The Undercover Policing Inquiry will begin to hear evidence again today, 21 October 2024, having heard opening statements last week - Oct 2024
Neil Sheldon KC is recommended by the directories as a leading silk in a broad range of practice areas, including public & administrative law, public inquiries & inquests, professional discipline, and clinical negligence.
He has acted in many of the most important public inquiries and inquests of recent years including the Inquests into the terrorist attacks on Fishmongers’ Hall, Westminster Bridge, London Bridge and Manchester Arena, the Victoria Climbie Inquiry, the Zahid Mubarak Inquiry, the Al Swaedy Inquiry, the Iraq Inquiry and the Alexander Litvinenko Inquiry. He is currently acting for the NCA and a number of government departments in the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA). He is instructed by the Cabinet Office in the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, by a leading medical defence union in the Infected Blood Inquiry and as leading counsel for the Home Office in the Undercover Policing Inquiry.
Neil was first appointed by the Attorney General as junior counsel to the crown in 2002, and has been on the A Panel since 2010. He undertakes a range of high profile work for a variety of government departments. He has particular experience of national security work.
He has extensive experience of advocacy in the higher courts. He has appeared in over 50 cases in the Court of Appeal, and in a number of the most important recent human rights appeals in the Supreme Court. Neil is currently instructed in a number of forthcoming Supreme Court appeals, and several cases before the European Court of Human Rights.
InquestsNeil has acted in a wide range of high profile inquests. He regularly appears in high-profile and complex inquests, and has particular experience of cases involving confidential material. He is currently acting for the NCA in the case of Jermaine Baker, a high-profile fatal shooting inquest.
He acted for the Foreign and Home Secretaries in the Alexander Litvinenko and Khalil Dale inquests. He has represented the Youth Justice Board in a number highly sensitive inquests concerning the deaths of young people in custody.
Neil acted for the family of Frances Cappuccini, whose death led to the first prosecution of a health trust for corporate manslaughter. He acted for the Department of Health in an inquest concerned with the provision of contaminated blood products to haemophiliacs in the 1980s. He has represented a large number of doctors, and families, in inquests concerned with the provision of medical treatment.
“Neil is a superb orator and brings calm to any situation at hand. He is highly adept at reminding people of the facts and keeping things calm with good strategic oversight.” (Chambers & Partners 2025)
“Neil is brilliant. He is calm and focused in what can be very distressing and difficult circumstances.” (Legal 500 2025)
“His drafting skills as well as his clarity of advocacy and advice are impressive.” (Chambers & Partners 2025)
“Neil has a great eye for detail; he is very methodical and logical and extremely knowledgeable. He gets to the crux of the issue quickly.” (Chambers & Partners 2024)
“It is impressive how he manages to juggle so many different pieces of work at once.” (Chambers & Partners 2024)
“He is extremely intelligent and really hard-working in challenging and difficult circumstances.” (Chambers & Partners 2024)
“Neil makes everything seem very simple and when it is not simple at all he is unflappable and nothing fazes him.” (Chambers & Partners 2023)
“He is an incredibly good advocate: he is trusted with the most difficult matters time and time again.” (Chambers & Partners 2023)
“He is trusted by the government for its most sensitive cases and has a presence about him absolutely.” “A brilliant advocate who can handle a vast caseload.” (Chambers & Partners 2022)
“He is very calm on his feet and very reasonable in his advocacy.” “He’s got a really lovely manner and he’s very, very competent. I think he’s very measured and I really rate him.” (Chambers & Partners 2021)
‘Very experienced in very high-profile and complex inquests.’ (Legal 500 2021)
“He’s really good at dealing with his clients and has played an important role in helping to deal with really challenging material.” (Chambers & Partners 2020)
“He’s one to watch, a silk in the making.” “He’s very good with clients and they adore his approach.” (Chambers & Partners 2019)
“Superb on his feet. His advocacy is measured and incisive.” “Extremely approachable and highly experienced. His understanding of the medical field is second to none.” (Chambers & Partners 2018)
“A good advocate with very good people skills.” “He is just completely in control of the brief. He is very, very calm under fire and a very reassuring presence, judges love him.” “Incredibly approachable, he really goes above and beyond. His advice is always easy to follow and he is particularly brilliant with difficult clients and sensitive matters. An all-round pleasure to work with.” (Chambers & Partners, 2017)
“He is very good and easy to get on with. He’s counsel of choice if you are dealing with big witnesses.” (Chambers & Partners, 2016)
Selected Cases
- Dymond Inquest.
- Streatham Attack Inquest.
- Fishmongers' Hall Inquests.
- Manchester Bombing Inquests.
- London Bridge & Borough Market Inquests.
- Westminster Bridge Inquests.
- Prof. Bitner-Glindzicz Inquest.
- Foreign Secretary v Coroner for Inner North London [2013] Inquest LR 193: Status of properly interested persons.
- Foreign Secretary v Coroner for Inner North London [2013] WLR (D) 261: Public Interest Immunity.
- R (Pounder) v Coroner for North and South Durham [2010] EWHC 328 (Admin). Fresh inquest; matters to be left to jury; unlawful restraint in secure training centres.
- Frances Cappuccini Inquest: Young mother; obstetric mismanagement.
- Adam Rickwood Inquest: 13 year old; death in custody.
- Gareth Myatt Inquest: 14 year old; death in custody.
- Alexander Litvinenko Inquest: Counsel to Foreign and Home Secretaries.
- Khalil Dale Inquest: ICRC worker taken hostage by terrorists; Counsel to Foreign Secretary.
- Stuart Fuller Inquest: Provision of contaminated blood products to haemophiliacs in 1980s.
