Gary Oliver
Senior Clerk
+44 (0) 207 822 7325
Ivan Hare KC is a leading silk specialising in public and regulatory law, human rights and civil liberties, professional discipline and employment law. He was awarded Silk of the Year 2023 in Professional Discipline at the Chambers & Partners Bar Awards.
He appears in a wide range of judicial review cases, statutory appeals against regulatory decisions, Human Rights Act claims, freedom of information applications, discrimination and employment proceedings. His clients include all major departments of central government, local authorities, many statutory bodies, non-governmental organisations, corporate bodies, charities and individuals. He appears frequently in the High Court and the Court of Appeal and in front of a range of Tribunals. He has also appeared in the House of Lords, the Supreme Court and the Privy Council. He has advised many foreign governments and overseas corporations on matters of constitutional law in Hong Kong, Malayasia, Singapore and the Commonwealth Caribbean. Ivan serves as the Appeals Adjudicator for the Enemy Property Claims Assessment Panel which determines claims to property seized during World War II. He was called to the Bar of the Turks and Caicos Islands in 2022 in order to argue constitutional challenges relating to same-sex marriage and applications for Islander status. Ivan was appointed to Master of the Bench of Gray's Inn in 2023.
Before taking Silk, Ivan was on the Attorney General's Panel of Counsel.
His Public Law work builds on his expertise in domestic and comparative constitutional law. He was a Fellow of Trinity College Cambridge from 1991 until 2003 (where he continues to teach Administrative Law) and is the main editor and author of the leading practitioners’ text: De Smith’s Judicial Review (9th ed, 2023) along with many other publications.
Ivan is recognised as a leading silk in the latest editions of both the main legal directories, Chambers UK and Legal 500, for his expertise in administrative and public law, civil liberties and human rights, police law and professional discipline and regulatory law. Recent comments include:
Previous comments include:
Ivan has an in-depth knowledge of public law. He appears frequently in the High Court and the Court of Appeal in proceedings under the Human Rights Act, the Equalities Act and the Freedom of Information Act. He acts in cases involving prisons, immigration, health services, welfare, policing, environmental protection, education and the media. He often advises central and local government and other public authorities on policy development and implementation. He has appeared in a number of constitutional and human rights challenges in Commonwealth jurisdictions. He has advised a number of universities on their responsibilities to foster free speech and on a range of individual disciplinary cases.
His Public Law work builds on his expertise in domestic and comparative constitutional law. He was a Fellow of Trinity College Cambridge from 1991 until 2003 (where he continues to teach Administrative Law) and is the main editor and author of the leading practitioners’ text: De Smith’s Judicial Review (9th ed, 2023) along with many other publications.
“His knowledge of the law is exceptional and he has an easy, understated advocacy style.”
Legal 500, 2025
“A superb strategist. His knowledge of the regulatory landscape is fantastic. The kind of silk any professional would want in their corner during times of a crisis.”
Legal 500, 2023
“He is careful, well-reasoned and has the ear of the court.”
Legal 500, 2018
“A highly persuasive advocate, who commands respect among judges.”
Legal 500, 2017
“A rising star.”
Legal 500, 2016
“Intelligent and hardworking.”
Legal 500, 2015
Ivan has advised Ofwat on a series of questions relating to its Price Review process for the next five years. He has also advised on issues relating to the Reservoirs Act.
Ivan appeared before the Supreme Court of the Turks and Caicos Islands to defend this judicial review brought by multiple applicants who had been refused Islander status. Judgment is awaited.
Ivan appeared successfully for the Cabinet Office in their appeal against the First-tier Tribunal's decision to uphold the Freedom of Information request made by Tommy Sheppard MP for Government polling data relating to the Union between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. In the decision, UTJ Wright accepted the Cabinet Office's submission that the formulation and development of policy exemption under s. 35(1)(a) of FOIA may be engaged even where the high-level policy direction remains unchanged.
Ivan appeared successfully for the Secretary of State (with Sir James Eadie KC, David Lowe and Daniel Cashman) in this case concerning the lawfulness of test-case enfranchisement notices issued by the MoD in relation to the Married Quarters Estate of properties previously sold to Annington and leased back.
Ivan acted successfully for the Claimant in this case which was compromised on the basis that CICAIR would withdraw its current Sanctions Guidance and replace it with fresh guidance which contained a broader range of sanctions.
