
- Matters arising from Noise Nuisance, Environmental Protection and Dangerous Dogs legislation
Tribunal work
Nigel has particular experience of Inquests and Mental Heath Review Tribunals.
Other civil work undertaken
Nigel has experience in civil litigation including fast track and multi track cases. He also conducts personal injury cases on behalf of both claimants and defendants.
Publications
- From Status to Contract: A Future for Mental Health Law. Carson, D., Hall, N., Till, U. Behavioural Sciences & Law, 1999.
Qualifications and appointments
- RMN Bath
- LLB (Hons) Southampton
- Called to the Bar: 2001
Contact
Please telephone 01752 221551 or email our clerking team
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