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Select an area of expertise to find out more about our experience.
Find out more about our barristers and business support teams here.
Amy Clarke is recognised as a leading junior in all of her principal practice areas by Chambers UK: police law, inquests and inquiries and professional discipline.
Chambers UK describes Amy as follows, “Amy is a Silk of the future. She is one to be completely trusted and she has impeccable judgement”, “Amy is absolutely brilliant representing the Police. She is very bright, personable and a great advocate”, “Amy is all over the detail. She has big-picture tactical awareness, and whenever she gives advice it is quick, practical and sensible”. Her client care is recognised as, “second to none.”
Amy regularly represents police forces and healthcare providers in complex inquests, and has undertaken a range of Inquiry work for other public bodies. Amy is currently instructed on behalf of Cheshire Police at the Thirlwall Inquiry and on behalf of NHS England at the Lampard Inquiry. Amy was instructed in Module 3 of the Covid Inquiry on behalf of the Royal College of Anaesthetists and two other professional bodies, and in Module 8 on behalf of Universities UK. She also represented the Metropolitan Police Service at Grenfell Tower Inquiry from 2017 until its conclusion in 2024.
Amy represents police forces across the country in civil actions, including claims following the conclusion of inquests, and in misconduct proceedings. She has particular expertise in cases involving sexual impropriety and abuse of position.
Before joining 5 Essex Chambers, Amy worked as a parliamentary researcher focussing on Home Affairs and Justice and was responsible for drafting restorative justice policy.
The successful defence of a judicial review relating to retention of acquittal information on PNC following and other intelligence on local Force systems. Amy represented the Chief Constable in both the judicial review and the subsequent appeal in the Court of Appeal.
Judicial Review of the investigative decisions taken about the circumstances of the police interaction with Mr. Omishore, who jumped from Chelsea Bridge into the Thames after being tasered. Amy acted for the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis as an Interested Party
forthcoming Judicial Review about the investigation into contact between firearms officers and Mr. Dunne, resulting him sustaining life changing injuries. Amy is instructed on behalf of the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis.
three consecutive false imprisonment trials heard with a jury. Amy was successful on each and secured orders for costs.
Mr Yahya was fatally shot by police in March 2020. Amy is instructed on behalf of the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis
this forthcoming inquest will examine the use of an Emergency Response Belt around the face in the course of a restraint. Amy in instructed on behalf of the Chief Constable of Devon and Cornwall Police, and is also advising on related civil proceedings.
this twelve week inquest examined every aspect of the police response Gaia’s disappearance, and the subsequent efforts to locate her. Amy was instructed on behalf of the Chief Constable of Dorset Police.
this was one of the first inquests to examine the role of gambling in an individual’s death, and the provision of professional support for gambling addiction. Amy was instructed on behalf of the charity GamCare.
Amy acts in high profile litigation involving the police and has expertise in a wide range of police law issues. She is recommended by Chambers UK for Police Law (Band 1).
Amy advises and represents police forces in a range of areas including firearms licensing, retention of seized property, Human Rights Act claims, including claims alleging breach of Article 2 ECHR, Article 3 ECHR claims alleging a failure to investigate, trafficking/modern slavery cases, claims under Article 5 ECHR for unlawful detention, false imprisonment, assault, malicious prosecution, misfeasance, negligence claims, stop and search, public order, assorted police powers under PACE 1984, data and information retention/disclosure misuse of private information, and Article 8 ECHR.
Amy’s recent advisory work has included the following:
The Estate of Thomas Orchard (and others) v Chief Constable of Devon and Cornwall Police
The claim arising from the death of Mr. Orchard, who died following restraint and the application of a limb restraint to his face whilst in police custody. Amy also represented Devon and Cornwall Police at the lengthy inquest.
The Estate of Kevin Haslan v (1) The Chief Constable of Essex Police and (2) Essex Partnership University Foundation Trust
The claim arising from the circumstances of Mr. Haslen’s death, who had been released from police custody shortly before he died by suicide.
Kamara v Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis
Successful defence of a claim for false imprisonment following an eight day jury trial.