Ivan appeared before the Supreme Court of the Turks and Caicos Islands on behalf of the Attorney General to defend the decision to refuse to recognise the Plaintiffs' same-sex marriage contracted in Florida USA as entitling them to be treated in the same way as opposite-sex spouses for the purposes of immigration and the Islands' Constitution. Gruchot J held that the decision breached the Plaintiff's rights under ss. 9 and 16 of the Constitution. The appeal and cross-appeal will come before the Court of Appeal of Turks and Caicos on 23-24 October 2024.
Ivan appeared successfully for the Secretary of State (with Sir James Eadie KC, David Lowe and Daniel Cashman) in this case concerning the lawfulness of test-case enfranchisement notices issued by the MoD in relation to the Married Quarters Estate of properties previously sold to Annington and leased back.
Successfully defended this second appeal (which was joined with the case of Dr Okpara) against the Medical Practitioners Tribunal’s decision to erase Dr Sastry in relation to his treatment of a patient while practicing in India. This was an unusual case in that not only had the misconduct taken place overseas, but the patient also had no link with the United Kingdom. The Court of Appeal provided general guidance for courts considering appeals against sanction.
Appeared successfully in this important Divisional Court case on contempt of court by expert witnesses and on the admissibility of fresh evidence on appeals against sanction by the GMC. The Divisional Court substituted erasure for the sanction of suspension.
Appeared in this Privy Council appeal concerning whether a conviction for an infraction in California constituted criminal proceedings which needed to be declared when seeking readmission to the RCVS Register. Dr Schulze-Allen was initially removed from the Register for failure to disclose his conviction. The Privy Council decided that the RCVS had not proved that the convictions were criminal to the required standard. The question of sanction was remitted to the RCVS in relation to failure to disclose any adverse findings. On remittal, the RCVS imposed a three-month suspension.
Acted as Legal Adviser to the Expert Panel consisting of the Chief Scientific Advisers from the Home Office, the Health and Safety Executive and the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy leading to the product recall issued by Whirlpool UK Appliances Ltd in July 2019.
Appeared in this judicial review application which decides that the GMC’s proposal to publish the outcome of Dr X’s fitness to practice proceedings in a redacted form would breach Dr X’s right to life as protected by Article 2 of the ECHR. The circumstances were that there was evidence that Dr X would commit suicide rather than have family (and the wider public) find out about the conduct. In fact, Dr X had been communicating with a member of a paedophile vigilante group. Soole J accepted that the GMC was entitled to balance Dr X’s Article 2 rights against the public interest in maintaining the integrity of the medical register, but held that on the facts, the balance came down in favour of anonymity.
Appeared successfully in this long-running Freedom of Information case (which had previously been to the Upper Tribunal) on the meaning of a “vexatious” information request.
Appeared successfully in the Court of Appeal in defence of the Secretary of State’s policy which requires those with no legal right to remain in the country to be placed on a separate list for allocating transplant organs, irrespective of clinical need. Appeared successfully in the Divisional Court below ([2018] EWHC 2815 (admin); [2018] 4 WLR 2).
Appeared in the Court of Appeal in this case arising from the death of 6 year-old Jack Adcock at Leicester Royal Infirmary. Dr Bawa-Garba and the main treating nurse were convicted of gross negligence manslaughter and given (suspended) prison sentences. Despite this, the Medical Practitioners Tribunal (MPT) suspended Dr Bawa-Garba’s registration because of the systemic failings in the hospital and other mitigating circumstances. The Divisional Court (before which Ivan had also appeared) had substituted erasure from the register on the GMC’s appeal on the basis that the MPT had improperly relied on mitigation which had been fully considered and weighed in the criminal trial ([2018] EWHC 76 (Admin); [2018] 4 WLR 44). The Court of Appeal allowed Dr Bawa-Garba’s appeal and reinstated the MPT’s decision. Her case has prompted a number of official reviews into gross negligence manslaughter.
Successfully defended this appeal in relation to the scope of the GMC’s right of appeal against sanctions which are insufficient to protect the public. The Court of Appeal reinstated the MPT’s decision on the substance.
Successfully defended the appeal in this challenge to the GMC’s new statutory Rules on when a legally qualified chair of a Medical Practitioners Tribunal (formerly Fitness to Practise Panel) must offer legal advice in the presence of the parties.
Appeared (with John Bowers QC) in this Supreme Court appeal which determined whether or not the availability of judicial review (as well as statutory appeals) fell within the ouster of the Employment Tribunal’s jurisdiction in relation to Qualifications bodies in proceedings under the Equality Act 2010. The Supreme Court also set out the common law basis of judicial review.
