Hannah Hinton

Call 2008

Hannah Hinton | Call 2008

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Overview

Hannah specialises in regulatory healthcare law in misconduct cases before the MPTS, NMC (and other Tribunals); police misconduct; extradition law (Part I and II); criminal law (in particular serious financial crime and slavery and trafficking cases); coronial law (sitting part-time as an Assistant Coroner) and public inquiries.  She represents individuals from a wide range of backgrounds, governments and other public bodies in cases involving technical arguments as well as sensitive health and human rights issues.  She appears in Courts and Tribunals at all levels.  She is ranked as a leading junior by both legal directories, recognised for being “fearless and quick on her feet”, “in court a fighter who never gives up”, while having a “friendly approach” with clients and colleagues.

“Hannah is superb and brings successful results.”
Chambers and Partners, 2025

Hannah Hinton appointed as an Assistant Coroner in West London (Hammersmith & Fulham).

 “Hannah is a tenacious advocate, who really fights her case. She deals with judicial intervention very effectively. She goes the extra mile when preparing her cases, leaving no stone unturned.”
The Legal 500, 2025

EXPERIENCE & EXPERTISE

Hannah is a senior Junior, having been called in 2008 she brings a wealth of experience to her cases.   After a period of time practicing exclusively in criminal law, alongside this she now focuses on professional misconduct, public law and inquiries, inquests, police law and extradition.

The breath of her experience means she is an effective cross-examiner, submissions and Jury advocate.

She has made representations to the Supreme Court and appears regularly before various disciplinary and regulatory Tribunals, including regular appearances before the High Court (Administrative Division).  She has been involved in numerous reported cases.  She appears in cases against Silks and as Senior Junior supported by more junior barristers.

Part-time Judicial Appointments

Assistant Coroner (since March 2023).  Hannah sits in the jurisdiction of West London.

Sports Appointments

Football Association Panel Member (since 2021)

Sports Resolution Panel Member (since 2024)

British Athletics Safeguarding Panel Member (since 2021)

Professional Misconduct and Inquests

Hannah represents individuals and professional standards departments in the following disciplines:

Healthcare (for example Hannah is instructed by the Medical Defence Union; National Health Service Trusts; independent businesses in the pharmaceutical industry, for more information please contact the clerksroom).

  • She supports clients facing allegations before the MPTS in GMC cases.
  • She is instructed by the Medical Defence Union where individuals are facing action by their regulator or are summonsed to give evidence at an Inquest.
  • She assists nurses facing allegations by the NMC.
  • She represents various NHS trusts at inquests.
  • She advises in CQC investigations.

Her experience in these cases and as a Coroner means she has experience of a range of medical areas which affect the role of a clinician.

Professional Services (for example appearing in cases brought by the Bar Standards Board)

Police – Hannah regularly advises Professional Standards Departments across the country and appears in misconduct cases before Professional Standards Panels.   She also acts for the Ministry of Defence Police.

Financial Conduct Authority investigations – see below.

Public Inquiries

Independent Inquiry relating to Afghanistan (2024-2025) concerning matters arising from the deployment of British Special Forces to Afghanistan between 2010-2013.   Hannah is instructed on behalf of a number of witnesses who have been invited to give evidence to the Inquiry under the Rule 9 protocol.   A link to the Inquiry can be found here.

Infected Blood Inquiry (2023). Hannah was instructed on behalf of one of the Core Participants in the Inquiry concerning infected blood products being used by the NHS.  A link to the Inquiry can be found here.

Sports Law

Hannah sits on a number of disciplinary panels at first instance and upon appeal.

She has extensive safeguarding knowledge.

Recent appointments include instructions to act in a British Fencing investigation.

Hannah has been instructed by South Yorkshire Police in its criminal investigation into a player’s conduct on the hocky pitch leading to the untimely death of Adam Johnson.  For more information see here.

Hannah has experience of working on inquires and high-profile criminal cases for example the criminal trial of senior police and a solicitor involved in the 1989 Hillsborough football disaster and its aftermath.

