1990 Downside School
1993 1st Class Honours, Oxford University, Philosophy and Theology
1994 CPE, De Montfort University, Leicester, (placed 1st)
1995 ICSL, called to the Bar

Email: jdebono@3serjeantsinn.com

John is recommended in police law and clinical negligence by leading legal directories Chambers & Partners and the Legal 500.

"...'first rate', 'responsive' and a 'brilliant advocate'..." Legal 500 2010

John de Bono is considered to be “reliable counsel.” Chambers and Partners 2010

John de Bono continues to build an impressive practice with an emphasis on disciplinary work. He has particular interest in judicial review and public law generally. Chambers and Partners 2010

'...“star of the future” John de Bono has won some challenging medium and high-value cases. He is admired for his “enthusiastic, pleasant style,” and for his “well-prepared advocacy and sound judgement.”' Chambers & Partners 2009 

Judicial review
For many years John has been instructed to advise and appear on behalf of claimants and defendants in applications for judicial review.

John has particular experience in judicial review applications in the following areas:

• Community care law, including applications involving the provision of services by local authorities;
• Police law, including all aspects of police powers and cases arising from misconduct/ discipline investigations;
• Medical law, including the allocation of resources, withdrawal of services, challenges to disciplinary/ health findings involving healthcare professionals.

Inquiries

• John was counsel to the Broadmoor Inquiry, chaired by Robert Francis QC, between 2005 and 2008.  The Inquiry investigated the killing of patient Richard Loudwell by fellow patient Peter Bryan and made significant recommendations in respect of the future organisation and operation of Broadmoor Hospital.
• John has been instructed on behalf of key participants to review inquiry reports prior to publication and advise as to amendments/ legal challenges.

Chandrasekera v Nursing & Midwifery Council [2009] EWHC 144 (Admin)  -  having represented Mrs Chandrasekera through the Bar Pro Bono Unit, John subsequently appeared at the appeal to contend that in the particular circumstances of this case, striking off the nurse convicted of manslaughter of her husband was an excessive sanction.

Azzam v GMC (2009) LS Law Medical 28; (2009) 105 BMLR 142 – Having first appeared for Dr Azzam at the GMC, John represented Dr Azzam in his appeal against the GMC's finding of impaired fitness to practise led by M. Forde QC.  As a result of this decision the GMC is now required to take into account steps taken by a doctor to remediate his practice since the matters giving rise to a complaint.

Broadmoor Inquiry, chaired by R. Francis QC – Counsel to the Inquiry.

Moore v. Care Standards Tribunal & Commission for Social Care Inspection (2005) 1 WLR 2979 – a test challenge in the Court of Appeal on behalf of care home residents who had been granted tenancies and did not want their own homes to be regulated as care homes.

Liverpool City Council v. Secretary of State for Health (2004) BLGR 635 – challenge by local authority as to the reduction in central government funding for its care services.

R (Barry) v. Liverpool City Council (2001) LGR 361 – challenge to the lawfulness of a licencing scheme for doorkeepers.