Hamish is committed to fighting for justice and holding the state — including governments, the police and public bodies — to account.
After being called to the bar in 2018, Hamish spent two years as part of the legal team representing bereaved, survivors and residents in the Grenfell Tower Inquiry. He joined Nexus Chambers following the successful completion of his pupillage and has quickly built a formidable practice in criminal and public law.
Before coming to the law, Hamish had a successful career in politics, working as a senior advisor in the House of Commons and subsequently being elected himself as a local councillor. This experience makes Hamish well-suited to cases requiring an understanding of national and local governmental policies and processes.
PRACTICE AREAS
Criminal Law
Hamish regularly appears in the Crown Court, Magistrates’ Courts and the Youth Court, defending in a wide range of criminal matters. He has developed a particular specialism in protest law and cases involving vulnerable defendants or concerning child criminal exploitation.
R v CF (Southwark Crown Court) — Secured acquittal following a six-day trial for assault on an emergency worker, arising in the context of a protest
R v ZP and others (Birmingham Magistrates’ Court) — All defendants acquitted following abuse of process argument concerning disclosure issues in prosecution for criminal damage arising in protest
R v OT (Woolwich Crown Court) — Crown offered no evidence following abuse of process argument and application to dismiss single count of being in possession of an offensive weapon
R v BA (Central Criminal Court, sitting at Monument) — Secured acquittal following three-day Crown Court trial for theft of a motor vehicle, involving issues of dishonesty and intention
R v AK (Snaresbrook Crown Court) — Secured suspended sentence for dangerous driving offence involving a high-speed police chase
R v DR (Willesden Youth Court) — Issues of modern slavery and child exploitation in a PWITS Class A case. Advised on NRM referral and issues for trial (including expert evidence) with anticipated s.45 Modern Slavery Act defence. Crown discontinued PWITS charges following positive conclusive grounds decision
R v DW (Westminster Magistrates’ Court) — Represented a professional footballer charged with being drunk in-charge of a motor vehicle. Avoided disqualification and secured a favourable sentence
R v DM (Southend Magistrates’ Court) — Secured suspended sentence for client convicted of being in possession of cannabis with intent to supply, despite two previous convictions for drugs supply
R v AA (Bromley Magistrates’ Court) — Secured an acquittal following a three-day magistrates’ court trial for common assault, involving complicated issues of fact, evidence and procedure
R v HW (Croydon Crown Court) — Instructed to represent extremely vulnerable defendant charged with being in possession of a bladed article, involving extensive client care and intermediary
Inquests & Inquiries
Hamish is experienced in inquests and inquiries. Before coming to the bar, Hamish worked as a paralegal at a leading firm of solicitors in human rights and public law. During this time, he worked on several applications for judicial review and inquests — including the high-profile inquest into the death of footballer Emiliano Sala.
Grenfell Tower Inquiry — Hamish McCallum is currently instructed as seconded counsel (part-time) to the legal team which represents the majority of the bereaved, survivors and residents in the Grenfell Tower Inquiry and in respect of civil claims. Hamish is presently engaged in considering disclosure relating to government policies and actions in the aftermath of the fire
Inquest into death of KM (Gloucestershire Coroners Court) — Instructed by the family of the deceased — who committed suicide following a period of extensive contact with mental health support agencies, the NHS and the police — for PIR and to make Article 2 submissions
COMMUNITY MATTERS
Since 2014, Hamish has also been an elected local councillor in the London Borough of Southwark. During this time, he has championed the interests of those experiencing homelessness and pressed the authority to act on climate change.
Hamish is also a trustee of a conservation charity, the Butlers Wharf Riverside Trust.
Hamish is committed to pro bono work and is a volunteer with both the Free Representation Unit and Advocate (the Bar’s pro bono unit). He has also acted pro bono for bereaved families in the coronial process through INQUEST.
Appointments & Memberships
- Criminal Bar Association
- INQUEST Lawyers Group
- Gray’s Inn
AWARDS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
- Anne Goddard Pupillage Scholarship, Gray’s Inn (2020)
- Sibel Dedezade Award for Pro Bono Work, City Law School (2018)
- Cynthia Terry BPTC Scholarship, Gray’s Inn (2017)
- Academic Excellence Award, BPP Law School (2015)
“Hamish is not only very impressive as an advocate, but has a quality that inspires confidence in clients. He is comfortable with complex cases, displaying a depth of preparation, getting to the nub of an issue, identifying the strongest case strategy, and providing high quality advice to clients.”