Appeared for the Secretary of State in this appeal about returning individuals to Sri Lanka after the end of the Civil War and since a number of terrorist organisations were proscribed. The case addresses the Secretary of State's duties to draw the Tribunal's decision to relevant country guidance.
Appeared successfully for the Secretary of State in this appeal against a decision of the Upper Tribunal relating to the complex area of the right of abode in nationality law.
Appeared successfully before the Divisional Court in this challenge to the Secretary of State’s policy on reviewing the tariff of prisoners detained during Her Majesty’s Pleasure. The case concerned one of the defendants convicted of the murder of Garry Newlove.
Appeared successfully for the GMC in these two appeals which set out general guidance on when fitness to practise tribunals can proceed in the absence of the registrant (in compliance with Article 6 of the ECHR) and on the admissibility of fresh evidence on statutory appeals.
Appeared successfully on behalf of the Secretary of State for Health in this appeal which establishes that NHS bodies are entitled to take account of the fact that accommodation may be provided from other sources (such as local authorities) in cases where accommodation may form part of a patient’s continuing health needs.
Appeared in this substantive judicial review concerning the interpretation of the GMC’s Registrar’s powers to review decisions of the Investigation Committee. Permission has been granted to appeal to the Court of Appeal.
Appeared (with Michael Beloff QC) as an Advocate to the Supreme Court in this important case on the constitutional relationship between the United Kingdom and the Channel Islands. The principal issue was whether the courts of England and Wales can review legal advice about international agreements and the compatibility of legal reforms on Sark with the ECHR. The Supreme Court held, save in exceptional cases, such challenges should be brought before the local courts, but in principle the advice was justiciable.
Appeared (with James Eadie QC) before the Upper Tribunal (Charles J) in this appeal against the First-tier Tribunal’s decision to require disclosure of parts of the ministerial diaries of Andrew Lansley MP when he was Secretary of State for Health in the run-up to the enactment of the Health and Social Care Act 2012. The Department successfully argued that the authorities on public interest immunity were relevant by analogy and that decisions to disclose withheld information required a clear articulation of the public interest arguments in favour of disclosure. The Court of Appeal judgment (in which Ivan did not appear) is at [2017] EWCA Civ 374; [2017] 1 WLR 3330.
Appeared for the IPCC in the Court of Appeal in this important appeal about the scope of the IPCC’s powers, in particular, whether it is entitled to arrive at a conclusion on the legality of the use of force or of an arrest in investigating a complaint against the police.
Acted successfully (with Clive Sheldon QC) for the Secretary of State in this judicial review of the decision to implement the recommendations of the Trust Special Administrators at Mid-Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust.
Appeared successfully for the Secretary of State in this appeal to the Upper Tribunal concerning the legality of the 2011 Regulations which restricted the availability of the Sure Start Maternity Grant to the claimant’s first child in a challenge based on the public sector equality duty. The 2011 Regulations were part of the Coalition Government’s austerity measures and designed to save several million pounds. The Upper Tribunal granted permission to appeal to the Court of Appeal.
Appeared successfully (with John Bowers QC) in this challenge to the RCGP’s and GMC’s compliance with their public sector equality duties in relation to the examinations required to proceed with training as a General Practitioner (which were alleged to be racially discriminatory).
Appeared (with Rory Phillips QC) for the Appellants in this challenge to the first use of the Secretary of State’s powers under the National Health Service Act 2006 to appoint a Trust Special Administrator to take over a failing NHS Trust and make recommendations for its services and those of neighbouring Trusts.
Successfully defended this challenge to the application of the regime for confiscation orders relating to criminal assets. The Divisional Court provided general guidance on the scope of the court’s powers in such cases to issue warrants for arrest, carry out a means inquiry and impose payment terms.
Advised the Home Office (with Michael Beloff QC) on improvements which could be made to UK asset recovery provisions in relation to the assets of former heads of state and their families from the Arab Spring countries.
Appeared (with James Eadie QC) on behalf of the Department in this appeal against the Information Commissioner’s decision that the Department was required to disclose two risk registers it had produced in relation to the reforms to the National Health Service, now contained in the Health and Social Care Act 2012. The appeal was successful in relation to the Department’s Strategic Risk Register. In relation to the Transition Risk Register, the Government exercised its veto over the Information Commissioner’s decision on 8 May 2012.