R (YZ) v Chief Constable of South Wales Police [2021] EWHC 1060 (Admin)
judicial review challenge to the retention of acquittal information held on the PNC
R (AV) v Chief Constable of South Wales Police
Judicial review challenge to a caution administered to a teacher for assaulting a student
Kawa v Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis
Judicial review challenge to a caution for assault
The civil litigation arising from Operation Midland
Defence and settlement of claims brought against the Metropolitan Police by a number of public figures, arising from Operation Midland and Operation Yewtree, led by Anne Studd QC
Chisadza v Commissioner of Police of Metropolis
Defence of a claim for discrimination on the grounds of race, negligence and malicious prosecution following on from the seizure of the Claimant’s car during a routine traffic stop
EFG v (1) Chief Constable of Sussex Police (2) Sussex County Council
Defence of a claim for breach of Articles 3 and 8 of the Human Rights Act and of the GDPR arising from the disclosure of information by the police to the local authority for the purpose of child protection proceedings.
Dunn v Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis
Defence of a claim for false imprisonment and assault brought by a blind member of the public who was detained and arrested after a violent confrontation with police officers
Amy has particular expertise in inquest law and is recommended by Chambers UK for Inquests and Public Inquiries (Band 2).
She regularly appears on behalf of the police, local authorities, NHS Trusts, private healthcare providers and charities. Amy is regularly instructed on jury inquests and cases engaging Article 2 of the ECHR. She has a particular experience in inquests involving deaths in custody, death following restraint, missing person investigations, complex mental health issues and multi-agency care and treatment.
Amy also has extensive experience acting in inquests involving healthcare and alleged clinical negligence. She has acted for NHS Trusts, local authorities and private healthcare providers in inquests involving post-surgical care, absconsion from hospital whilst detained under the Mental Health Act 1983, neonatal death, risk assessment of patients and geriatric care, among others. Amy undertook a secondment in the inquest team at a leading firm of solicitors in 2016, which has given her invaluable insight into the specific needs of NHS clients.
Inquest into the death of Jack Wiliiams and Katie Powell
The inquest examined the circumstances leading to the deaths of these two vulnerable individuals, who were both under investigation for serious sexual offences at the time of their deaths, as well as the efforts to locate them once they had been reported missing.
Inquest into the death of Hassan Yahya
Counsel for the Metropolitan Police in the inquest examining the fatal shooting of Mr. Yahya in Central London. The inquest jury concluded that Mr. Yahya had been lawfully killed.
Inquest into the death of Shane Gilmer
Amy acted for Humberside Police. Mr. Gilmer died after being fatally shot with a crossbow by his neighbour.
The London Bridge and Borough Market Inquests
Amy represented British Transport Police at the inquests examining the circumstances of this terror attack, including the actions and response of the BTP officers who were first on scene and were themselves seriously injured.
Inquest into the death of Thomas Orchard
Amy acted as Junior counsel, (led by Jason Beer KC and Alison Hewitt) for Devon and Cornwall Police. This lengthy inquest followed criminal proceedings being brought against the Chief Constable for a Health and Safety Act offence, as well as manslaughter proceedings against individual officers and staff. Mr. Orchard was arrested and detained whilst experiencing a serious mental health crisis. In the course of his detention, a limb restraint was placed over his face and he was restrained in the prone position. He collapsed whilst in custody, and died shortly afterwards. The inquest examined not only the actions of officers and staff on the day of Mr. Orchard’s detention, bit also the provision of training in the use of restraint techniques and devices, and required medical evidence from six expert witnesses.
Inquest into the death of Jason Lennon
Acting for the Metropolitan Police; Mr. Lennon died after being restrained during an episode of acute behavioural disturbance.
Inquest into the death of Gaia Pope
Acting as junior counsel for Dorset Police (led by Beatrice Collier). The inquest will examine evidence relating to complex mental health needs, the treatment of epilepsy and the efficacy of a missing person investigation.
Inquest into the death of Jack Ritchie
Acting for Gamcare UK. The inquest will examine whether gambling caused or contributed to Mr. Ritchie’s death.
Inquest into the death of Melissa van der Klugt
Amy acted for Ms. Van der Klugt’s family; Ms. Van der Klugt died after being struck by a motorcycle whilst crossing the road. A conclusion of unlawful killing was secured, which is highly unusual in cases involving dangerous driving.
Inquest into the death of Desmond Maddix
Amy represented the Mental Health Trust responsible for the acute mental health facility where Mr. Maddix was detained. He was killed by another patient whilst on the ward.
