Thomas Gallagher

I am a Consultant Solicitor in the Prison Law Department at Duncan Lewis Solicitors.

I am committed to ensuring that all prisoners are provided with access to justice and the opportunity to progress through the prison system, placing a clear emphasis on assisting vulnerable prisoners in need of a heightened degree of care. I assist with all areas of Prison Law, including issues concerning:

• Treatment and conditions within the prison estate
• Errors in sentencing calculation
• Advocacy before the Parole Board
• Advocacy before the Independent Adjudicator
• Re-categorisation of prisoners
• Segregation of prisoners
• Violations of Rule 39 of the Prison Rules 1999

I have conducted a number of high profile Judicial Review claims, representing claimants in cases concerning parole board delay, downgrading from Category A, accessing offending behaviour work and I have managed to secure damages for my clients as a result. Very often the legal process and especially prisoner rights are frustrated by the conduct of the Ministry of Justice, who often only react when proceedings are issued against them in the Administrative Court. As an experienced prison lawyer, I have the fundamental understanding of the judicial review process to enforce, if necessary, my client's rights within the Administrative Court.

I also deal with criminal cases from the police station through to the magistrates courts, and if required the Crown Court. I have recently defended numerous drug conspiracy cases and high level fraudulent activities. I am a police accredited representative and also a duty solicitor.

• Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice (LPC) - University of Liverpool
• LL.M. Master of Laws - University of Liverpool
• LLB (Hons) - Liverpool John Moores

• Consultant Solicitor - Duncan Lewis Solicitors 2014-present