Advised (with James Eadie QC) on this legislation which retrospectively validated the appointment of certain approved medical practitioners for the purposes of authorizing compulsory detention.
Ivan appears frequently civil liberties cases in the High Court and the Court of Appeal in proceedings under the Human Rights Act, the Equalities Act and the Freedom of Information Act. He acts in cases involving prisons, immigration, health services, welfare, policing, asset-freezing, education and the media.
“He is a true expert in the human rights field.”
Chambers and Partners, 2023
“Ivan is both fair and thorough.”
Chambers and Partners, 2025
“Ivan is intellectually high-calibre, with an impressive style of advocacy. He has a way of engaging the court that demands respect and attention, and is very persuasive on his feet.”
Chambers and Partners, 2025
“Ivan has a great level of expertise.”
Chambers and Partners, 2023
“Ivan is a very skilled operator dealing with tricky legal issues in the Administrative Court. Always fair and courteous.”
Legal 500, 2023
“Exceptionally charming and brilliant at judicial review work.”
Legal 500, 2021
“Exceptionally charming and brilliant at judicial review work.”
Legal 500, 2019
“A very impressive court advocate.”
Legal 500, 2018
“A highly impressive, standout court performer.”
Legal 500, 2017
“Experienced in acting for and against public authorities”
Legal 500, 2016
“An excellent grasp of the key issues.”
Legal 500, 2015
Ivan appeared successfully for the Cabinet Office in their appeal against the First-tier Tribunal's decision to uphold the Freedom of Information request made by Tommy Sheppard MP for Government polling data relating to the Union between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. In the decision, UTJ Wright accepted the Cabinet Office's submission that the formulation and development of policy exemption under s. 35(1)(a) of FOIA may be engaged even where the high-level policy direction remains unchanged.
Ivan appeared before the Supreme Court of the Turks and Caicos Islands to defend this judicial review brought by multiple applicants who had been refused Islander status. Judgment is awaited.
Ivan appeared before the Supreme Court of the Turks and Caicos Islands on behalf of the Attorney General to defend the decision to refuse to recognise the Plaintiffs' same-sex marriage contracted in Florida USA as entitling them to be treated in the same way as opposite-sex spouses for the purposes of immigration and the Islands' Constitution. Gruchot J held that the decision breached the Plaintiff's rights under ss. 9 and 16 of the Constitution. The appeal and cross-appeal will come before the Court of Appeal of Turks and Caicos on 23-24 October 2024.
Dr Godfrey-Faussett is a well-known activist who campaigns against the Government’s proposals on Relationship and Sex Education. In a number of lectures to audiences of fellow Muslims, Dr Godfrey-Faussett was found by a Panel of the BPS to have relied on her status as a psychologist, to validate her views in a manner which damaged the reputation of the BPS. Appeared for the BPS on her appeal to the Trustees of the BPS where Dr Godfrey-Faussett relied on Articles 9 and 10 of the ECHR to challenge the decision to suspend her registration. The Trustees substituted a Reprimand.
Appeared in this judicial review application which decides that the GMC’s proposal to publish the outcome of Dr X’s fitness to practice proceedings in a redacted form would breach Dr X’s right to life as protected by Article 2 of the ECHR. The circumstances were that there was evidence that Dr X would commit suicide rather than have family (and the wider public) find out about the conduct. In fact, Dr X had been communicating with a member of a paedophile vigilante group. Soole J accepted that the GMC was entitled to balance Dr X’s Article 2 rights against the public interest in maintaining the integrity of the medical register, but held that on the facts, the balance came down in favour of anonymity.
Appeared successfully in the Court of Appeal in defence of the Secretary of State’s policy which requires those with no legal right to remain in the country to be placed on a separate list for allocating transplant organs, irrespective of clinical need. Appeared successfully in the Divisional Court below ([2018] EWHC 2815 (admin); [2018] 4 WLR 2).
Appeared for the Secretary of State in this appeal about returning individuals to Sri Lanka after the end of the Civil War and since a number of terrorist organisations were proscribed. The case addresses the Secretary of State's duties to draw the Tribunal's decision to relevant country guidance.
Appeared successfully for the GMC in these two appeals which set out general guidance on when fitness to practise tribunals can proceed in the absence of the registrant (in compliance with Article 6 of the ECHR) and on the admissibility of fresh evidence on statutory appeals.
