Debra Powell

CALLED TO THE BAR 1995

Junior Counsel

Professional Discipline & Regulatory Profile

Background

1976 - 1989 Brighton & Hove High School
1990 - 1993 Nottingham University (BA (Law) 2:1)
1993 - 1994 Research Assistant at the Law Commission

2007 Appointed Treasury Counsel (B panel)

Email: dpowell@3serjeantsinn.com

Directory Comments

Debra is recommended in police law by leading legal directory Chambers & Partners.

'While having a full and varied civil actions and disciplinary practice, the highly lauded Debra Powell is also one of the sector's go-to specialists in police pensions work. She comes highly recommended.'....Chambers and Partners 2011

'Debra Powell is noted as a highly impressive advocate and negotiator, who is "very scary if you're on the other side." She wins full market approval.'....Chambers and Partners 2011

Debra Powell maintains a solid practice that covers civil actions and disciplinary work, as well as police pensions work. Chambers and Partners 2010

The "sharp and forthright" Debra Powell has an enviable reputation for high-quality clinical negligence work. Sources note that she is "excellent at handling experts in conference." Chambers and Partners 2010

'Debra Powell is often the first choice for police pensions cases, having acted in a number of related Administrative Court hearings. She is hailed as a national expert on the police side of the argument in this niche area of work.' Chambers & Partners 2009

Nature of Practice

Medical discipline Since appearing as junior counsel on behalf of the defence in the GMC Inquiry into Bristol paediatric cardiac surgery Debra has often appeared at the Committees, now Panels, of the GMC.

Police discipline Debra undertakes disciplinary work and building on her knowledge of issues surrounding ill-health in the police service, she has appeared in a number of hearings under the amended Police (Efficiency) Regulations 1999 in relation to unsatisfactory attendance.

Reported and other cases of Interest

Roylance v General Medical Council [1999] Lloyd’s Rep Med 139 (serious professional misconduct: chief executive of Trust; alleged bias of Chairman).

Lectures and Seminars

Debra regularly presents seminars to the medical profession and medical lawyers, particularly on the subjects of consent and capacity. Recent topics have included claims in respect of death and claims for wrongful conception/birth.