12 King’s Bench Walk has ‘a strong depth of knowledge and a variety of counsel to suit individual client needs‘ – representing both claimants and defendants across personal injury, industrial disease, insurance fraud and travel claims. Insurance-related personal injury work for defendants is the specialist area of Stephen Worthington KC; William Audland KC continues to be instructed for the RFL in the concussion claims brought by former rugby league professionals in Dyson & Others v Rugby Football League. Andrew Roy KC was made silk in the 2023 round, and was led by Marcus Dignum KC in Mathieu v Hinds and Aviva plc, a brain injury claim which led to the first judicial decision on provisional damages for dementia and featured issues of foreign tax. Navjot Atwal joined the set in January 2023 from 3 Hare Court.
Personal injury, industrial disease and insurance fraud in
London Bar
12 King's Bench Walk
Testimonials
‘The clerks are fantastic. In particular, Daniella Evans, Ella Banfill and Lily Baker are all supremely talented and professional.’
‘Clerking team is excellent, in particular Tristan Whigham.’
‘The Clerks are always happy to help and adept at locating expertise within the set for any issue.’
’12 KBW need no introduction – they are in the top tier of personal injury work.’
’12 KBW have a strong depth of knowledge and a variety of counsel to suit individual client needs. They are all extremely approachable and offer a good range of training programmes through the year.’
‘The best set for asbestos work and has great strength and depth with a large team specialising in this type of work’
’12 KBW is well-known for the extensive experience of its counsel in personal injury and related litigation.’
’12KBW is an incredibly strong set’
Work highlights
2 Temple Gardens
‘2 Temple Gardens is known for its strength in complex personal injury‘, with notable strength in cross-border work. William Clerk and Charles Dougherty KC act on behalf of World Rugby in Popham v World Rugby Ltd, a claim brought by a group of former professionals including former Wales international Alix Popham and England 2003 Rugby World Cup winner Steve Thompson, who have been diagnosed with early onset dementia after their playing careers. Martin Porter KC has strength in cycling claims. Meghann McTague has an established practice in foreign claims and group litigation, exemplified by her work in AA v FS Commercial, claims arising out of the UK’s largest prosecution for modern slavery. Niazi Fetto KC was made silk in the 2023 round, and Harry Trusted joined the set from Outer Temple Chambers in January 2023.
Testimonials
‘Consistently excellent clerking team led by Lee Tyler. ‘
‘The clerks are very good at 2 Temple Gardens. Lee Tyler is a fantastic senior clerk. ‘
‘Top chambers from cross-border personal injury cases. Their expertise and experience in issues of jurisdiction and choice of law is unrivalled.’
‘2 Temple Gardens is known for its strength in complex personal injury – particularly where this overlaps with cross jurisdictional work.’
‘The Clerks at 2 Temple Gardens provide a high quality and efficient service and are always of great assistance.’
‘2 Temple Gardens have an impressive collection of juniors and silks, offering consistent quality. ‘
‘2 Temple Gardens is known for its strength in complex personal injury – particularly where this overlaps with cross jurisdictional work.’
‘2 Temple Gardens will always provide skilled negotiators and barristers with amazing attention to detail in complex areas of personal injury and insurance law’
Work highlights
Crown Office Chambers
The ‘impressive’ barristers at Crown Office Chambers provide ‘a wide range of top quality expertise’, particularly strong in catastrophic injury work. David Platt KC is acting for the Ministry of Defence in the ongoing military deafness group claim, in which over four thousand members of the armed forces are seeking compensation for noise-induced hearing loss whilst in training or active service. Catherine Foster acts for the claimant in Juj v John Lewis Partnership plc, which considers the standards to be expected of ‘occupiers’ where visitors are disabled or otherwise vulnerable; in this case the claimant, an elderly person, tripped on a kerb bordering a disabled parking bay at the defendant’s car park. In September 2023 Matthew Boyle was appointed to the circuit bench.
Testimonials
‘I have always had a good service from the team of clerks, in particular the injury team headed by Greg Frewin.’
‘Outstanding – first-class service throughout the whole clerking team. James Wilkinson and Sam Barrett in particular are trusted to ensure the needs of the client are met at all times.’
‘Crown Office Chambers have an impressive range of barristers in this industry from experienced ‘heavy hitting’ KCs to trusted senior juniors and junior barristers. They are able to deal with a wide range of claims and are particularly strong for catastrophic injury claims and insurance indemnity disputes.’
‘Crown Office Chambers is my go-to chambers. They provide a wide range of top quality expertise.’
‘Clerking services are one of the strongest, an excellent team whoever you come across.’
‘Crown Office has unparalleled strength in depth of serious injury work. ‘
‘Solid personal injury set with a good depth and breath of barristers across all seniorities’
‘The personal injury team at Crown Office is first-class.’