Inquest into the death of Sebastian Hibberd
Acted for NHS Digital; this case involved the death of a six year old child, caused by bowel intussusception and a fatal delay in access to medical treatment. The inquest examined the clinical basis upon which algorithms are generated for use by the NHS 111 service, for which NHS Digital is responsible, and also addressed the operation of the NHS 111 service itself, the adequacy of training of call handlers and the adequacy of local GP services.
Amy was junior counsel for the Metropolitan Police at the Grenfell Tower Inquiry from the very early stages of the Inquiry being established in 2017 until its conclusion in 2024. She is currently instructed on behalf of Cheshire Police at the Thirlwall Inquiry and on behalf of NHS England at the Lampard Inquiry.
Amy was also instructed in Module 3 of the Covid Inquiry on behalf of the Royal College of Anaesthetists and two other professional bodies, and in Module 8 on behalf of Universities UK.
Amy’s extensive public law and inquest experience make her well-suited to advise and represent clients involved in public inquiries.
Amy has a wide-ranging practice acting on behalf of the Appropriate Authority in proceedings brought under the Police (Conduct) Regulations and Police Appeals Tribunals Rules. She has been involved in a number of high profile cases throughout her career, including the misconduct proceedings arising from the policing of the student loan protests in 2012 and the murder of Bijan Ibrahimi in 2013. In recent years, Amy has developed a particular specialism in sexual misconduct matters.
Proceedings arising from the death of Kevin Clarke, a vulnerable man who died following a period of restraint (MPS)
Chief Superintendent Paul Martin, Chief Inspector Ricky Kandola and others: four week hearing involving proven allegations of discrimination and extensive abuse of position. Led by Matthew Butt KC, of 3 Raymond Buildings (MPS)
PC Seagar (MPS)
Accelerated proceedings relating to the distributing of intimate images without consent, as well as communication of racist rape fantasies.
PC G (North Wales Police)
Proven allegations of abuse of position for sexual gain by a female officer responsible for the management of the welfare of a vulnerable male, who was the victim of sexual abuse. This matter was also successfully defended at the PAT.
PS M (Staffordshire Police)
Allegations abuse of position for sexual gain and dereliction of duty for the purpose of pursuing sexual relationships with junior colleagues, both on and off duty.
PC BSD (MPS)
Allegations of use of excessive force, resulting is dismissal and protracted proceedings in the PAT which ultimately upheld the original decision to dismiss
Amy undertakes a range of public law work, with particular specialisms in civil liberties, human rights and policing and criminal justice.
R (YZ) v Chief Constable of South Wales Police
Judicial review challenge to the retention of acquittal information held on the PNC, and the subsequent appeal to the Court of Appeal.
R (AV) v Chief Constable of South Wales Police
Judicial review challenge to a caution administered to a teacher for assaulting a student
Kawa v Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis
Judicial review challenge to a caution for assault
Amy acts for a range of clients including police forces, local authorities, NHS Trusts and private healthcare providers. Amy undertook a secondment in the clinical inquest team at a leading firm of solicitors in 2016, which has given her invaluable insight into the specific needs of healthcare clients. Amy regularly advises on Serious Incident and Root Cause Analysis reports, as well as providing representation at inquests.
Amy has recently been instructed on cases involving the following:
In her inquest practice she specialises, in particular, in cases with a mental health or capacity dimension.
Inquest into the death of Hassan Yahya
Mr Yahya was fatally shot by police in March 2020. Amy is instructed on behalf of the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis
Inquest into the death of Thomas Orchard, and related civil proceedings
Amy acted as Junior counsel, (led by Jason Beer KC and Alison Hewitt) for Devon and Cornwall Police. This lengthy inquest followed criminal proceedings against the Chief Constable for a Health and Safety Act offence, as well as manslaughter proceedings against individual officers and staff. Mr. Orchard was arrested and detained in the course of a serious mental health crisis. In the course of his detention, a limb restraint was placed over his face.
YZ v Chief Constable of South Wales Police
The successful defence of a judicial review relating to retention of acquittal information on PNC following and other intelligence on local Force systems. Amy represented the Chief Constable in both the judicial review and the subsequent appeal in the Court of Appeal.
