Lujzka Halsall-Fischel

• BPP Manchester, BPTC – “Outstanding” (2017)
• Baron Dr Ver Heyden de Lancey Prize, Middle Temple (2017)
• Master 1 en Droit Européen, Université de Rennes I (2015)University of Exeter, LLB European Law (2015)

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Lujzka has broad experience in inquests, primarily representing police forces across the North West, as well as other public and charitable bodies, in both Article 2 and jury inquests. She has also represented families, particularly where there is overlap with her clinical negligence practice. She is frequently instructed from the outset of a case to draft submissions and provide meaningful advice throughout the process, working closely with instructing solicitors. Her analysis and attention to detail ensure that potential issues are considered and explored in advance. Recent police inquests include deaths following or during police restraint, deaths in custody or other forms of state detention, and deaths following recent police contact. Many of these cases attract media attention. When representing families, she ensures their questions are addressed while carefully managing expectations from the outset in what can be a distressing process.

Her police law practice covers a broad range of matters, including civil actions (often involving jury trials), operational civil applications in both the criminal and civil courts, inquests, judicial reviews, and other High Court applications such as habeas corpus. She is instructed in relation to operational applications involving SPOs, SROs, SHPOs, POCA cases, ASBIs, and appeals relating to sex offender notification requirements. She frequently deals with complex issues such as capacity and consent and is often instructed to advise on novel points of law.

In her clinical negligence practice, Lujzka undertakes a wide range of cases, including injuries sustained during birth, surgical errors, consent issues, and misdiagnosis or late diagnosis of serious conditions. She provides detailed advice from an early stage to ensure that matters progress effectively. She also regularly acts for families in inquests involving clinical negligence issues.

Lujzka also advises on Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) appeals. She provides written and conference advice on the merits and necessary steps to support a successful appeal and represents appellants at interim, directions, and substantive appeal hearings.

Her personal injury practice includes acting for both Claimants and Defendants across most areas of litigation, such as employers’ liability, occupiers’ liability, road traffic accidents, and other public liability claims. She is instructed at every stage of proceedings, from pre-action and interim hearings through to CCMCs, disposals, and trials. Alongside her advocacy, she has a busy paperwork practice, providing advice on liability and quantum, as well as identifying wider issues such as capacity, limitation, or correct legal entities. She drafts statements of case, Part 35 questions to experts, and other key documents. She is known for her proactive and collaborative approach and is happy to be consulted for informal advice as cases progress.

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