A group of UK female lawyers is gearing up for a bold challenge against the system after the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office (JCIO) refused to investigate claims of sexism and intimidation by Judge Philip Lancaster.
Multiple women say they experienced shouting, condescension and outright dismissal in his court. From maternity discrimination claims to disability discrimination cases, the accusations paint a troubling picture of judicial misconduct.
Dr. Hinaa Toheed, a GP, claims the judge shouted at her 16 times during her hearing in 2022. Jackie Moore alleges that Judge Lancaster systematically blocked her questions and spoke to her in an aggressive, dismissive tone while she represented her daughter in another case.
Eight women have reportedly come forward with similar complaints, according to a BBC investigation last year.
JCIO Under Fire
Despite these alarming allegations, the JCIO has refused to investigate Judge Lancaster’s conduct—a decision that has sparked outrage among legal professionals and activists alike. Alison McDermott, a whistleblower from Sellafield nuclear plant and one of the women leading this fight, didn’t mince words:
“The JCIO have betrayed their fundamental duty to ensure judicial accountability. They’ve chosen to protect a system that lets judges abuse their power against women without consequence.”
McDermott isn’t alone in her frustration. The Good Law Project, a nonprofit known for taking on systemic injustices, has stepped in to support the women’s legal battle. They’re crowdfunding £13,200 to cover initial advice from an elite legal team—and they’ve already raised £3,250.
The Legal Dream Team
The legal team is an almost all-female squad of some of the top names in civil rights law and feminist advocacy. Emily Soothill of Deighton Pierce Glynn (DPG) has brought together barrister Dr Charlotte Proudman (pictured), Finnian Clarke from Doughty Street Chambers, and an unnamed “prominent” female KC who is ready to take on this fight for justice.
Their mission is to challenge the JCIO’s refusal to investigate and expose systemic failures in the employment tribunal system—failures that disproportionately affect women and minoritized groups.
Why This Case Matters
The lack of official court records in these cases only adds fuel to the fire; Judge Lancaster’s personal notes are reportedly the only documentation available—and he refuses to release them.
Jo Maugham, executive director of the Good Law Project, put it bluntly:
“Judges are made from the same crooked timber as the rest of us. What’s different about them is that their enormous power amplifies the consequences of their failures.”
With multiple successful appeals against Judge Lancaster’s rulings and even High Court criticism of his comments about women, this case could set a precedent for holding judges accountable for alleged misconduct.
The Good Law Project says this is uncharted territory—but they’re determined to chart it. If their legal advice supports challenging the JCIO’s decision and no action is taken, they’re prepared to bring legal proceedings against the office itself.