Intervened on behalf of Liberty in this important European Court of Human Rights case on the extent of freedom of political speech in broadcasting. The controversial former radio presenter and Sun columnist, Jon Gaunt, is challenging in Strasbourg Ofcom’s decision to uphold complaints relating to his interview with a local councillor in the course of which Mr Gaunt repeatedly described the councillor as a “Nazi”. Ivan also intervened in the Divisional Court and Court of Appeal (R (Gaunt) v OFCOM [2011] EWCA Civ 692; [2011] 1 WLR 2355; [2011] EMLR 28; [2011] HRLR 33). The Court of Appeal’s decision is a leading authority on the lawful extent of extreme speech in the broadcast media.
Appeared successfully before the Divisional Court in this challenge to the Secretary of State’s policy on reviewing the tariff of prisoners detained during Her Majesty’s Pleasure. The case concerned one of the defendants convicted of the murder of Garry Newlove.
Appeared successfully for the Secretary of State in this appeal against a decision of the Upper Tribunal relating to the complex area of the right of abode in nationality law.
Appeared (with Julie Anderson) in this appeal against the High Court’s decision that Mr Fardous had been unlawfully detained pending his removal to Morocco for eight out of the total period of twenty two months detention. The case involved a high risk of absconding, but no risk of harm to the public. Judgment is awaited.
Appeared successfully in these cases challenging the Secretary of State’s policy on release of prisoners with a whole life tariff or (as in Du’s case) a tariff which is likely to extend beyond their lifetime on the basis of Article 5 of the ECHR. The cases follow the ECtHR’s decision in Vinter v United Kingdom (2012) 55 EHRR 34.
Appeared successfully before the Divisional Court on behalf of the Commissioner in this judicial review of the policing of the student protests which took place in London on 24 November 2010 and the use of containment as a method of crowd control. The judgment provides guidance on the extent of the Police’s duties to take account of the welfare of children in dealing with public order situations. The Court of Appeal refused permission to appeal after an oral hearing.
Ivan has appeared in many of the leading cases on the legal regulation of the medical profession. He also acts for and advises a range of other regulators.
“Ivan is a delight to work with. He is exceptionally good at what he does and very good on client matters.”
Chambers and Partners, 2025
“With sharp analytical skills and a deep understanding of the law, he consistently delivers effective solutions to complex legal issues. I trust his advice completely.”
Chambers and Partners, 2025
“He is the epitome of calm. A deep thinker who is strategically sound and an excellent communicator, who is able to distil complicated legal issues into easily understandable language.”
Legal 500, 2025
“Ivan is a real class act and has great client management skills.”
Chambers and Partners, 2023
“He is a true expert in his field.”
Chambers and Partners, 2023
“Ivan is exceptional both on his feet and on paper. Ivan provides excellent, accessible advice on complex points of law.”
Chambers and Partner, 2023
“A superb strategist. His knowledge of the regulatory landscape is fantastic. The kind of silk any professional would want in their corner during times of a crisis.”
Legal 500, 2023
“Ivan is a clever, clever man. A real deep thinker, who considers not just the issues immediately in front of him but the wider implications for his client.”
Legal 500, 2023
“A very, very clever individual.”
Chambers and Partners, 2022
“A robust advocate who is very measured and has the ear of the court.”
Chambers and Partners, 2021
“A huge intellect and a beguiling advocacy style.”
Legal 500, 2021
“A real expert in public law cases in the High Court space. He is charming and smooth.”
Chambers and Partners, 2020
“Strikingly suave, with a very confident court manner.”
Legal 500, 2019
“An excellent, compelling advocate who is very bright and very user-friendly.”
Chambers and Partners, 2019
“Regularly instructed by the GMC in challenging appeals.”
Legal 500, 2018
“He has an encyclopaedic knowledge.”
Chambers and Partners, 2018
“Very professional and fantastic as an advocate.”
Chambers and Partners, 2018
“He is very polished and extremely skilful”
Chambers and Partners, 2017
“Impressively knowledgeable and a formidable performer in the area.”
Chambers and Partners, 2016
“Instructed by the GMC in judicial reviews regarding its powers”
Legal 500, 2016
Ivan represented the GMC at all stages of this discrimination case. He successfully overturned the Employment Tribunal's finding that the GMC had committed race discrimination in relation to four of the twenty particulars alleged by Dr Karim in the Employment Appeal Tribunal and then successfully defended Dr Karim's appeal against that decision in the Court of Appeal. The judgment contains important guidance on the Tribunal's duty to give reasons and to engage with the Respondent's case.
