Biography
I specialise in bringing claims for clients who have been the subject of unlawful acts committed by police officers and by the state. I bring civil claims in the County Court and High Court for assault; false imprisonment; malicious prosecution; violations of the Human Rights Act; and discrimination under the Equality Act.
Since 2001, I have acted successfully for clients in complex civil jury trials, in addition to securing many damages settlements over the years for the wrongs committed against them. I also assist them in bringing complaints about police misconduct to the Independent Police Complaints Commission.
I represent clients who have been unlawfully detained by the government under immigration powers. In addition, I act for clients who have been assaulted whilst in prison, either by prison officers or other inmates, well as challenging their conditions of detention.
I have brought several successful Court of Appeal cases establishing innovative changes in the law.
In 2016, I was shortlisted for the Law Society Excellence Awards in the 'Human Rights Lawyer of the Year' category.
Notable Cases
- R (Johnson) v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2002] (unreported)
Successfully challenging the timing of reviews considering a life sentence prisoner’s suitability for release after the tariff period had ended
- Mason v Ministry of Justice [2008] EWHC 1786 (Admin)
Securing compensation for man after a prison failed to release him in time to benefit from the Home Detention Curfew scheme
- R (Graham) and (Allen) v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2008] Prison LR 316
Representing two prisoners in a judicial review - The High Court found that handcuffing the prisoners to prison officers during serious medical treatment was “inhuman or degrading” and an infringement of their human rights
- R(Cakir) and (Bhatt Murthy & Others) v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2008] EWCA Civ 755
A challenge in Court of Appeal against the Secretary of State’s abolition of a compensation scheme for victims of miscarriages of justice
- Copeland v Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis [2014] EWCA Civ 1014
Representing a client whose successful High Court compensation claim for assault, false imprisonment and malicious prosecution was appealed against by the police. The Court of Appeal upheld the claim, establishing and confirming important legal principles for all malicious prosecution claims.
- Zenati v Crown Prosecution Service and Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis [2015] 1 All ER 124
Securing compensation for a man who was kept in custody weeks after evidence had proved his innocence. The Court of Appeal held that Human Rights legislation obliges the police to diligently bring such evidence to the court’s attention as soon as they can.
What Inspired You To Get Into Law?
I have always had an interest in human rights and civil liberties. The law is changing and developing and being at the cutting edge of the area is tremendously fulfilling.
What Is The Most Rewarding Aspect Of Your Role?
Obtaining positive results and vindication for clients against the most imposing and heavily resourced opponents.
What Do You Like About Working At Irwin Mitchell?
Working in a large team where we can share ideas, discuss tactics and have the support to deliver a first class service to clients.
What Do You Do Away From The Office?
I am a keen fitness fanatic, taking up HIIT training. I also enjoy gardening, reading and spending time with my family.
Testimonials
"He is prepared to take on difficult cases and is a really good negotiator." "Andrew has a knack for getting the law right and applying it in the best way." - Chamber & Partners 2024 (Prison Law: Leading Individual - Band 3)
"Andrew gets results and builds great rapport with clients." "Andrew is tenacious and hard-working." - Chamber & Partners 2024 (Police Law: Leading Individual - Band 1)
‘Andrew Arthur is extremely experienced and knowledgeable. Andrew takes on a range of different civil liberties and human rights cases.’ - Legal 500, 2025
"Andrew takes on a range of cases. He fights incredibly hard for his clients and obtains fantastic results." - Chamber & Partners 2024 (Leading Individual - Band 3)
"I have found Andrew Arthur to be an exceptionally good lawyer in this area. He is very impressive and dedicated…[he] is a strong tactician." - Chambers & Partners 2022 (Leading Individual - band 1)
"I find Andrew a joy to work with. He is somebody who prepares meticulously, is very mindful of the client's position, is extremely intelligent and sees what needs to be done to present a case quickly and effectively. He has a great knowledge of procedure and he is a good negotiator." - Chambers & Partners, 2021 (Leading Individual - Band 1)
"Andrew Arthur and the team and Irwin Mitchell provided me with an excellent service. Andrew was empathic to my situation and I really felt that he understood my needs. Communication was regular and clear and I always understood what was required and why. They really made me feel really at ease in at a difficult and challenging time. Andrew helped me to receive a good and satisfactory outcome to my claim. Thank you." - 5* Trustpilot review
"Andrew Arthur, our solicitor at Irwin Mitchell, was fantastic. In a compensation case against the Met Police, his work got us an outcome that far exceeded our initial expectations. His counsel throughout was intelligent, well-reasoned and exceptionally clear, without ever being dumbed down for our non-legal brains! We would recommend him unreservedly." - Matt - 5* Trustpilot review
“Thank you for your level of care and empathy towards the handling of the case. The level of professionalism was high and consistent from start to finish. A special shout out to Andrew Arthur who handled the case and a big thanks to Fiona McGhie as well. Much appreciated, God bless!” – Trustpilot review from client
"More than happy to have been in the safe hands of Irwin Mitchell. I made a couple of false starts in other directions, but once that was behind me everything progressed in a highly professional manner with good communication and steady progress. My grateful thanks to Irwin Mitchell for seeing this through, as reflected in my Excellent grading. I have no hesitation whatsoever in recommending this well established firm to anyone in time of need." – Trustpilot review from client
"Andrew Arthur is 'extremely effective and very astute' and 'he's very experienced, and the work that he does in prison law is very highly regarded.'" – Chambers & Partners, 2020
"Fabulous negotiator... and contributor to case law and the wider community in this area of work." – Chambers & Partners 2019
"Andrew Arthur was a lovely man, very supportive and understanding and we won against the police." – 5* Trustpilot review
