News
Alexander Horne joins Hackett & Dabbs as a Consultant
1st July 2021
Hackett & Dabbs LLP announced today that Alexander Horne is joining the firm as a consultant. Horne – a senior barrister with 18 years’ experience of working on legal and policy issues at the UK Parliament – will join as counsel.
Horne’s practice focuses on the fields of public, EU and international law and human rights, including disputes. He specialises in delivering legal advice on public law, international law and trade, national security and human rights issues, including on international treaties, the operation of pre- and post-Brexit UK and EU law and policy, specifically including key areas of interest such as the internal market, financial affairs and justice.
Horne also has specific expertise in parliamentary practice and procedure, legislative drafting and legislative scrutiny, having been a legal adviser to key select committees in Parliament for over a decade, on a wide range of bills with implications for individuals, businesses, public bodies and civil society groups.
From 2017-2021, he was part of the senior leadership team within the House of Lords, liaising extensively with senior officials in Government and parliamentarians, including Chairs from all the major political parties (such as Helena Kennedy QC and Peter Goldsmith QC), on an apolitical basis.
He also acted as a senior legal adviser to various committees and services within the House of Commons, including the Scrutiny Unit, the Research Service, and the Constitutional Affairs Select Committee.
He has combined practice with academia, undertaking part-time work as a lecturer in public law and human rights at University College, London, and a legal consultant for Centre for Defence Studies, King’s College London. Prior to joining the UK Parliament, he worked as a law reporter and for a legacy practice of what is now DAC Beachcroft.
He has written, lectured, and spoken extensively about subjects ranging from Parliament, public law, human rights and counter-terrorism, to the judiciary and judicial appointments.
David Dabbs, co-founder of Hackett & Dabbs said “Alex is a highly respected legal adviser and draftsman with expertise in some of the cutting-edge areas of UK, EU, and international law that are vital to modern businesses, individuals, civil society groups, trade associations, and public bodies. His hire adds considerable weight to our Hampshire offices, and complements the skills of our fellow barristers at the firm”.
Lorna Hackett, co-founder of Hackett & Dabbs added: “We are delighted that Alex is moving to join the team in London. Alexander has a strong and distinguished history of advising in a wide range of legal areas – in particular public law, private and public international law, retained EU law, constitutional law, national security and human rights – all of which will complement our existing strengths. We look forward to having Alex join us and to adding his contribution to our continued growth and success.”
Horne said, “I am delighted to have joined Hackett & Dabbs, having admired the platform and model they offer to employed and self-employed barristers, and I have huge respect for Lorna and David. I look forward to contributing to the continued growth and success of the firm.”
Lorna Hackett instructed as Counsel to the Inquiry in The People’s Covid Inquiry
23rd February 2021
“The People’s Covid Inquiry is important because over 100,000 lives have been lost, many families left struggling and bereft, and honest answers are needed to understand why this tragedy has occurred” said Professor Neena Modi
Those behind the People’s Covid Inquiry believe that right now is the time for this Inquiry to take place – “its not too soon to start learning lessons about this crisis, especially while so many people are still dying from Covid-19. We believe this level of deaths was avoidable. We all deserve to know how and why this happened”.
Dr John Puntis, a consultant at Leeds Teaching Hospital and Executive Committee member of KONHSP, commented “We don’t think the government will hold a public inquiry for a long time, until it’s not politically damaging to them,” commented
Royal Prerogative of Mercy Applied
18th October 2020
In a rare exercise of the Royal Prerogative of Mercy, London Bridge hero Steve Gallant’s parole eligibility date has been brought forwards by 10 months following a successful application drafted by Hackett & Dabbs consultant His Honour John Samuels QC and Lorna Hackett, instructed by Hudgell Solicitors.
Scrap Factory Farming – RSPCA calls for cut in meat and dairy as activists launch legal fight
Monday 28th December 2020
Animal-welfare activists who are part of Humane Being, are planning a legal challenge to the government to force ministers to end factory farming in the UK to halt damage to the environment and human health.
Lorna Hackett, one of the legal team headed by Michael Mansfield Q.C. said: “Dietary over-reliance on animal products produced by intensive means has created an environmental and human health imperative.
“This case, which we believe to be a global first, starts with a key mitigator – the banning of cruel factory farming. That is breeding and risking incidences of disease that pose a health risk that the authorities cannot continue to ignore.”
Brexit: Belfast solicitor firm hired by ‘concerned citizens’ to take legal action over Internal Market Bill
25th September 2020
A Belfast solicitor firm has been hired by “concerned citizens” considering taking legal action against the UK Government over its Internal Market Bill.
O Muirigh Solicitors will act alongside the Hampshire-based Hackett & Dabbs Solicitors and will be led by renowned QC Michael Mansfield in potential legal action at the High Court in Belfast and London.
Anti-5G group crowdfunds £100,000 to hire superstar lawyer to fight roll-out
14th August 2020
Renowned barrister Michael Mansfield QC is to take on the British government over its roll-out of 5G technology.
Action group Action Against 5G has so far crowdfunded an astonishing £105,000 to pay the legal brain to represent them.
They say UK scientists have failed to take enough notice of the potential health risks and public concern related to the fifth generation technology standard for phone networks.
Dominic Cummings not off the hook as Hackett & Dabbs launch legal appeal over lockdown trips
Martin Redston, who launched a legal challenge over Dominic Cummings’ lockdown trips to Durham, is appealing after the case was rejected by the High Court, seeking a judicial review over the decision not to investigate possible breaches by the prime minister’s top aide.
‘The fundamental point is that this is a matter of human rights because we had all given them up or had them abrogated, in some cases by not going to the pub, while in others it was in tragic and difficult circumstances.
‘People played by the rules and didn’t go and see loved ones who were dying…here is a central person in Government breaking the lockdown despite his boss saying beforehand to stay at home’
Hackett & Dabbs instructed to seek judicial review of the Director of Public Prosecutions over failure to investigate Dominic Cummings
10th June 2020
A legal team, headed by the barrister Michael Mansfield, has twice written to Hill, expressing concern that no action has yet been taken against Cummings after it was revealed that the prime minister’s chief adviser travelled with his family to Durham and Barnard Castle during the lockdown.
The letters were sent on 3 and 8 June on behalf of Martin Redston, a 70-year-old London engineer who is concerned that the lockdown laws should apply to everyone irrespective of their position in government.
David Reader joins Hackett & Dabbs
Hackett & Dabbs are delighted to welcome David Reader who joins the firm as an associate.
Prior to joining Hackett & Dabbs, David gained substantial experience working in chambers on the south coast.
David accepts instructions across the firm’s practice areas.