Ivan obtained permission from the Court of Appeal to appeal against this decision of Ritchie J which treated an immediate order for suspension and the substantive suspension imposed on the dentist after a fitness to practise hearing as one period which is limited by the statutory maximum for a substantive suspension of twelve months. The decision would apply to most other health care regulators. The appeal will be heard in January 2025.
Ivan successfully defended this appeal brought by Dr Roy against his erasure from the Medical Register for pursuing a sexual relationship with an under-age girl. The appeal was based on fresh evidence which emerged after the MPT hearing and was said to cast doubt on the victim's account of her relationship with Dr Roy. Calver J accepted the GMC's submission that the fresh evidence was not likely to have an important effect on the outcome of the case.
Ivan successfully defended this appeal against the decision of the MPT to erase Dr Richard Freeman's name from the Medical Register. Dr Freeman had been the team doctor for British Cycling and, after a 72-day hearing before the MPT, was found guilty of ordering a testosterone supplement banned by the World Anti-Doping Authority and of lying repeatedly about the reasons for so doing. Dr Freeman's appeal was based on alleged unfairness caused by the fact that one of the GMC's principal witnesses (Shane Sutton) had been provoked into leaving the hearing before the completion of his cross-examination.
Ivan represented the GMC at all stages of this discrimination case. He successfully overturned the Employment Tribunal's finding that the GMC had committed race discrimination in relation to four of the twenty particulars alleged by Dr Karim in the Employment Appeal Tribunal and then successfully defended Dr Karim's appeal against that decision in the Court of Appeal. The judgment contains important guidance on the Tribunal's duty to give reasons and to engage with the Respondent's case.
Ivan acted successfully for the Claimant in this case which was compromised on the basis that CICAIR would withdraw its current Sanctions Guidance and replace it with fresh guidance which contained a broader range of sanctions.
Successfully defended this second appeal (which was joined with the case of Dr Okpara) against the Medical Practitioners Tribunal’s decision to erase Dr Sastry in relation to his treatment of a patient while practicing in India. This was an unusual case in that not only had the misconduct taken place overseas, but the patient also had no link with the United Kingdom. The Court of Appeal provided general guidance for courts considering appeals against sanction.
Appeared successfully in this important Divisional Court case on contempt of court by expert witnesses and on the admissibility of fresh evidence on appeals against sanction by the GMC. The Divisional Court substituted erasure for the sanction of suspension.
Dr Godfrey-Faussett is a well-known activist who campaigns against the Government’s proposals on Relationship and Sex Education. In a number of lectures to audiences of fellow Muslims, Dr Godfrey-Faussett was found by a Panel of the BPS to have relied on her status as a psychologist, to validate her views in a manner which damaged the reputation of the BPS. Appeared for the BPS on her appeal to the Trustees of the BPS where Dr Godfrey-Faussett relied on Articles 9 and 10 of the ECHR to challenge the decision to suspend her registration. The Trustees substituted a Reprimand.
Appeared in this Privy Council appeal concerning whether a conviction for an infraction in California constituted criminal proceedings which needed to be declared when seeking readmission to the RCVS Register. Dr Schulze-Allen was initially removed from the Register for failure to disclose his conviction. The Privy Council decided that the RCVS had not proved that the convictions were criminal to the required standard. The question of sanction was remitted to the RCVS in relation to failure to disclose any adverse findings. On remittal, the RCVS imposed a three-month suspension.
Appeared in this judicial review application which decides that the GMC’s proposal to publish the outcome of Dr X’s fitness to practice proceedings in a redacted form would breach Dr X’s right to life as protected by Article 2 of the ECHR. The circumstances were that there was evidence that Dr X would commit suicide rather than have family (and the wider public) find out about the conduct. In fact, Dr X had been communicating with a member of a paedophile vigilante group. Soole J accepted that the GMC was entitled to balance Dr X’s Article 2 rights against the public interest in maintaining the integrity of the medical register, but held that on the facts, the balance came down in favour of anonymity.
Appeared in the Court of Appeal in this case arising from the death of 6 year-old Jack Adcock at Leicester Royal Infirmary. Dr Bawa-Garba and the main treating nurse were convicted of gross negligence manslaughter and given (suspended) prison sentences. Despite this, the Medical Practitioners Tribunal (MPT) suspended Dr Bawa-Garba’s registration because of the systemic failings in the hospital and other mitigating circumstances. The Divisional Court (before which Ivan had also appeared) had substituted erasure from the register on the GMC’s appeal on the basis that the MPT had improperly relied on mitigation which had been fully considered and weighed in the criminal trial ([2018] EWHC 76 (Admin); [2018] 4 WLR 44). The Court of Appeal allowed Dr Bawa-Garba’s appeal and reinstated the MPT’s decision. Her case has prompted a number of official reviews into gross negligence manslaughter.
