Darragh Coffey

Public Law

Darragh is developing a broad public law practice. Prior to coming to the Bar, he had published academic articles and blog posts on a range of public law matters in the UK and Ireland and he recently contributed to the Fifth Edition of Administrative Law in Ireland, the leading work on Administrative law and judicial review in the Irish Legal system.

Darragh’s academic interest in public law is complemented by the experiences he gained in pupillage under the supervision of both Amy Manion and Alasdair Henderson, whom he assisted with the drafting of pleadings and advice in a number of public law cases.

Darragh appeared in the Court of Appeal led by Jeremy Hyam KC on behalf of the Claimant/Respondent in the Case of R (Bell and another) v. the Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust (2021), which considered the ability of children with gender dysphoria to provide informed consent to undergo treatment with puberty blockers.

Darragh has, being led by Richard Booth KC, drafted submissions on behalf of Appellants in appeals against decisions of the Disclosure and Barring Service in proceedings before the Upper Tribunal.

Darragh acted for the Applicant in R (Zeghli) v Secretary of State for the Home Department, in which the Applicant sought Judicial Review of the Secretary of State’s decision not to treat her immigration appeal as a fresh claim. In granting permission following an oral permission hearing, the respondent, secretary of state subsequently conceded the claim.

Darragh is a member of the Attorney General’s ‘Junior Junior’ panel and has assisted both the Government Legal Department and HMRC with document review and disclosure exercises on large cases.

Darragh also undertakes a range of advisory and drafting work for both Claimants and Defendant in the area of public law.

Selected Cases

• R (Bell and another) v. Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust (2021): Legal challenge to legality of transgender treatment for children.
• KB v Secretary of State for the Home Department (2021): Secured leave to remain for Mauritian National.
• R (Zeghli) v Secretary for State for the Home Department (Upper Tribunal): Judicial review of SSHD’s refusal to consider the Applicant’s appeal as a fresh claim.