Neil Sheldon is recommended by the directories as a leading new silk in a broad range of practice areas, including public & administrative law, public inquiries & inquests, professional discipline, and clinical negligence.
In 2018 he was named ‘Public Inquiries Barrister of the Year UK’ by The Lawyer Monthly.
He has acted in many of the most important public inquiries and inquests of recent years including the Inquests into the terrorist attacks on Fishmonger’s Hall, Westminster Bridge, London Bridge and Manchester Arena, the Victoria Climbie Inquiry, the Zahid Mubarak Inquiry, the Al Swaedy Inquiry, the Iraq Inquiry and the Alexander Litvinenko Inquiry. He acted for the NCA and a number of government departments in the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA). He is instructed by the Cabinet Office in the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, by the Home Office in the Undercover Policing Inquiry and by a leading medical defence union in the Infected Blood Inquiry.
“Neil is a superb orator and brings calm to any situation at hand. He is highly adept at reminding people of the facts and keeping things calm with good strategic oversight.” (Chambers & Partners 2025)
“Neil is brilliant. He is calm and focused in what can be very distressing and difficult circumstances.” (Legal 500 2025)
“His drafting skills as well as his clarity of advocacy and advice are impressive.” (Chambers & Partners 2025)
“Neil is one of the most knowledgeable lawyers in terms of public interest immunity points.” (Chambers & Partners 2025)
“Neil has a great eye for detail; he is very methodical and logical and extremely knowledgeable. He gets to the crux of the issue quickly.” (Chambers & Partners 2024)
“It is impressive how he manages to juggle so many different pieces of work at once.” (Chambers & Partners 2024)
“He is extremely intelligent and really hard-working in challenging and difficult circumstances.” (Chambers & Partners 2024)
“Neil makes everything seem very simple and when it is not simple at all he is unflappable and nothing fazes him.” (Chambers & Partners 2023)
“He is an incredibly good advocate: he is trusted with the most difficult matters time and time again.” (Chambers & Partners 2023)
“He is trusted by the government for its most sensitive cases and has a presence about him absolutely.” “A brilliant advocate who can handle a vast caseload.” (Chambers & Partners 2022)
“He is very calm on his feet and very reasonable in his advocacy.” “He’s got a really lovely manner and he’s very, very competent. I think he’s very measured and I really rate him.” (Chambers & Partners 2021)
‘Very experienced in very high-profile and complex inquests.’ (Legal 500 2021)
“He’s really good at dealing with his clients and has played an important role in helping to deal with really challenging material.” (Chambers & Partners 2020)
“He’s one to watch.” “He’s very good with clients and they adore his approach.” (Chambers & Partners 2019)
“His skeleton arguments are impressive.” “Highly composed, organised, thorough and comprehensive. He has a very cool head.” “Extremely clever and good humoured and a delight to work with.” (Chambers & Partners 2018)
Notable cases include:
- Jermaine Baker Public Inquiry (ongoing).
- Undercover Policing Inquiry (ongoing).
- Infected Blood Inquiry (ongoing).
- Manchester Arena Inquiry (ongoing).
- Grenfell Tower Inquiry (ongoing).
- Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA)
- Victoria Climbie Inquiry: Counsel to Inquiry.
- Zahid Mubarak Inquiry: Counsel to Inquiry.
- Al Sweady Inquiry: Counsel to the Military Witnesses.
- Iraq Inquiry: Counsel to several prominent political and military witnesses.
- Alexander Litvinenko Inquiry: Counsel to Foreign and Home Secretaries.
- IICSA: Counsel to several government departments.
- Chantler Review into Standardised Tobacco Packaging: Counsel to Review.
- Investigation of Jimmy Savile at Broadmoor: Counsel to Investigation.
National Security
Neil has been heavily involved in national security work since 2003 when he was first appointed as a special advocate to the Special Immigration Appeals Commission. He acted as special advocate for, amongst others Abu Hamza and a number of the original Belmarsh detainees.
More recently, Neil has acted exclusively for government departments and agencies in work of this nature and has been involved in some of the most-high profile such cases including the Alexander Litvinenko inquest/inquiry, the Saudi arms trade litigation and a number of applications to European Court of Human Rights concerned with the bulk interception of communications and communications data.
Neil has extensive experience of SIAC and has acted for the Secretary of State in a variety of appeals including deportation with assurances, deprivation of citizenship and naturalization.
Notable cases include:
- E3 and G3 v Secretary of State for the Home Department (ongoing): Deprivation of citizenship (SIAC)
- Al Khayer v Secretary of State for the Home Department (ongoing): refusal of naturalisation for various members of President Assad’s extended family (SIAC).
- Bureau of Investigative Journalism v United Kingdom (ongoing): ECHR application concerning bulk interception of communications; Articles 8 and 10.
- Saudi Arms Trade Litigation (ongoing): JSA 2013 closed material procedure; international humanitarian law; relationship between national security and international relations.
- McGartland v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2015] EWCA Civ 686: National Security; JSA 2013 closed material procedure; NCND principle; correct approach to case management under the JSA.
- Foreign Secretary v Coroner for Inner North London [2014] ACD 43 PII; Litvinenko Inquest; successful Jr of Coroner’s decision to order disclosure of material.
- McGartland v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2014] EWHC 2248 (QB): JSA 2013 closed material procedure; s.6 declaration; case management.
- LO (Jordan) v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2011] EWCA Civ 164: Appeals against preliminary rulings of SIAC; application of s.7 of the SIAC Act 1997.
- E v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2007] HRLR 18.
Neil regularly appears in the higher courts in a wide variety of judicial review cases, with particular emphasis on claims involving the European Convention on Human Rights. A selection of his recent cases in this area is set out below.
