Stuart McCracken

Call 2010

mccracken@exchangechambers.co.uk

Stuart is a very technical barrister, easy to work with, and particularly good with sensitive clients. He is able to explain complex legal matters in a way they understand.’

The Legal 500, 2026
Photo of Stuart McCracken

  • Recommendations

    “Stuart is a very technical barrister, easy to work with, and particularly good with sensitive clients. He is able to explain complex legal matters in a way they understand.”
    The Legal 500, 2026

    “Stuart is an experienced junior in military personal injury litigation. He has a relaxed manner with lay clients and does an excellent job of putting them at ease, and this skill is extremely important when dealing with vulnerable clients.”
    The Legal 500, 2025

    “Stuart is excellent on papers and available for ad hoc advice. He is always very well-prepared for conferences with clients and experts, and he is a good negotiator.”
    The Legal 500, 2024

    ‘Stuart is extremely well-prepared for his trials. He is impressive tactically; tenacious in his submissions and took good points; and his cross-examination is incisive and effective. Alongside all of that, he is a pleasure to be against. He fights hard for his client while also being a very pleasant opponent.’
    The Legal 500, 2023

  • Beyond the Bar

    Stuart is a sports obsessive. When not playing badminton or football, he can be usually be found watching live sport, and has travelled the world in search of the perfect match.

    Prior to coming to the bar Stuart worked in Parliament for the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Extraordinary Rendition, campaigning to get to the bottom of UK involvement in rendition. Stuart spent 5 months with the Office of the Prosecutor at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, assisting in the prosecution of four former government ministers for genocide and war crimes.

  • Education

    • Bar Vocational Course, BPP Law School (Outstanding, 2010)
    • Master of Laws (LLM), University of Sydney (2005)
    • LLB (Hons) Law, University of Manchester (Class 2:1, 2001-2004)
    • Buchanan prize, Lincoln’s Inn (2010); Thomas More Scholarship, Lincoln’s Inn (2009); Hardwicke Scholarship, Lincoln’s Inn (2008).

  • Appointments

    • Deputy District Judge
    • Pro Bono Panel – Centre for Women’s Justice
    • Junior Counsel to the Crown (Regional Panel C) (2018-2023)

  • Memberships

    • Human Rights Lawyers Association
    • Personal Injuries Bar Association

  • Publications

    Stuart is the co-author of Account Rendered: Extraordinary Rendition and Britain’s Role (Biteback Publishing, London, 2011).

  • News

Police Law

Stuart has experience of pleading and advising in actions against the police and related claims, such as false imprisonment, and misfeasance in public office.  Examples of his recent work include advising in relation to an alleged assault by a police officer and alleged breaches of Article 5 of the ECHR by the Parole Board.

Police Law Cases

S v GMP (2016) – Stuart acted for the claimant from the outset in this action against the police following a police dog bite, advising on prospects, quantum and evidence, and ultimately securing a settlement.