Successfully defended this appeal in relation to the scope of the GMC’s right of appeal against sanctions which are insufficient to protect the public. The Court of Appeal reinstated the MPT’s decision on the substance.
Successfully defended the appeal in this challenge to the GMC’s new statutory Rules on when a legally qualified chair of a Medical Practitioners Tribunal (formerly Fitness to Practise Panel) must offer legal advice in the presence of the parties.
Appeared successfully for the GMC in these two appeals which set out general guidance on when fitness to practise tribunals can proceed in the absence of the registrant (in compliance with Article 6 of the ECHR) and on the admissibility of fresh evidence on statutory appeals.
Appeared (with John Bowers QC) in this Supreme Court appeal which determined whether or not the availability of judicial review (as well as statutory appeals) fell within the ouster of the Employment Tribunal’s jurisdiction in relation to Qualifications bodies in proceedings under the Equality Act 2010. The Supreme Court also set out the common law basis of judicial review.
Appeared successfully in the Divisional Court in what was the first and remains the leading case on the extent of the GMC’s right of appeal in s. 40A of the Medical Act against decisions of the Medical Practitioners Tribunal and the correct approach of the Court to such appeals.
Subsequently appeared successfully in the following s. 40A appeals:
General Medical Council v Nwachuku [2017] EWHC 2085; (2017) 158 BMLR 161
General Medical Council v Narayan[2017] EWHC 2695 (Admin); [2018] ACD 3
General Medical Council v Krishnan[2017] EWHC 2892 (Admin); [2018] ACD 9
General Medical Council v Nyamasve [2018] EWHC 1689 (Admin)
General Medical Council v Sledzik [2019] EWHC 189 (Admin)
Appeared in this substantive judicial review concerning the interpretation of the GMC’s Registrar’s powers to review decisions of the Investigation Committee. Permission has been granted to appeal to the Court of Appeal.
Appeared in this important appeal about the scope of statutory appeals to the High Court and whether a doctor can challenge findings of misconduct which did not lead to a determination of impairment of fitness to practise. Subsequently successfully resisted an application for an injunction to restrain the GMC from convening a Fitness to Practise Panel.
Appeared successfully in this appeal in which the Appellant sought to rely on the negligent representation he had received from his then Counsel as the main ground for overturning the Panel’s determination.
Appeared successfully in this appeal which upholds the Fitness to Practise Panel’s powers upon a review to reconsider impairment and impose a further sanction of 12 months suspension.
Appeared in this case which lays down guidance about the scope of allegations in disciplinary proceedings.
Appeared successfully in this important case which established the limits of the medical activities which may be performed by a registered doctor while suspended by the GMC.
Appeared in this case on the scope for imposing interim orders of suspension in cases involving non-clinical allegations of dishonesty.
Appeared for the GMC in this 3-day High Court appeal which laid down general guidance for cases involving dishonesty.
Successfully obtained a General Civil Restraint Order against a doctor who had issued numerous sets of proceedings against the GMC and others since his erasure from the medical register. Successfully had the Order renewed for a further period of two years in 2012 and 2014 and in 2016 had it extended to proceedings before the Employment Tribunal.
Ivan has acted and appeared in a number of major cases on behalf of the Independent Police Complaints Authority and individual police forces involving deaths in custody and major public order incidents.
“‘Frequently instructed by the IPCC in judicial reviews.”
Legal 500, 2018
“He's exceptionally bright, very capable and has an encyclopaedic knowledge.”
Chambers and Partners, 2016
“He is an outstanding lawyer and superb at dealing with clients. In the dark moments, of which there are a number, he is a great source of amusement.”
Chambers and Partners, 2016
Appeared successfully for the Police and Crime Commissioner in resisting permission to challenge the PCC’s consultation before seeking approval from the Secretary of State that the PCC should also become the Fire Authority and Rescue Authority.
Acted initially in this judicial review of the IPCC’s investigation into police misconduct relating to the death of Sean Rigby at Brixton police station.
Appeared for the IPCC in the Court of Appeal in this important appeal about the scope of the IPCC’s powers, in particular, whether it is entitled to arrive at a conclusion on the legality of the use of force or of an arrest in investigating a complaint against the police.