Neil is currently instructed in a number of cases before the European Court of Human Rights including AL v United Kingdom (female genital mutilation in Nigeria), Bureau of Investigative Journalism v United Kingdom (bulk interception of communications; protection of journalistic sources), and Nait-Liman v Switzerland (universal jurisdiction for acts of torture; state immunity).
Selected Cases
Supreme Court
- KV (Sri Lanka) v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2017] EWCA 119: Asylum; self-infliction of injuries by proxy; correct approach to medical evidence in asylum cases.
- R (Kiarie & Byndloss) v Secretary of State for the Home Department (judgment awaited): Article 8; certification; procedural fairness in out of country appeals.
- SXH v Crown Prosecution Service [2017] UKSC 30: Article 8; whether decisions to prosecute can engage the right to respect for private/family life.
- Agyarko v Secretary of State for Home Department [2017] UKSC 11: Article 8; removal of overstayers; need for 'insurmountable obstacles' to continuation of family life and 'exceptional circumstances'.
- MM (Lebanon) v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2017] UKSC 10: Articles 8/14; proportionality of minimum income requirement; discrimination; correct approach to a challenge to the immigration rules.
- Hesham Ali v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2016] UKSC 60: Article 8; deportation of foreign criminal; principles to apply; function of the Tribunal in human rights appeals.
- R (Eastenders) v HMRC) [2014] UKSC 34: Article 6; power to detain goods pending enquiries as to whether duty paid; construction of s.139 of CEMA 1979.
Court of Appeal
- Nguyen v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2017] EWCA Civ 258: Article 8; foreign criminal deportation; interests of children, including step-children whose biological parents are opposed to relocation.
- R (Rights of Women) v Lord Chancellor [2016] 1 WLR 2543: Challenge to LASPO regulations concerning victims of domestic violence; Padfield ulra vires; financial abuse as component of domestic abuse.
- WW (Jamaica) v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2016] EWCA Civ 648: Article 8; foreign criminal deportation; correct approach to proportionality assessment.
- BB (Algeria) v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2016] EWCA Civ 25: Immigration; interpretation of long residence rules; transitional provisions; statutory construction.
- Danso v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2015] EWCA Civ 596: Article 8; foreign criminal deportation; correct approach to proportionality assessment.
- Ikuga v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2016] 1 WLR 390: Article 8; removal of overstayers; need for 'insurmountable obstacles' to continuation of family life and 'exceptional circumstances'.
- FZ (China) v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2015] 3 CMLR 12: EU law; Article 20, TFEU; deportation; Zambrano principle.
- CG (Jamaica) v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2015] EWCA Civ 194: Article 8; foreign criminal deportation; young offenders; correct approach to application of immigration rules.
- AJ (Angola) v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2014] EWCA Civ 1636: Article 8; foreign criminal deportation; correct approach to application of immigration rules.
- LC (China) v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2015] INLR 302: Article 8; foreign criminal deportation; best interest of children in foreign criminal cases.
- HA (Iraq) v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2014] EWCA Civ 1304: Article 8; foreign criminal deportation); correct approach to the public interest in the deportation of serious offenders.
- SJ (Pakistan) v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2015] 1 WLR 1073: Articles 8/14; proportionality of minimum income requirement; discrimination; correct approach to a challenge to the immigration rules.
- SXH v Crown Prosecution Service [2014] EWCA Civ 90: Article 8; whether decisions to prosecute can engage the right to respect for private/family life.
- AA (Iran) v Upper Tribunal [2013] EWCA Civ 1523: Asylum; unaccompanied minors; duty to trace; imputed political opinion.
- MF (Nigeria) v Secretary of State for Home Department [2014] 1 WLR 544: Article 8; foreign criminal deportation; correct approach to new immigration rules.
- CW (Jamaica) v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2013] EWCA Civ 915: Article 8; foreign criminal deportation; public interest in deportation of serious drugs offender.
- MB (Bangladesh) v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2013] EWCA Civ 220: Right of Abode; presumption of legitimacy under s.1(4) of Legitimacy Act 1976.
- Hayat & Treebhowan v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2013] INLR 17: Article 8; requirement to apply from abroad; interpretation and application of Chikwamba.
- R (Eastenders) v HMRC [2012] 1 WLR 2067: Article 6; power to detain goods pending enquiries as to whether duty paid; construction of s.139 of CEMA 1979.
- RS (Uganda) v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2011] EWCA Civ 1749: Article 8; deportation of young offenders; application of Maslov v Austria.
- Quila v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2011] 3 All ER 81: Articles 8 & 12; proportionality of raising age limit to combat forced marriages; paragraph 277 of Immigration Rules.
High Court / Divisional Court
- Judicial review regarding stolen 16th century Qur’an.
- Gill (on behalf of the Sikh Federation UK) v Cabinet Office [2019] EWHC 3407: challenge by the Sikh Federation to 2021 census.
- R (Britcits) v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2016] EWHC 956: Article 8; Padfield ultra vires; challenge to immigration rules restricting rights of entry for adult dependant relatives.
- R (Rights of Women) v Lord Chancellor [2015] 2 FLR 823: Challenge to LASPO regulations concerning victims of domestic violence; Padfield ulra vires; financial abuse as component of domestic abuse.
- R (Litvinenko) v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2014] HRLR 6: Challenge to Home Secretary's decision not to order a statutory inquiry; Article 2; public interest considerations in investigation of high profile deaths.
- Foreign Secretary v Coroner for Inner North London [2014] ACD 43: PII; Litvinenko Inquest; successful Jr of Coroner's decision to order disclosure of material.
- R (Majid) & Ors v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2014] 1 WLR 2306: Articles 8/14; proportionality of minimum income requirement; discrimination; correct approach to a challenge to the immigration rules.