Work highlights
Deka Chambers
The ‘weighty and well experienced team’ at Deka Chambers have ‘stand out’ personal injury strength. Sarah Prager KC was made silk in the 2023 round, and exemplifies the set’s cross border personal injury experience: she appeared in Strait v Cosmos Insurance, a Court of Appeal case concerning whether an RAF serviceman stationed in Akrotiri (a Sovereign Base Area in Cyprus) could bring a personal injury claim against a Cypriot insurer in the English courts. Edward Faulks KC is leading Paul Stagg KC in the case of YXA v Wolverhampton City Council, which considers whether a social services authority assumes responsibility to a child and therefore owes a common law duty of care when exercising protective functions.
Testimonials
‘An exceptionally strong set in relation to travel litigation, with a weighty and well-experienced team.’
‘The newly created Deka chambers is a stand out Personal Injury set but with a broad range of specialisms, and the set’s members have a outstanding appellate practices, frequently appearing before both the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court.’
‘The clerks are always very responsive and professional and will assist with any query in any way they can, as soon as possible, making the whole process very smooth. In particular, Ellie Brand is always fantastic to work with.’
‘The clerks at this Chambers are outstanding and always will go the extra mile for you.’
‘Michael Goodridge remains a force to be reckoned with. His team functions effectively and professionally.’
‘Deka Chambers have an extensive group of barristers in the field of personal injury and clinical negligence, from newly qualified to senior KCs. They have considerable strength-in-depth.’
‘An exceptionally strong set in relation to travel litigation, with a weighty and well-experienced team.’
‘The go to set for personal injury claims with a cross border feature. Great rapport with clients and experts.’
Work highlights
Devereux
The ‘top quality barristers’ at Devereux make it ‘an excellent set to work with‘ – experienced acting for both claimants and defendants across the spectrum of catastrophic injury work. Robert Weir KC is involved in a number of market-leading claims, including Rabot and Briggs v Hassam, in which he acts for APIL and MASS – a test case concerning the whiplash regime legislation, and how to determine the method of valuing mixed injury claims which include an award for whiplash injuries under the Civil Liability Act 2018 tariff scheme. Alongside this injury work, he has notable expertise regarding mesothelioma claims – an area in which Jonathan Butters also specialises. Stephen Killalea KC has particular strength in complex road traffic accident claims; Peter Edwards is experienced in psychiatric injury claims arising out of bullying and harassment in the workplace.
Testimonials
‘The clerks room are exceptional Glenn Billeness head of clerks and James Hudson in particular ‘
‘Personal Injury Chambers of choice in London.’
‘Excellent clerking. Cyrus Biggs is a particular star.’
‘Cyrus Briggs and Chris Downes are impressive, speedy and professional.’
‘The service from the clerks is excellent and very attentive to the individual needs of a case.’
‘An excellent set of barristers, at the top of their game. An unrivalled balance of heavyweight KCs, experienced juniors and up and coming talent.’
‘Devereux is an excellent set to work with – good clerks and top quality barristers.’
‘An efficient clerking team who know exactly what it takes.’
Work highlights
Outer Temple Chambers
Outer Temple Chambers is heralded as a ‘top tier London set‘, with particular personal injury expertise regarding sports claims, equine claims, and those with a cross-border element. Sarah Crowther KC has particular strength in such cross-border claims, including EU law interpretation. James Counsell KC and Ben Bradley are instructed for the claimants in AXM v Chelsea Football Club, who experienced racial abuse while playing for the club’s youth sides – exemplifying the set’s sports and abuse expertise. Eliot Woolf KC has notable expertise regarding road traffic accident claims, and Gerard McDermott KC is currently leading a claim for over eight hundred victims of the Grenfell tower fire.
Testimonials
‘Paul Barton is fantastic – the best personal injury clerk around.’
‘Paul Barton, Graham Woods and Chris Rowe are all fantastic, and extremely helpful.’
‘Clerking is very strong, led by Paul Barton and Graham Woods who always go beyond with top quality service.’
‘Outer Temple is a top tier London set.’
‘Outer Temple Chambers have great strength in depth. They are able to offer counsel with the full range of experience to meet the demands of a catastrophic injury case.’
‘Outer Temple have a strong pedigree in cross-border work and is one of the “go to” sets.’
‘Top notch chambers in the arena of cross-border personal injury claims.’
‘All clerks at Outer Temple Chambers are reliable, responsive and accommodating.’