Acted successfully (with Sam Grodzinski QC) for the Commissioner in this judicial review of the decision to roll-out Tasers beyond Tactical Support Groups.
Appeared successfully before the Divisional Court on behalf of the Commissioner in this judicial review of the policing of the student protests which took place in London on 24 November 2010 and the use of containment as a method of crowd control. The judgment provides guidance on the extent of the Police’s duties to take account of the welfare of children in dealing with public order situations. The Court of Appeal refused permission to appeal after an oral hearing.
Ivan has frequently appeared in Employment Tribunals for Claimants and Respondents in cases involving unfair dismissal, redundancy, discrimination on grounds of race, gender, disability, religion and belief and sexual orientation, public interest disclosures, equal pay and the transfer of undertakings. He has successfully conducted a number of complex and lengthy discrimination claims. He has also appeared on numerous occasions in the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT).
Ivan has advised on a range of employment matters, including breach of contract, bonus claims and share options and on issues arising under the Data Protection Act 1998. He has also acted as a co-ordinator for Employment Tribunal advocacy training organised by the Employment Lawyers Association. Ivan has acted for a number of appellants pro bono before the EAT under the Employment Law Appeal Advice Scheme.
“He is very accessible, a good advocate and he always delivers - he understands our organisation very well”
Chambers and Partners, 2017
“Easy to get on with and has considerable legal acumen. He wears his learning very lightly and is also extremely funny. He always manages the personalities in the room very successfully.”
Chambers and Partners, 2016
Ivan represented the GMC at all stages of this discrimination case. He successfully overturned the Employment Tribunal's finding that the GMC had committed race discrimination in relation to four of the twenty particulars alleged by Dr Karim in the Employment Appeal Tribunal and then successfully defended Dr Karim's appeal against that decision in the Court of Appeal. The judgment contains important guidance on the Tribunal's duty to give reasons and to engage with the Respondent's case.
Successfully defended an appeal against the Tribunal's decision that the claim by a member of the Medical Practitioners Committee that he was an employee and/or a worker was time-barred.
Successfully obtained orders that substantial parts of this race discrimination claim should be struck out and that Deposit Orders should be made in relation to other aspects of it. This is a particularly unusual outcome in discrimination proceedings.
Appeared (with John Bowers QC) in this Supreme Court appeal which determined whether or not the availability of judicial review (as well as statutory appeals) fell within the ouster of the Employment Tribunal’s jurisdiction in relation to Qualifications bodies in proceedings under the Equality Act 2010. The Supreme Court also set out the common law basis of judicial review.
Appeared pro bono for the former employee at the permission and substantive hearings in this appeal in the EAT concerning the appearance of bias where the Employment Judge failed to disclose to the parties that he was a Governor of a school linked to the Respondent.
Appeared successfully for the Respondent in the Employment Tribunal and the EAT in striking out a number of statutory claims and establishing that the Claimant’s contractual claims are to be decided according to the law of Dubai under the Rome Convention.
Appeared for the Claimant in this claim for substantial compensation under Rule 12 of the TUPE Regulations which was heard over six days.
Appeared for the GMC in this 3-day High Court appeal which laid down general guidance for cases involving dishonesty.
Successfully defended this appeal which has laid down important guidance on the scope of sexual harassment.
LLB (London) First Class; BCL (Oxford) First Class, LLM (Harvard), MA (Cambridge)
Lord Justice Holker and Prince of Wales Scholar, Gray's Inn
Kennedy Scholar to the Harvard Law School
[2006] New Law Journal 1091; [2003] 62 C.L.J. 525; [2001] 60 C.L.J. 1; [2000] 59 C.L.J. 6; [2000] 59 C.L.J. 1; [1999] 58 C.L.J. 468; [1999] 58 C.L.J. 265; [1998] 57 C.L.J. 429; [1996] 55 C.L.J. 401; [1996] 55 C.L.J. 179; [1995] 54 C.L.J. 227; [1995] 54 C.L.J. 1; [1994] 53 C.L.J. 4; [1992] 51 C.L.J. 201
[2002] E.H.R.L.R. 802; [2002] P.L. 156; [2000] 59 C.L.J. 406; [2000] 59 C.L.J. 216; [1998] 57 C.L.J. 624; [1998] 57 C.L.J. 410; [1998] 57 C.L.J. 200; [1997] 56 C.L.J. 636; [1997] 56 C.L.J. 426; [1995] 54 C.L.J. 199
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