- SXH v Crown Prosecution Service [2013] EWHC 71 (QB): Article 8; whether decisions to prosecute can engage the right to respect for private/family life.
- R (Wilmot) v Secretary of State for Justice [2012] EWHC 3139 (Admin): Life prisoners; transfer to open conditions; principles to be applied by parole board.
- Raed Mahajna v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2011] EWHC 2481: Article 5; detention pending deportation; requirement to give accurate reasons for deportation.
- R (Bonhoeffer) v General Medical Council [2012] IRLR 37: Hearsay evidence in professional disciplinary proceedings; Article 6; compelling reasons required to justify absence of witness.
- R (MA) v National Probation Service [2011] ACD 86: Article 6; challenge to conditions imposed after release on licence; sufficiency of judicial review.
- R (English) v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2010] EWHC 1726: Foreign students; minimum educational requirement; ultra vires; application of Pankina.
Neil acts for both claimants and defendants in high value and complex clinical negligence claims, and he has represented hundreds of doctors, dentists and other health professionals in disciplinary proceedings before the GMC, the GDC, at inquests, and in internal employment proceedings.
In the 100th episode of our podcast Law Pod UK, listen to Neil discuss Disaster Avoidance for Experts here.
“Neil is very calm under pressure. His calmness and clarity of thought is impressive and he puts his lay clients at rest.” (Chambers & Partners)
“Neil has a sharp mind, makes clients feel at ease and explains complex issues in an understandable way. He is a tough negotiator and has been responsible for some of his instructing solicitors’ biggest successes – they cannot rate him highly enough.” (Legal 500)
“Neil has fantastically honed advocacy skills.” (Chambers & Partners)
“He provides clear written opinions and deals with matters promptly. He makes himself available and his manner with clients is caring and reassuring. His trial preparation is meticulous and his advocacy is measured and persuasive.” (Chambers & Partners)
“An impressive advocate and strategist. He has a brilliant legal mind and is a delight to work with.” “Sought after due to his experience and highly persuasive advocacy. He achieves excellent results at trial.” (Chambers & Partners)
‘He is exceptional in his drafting and will ensure that every case has the best chance of success through thorough examination of the evidence. ’ (Legal 500)
Selected Cases
- A v States of Guernsey and Others (2020): defence of obstetrician in maximum severity cerebral palsy claim with jurisdictional issues.
- H (2020): represented Claimant in near-maximum severity cerebral palsy claim.
- JXM (2020): multimillion cerebral palsy claim on behalf of child with complex family dynamic.
- AB (2020): defence of GP in cauda equina claim.
- Z-R (2020): acted for family of man who committed suicide whilst in psychiatric care.
- M v W (2017): defence of doctor in secondary victim claim.
- S v H (2017): defence of doctor in alleged late diagnosis of cancer claim brought by professional motor race involving complex loss of earnings.
- JKL v Great Ormond Street Hospital (2017): cerebral palsy claim acting for the claimant. Settled for £27.5m.
- M v S (2017): defence of doctor in claim concerning delayed diagnosis of hip pathology.
- Badri v Hariram [2016] EWHC 2122 (QB): successful defence of GP; subluxation of infant hips; diagnosis of developmental dysplasia.
- Lee v Hammer [2016] LTL A58YJ640: successful defence of spinal surgeon; interpretation of complex radiology and neurophysiology.
- Webb v Liverpool Women’s Hospital [2015] EWHC 133 (QB): successful claim for a child injured during delivery; obstetric mismanagement; shoulder dystocia.
- Packham v Hazari [2014] EWHC 3951: successful defence of plastic surgeon; scarring; consent; inability to predict precise outcome in advance of surgery.
Neil undertakes a wide range of costs work, and has particular experience of cases concerning the costs consequences of Part 36 offers. He appeared for the successful claimant in the recent Court of Appeal of Webb which set out the principles to be applied when a claimant beats a Part 36 offer but does not succeed on all issues in the case.
Neil has acted in a number of judicial review cases involving protective costs orders, and he has regularly acts for the Lord Chancellor in cases concerning criminal defending funding.
Selected Cases
- Webb v Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation Trust [2016] 1 WLR 3899: Part 36; principles to apply if claimant beats Part 36 offer but only succeeds on some issues in the case.
- R (Litvinenko) v Secretary of State for Home Department [2013] EWHC 3135: protective costs orders in judicial review claims; public interest; claimant’s means.
- Wilson v Ministry of Defence [2013] CP Rep 33: Part 36; preliminary issues; meaning of 'trial has started' in CPR 36.9(3)(d).
- Eastenders v HMRC [2012] STC 2036: application of s.144(2)(b) of CEMA 1979 to costs recover following successful claim.
- Lord Chancellor v McLarty & Co [2012] 1 Costs LR 190: interpretation and application of Litigators Graduated Fee Scheme; special preparation fee; audio recordings.
- Lord Chancellor v Michael J Reed & Co [2010] 1 Cost LR 72: criminal Defence Service (Funding) Order 2007; special preparation fee; DVD footage.
Neil has represented hundreds of doctors, dentists and other health professionals in disciplinary proceedings before the GMC, the GDC, the HCPC and the GOC. He has extensive experience of employment related disputes concerning health professionals, including the application of MHPS, and of judicial review challenges arising out of such cases.
Neil has acted in some of the most important professional disciplinary cases of recent years including the cases of Dr Andrew Wakefield (MMR), Professor Philip Bonhoeffer (the leading case on hearsay), Dr Ruscillo (the first CHRE appeal), and SS & Ghosh (legal representation in Trust disciplinary hearings).