Work highlights
7BR
7BR is a ‘fantastic set’ noted for its ‘excellent spread of counsel at all levels of call’. Simeon Maskrey KC is an expert acting in maximum severity injury claims; Richard Baker KC was elevated to silk in the 2023 round. The set also has standout expertise in abuse litigation: this year including Adam Weitzman KC‘s leading Caroline Lody in the Court of Appeal for the defendant in AB v BCC and WCC, involving the threshold for parental neglect to be reached before a local authority’s positive duty under Article 3 of the ECHR is engaged, and Steven Ford KC‘s work in DJ v Barnsley MBC, an appeal regarding whether the local authority is vicariously liable for family members who foster children.
Testimonials
‘Paul Eeles continues to be a leading figure in the clerking world. The clerking room is run with efficiency and charm.’
‘7BR are a fantastic set. They have leading silks and strength at all levels of call.’
‘7BR have an excellent spread of counsel of all levels of call.’
‘The clerks don’t just know their barristers or the simplicity of what a case needs, they know what a case needs just as much as the lawyer does. That level of understanding and training means you get the right fit for the job every time.’
‘The clerks always provide a prompt and efficient service. Nothing ever slips through the net and they will go above and beyond to help’
‘7 Bedford Row are an excellent set and my go-to chambers for complex PI.’
‘7BR have a number of high calibre barristers who are at the forefront of dealing with these sorts of claims, which remains a developing area of the law.’
‘7BR has a strong set of barristers, Juniors and Leaders alike , and is diverse in its strategy and very forward thinking. ‘
Work highlights
Old Square Chambers
Old Square Chambers‘ personal injury counsel are ‘second-to-none‘, with ‘a breadth of experience‘ acting for both claimants and defendants on issues from catastrophic injury to industrial disease. Ben Collins KC is acting for the claimant in Suresh v GMC, a case brought by the widow of a doctor who took his own life after being the subject of unfounded allegations, this claim considers the liability of GMC to its doctors. Charles Woodhouse KC has notable experience in claims regarding spinal cord injuries; Katherine Howells has standout expertise in international claims, and those involving serious brain injuries. The set is known for, but by no stretch of the imagination defined by, its historical connections to trade unions and the Western circuit; Daniel Neill joined the set in 2022 from Guildhall Chambers.
Testimonials
‘Fantastic levels of service at all times with particular mention for both Olivia Moliterno and Will Meade whom go above and beyond to provide the very best support throughout.’
‘Senior clerk Will Meade is hardworking and leads by example. His clerks are, without exception, excellent.’
‘William Meade is in a league of his own. He understands client service and builds strong relationships with lawyers.’
‘Olivia Moliterno is a gem. Great sense and professionalism. Helps solve problems.’
‘Old Square Chambers are second-to-none in relation to personal injury Counsel. Their Counsel are approachable, knowledgeable and go the extra mile for their instructing solicitors’
‘Old Square are renowned for their Claimant PI work with a breadth of experience.’
‘The clerks are brilliant.’
‘Old Square have consistently punched above their weight in the personal injury field.’
Work highlights
Temple Garden Chambers
‘A fantastic set of chambers with industry renowned barristers‘, Temple Garden Chambers act for both claimants and defendants, with particular strength in chronic pain claims and those involving fundamental dishonesty. James Arney KC exemplified both in his work for the claimant in Preater v Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, successfully resisting allegations that the claimant had been fundamentally dishonest in her account of her injuries with emphasis on the need for experts to distinguish between good and bad days in chronic pain cases. James Bell has experience in cross-border cases; Marcus Grant specialises in head injury claims. Jonathan Watt-Pringle KC retired in January 2023.
Testimonials
‘Temple Garden Chambers are a fantastic set of chambers with industry renowned barristers at the top of their game at every level, from KC to pupil’
‘The set has a depth of very good and well experienced personal injury advocates.’
‘Excellent clerks, always very quick to reply and efficient.’
‘The clerks at Temple Garden Chambers are very friendly, helpful and efficient.’
‘The service provided by the clerks’ room is fantastic.’
‘The clerks are excellent and they provide a consistently high level of service. ‘
‘All clerks provide a great, consistent service. ‘
‘The clerks here are the best in the business. Friendly and helpful without being obsequious, always quick to respond, always reliable, and always willing to try to find a solution if a problem arises’
Work highlights
1 Crown Office Row
1 Crown Office Row are a ‘very experienced set‘, going ‘the extra mile’ for both claimant and defendant clients, with wide health law experience and crossover inquest and child abuse expertise. Elizabeth-Anne Gumbel KC has standout strength in abuse work, notably in the last year leading Justin Levinson for the claimants in both HXA v Surrey County Council and YXA v Birmingham CC, both cases in which claimants had been abused in their family homes and not removed by social services despite records and reports of this abuse documented. Both claims were reinstated in these second appeals, having been struck out previously. Henry Witcomb KC has notable experience in cross-border multi-party actions.