Hannah was a keen sportsperson in her youth and regularly attends events in the sporting industry.

Financial Cases

  • Advised the Government of Iraq upon extradition requests for the ex-Chairman of a Bank in Iraq who was accused of criminal fraud and breaches of fiduciary duty during his tenure as Chairman.
  • Acted for one of the individuals before the Upper Tribunal Tax and Chancery Chamber: Thomas Seiler, Louise Whitestone and Gustavo Raitzin v The Financial Conduct Authority [2023] UKUT 00133 (TCC) concerning whether executives of a private bank acted without integrity in relation to Finder’s arrangements entered into between the bank and a person connected with the bank’s client Fitness and properness of the executives concerned – prohibition order in relation to all functions in relation to regulated activities- s56 FSMA
  • R (on the application of Emu) v Westminster Magistrates Court [2016] EWHC 2561 (Admin).  Represented the subject of a confiscation order in judicial review and habeas corpus proceedings resulting in new guidance being issued to Magistrates and a wholesale review of cases nationally where individuals may have served or might serve too long in custody.
  • R v Richard Pollett, John Hirst & Linda Hirst [2013] EWCA Crim 359.  Hannah represented a female charged with laundering the proceeds of her co-defendant husband’s £10m Ponzi-scheme operated from Mallorca.
  • Hannah successfully represented a senior accountant against a charge of cheating the revenue of £2.5m in respect of a legitimate tax avoidance scheme.
  • She acted in a series of significant people trafficking prosecutions involving informal value transfer systems (‘hawala’ banking).
  • She advises clients facing cross-border criminal investigations, confiscation and forfeiture orders and Mutual Legal Assistance matters.

Extradition

Hannah is ranked Band 1 leading junior in the Legal 500 for extradition work and is widely regarded as an expert in the field.   She has practiced in the field since 2012 and has appeared in many of the leading cases across a range of issues interpreting the Extradition Act 2003 before the Divisional Court and in cases raising points of general public importance referred to the Supreme Court.

She acts in European cases and for clients facing extradition in countries such as the United States, Bermuda, South Africa, Turkey, UAE, Iraq etc. for the full range of offences including murder; drugs trafficking; human trafficking; fraud.

She has successfully represented many clients on technical or human rights or political grounds and is well placed to assist those facing Mental Health or Mental Capacity Act, challenges navigating the process.

Hannah is currently serving as Education Secretary for the Defence Extradition Lawyer’s Forum.

 

Cases and work of Note

Gurau v Romania [2024] EWHC 1924 (Admin) – leading case on the interpretation of cros—appeal jurisdiction

Michailov v Poland [2024] (report awaited) – overturned the “irrational” decision on Article 3 ECHR  grounds

Urbonas v Lithuania [2024] EWHC 33 (Admin) – leading case on Article 3 ECHR prison conditions and discussion upon duty of candor in CPT reporting

Vidak v Hungary [2023] EWHC 1108 (Admin)  – acted for successful Requested Person who was discharged on health grounds after the appeal hearing on an application to reopen

Wasielyszyn v Poland [2022] EWHC 1632 (Admin) Discharge; Duty of candour; Extradition requests; Limitation periods; Voluntary disclosure. See here.

Italy v Rancadore – alleged Mafiosi on the run in England. See here.