“He is fantastic. He’s a hard-working, brilliant barrister and a delightful man.” (Chambers & Partners 2025)
“Neil writes incredibly clear and precise pleadings and demonstrates sharp legal analysis.” “If you’ve got a difficult case, Neil is excellent.” (Chambers & Partners 2024)
“Neil is an exceptional advocate and consistently produces meticulous and practical advice in complex matters.” “Neil is a truly outstanding silk. He is very calm and considered.” (Chambers & Partners 2023)
“He’s really terrific, a fantastic advocate.” “Incredibly bright and always happy to help, responsive and brilliant with very difficult clients. He’s personable and good on his feet.” (Chambers & Partners 2022)
“He is always brilliant. He is fantastic at dealing with difficult clients and he always goes above and beyond. He is excellent in conference and when providing written submissions.” “Incredibly knowledgeable in any field you throw at him. Amazing ability to put clients at ease in really stressful situations and achieve the best results for them.” “He is very clever, very calm and a fabulous advocate.” (Chambers & Partners 2021)
‘A very polished silk who demonstrates great client empathy.’ (Legal 500 2021)
“Modest and universally able” and “a rising star.” “He is extremely good and I suspect we will be seeing much more of him.” (Chambers & Partners 2020)
Selected Cases
- S (2020): dishonesty allegations brought by GMC against neurosurgeon.
- O (2020): represented married couple accused of fraudulent claiming on NHS contracts.
- K (2020): defended consultant psychiatrist accused of inappropriate relationship with vulnerable patient.
- Al-Mishlab v Milton Keynes Hospital Trust [2015] EWHC 3096 (QB): internal disciplinary proceedings; MHPS; injunction; correct approach to defects in investigation.
- Al Mishlab v Milton Keynes Hospital Trust [2015] EWHC 91 (QB): claim by doctor for breach of contract; duty to seek alternatives to suspension; breakdown in working relationships.
- R (Bonhoeffer) v General Medical Council [2012] IRLR 37: successful challenge to MPTS decision to admit hearsay evidence; only permissible in compelling circumstances.
- R (SS) v Knowsley NHS Primary Care Trust [2006] EWHC 26 (Admin): right to legal representation at removal hearings; Article 6; common law fairness.
- Ruscillo v CHRE [2005] 1 WLR: First appeal by CHRE for undue leniency; applicable principles.
- Dr Andrew Wakefield v General Medical Council: MMR; legal aid funding; research ethics; dishonesty.
Neil has extensive experience of immigration law, and regularly appears in the higher courts in a wide range of appeals. He has particular experience of cases concerning the ECHR, and has appeared in many of the most important such cases in recent years including the recent appeals to the Supreme Court in Hesham Ali, MM (Lebanon), Agyarko and Kiarie & Byndloss.
Neil is currently acting in a number of applications to the European Court of Human Rights concerned with immigration.
“Neil Sheldon is always a fair but formidable opponent.” (Chambers & Partners 2025)
“His work is excellent. He is very good.” “A wonderful advocate.” (Chambers & Partners 2024)
“He will turn over difficult and complicated fact-heavy cases with a really efficient, effective and thorough approach.” “He is absolutely fabulous to work with and is very experienced.” (Chambers & Partners 2022)
“A fantastic barrister; forensically adept and has fantastic knowledge of case law.” (Chambers & Partners 2021)
“He is exceptional in his drafting and will ensure that every case has the best chance of success through thorough examination of the evidence.” (Legal 500 2021)
“He’s often given high-pressure public impact cases and is hugely impressive.” (Chambers & Partners 2020)
“He is a really top-quality barrister and a very clever guy.” “He’s super hard-working and entirely reliable. He produces clear, concise and elegant written submissions and has very thorough knowledge of immigration.” (Chambers & Partners 2018)
Selected Cases
Supreme Court
- KV (Sri Lanka) v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2017] EWCA 119: Asylum; self-infliction of injuries by proxy; correct approach to medical evidence in asylum cases.
- Agyarko v Secretary of State for Home Department [2017] UKSC 11: Article 8; removal of overstayers; need for ‘insurmountable obstacles’ to continuation of family life and ‘exceptional circumstances’.
- MM (Lebanon) v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2017] UKSC 10: Articles 8/14; proportionality of minimum income requirement; discrimination; correct approach to a challenge to the immigration rules.
- Hesham Ali v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2016] UKSC 60: Article 8; deportation of foreign criminal; principles to apply; function of the Tribunal in human rights appeals.
- R (Kiarie & Byndloss) v Secretary of State for the Home Department: Article 8; certification; procedural fairness in out of country appeals.
Court of Appeal
- Nguyen v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2017] EWCA Civ 258: Article 8; foreign criminal deportation; interests of children, including step-children whose biological parents are opposed to relocation.
- BB (Algeria) v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2016] EWCA Civ 25: Immigration; interpretation of long residence rules; transitional provisions; statutory construction.
- Danso v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2015] EWCA Civ 596: Article 8; foreign criminal deportation; correct approach to proportionality assessment.
- Ikuga v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2016] 1 WLR 390: Article 8; removal of overstayers; need for ‘insurmountable obstacles’ to continuation of family life and ‘exceptional circumstances’.
- FZ (China) v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2015] 3 CMLR 12: EU law; Article 20, TFEU; deportation; Zambrano principle.
- CG (Jamaica) v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2015] EWCA Civ 19: Article 8; foreign criminal deportation; young offenders; correct approach to application of immigration rules.
- AJ (Angola) v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2014] EWCA Civ 1636: Article 8; foreign criminal deportation; correct approach to application of immigration rules.
- LC (China) v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2015] INLR 302: Article 8; foreign criminal deportation; best interest of children in foreign criminal cases.