Testimonials
‘Very experienced set which goes the extra mile in ensuring that clients and their solicitors receive the very best service and representation. Breadth and experience of the set is hard to match.’
‘1 Crown Office Row is an excellent set with considerable breadth of experience.’
‘Senior and junior clerks are professional and personable. They are approachable and swift with any assistance required.’
‘Very accessible, responsive, efficient and friendly clerk room.’
‘The clerks are friendly and always willing to help.’
‘All clerks are professional and do their upmost to assist.’
‘Excellent set.’
‘Reliable chambers, with a versatile choice of counsel to instruct.’
Work highlights
3 Hare Court
‘A leading set in cross-border personal injury’, 3 Hare Court offers ‘a wealth of experience‘, primarily focussing on claims involving cross-border issues rather than domestic cases. Howard Stevens KC acts for the respondent in Griffiths v TUI UK Limited, a claim concerning food poisoning on a holiday which concerns the status of ‘uncontroverted’ expert evidence. Katherine Deal KC also specialises in such international work; James Hawkins has specialist expertise regarding the applicable standard of care in travel claims. The set is also experienced in claims involving terrorist or criminal incidents abroad. Dan Saxby acts particularly for defendants, including tour operators, insurers, airlines and hotel groups.
Testimonials
‘Toby Eales is always a pleasure to deal with.’
‘3 Hare Court is a well run chambers and the clerks go the extra mile to accommodate clients. James Donovan, Toby Eales and Simon Hamilton provide excellent support.’
‘3 Hare Court are specialists in travel and are the best set for this field. There are a number of barristers in the set with a wealth of experience.’
‘A leading set in cross-border personal injury.’
‘Clerks always very easy to deal with. Toby Eales in particular is the star of the show, blending old school clerking with modern needs.’
‘The clerks are excellent and always willing to help.’
‘The clerks are always friendly, approachable and reliable.’
‘Strong in cross-border personal injury, with several leading individuals.’
Cloisters
Cloisters are ‘a top set‘ for ‘high-value’ personal injury work, with notable strength in catastrophic injury claims arising from road traffic accidents. William Latimer-Sayer KC continues to be an expert in this area, leading Chesca Lord – a quantum specialist – on a number of complex claims including a case in which the claimant, at 13 years old, suffered a severe traumatic brain injury following a road collision, securing interim payments as the claim continues. Andrew Buchan has particular expertise regarding occupational stress claims; Tamar Burton specialises in the assessment of damages.
Testimonials
‘Cloisters are a top set in respect of high-value Personal Injury work.’
‘Cloisters are a brilliant set, friendly, engaging and efficient.’
‘The clerks are always helpful and organised.’
‘The Clerks consistently provide a very high level of service. Glenn Hudson and Mark Skipp are great to work with’
‘Very good and efficient clerking.’
‘One of the leading sets in this area.’
‘Cloisters are always great for responsive organised work management.’
‘Good experience of personal injury/employment cross-over work.’
Work highlights
Farrar's Building
Farrar’s Building ‘offer a wide variety of talent‘, with ‘excellent strength and depth‘. Lee Evans continues to have a busy caseload in this area, with a focus on severe brain and spinal injuries. Andrew Arentsen is also a standout name in the set, this year acting for the dog owner in a case, in which liability is disputed, after a financial adviser suffered a tetraplegic injury after falling from a horse, provided by a supervised riding school, which had been scared by a West Highland terrier. John Meredith-Hardy has notable experience in cross-border claims.
Testimonials
‘The set is a strong set of very approachable, user friendly catastrophic defendant personal injury lawyers. They offer a wide variety of talent covering all matter of issues.’
‘Farrars Buildings is a good personal injury set, who have excellent strength and depth at all levels of experience.’
‘The clerks are friendly and approachable always willing to help solve a problem very friendly they go above and beyond.’
‘The Clerks are very efficient and helpful. In particular Kraig Marsh and James Shaw.’
‘All the clerks, senior and junior are friendly, helpful, approachable and always respond promptly.’
‘Good set of chambers with a range of PI barristers from junior to senior.’
‘Farrars is a friendly and impressive set, with a wide ranging selection of expertise.’
‘They are a very good set with a wide range of expertise. ‘
Work highlights
Gatehouse Chambers
The ‘talented barristers‘ at Gatehouse Chambers offer ‘an exceptional and fully rounded level of service‘. Jasmine Murphy has particular specialist knowledge regarding the Animals Act 1971, specifically equine law. Charles Bagot KC has niche expertise in secondary victim claims, and is experienced in cross-border personal injury claims. The set also has strength in abuse claims, with Bagot KC leading Murphy this year acting for the defendant’s insurers in XYZ v Euro Garages Limited (t/a Greggs), concerning repeated sexual assault in the workplace of a vulnerable young employee, including consequent psychiatric injury. Colm Nugent is also a notable name in the set.