Extradition

Part II – overseas cases:

  • Hoxha aka Hasani v Government of Albania [2018] EWHC (Admin)
  • Gjergj Cupi v The Government of Albania [2016] EWHC 3288 (Admin)
  • Vernon & Ors v Republic of South Africa [2014] EWHC 4417 (Admin)
  • R (on the application of Duchesne in the matter of extradition proceedings brought by the United States of America) v Westminster Magistrates Court & Ors [2014] EWHC 3641 (Admin)
  • Kulibaba & Konavalenko v Government of the United States of America [2014] EWHC 176 (Admin)

Part I – EU cases:

  • Taylor & Anor v The Prosecutor General’s Office of Florence [2019] EWHC 2938
  • Tincu v Public Prosecutor of Liege, Belgium [2019] EWHC 3335 (Admin)
  • Palioniene v Prosecutor General’s Office, Lithuania [2019] EWHC 2096 (Admin)
  • Bartulis and others v Panevezys Regional Court, Lithuania and another [2019] EWHC 504 (Admin)
  • R (on the application of Jane) v Westminster Magistrates’ Court [2019] EWHC 394 (Admin)
  • Demeter v Ceske Budejovice District Court in Czech Republic [2019] EWHC 88 (Admin)
  • Lingurar v Baia Mare Local Court Romania [2019] EWHC 74 (Admin)
  • District Court in Koszalin, Poland v Szpiec [2018] EWHC 1599 (Admin)
  • Terzic v County State Attorney’s Office in Zagreb, Croatia [2018] EWHC 3467 (Admin)
  • Botos v Public Prosecutors Office, Court of Udine, Italy [2018] EWHC 2809 (Admin)
  • Fox v Public Prosecutor’s Office of Frankfurt am Main [2017] EWHC 3396 (Admin)
  • Tyrakowski v Regional Court in Poznan, Poland [2017] EWHC 2675 (Admin)
  • Burzynski v District Court of Poznan, Poland [2017] EWHC 855 (Admin)
  • Ojo v Court of Appeal Torino, Italy [2017] EWHC 623 (Admin)
  • Kazaniecki v Regional Court I Torun, Poland [2016] EWHC 3210 (Admin)
  • Bledar Prenga v Court of Florence, Italy [2016] EWHC 3002 (Admin)
  • Mesaros v Romania [2016] EWHC 3457 (Admin)
  • Seprey-Hozo v Law Court Of Miercurea Ciuc, Romania [2016] EWHC 2902 (Admin)
  • Barszcz (Sebastian) v Polish Judicial Authority [2016] EWHC 2788 (Admin)
  • R (on the application of Doci and Others) v Court Of Brescia (Italy) and Others [2016] EWHC 2100 (Admin)
  • Miller v Polish Judicial Authority [2016] EWHC 2568 (Admin)
  • Rancadore v Italy (unreported)
  • McGurk v Provincial High Court of Alicante, Spain [2016] EWHC 536
  • Balog v Court in Okresny Sud, Humenne, Slovak Republic [2017] EWHC (Admin)
  • Z v Regional Court In Poznan Poland [2016] EWHC 2842

Inquests

Hannah regularly appears for healthcare trusts, police, care homes at inquests.  She has experience of Article 2 ECHR inquests and Regulation 28 prevention of future death reporting (having reported herself in a case while sitting) and judicial review.

She keeps up to date with the jurisprudence and reporting relating to the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 and Coroners (Inquests) Rules 2013 and Inquiries Act 2005 and Inquiry Rules 2006 and has provided training participants without experience of coronial law.  She has provided advice and representation to a bereaved family through the INQUEST charity and has a good knowledge of public inquiry work.

Recent cases:

  • Represented a police force at an inquest into high profile deaths of multiple family members where unlawful killing/suicide findings were made.  Case involved analysis of current gun licencing practice in England and Wales.
  • Represented a police force in missing person case where information sharing between forces and mental health services was considered.
  • Acted as Coroner in sodium nitrate suicide.

International

Hannah worked for United Nations in the Office of the Prosecutor for the International Court for Sierra Leone and spent a period living in West Africa.