- HA (Iraq) v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2014] EWCA Civ 1304: Article 8; foreign criminal deportation); correct approach to the public interest in the deportation of serious offenders.
- SJ (Pakistan) v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2015] 1 WLR 1073: Articles 8/14; proportionality of minimum income requirement; discrimination; correct approach to a challenge to the immigration rules.
- AA (Iran) v Upper Tribunal [2013] EWCA Civ 1523: Asylum; unaccompanied minors; duty to trace; imputed political opinion.
- MF (Nigeria) v Secretary of State for Home Department [2014] 1 WLR 544: Article 8; foreign criminal deportation; correct approach to new immigration rules.
- CW (Jamaica) v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2013] EWCA Civ 915: Article 8; foreign criminal deportation; public interest in deportation of serious drugs offender.
- MB (Bangladesh) v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2013] EWCA Civ 220: Right of Abode; presumption of legitimacy under s.1(4) of Legitimacy Act 1976.
- Hayat & Treebhowan v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2013] INLR 17: Article 8; requirement to apply from abroad; interpretation and application of Chikwamba.
- RS (Uganda) v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2011] EWCA Civ 1749: Article 8; deportation of young offenders; application of Maslov v Austria.
- Quila v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2011] 3 All ER 8: Articles 8 & 12; proportionality of raising age limit to combat forced marriages; paragraph 277 of Immigration Rules.
- SL (Vietnam) v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2010] 1NLR 651: Deportation; bests interests of children; Article 8; mistakes of fact.
- TF (Angola) v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2009] EWCA Civ 905: Asylum; Article 8.
- MH (Syria) v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2009] 3 All ER 564: Article 1F of Refugee Convention; involvement in terrorism and crimes against humanity.
- VK (Sri Lanka) v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2009] EWCA Civ 1435: Detention following failed asylum claim; fresh claims; Hardial Singh principles.
- EB (Ethiopia) v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2009] QB 1: Asylum; confiscation of identity documents as persecution; statelessness.
- JN (DRC) v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2008] EWCA Civ 320: Asylum; false documentation, procedural irregularity.
- RJ (Jamaica) v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2008] EWCA Civ 93: Deportation of foreign criminal; procedural fairness; absence of representative at appeal; professional conduct.
- MT (Zimbabwe) v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2007] EWCA Civ 455: Asylum; Article 8.
- SO (Nigeria) v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2007] EWCA Civ 76: Asylum; Article 8; best interests of children.
- HA (Iraq) v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2006] EWCA Civ 1373: Asylum; application of Tanveer Ahmed; standard of proof; documentary evidence in asylum claims.
High Court / Divisional Court / Tribunal
- Cheryl Ribelli v Entry Clearance Officer, Pretoria [2018] EWCA Civ 611
- TZ (Pakistan) v Secretary of State for the Home Department : PG (India) v S Secretary of State for the Home Department (2018).
- OA (Nigeria) v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2018] EWHC 681.
- R (Britcits) v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2016] EWHC 956: Article 8; Padfield ultra vires; challenge to immigration rules restricting rights of entry for adult dependent relatives.
- Dasgupta (error of law-proportionality – correct approach) [2016] UKUT 28: Adult dependent relatives; correct approach to error of law findings; Article 8 proportionality.
- Deelah (section 117B – ambit) [2015] UKUT 515: Presidential Panel; challenge to vires of Part 5A of 2002 Act.
- R (Majid) & Ors v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2014] 1 WLR 2306: Articles 8/14; proportionality of minimum income requirement; discrimination; correct approach to a challenge to the immigration rules.
- Raed Mahajna v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2011] EWHC 2481: Article 5; detention pending deportation; requirement to give accurate reasons for deportation.
- R (English) v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2010] EWHC 1726: Foreign students; minimum educational requirement; ultra vires; application of Pankina.
- R (A) v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2007] ACD 42: Unlawful detention; serious sexual offender; disputed nationality; imminence of return.
Neil Sheldon KC successful in two Strasbourg cases concerning the operation of Parliamentary disciplinary procedures and the fairness of the sanctions imposed - Sep 2024
The European Court of Human Rights has handed down judgment in two cases concerning the operation of Parliamentary disciplinary procedures and the fairness of the sanctions imposed. Owen Paterson, a...
Steve Dymond Inquest concludes – Neil Sheldon KC acted for Jeremy Kyle - Sep 2024
Neil Sheldon KC acted for Jeremy Kyle in the inquest into the death of Steve Dymond, who took his own life a few days after appearing on the Jeremy Kyle Show in May 2019. Mr Kyle was made an...
1 COR shortlisted for 11 awards at the Legal 500 Bar Awards 2024 - Jul 2024
We are delighted to announce the following 11 nominations at the Legal 500 Bar Awards 2024: Clinical Negligence Set of the Year Professional Disciplinary Set of the Year Public Law Set of...
Members of 1COR act in the Covid Inquiry - Dec 2023
Module 2 of the UK Covid-19 Inquiry is drawing to a close, with evidence from the Prime Minister due to be heard on Monday 11 December, followed by closing submissions. This module considered core...
Appeal allowed in case of catastrophic brain injury sustained at birth - Nov 2023
Appeal allowed in the complex causation case of CDE v Surrey & Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust [2023] EWCA Civ 1330. The Claimant suffered acute profound hypoxic ischemia (“PHI”) at birth which...
Supreme Court Ruling on Asylum Seekers to Rwanda - Nov 2023
The Supreme Court this week upheld a Court of Appeal ruling, which had found that the government scheme to remove asylum seekers to Rwanda was unlawful. The legal case against the policy hinged on...
Rwanda Appeal heard in the Supreme Court - Oct 2023
This week the challenge to the UK Government’s plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda was heard in the Supreme Court. After the High Court’s 2022 decision that the Rwanda plan was lawful was...