Testimonials
‘Gatehouse Chambers are small enough to be approachable and flexible, and large enough to offer an exceptional and fully rounded level of service.’
‘A number of talented barristers.’
‘The clerks are always helpful and will go the extra mile to assist.’
‘Natasha Devlin-Clingham is lovely to deal with, very attentive and efficient’
‘Natasha Devlin-Clingham is hands down the best clerk I have dealt with and her standard of service should be the ideal of all clerks.’
‘The clerks are approachable and offer a good service.’
‘The clerks are very efficient and helpful.’
‘The barristers are technically excellent and adopt a commonsense approach to claims and litigation and are good communicators.’
Work highlights
39 Essex Chambers
‘Go-to set’ 39 Essex Chambers‘ civil liability team is managed by Jamie Tucker, who moved from 12 King’s Bench Walk in April 2023. It has notable growing sports injury expertise, with Derek O’Sullivan KC representing the Welsh Rugby Union in Hughes & 168 Others v World Rugby, Welsh Rugby Union and Rugby Football Union – claims brought by former professional rugby players for alleged cumulative brain damage over their careers. Nicola Greaney KC took silk in the 2023 round, this year acting for the Mayor and Transport for London in the case of Kissi-Debrah v Department for Environment & ors, a claim brought in the wake of a high-profile inquest which found that air pollution more than materially contributed to her death due to a fatal asthma attack. Sadie Crapper, who specialises in cases in which fraud is alleged, is a noteworthy set member.
Testimonials
‘Harry Airth is brilliant and always eager to help.’
’39 Essex is a go-to set for injury work with some excellent advocates at the top of their game.’
‘A helpful and efficient set of Chambers, with helpful clerks and a range of excellent counsel.’
‘The clerks are fantastic. Always on hand to help and provide information quickly and efficiently.’
‘This is a well run clerks room who put client service at the heart of everything they do.’
’39 Essex Chambers offer some of the best counsel in the field and their size means they can cover anything we may wish to throw at them. They are also excellent in nurturing new talent.’
’39 Essex is an exceptional set of Chambers. Great strength in depth and easy to engage with.’
’39 Essex are one of the leading PI sets in the country with some superb practitioners at silk and junior level.’
Work highlights
12 King's Bench Walk
Testimonials
‘The clerks are fantastic. In particular, Daniella Evans, Ella Banfill and Lily Baker are all supremely talented and professional.’
‘Clerking team is excellent, in particular Tristan Whigham.’
‘The Clerks are always happy to help and adept at locating expertise within the set for any issue.’
’12 KBW need no introduction – they are in the top tier of personal injury work.’
’12 KBW have a strong depth of knowledge and a variety of counsel to suit individual client needs. They are all extremely approachable and offer a good range of training programmes through the year.’
‘The best set for asbestos work and has great strength and depth with a large team specialising in this type of work’
’12 KBW is well-known for the extensive experience of its counsel in personal injury and related litigation.’
’12KBW is an incredibly strong set’
Work highlights
2 Temple Gardens
‘2 Temple Gardens is known for its strength in complex personal injury‘, with notable strength in cross-border work. William Clerk and Charles Dougherty KC act on behalf of World Rugby in Popham v World Rugby Ltd, a claim brought by a group of former professionals including former Wales international Alix Popham and England 2003 Rugby World Cup winner Steve Thompson, who have been diagnosed with early onset dementia after their playing careers. Martin Porter KC has strength in cycling claims. Meghann McTague has an established practice in foreign claims and group litigation, exemplified by her work in AA v FS Commercial, claims arising out of the UK’s largest prosecution for modern slavery. Niazi Fetto KC was made silk in the 2023 round, and Harry Trusted joined the set from Outer Temple Chambers in January 2023.
Testimonials
‘Consistently excellent clerking team led by Lee Tyler. ‘
‘The clerks are very good at 2 Temple Gardens. Lee Tyler is a fantastic senior clerk. ‘
‘Top chambers from cross-border personal injury cases. Their expertise and experience in issues of jurisdiction and choice of law is unrivalled.’
‘2 Temple Gardens is known for its strength in complex personal injury – particularly where this overlaps with cross jurisdictional work.’
‘The Clerks at 2 Temple Gardens provide a high quality and efficient service and are always of great assistance.’
‘2 Temple Gardens have an impressive collection of juniors and silks, offering consistent quality. ‘
‘2 Temple Gardens is known for its strength in complex personal injury – particularly where this overlaps with cross jurisdictional work.’