Pro Bono Work 
Hannah also undertakes work on a pro bono basis and recently completed the ‘25 for 25’ Challenge which involved undertaking a significant number of hours of pro bono work through Advocate as well as the Free Representation Unit.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Hannah is recommended by both legal directories for international crime and extradition and has been described by Chambers & Partners as “Very astute, has sound knowledge of the law and is well liked by the court”

Other recent editorial includes:

  • superb and brings successful results;
  • a tenacious advocate, who really fights her case;
  • she deals with judicial intervention very effectively;
  • she goes the extra mile when preparing her cases, leaving no stone unturned;
  • a committed advocate who is liked by the courts;
  • a junior with a sharp brain and a tenacious and effective advocate;
  • a fearless advocate;
  • is extremely helpful;
  • an eloquent and persuasive advocate;
  • she is tenacious on her feet and not afraid to stand her ground;
  • her client care and unwavering support for her client distinguish her;
  • she is hardworking;
  • an excellent advocate and the queen of Moldovan cases;
  • her enthusiastic approach never wains;
  • caring, dedicated and very bright;
  • approachable and friendly;
  • thorough and determined;
  • willing to work on any case big or small;
  • she fights cases until the very end; and
  • fearless and quick on her feet.

PUBLICATIONS

Archbold Review: Issue 5 June 2019 : Reviewing the powers of the Court of Appeal (Criminal Division) to substitute verdicts.

APPOINTMENTS

  • Attorney General’s civil C Panel Counsel
  • Panel Counsel to the Serious Fraud Office
  • CPS Specialist Extradition Panel Grade 4
  • CPS General Crime Panel (South Eastern and North Eastern Circuits) Grade 3
  • Assistant Coroner West London (Fulham & Hammersmith)

COMMITTEES/MEMBERSHIPS

  • Member of the Honourable Society of Gray’s Inn
  • Defence Extradition Lawyer’s Association ( Committee member since 2018 )
  • Association of Regulatory & Disciplinary Lawyers
  • Fourth Feathers Youth & Community Centre ( Trustee since 2018)
  • Earls Court Youth Club ( Management committee member since 2017)
  • British Italian Law Association
  • Young Fraud Lawyers Association (Committee member 2007-2010)
  • Junior Financial Services Lawyers Group (Committee member 2010-2011)

SCHOLARSHIPS

  • Scholarship awarded by the European Union and the Special Court for Sierra Leone (2005)
  • Scholarship awarded by The Honourable Society of Gray’s Inn for the Bar Vocational Course (2006)

Reflections

Most of my lay clients come to me at times of great stress, confused about the law and worried about their reputation, their future, the fate of their immediate family or employees.   I enjoy helping them understand their situation  and using my expertise to achieve the best outcome for them: be that avoiding a criminal charge, achieving a full acquittal of criminal charges, an exoneration and reinstatement of their good character, access to their own restrained funds or, sometimes, when miracles cannot happen, injecting reality and working with them to create a strategy to make the best of an impossible situation.

The stakes are high.  When I represent a regulator or enforcement agency my role is totally different.  In both situations I am always scrupulous in ensuring every detail of the case is uncovered and expressed simply and clearly because my work invariably involves a lot of complex law and entangled facts which have to be unraveled before the case makes sense.

“a new day, a new client, a new story, a new precedent is hugely motivating and the reason I feel so lucky to do the job that I do”

I enjoy a good challenge and making difficult decisions.  In early practice I would run in the opposite direction of cases involving sensitive mental health and capacity because it never seemed straightforward.  Now I know that I can really help clients work through their issues, I seek out particularly challenging cases for the enjoyment of the legal nuances and fundamentally because I have seen deeply troubled people suffering alone. Knowing that I can help them is a great feeling.

Never a dull day!  Whilst I now, happily, have a familiar routine involving colleagues, courts and judges I encounter regularly and legislation I know backwards, no day at the Bar is the same and the challenge of a new day, a new client, a new story, a new precedent, is hugely motivating and the reason I feel so lucky to do the job that I do.

privacy

Hannah adopts and adheres to the provisions of her privacy notice which can be accessed here.

Further information

For further details of Hannah’s practice please click on the links to the left or contact a member of the clerking or client service team.

Bar Council Membership No: 66690
Registered Name: Hannah Hinton
VAT Registration No: 990921590