1COR shortlisted in five categories at the Legal 500 Bar Awards 2023 - Jul 2023
We are delighted to be shortlisted for both 'Tax Set of the Year' and 'Clinical Negligence Set of the Year' at the 2023 Legal 500 Bar Awards. We are also pleased to see three of our members...
Undercover Policing Inquiry’s Interim Report Published - Jul 2023
The Undercover Policing Inquiry’s Interim Report was published on 29th June. The report focuses on the period from 1968 – 1982 and found that the methods used by the police to gain information...
Four 1COR members in the Court of Appeal this week - Apr 2023
Four members of 1 Crown Office Row have appeared in the Court of Appeal this week, in three different cases. Lizanne Gumbel KC is appearing in AB v Worcestershire County Council, a complex...
1 Crown Office Row nominated in five categories at the Legal 500 Bar Awards - Jul 2022
We are delighted to have been nominated for five awards at the Legal 500 Bar Awards 2022: Clinical Negligence Set of the Year Clinical Negligence Junior of the Year - Cara Guthrie Clinical...
Neil Sheldon QC in judicial review regarding stolen 16th century Qur’an - Aug 2021
Neil Sheldon QC is acting on behalf of the Met Police in an unusual judicial review regarding a stolen Qur'an which was listed for auction at Christies (London) in 2017. A 16th century Qur'an was...
Inquest returns verdict of neglect after basic error missed - Jul 2021
Neil Sheldon QC, instructed by Fieldfisher, is acting for the bereaved family of Glenda Logsdail. Glenda was a retired NHS consultant who died of a hypoxic brain injury caused by the insertion of an...
Hearings Commence for Jermaine Baker Public Inquiry - Jun 2021
The Public Inquiry into the death of Jermaine Baker commenced today, 14th June 2021, with Opening Statements by Counsel to the Inquiry and the Core Participants. Neil Sheldon QC is acting for the...
Fishmongers’ Hall Terror Attack Inquests Conclude - Jun 2021
The Inquests into the deaths of those who were killed during the course of the Fishmongers' Hall terror attack on 29 November 2019. Usman Khan, a convicted terrorist who had been automatically...
Widening Participation with the Inner Temple and Warwick University - Feb 2020
On 12th February, four members of 1COR volunteered their time to participate in Inner Temple’s School's Day event with Warwick University's Pathways to Law students. Michael Deacon and Alice...
Neil Sheldon QC successful in landmark appeal on Parliamentary Privilege - Feb 2020
Neil Sheldon QC acted for the Foreign Secretary in the case of Gannon & Warsama v Foreign & Commonwealth Office and Sasha Wass QC [2020] EWCA Civ 142, which concerned the report of a...
Law Pod UK Ep. 100 : Disaster Avoidance for Experts with Neil Sheldon QC - Dec 2019
In our 100th episode, Emma-Louise Fenelon talks to Neil Sheldon QC about how to help your expert stay out of trouble in clinical negligence cases. The episode considers the recent trend in trenchant...
High Court to hear challenge by Sikhs to Census - Nov 2019
Neil Sheldon QC is acting for the Cabinet Office in its a defence of a challenge by the Sikh Federation to the recommendation by the Office for National Statistics that ‘Sikh’ should not be...
Is this too sensitive? Dealing with difficult issues in Inquests and Inquiries - Oct 2019
Welcome to an evening of debate with three teams of 1COR speakers with extensive experience in their roles in major inquests and inquiries. They will discuss the different perspectives and lessons...
Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse publish investigation report into Accountability and Reparations - Sep 2019
On 19th September 2019, the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse published a report in its Accountability and Reparations Investigation. The Investigation is looking at the effectiveness of...
Neil Sheldon QC and Charlotte Gilmartin instructed in inquest into Prof. Bitner-Glindzicz - Aug 2019
On Wednesday 7th August 2019, an inquest was held into the death of Prof. Maria Bitner-Glindzicz, a world-renowned geneticist specialising in syndromes affecting children. Prof Bitner-Glindzicz was...
London Bridge Inquest concludes attackers lawfully killed - Jul 2019
On 16th July 2019, the inquest into the London Bridge Attack concluded with the jury finding that the 3 attackers were lawfully killed by police. The Chief Coroner, His Honour Judge Mark Lucraft QC,...
London Bridge & Borough Market Terror Attack Inquests Commence - May 2019
Neil Sheldon QC acts for the Secretary of State for the Home Department in the inquests into the deaths arising from the terror attacks in London Bridge and Borough Market on 3rd June 2017. The Chief...
Congratulations to Neil Sheldon QC & Robert Kellar QC on taking silk today - Mar 2019
Today, 11th March 2019, is the day for QCs to be appointed and we are looking forward to celebrating Neil Sheldon and Robert Kellar taking silk. Accompanied by their families and Senior and First...
Congratulations to new silks Neil Sheldon and Robert Kellar - Jan 2019
1COR are proud to announce that Robert Kellar and Neil Sheldon have been successful in their applications to Silk. We offer our warmest congratulations to them both on being appointed Queen's...
Neil Sheldon and Matthew Hill in Supreme Court over the correct approach to the assessment of medical evidence in asylum claims - Dec 2018
Neil Sheldon and Matthew Hill have appeared in the Supreme Court in a case concerning whether an asylum seeker’s scars were inflicted by torture or as the result of a planned procedure carried out...
Neil Sheldon wins ‘Public Inquiries Barrister of the Year’ at the annual Lawyer Monthly Awards - Nov 2018
Each year the Lawyer Monthly conducts research and collects votes for each nominee to determine who in the legal world has delivered outstanding results for their clients in the last twelve months....