Omishore v IOPC
Judicial Review of the investigative decisions taken about the circumstances of the police interaction with Mr. Omishore, who jumped from Chelsea Bridge into the Thames after being tasered. Amy acted for the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis as an Interested Party
Dunne v IOPC
Forthcoming Judicial Review about the investigation into contact between firearms officers and Mr. Dunne, resulting him sustaining life changing injuries. Amy is instructed on behalf of the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis.
Kamara v Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis, Reynolds v Chief Constable of BTP and Smith v Chief Constable of Leicestershire Police
Three consecutive false imprisonment trials heard with a jury. Amy was successful on each and secured orders for costs.
19 March 2026
The Rt Hon the Baroness Hallett DBE, Chair of the UK Covid-19 Inquiry, has now…
Discover more10 March 2026
Jack Williams and Katherine Powell were tragically found deceased in January 2022 in Dorset, having…
Discover moreInquest practitioners will be very familiar with R (Tainton) v HM Senior…
On the 9th March 2018 Kevin Clarke came into contact with the…
Instructing Amy
Please contact Dan Waple if you have any questions or wish to instruct us.
Inquests and Public Inquiries:
“Amy is a silk of the future. She is one to be completely trusted and she has impeccable judgement.”
“Amy is exceedingly professional with an excellent approach towards constructively working with others in inquests.”
“Amy is really comprehensive and handles witnesses excellently.”
Police Law:
“Amy Clarke is fabulous, way ahead of her call; she is really good. She is fair and that is unusual. She is realistic and knows when to withdraw, and that is a skill.”
“Amy is fantastic. She is really good at drafting and has really good judgement. I wholeheartedly recommend her; she has a lovely manner and supports clients.”
“Amy Clarke is thorough and proactive. She is impressive.”
“Amy is top of my list for inquest work for her level of call.”
Police Law:
“Amy is utterly professional and competent. She is always at the top of her game.”
Inquests and Inquiries:
“Amy is an absolute star. She has an engaging style of advocacy.”
Inquests & Public Inquiries
“She is extremely thorough, balanced and personable. She has good judgement.”
“Her legal submissions are well crafted and beautifully delivered.”
“Amy Clarke is a good advocate because she prepares very well. She has a good detailed knowledge of cases and a good understanding of realities of care being delivered to people.”
“Amy is very good at managing client relationships and building on other relationships so client interests are looked after.”
Police Law: Mainly Defendant
“She is one of life’s doers. No task is too big for her.”
“Amy’s client care in particular is second to none.”
“Amy Clarke is all over the detail. She has big-picture tactical awareness, and whenever she gives advice it is quick, practical and sensible.”
Professional Discipline
“She’s delightful and very popular with panels.”
‘Amy is a very good advocate and particularly astute in managing tactics and coroners.’ (Inquests and Public Inquiries)
‘Amy is an extremely thorough advocate. Her grasp of the facts, evidence and issues is absolutely outstanding.’ (Inquests and Public Inquiries)
‘Forensic attention to detail and compelling advocacy.’ (Police Law)
“Amy is an outstanding advocate. She displays sensitivity and tact during difficult matters, whilst providing robust advice to the client and in court where necessary. She is a pleasure to work with.” (Police Law)
“Amy is practical and calm.” (Inquests and Public Inquiries)
“She is really measured and sensible; very comfortable with big cases.” (Inquests and Public Inquiries)
“Amy is making a positive name for herself due to her effective witness cross-examination.” (Professional Discipline)
“She’s able to digest complicated matters and formulate them into straightforward written pleadings and advices. Amy gets excellent results in court and I have no hesitation in recommending her.” (Professional Discipline)
“She is massively empathetic to the bereaved and understands the issues that witnesses are facing while still representing her clients’ interests.”
‘She has enormous emotional intelligence, as well as excellent on paper and as an advocate. Unhesitatingly recommended for inquest work.’
“She is all over both the facts and the law. She provides highly attractive advocacy and really knows how to pitch things in the right way to a tribunal.” (Police Law)
“Her submissions were really clear and sensible and she won the respect of the coroner.” (Inquests and Inquiries)
“She is very persuasive in her advocacy.” (Police Law)
“A junior who stands out, partly for being very good with clients and sensitive to their needs.” (Police Law)
“A rising star known for handling claims brought under the Human Rights Act concerning the police’s failure to investigate, in addition to claims of false imprisonment and misfeasance.”
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