‘2 Temple Gardens will always provide skilled negotiators and barristers with amazing attention to detail in complex areas of personal injury and insurance law’
Work highlights
Crown Office Chambers
The ‘impressive’ barristers at Crown Office Chambers provide ‘a wide range of top quality expertise’, particularly strong in catastrophic injury work. David Platt KC is acting for the Ministry of Defence in the ongoing military deafness group claim, in which over four thousand members of the armed forces are seeking compensation for noise-induced hearing loss whilst in training or active service. Catherine Foster acts for the claimant in Juj v John Lewis Partnership plc, which considers the standards to be expected of ‘occupiers’ where visitors are disabled or otherwise vulnerable; in this case the claimant, an elderly person, tripped on a kerb bordering a disabled parking bay at the defendant’s car park. In September 2023 Matthew Boyle was appointed to the circuit bench.
Testimonials
‘I have always had a good service from the team of clerks, in particular the injury team headed by Greg Frewin.’
‘Outstanding – first-class service throughout the whole clerking team. James Wilkinson and Sam Barrett in particular are trusted to ensure the needs of the client are met at all times.’
‘Crown Office Chambers have an impressive range of barristers in this industry from experienced ‘heavy hitting’ KCs to trusted senior juniors and junior barristers. They are able to deal with a wide range of claims and are particularly strong for catastrophic injury claims and insurance indemnity disputes.’
‘Crown Office Chambers is my go-to chambers. They provide a wide range of top quality expertise.’
‘Clerking services are one of the strongest, an excellent team whoever you come across.’
‘Crown Office has unparalleled strength in depth of serious injury work. ‘
‘Solid personal injury set with a good depth and breath of barristers across all seniorities’
‘The personal injury team at Crown Office is first-class.’
Work highlights
Deka Chambers
The ‘weighty and well experienced team’ at Deka Chambers have ‘stand out’ personal injury strength. Sarah Prager KC was made silk in the 2023 round, and exemplifies the set’s cross border personal injury experience: she appeared in Strait v Cosmos Insurance, a Court of Appeal case concerning whether an RAF serviceman stationed in Akrotiri (a Sovereign Base Area in Cyprus) could bring a personal injury claim against a Cypriot insurer in the English courts. Edward Faulks KC is leading Paul Stagg KC in the case of YXA v Wolverhampton City Council, which considers whether a social services authority assumes responsibility to a child and therefore owes a common law duty of care when exercising protective functions.
Testimonials
‘An exceptionally strong set in relation to travel litigation, with a weighty and well-experienced team.’
‘The newly created Deka chambers is a stand out Personal Injury set but with a broad range of specialisms, and the set’s members have a outstanding appellate practices, frequently appearing before both the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court.’
‘The clerks are always very responsive and professional and will assist with any query in any way they can, as soon as possible, making the whole process very smooth. In particular, Ellie Brand is always fantastic to work with.’
‘The clerks at this Chambers are outstanding and always will go the extra mile for you.’
‘Michael Goodridge remains a force to be reckoned with. His team functions effectively and professionally.’
‘Deka Chambers have an extensive group of barristers in the field of personal injury and clinical negligence, from newly qualified to senior KCs. They have considerable strength-in-depth.’
‘An exceptionally strong set in relation to travel litigation, with a weighty and well-experienced team.’
‘The go to set for personal injury claims with a cross border feature. Great rapport with clients and experts.’
Work highlights
Devereux
The ‘top quality barristers’ at Devereux make it ‘an excellent set to work with‘ – experienced acting for both claimants and defendants across the spectrum of catastrophic injury work. Robert Weir KC is involved in a number of market-leading claims, including Rabot and Briggs v Hassam, in which he acts for APIL and MASS – a test case concerning the whiplash regime legislation, and how to determine the method of valuing mixed injury claims which include an award for whiplash injuries under the Civil Liability Act 2018 tariff scheme. Alongside this injury work, he has notable expertise regarding mesothelioma claims – an area in which Jonathan Butters also specialises. Stephen Killalea KC has particular strength in complex road traffic accident claims; Peter Edwards is experienced in psychiatric injury claims arising out of bullying and harassment in the workplace.
Testimonials
‘The clerks room are exceptional Glenn Billeness head of clerks and James Hudson in particular ‘
‘Personal Injury Chambers of choice in London.’
‘Excellent clerking. Cyrus Biggs is a particular star.’
‘Cyrus Briggs and Chris Downes are impressive, speedy and professional.’
‘The service from the clerks is excellent and very attentive to the individual needs of a case.’
‘An excellent set of barristers, at the top of their game. An unrivalled balance of heavyweight KCs, experienced juniors and up and coming talent.’
‘Devereux is an excellent set to work with – good clerks and top quality barristers.’
‘An efficient clerking team who know exactly what it takes.’
