Biography
I’ve developed expertise over a number of years working on behalf of clients in cases against Public Authorities. I’m a solicitor specializing in civil liberties. I joined the Public Law and Human Rights team in August 2017 and I’m based in our London office.
I’m a member of the coordinating committee of StopWatch, a charity which was set up to address the disproportionate and discriminatory use of stop and search powers by police. I’m also part of a network of lawyers from across Europe and the USA sharing knowledge and expertise on how to address ethnic profiling. The network is run by the Open Society Justice Initiative.
I advise and represent clients on a broad range of issues including:
I represent family members at inquests and have predominantly worked on inquests following deaths in state detention or after contact with public authorities.
- False imprisonment, malicious prosecution, and assault:
I act for clients who have been wrongfully detained, prosecuted, or assaulted by the police, prison, or immigration authorities. I have settled a large number of claims, securing clients significant financial compensation for their losses and apologies.
- Discrimination on grounds of race, gender, or other characteristics:
My previous cases include advising transgender clients on discrimination by police, and assisting clients with physical disabilities to secure suitable adaptations, courses, or work placements within the prison system.
- Human Rights Act and Data Protection Act issues:
I assist with a broad range of human rights issues and have particular expertise in privacy cases against the police arising out of the retention or disclosure of personal data. I bring claims for degrading treatment following unlawful use of force.
I act for clients who have been unlawfully detained by the immigration authorities due to breaches of Home Office policy.
- Unlawful stops and searches:
I advise on whether a traffic stop, stop and search, or strip search is unlawful and support clients to bring a claim when appropriate
I assist with making police complaints, or with pursuing an appeal if a complaint is not upheld.
I assist clients with challenging decisions made by public authorities. I have particular expertise in challenging decisions by the CPS, prison and probation services, and the police.
- Trespass to land/goods by police:
I help with challenging police searches of business premises or homes, with a view to obtaining an apology, preventing further interference and securing financial compensation.
- Adverse criminal records:
My previous work has led to the successful removal of police cautions, arrest records, and other information held by the police. I can advise on criminal record certificates ("CRB checks" or "DBS checks").
Testimonials
"She is knowledgeable about the complex developments and brings energy and commitment to a difficult case." "Juliet is a highly experienced practitioner in the area." "Juliet is vastly experienced in police law. She has a wealth of experience that she deploys brilliantly. I would highly recommend her." "She is extremely good, has great client care and has great knowledge of the law." "Juliet is knowledgeable of the complex developments in the area. She brings energy and commitment to complex cases." - Chambers & Partners 2025 (Associate to Watch)
"Juliet Spender has an excellent knowledge of human rights in the policing context."
"Juliet Spender is an excellent lawyer. She is confident and experienced, but also highly personable and really enjoyable to work with. Juliet manages her cases with great skill and care." - Legal 500, 2025
"Juliet Spender is an excellent lawyer to work with. She is very knowledgeable and very personable [and] is extremely proactive." - Chambers & Partners 2022 (Associate to Watch)
"I'm delighted with the service I've had from Juliet Spender at Irwin Mitchell Solicitors. I would definitely recommend Juliet she has continued to keep me informed and up to date on the progress of my case and always returned calls and followed up telephone calls with an email she is extremely professional and a total credit to Irwin Mitchell." - 5* Trustpilot review
"Juliet spender from Irwin Mitchell company has helped me with my case and was successful. I found her to be very throughout and helpful with the case. Highly recommended!" - 5* Trustpilot review
"I am very satisfied that Juliet Spender solicitor of Irwin Mitchell company assisted me with my case. I find her to be very professional and dedicated, with very good communication skills and excellent customer service." - 5* Trustpilot review
"I would highly recommend this team, in particular Juliet Spender. Juliet has worked extremely hard with a complicated case and achieved a fantastic outcome. She has been thorough, always been available to explain the process, the legal terms and what to expect next..." - Read full 5* Trustpilot review
"I had Juliet Spender take on my case, she done an excellent job from start to finish. Always polite, very friendly and a pleasure to have working on my case. I would highly recommend Irwin Mitchell and especially Juliet Spender. I cant thank her enough for everything she has done." - 5* Trustpilot review
