Elaine Macdonald

How can I help you?

I represent individuals and bereaved families in cases against police forces, the government, and state agencies. I specialise in civil claims, including claims where my clients have been mistreated by the police or in prison, and complex claims arising from deaths in state custody, and I represent families in Article 2 inquest proceedings.

My experience

I have represented many families at inquests where their relative has died following police contact, in prisons, or when in mental health detention. Some of my cases include:

• - Inquest into the death of Aisha Cleary (https://www.inquest.org.uk/aisha-cleary-inquest-opens)
• - Inquest into the death of Kimberley Smith: Jury inquest with a conclusion of suicide contributed to by neglect, and a significant number of serious failings identified following Ms Smith’s death while an inpatient at the Abraham Cowley unit in 2018. (https://www.inquest.org.uk/kimberley-smith-close )
• - Inquest into the death of Philip Lamplough: Jury inquest with a conclusion of suicide contributed to by neglect, and significant number of serious failings identified following Mr Lamplough’s death while a detained inpatient at the Abraham Cowley Unit in 2020. (https://www.inquest.org.uk/jury-find-neglect-contributed-to-self-inflicted-death-of-philip-lamplough-at-abraham-cowley-unit)
• - Inquest into the death of Ethol Price: Jury inquest following Mr Price’s death after a vehicle and on-foot pursuit by Cheshire police.

I have significant experience of representing clients in civil claims against police forces and prisons, particularly in claims for assault, false imprisonment, malicious prosecution, violations of the Human Rights Act, and discrimination. I have successfully settled claims and obtained compensation and court declarations for clients during proceedings and at trial.

A little about me

I joined Broudie Jackson Canter in October 2022 and lead the Inquest Team. Prior to joining Broudie Jackson Canter I was head of the civil actions against the state department at Tuckers Solicitors where I also worked as a solicitor on civil claims against the state and inquest matters. I qualified as a solicitor in 2014 after completing my training contract at Tuckers Solicitor and after working as a paralegal there and at Refugee and Migrant Justice.

I am passionate about representing bereaved families and vulnerable individuals in, what are often, difficult legal proceedings and challenging circumstances for anyone to find themselves in.