Work highlights
Outer Temple Chambers
Outer Temple Chambers is heralded as a ‘top tier London set‘, with particular personal injury expertise regarding sports claims, equine claims, and those with a cross-border element. Sarah Crowther KC has particular strength in such cross-border claims, including EU law interpretation. James Counsell KC and Ben Bradley are instructed for the claimants in AXM v Chelsea Football Club, who experienced racial abuse while playing for the club’s youth sides – exemplifying the set’s sports and abuse expertise. Eliot Woolf KC has notable expertise regarding road traffic accident claims, and Gerard McDermott KC is currently leading a claim for over eight hundred victims of the Grenfell tower fire.
Testimonials
‘Paul Barton is fantastic – the best personal injury clerk around.’
‘Paul Barton, Graham Woods and Chris Rowe are all fantastic, and extremely helpful.’
‘Clerking is very strong, led by Paul Barton and Graham Woods who always go beyond with top quality service.’
‘Outer Temple is a top tier London set.’
‘Outer Temple Chambers have great strength in depth. They are able to offer counsel with the full range of experience to meet the demands of a catastrophic injury case.’
‘Outer Temple have a strong pedigree in cross-border work and is one of the “go to” sets.’
‘Top notch chambers in the arena of cross-border personal injury claims.’
‘All clerks at Outer Temple Chambers are reliable, responsive and accommodating.’
Work highlights
7BR
7BR is a ‘fantastic set’ noted for its ‘excellent spread of counsel at all levels of call’. Simeon Maskrey KC is an expert acting in maximum severity injury claims; Richard Baker KC was elevated to silk in the 2023 round. The set also has standout expertise in abuse litigation: this year including Adam Weitzman KC‘s leading Caroline Lody in the Court of Appeal for the defendant in AB v BCC and WCC, involving the threshold for parental neglect to be reached before a local authority’s positive duty under Article 3 of the ECHR is engaged, and Steven Ford KC‘s work in DJ v Barnsley MBC, an appeal regarding whether the local authority is vicariously liable for family members who foster children.
Testimonials
‘Paul Eeles continues to be a leading figure in the clerking world. The clerking room is run with efficiency and charm.’
‘7BR are a fantastic set. They have leading silks and strength at all levels of call.’
‘7BR have an excellent spread of counsel of all levels of call.’
‘The clerks don’t just know their barristers or the simplicity of what a case needs, they know what a case needs just as much as the lawyer does. That level of understanding and training means you get the right fit for the job every time.’
‘The clerks always provide a prompt and efficient service. Nothing ever slips through the net and they will go above and beyond to help’
‘7 Bedford Row are an excellent set and my go-to chambers for complex PI.’
‘7BR have a number of high calibre barristers who are at the forefront of dealing with these sorts of claims, which remains a developing area of the law.’
‘7BR has a strong set of barristers, Juniors and Leaders alike , and is diverse in its strategy and very forward thinking. ‘
Work highlights
Old Square Chambers
Old Square Chambers‘ personal injury counsel are ‘second-to-none‘, with ‘a breadth of experience‘ acting for both claimants and defendants on issues from catastrophic injury to industrial disease. Ben Collins KC is acting for the claimant in Suresh v GMC, a case brought by the widow of a doctor who took his own life after being the subject of unfounded allegations, this claim considers the liability of GMC to its doctors. Charles Woodhouse KC has notable experience in claims regarding spinal cord injuries; Katherine Howells has standout expertise in international claims, and those involving serious brain injuries. The set is known for, but by no stretch of the imagination defined by, its historical connections to trade unions and the Western circuit; Daniel Neill joined the set in 2022 from Guildhall Chambers.
Testimonials
‘Fantastic levels of service at all times with particular mention for both Olivia Moliterno and Will Meade whom go above and beyond to provide the very best support throughout.’
‘Senior clerk Will Meade is hardworking and leads by example. His clerks are, without exception, excellent.’
‘William Meade is in a league of his own. He understands client service and builds strong relationships with lawyers.’
‘Olivia Moliterno is a gem. Great sense and professionalism. Helps solve problems.’
‘Old Square Chambers are second-to-none in relation to personal injury Counsel. Their Counsel are approachable, knowledgeable and go the extra mile for their instructing solicitors’
‘Old Square are renowned for their Claimant PI work with a breadth of experience.’
‘The clerks are brilliant.’
‘Old Square have consistently punched above their weight in the personal injury field.’
Work highlights
Temple Garden Chambers
‘A fantastic set of chambers with industry renowned barristers‘, Temple Garden Chambers act for both claimants and defendants, with particular strength in chronic pain claims and those involving fundamental dishonesty. James Arney KC exemplified both in his work for the claimant in Preater v Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, successfully resisting allegations that the claimant had been fundamentally dishonest in her account of her injuries with emphasis on the need for experts to distinguish between good and bad days in chronic pain cases. James Bell has experience in cross-border cases; Marcus Grant specialises in head injury claims. Jonathan Watt-Pringle KC retired in January 2023.