Neil Sheldon and Matthew Hill instructed in the Westminster Bridge Inquests - Sep 2018
Neil Sheldon and Matthew Hill are instructed in inquests into the deaths arising from the Westminster Bridge terror attack in March 2017. Neil appears for the Home Secretary, instructed by GLD. ...
Neil Sheldon successful in Court of Appeal in cases concerning leave to remain under Article 8 - May 2018
Neil Sheldon was instructed by the Government Legal Department to defend against two appeals to the Secretary of State for the Home Department's (SSHD) decision not to grant leave for them to remain...
Neil Sheldon defends the 2012 Immigration Rules in the Court of Appeal - Mar 2018
Neil Sheldon represented the defendant in Cheryl Ribelli v Entry Clearance Officer, Pretoria [2018] EWCA Civ 611. This appeal was made against the Upper Tribunal’s decision not to grant admission...
Neil Sheldon appears in the Court of Appeal in a case concerning the admission to the UK of adult dependent relatives - May 2017
Neil Sheldon was instructed by the Government Legal Department in an appeal against the Administrative Court’s decision to dismiss their application for judicial review seeking to overcome new...
Philip Havers QC and Neil Sheldon succeed in Supreme Court on Art 8 Rights case - May 2017
Philip Havers QC and Neil Sheldon appeared for the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) in SXH v CPS. The Supreme Court held that Article 8 of the Convention did not apply to the CPS's decision to...
Neil Sheldon Acts For The Home Office In Trio of Article 8 Supreme Court Cases - Mar 2017
The Supreme Court has recently delivered judgment in three important Article 8 immigration appeals. Neil Sheldon acted for the Home Office in each case, instructed by the Government Legal Department. ...
Inquest result announced for Frances Cappuccini, Whose Family Are Represented By Neil Sheldon - Jan 2017
The inquest into Frances Cappuccini's death concluded today. Neil Sheldon represented her family, instructed by Kate Rohde of Kingsley Napley. Frances Cappuccini, already a mother of one, died...
Neil Sheldon Represents Family of Mother, Frances Cappuccini In Ongoing Inquest Into Her Death - Jan 2017
The inquest has begun to investigate the death of Frances Cappuccini, at age 30, at Pembury Hospital in 2012. Neil Sheldon is representing Frances Cappuccini's family. He was instructed by Kate Rohde...
Neil Sheldon and Alasdair Henderson appear for the Lord Chancellor in LASPO case: Rights of Women v SSJ - Jan 2015
Neil Sheldon and Alasdair Henderson recently appeared for the Lord Chancellor in a case concerning the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 ("LASPO"). A group of charities and...
Neil Garnham QC, Neil Sheldon and Robert Wastell are representing the Home Secretary in the Public Inquiry into the death of Alexander Litvinenko - Aug 2014
Neil Garnham QC, Neil Sheldon and Robert Wastell are representing the Government, and in particular the Home Secretary, in the Public Inquiry into the death of Alexander Litvinenko, a former employee...
Neil Sheldon successful for HMRC in Supreme Court smuggling case - Jun 2014
Neil Sheldon (led by a QC) acted for the Commissioners in their appeal to the Supreme Court in the case of HMRC v Eastenders [2014] UKSC 34. The case concerned the power of the Commissioners to...
Neil Garnham QC and Neil Sheldon are representing the Home Secretary in the inquest into the death of Alexander Litvinenko - Feb 2014
Neil Garnham QC and Neil Sheldon are representing the Government, and in particular the Home Secretary, at the inquest into the death of Alexander Litvinenko, a former employee of the Russian Security...
Neil Garnham QC and Neil Sheldon successful in judicial review challenge to the Public Interest Immunity decision in the Litvinenko Inquest - Dec 2013
Neil Garnham QC and Neil Sheldon, representing the Foreign Secretary, were successful in a judicial review challenge to the Public Interest Immunity (PII) decision of the Assistant Deputy Coroner for...
Nine members of 1COR involved in Al-Sweady Public Inquiry - Mar 2013
After more than three years of preliminary investigations, Monday, 4 March marked the commencement of oral hearings in the Al-Sweady Public Inquiry. The Inquiry was announced by the Secretary of State...
Neil Garnham QC and Neil Sheldon are representing the Home Secretary at the Inquest into the death of Alexander Litvinenko - Feb 2013
Neil Garnham QC and Neil Sheldon are representing the Government and in particular the Home Secretary, at the Inquest into the death of Alexander Litvinenko, a former employee of the Russian Security...
New Appointments to the Attorney General’s A, B and C Panels – February 2013 - Feb 2013
We are delighted to announce the following new appointments to the Attorney General's Panels - Owain Thomas to the A Panel (a re-appointment), Amy Mannion and John Jolliffe to the B Panel and Caroline...
New Appointments to the Attorney General’s A, B and C Panels – February 2012 - Feb 2012
We are delighted to announce the following new appointments to the Attorney General's Panels - Oliver Sanders to the A panel, Robert Wastell to the B panel and Adam Wagner to the C panel. The 23...
Kieran Coonan QC and Neil Sheldon obtain block on hearsay evidence in Bonhoeffer case - Jul 2011
In R (Bonhoeffer) v General Medical Council [2011] EWHC 1585 (Admin) The Divisional Court has made an important ruling in Judicial Review proceedings brought by Johannes Bonhoeffer (represented by...
New appointments to the Attorney General’s A, B and C Panels - Mar 2010
We are delighted to announce the following new appointments to the Attorney General's Panels - Marina Wheeler and Neil Sheldon to the A Panel, David Manknell to the B Panel and John Jolliffe to the C...
GMC’s findings of fact re Dr Wakefield announced - Feb 2010