Testimonials
‘Temple Garden Chambers are a fantastic set of chambers with industry renowned barristers at the top of their game at every level, from KC to pupil’
‘The set has a depth of very good and well experienced personal injury advocates.’
‘Excellent clerks, always very quick to reply and efficient.’
‘The clerks at Temple Garden Chambers are very friendly, helpful and efficient.’
‘The service provided by the clerks’ room is fantastic.’
‘The clerks are excellent and they provide a consistently high level of service. ‘
‘All clerks provide a great, consistent service. ‘
‘The clerks here are the best in the business. Friendly and helpful without being obsequious, always quick to respond, always reliable, and always willing to try to find a solution if a problem arises’
Work highlights
1 Crown Office Row
1 Crown Office Row are a ‘very experienced set‘, going ‘the extra mile’ for both claimant and defendant clients, with wide health law experience and crossover inquest and child abuse expertise. Elizabeth-Anne Gumbel KC has standout strength in abuse work, notably in the last year leading Justin Levinson for the claimants in both HXA v Surrey County Council and YXA v Birmingham CC, both cases in which claimants had been abused in their family homes and not removed by social services despite records and reports of this abuse documented. Both claims were reinstated in these second appeals, having been struck out previously. Henry Witcomb KC has notable experience in cross-border multi-party actions.
Testimonials
‘Very experienced set which goes the extra mile in ensuring that clients and their solicitors receive the very best service and representation. Breadth and experience of the set is hard to match.’
‘1 Crown Office Row is an excellent set with considerable breadth of experience.’
‘Senior and junior clerks are professional and personable. They are approachable and swift with any assistance required.’
‘Very accessible, responsive, efficient and friendly clerk room.’
‘The clerks are friendly and always willing to help.’
‘All clerks are professional and do their upmost to assist.’
‘Excellent set.’
‘Reliable chambers, with a versatile choice of counsel to instruct.’
Work highlights
3 Hare Court
‘A leading set in cross-border personal injury’, 3 Hare Court offers ‘a wealth of experience‘, primarily focussing on claims involving cross-border issues rather than domestic cases. Howard Stevens KC acts for the respondent in Griffiths v TUI UK Limited, a claim concerning food poisoning on a holiday which concerns the status of ‘uncontroverted’ expert evidence. Katherine Deal KC also specialises in such international work; James Hawkins has specialist expertise regarding the applicable standard of care in travel claims. The set is also experienced in claims involving terrorist or criminal incidents abroad. Dan Saxby acts particularly for defendants, including tour operators, insurers, airlines and hotel groups.
Testimonials
‘Toby Eales is always a pleasure to deal with.’
‘3 Hare Court is a well run chambers and the clerks go the extra mile to accommodate clients. James Donovan, Toby Eales and Simon Hamilton provide excellent support.’
‘3 Hare Court are specialists in travel and are the best set for this field. There are a number of barristers in the set with a wealth of experience.’
‘A leading set in cross-border personal injury.’
‘Clerks always very easy to deal with. Toby Eales in particular is the star of the show, blending old school clerking with modern needs.’
‘The clerks are excellent and always willing to help.’
‘The clerks are always friendly, approachable and reliable.’
‘Strong in cross-border personal injury, with several leading individuals.’
Cloisters
Cloisters are ‘a top set‘ for ‘high-value’ personal injury work, with notable strength in catastrophic injury claims arising from road traffic accidents. William Latimer-Sayer KC continues to be an expert in this area, leading Chesca Lord – a quantum specialist – on a number of complex claims including a case in which the claimant, at 13 years old, suffered a severe traumatic brain injury following a road collision, securing interim payments as the claim continues. Andrew Buchan has particular expertise regarding occupational stress claims; Tamar Burton specialises in the assessment of damages.
Testimonials
‘Cloisters are a top set in respect of high-value Personal Injury work.’
‘Cloisters are a brilliant set, friendly, engaging and efficient.’
‘The clerks are always helpful and organised.’
‘The Clerks consistently provide a very high level of service. Glenn Hudson and Mark Skipp are great to work with’
‘Very good and efficient clerking.’
‘One of the leading sets in this area.’
‘Cloisters are always great for responsive organised work management.’
‘Good experience of personal injury/employment cross-over work.’
Work highlights
Farrar's Building
Farrar’s Building ‘offer a wide variety of talent‘, with ‘excellent strength and depth‘. Lee Evans continues to have a busy caseload in this area, with a focus on severe brain and spinal injuries. Andrew Arentsen is also a standout name in the set, this year acting for the dog owner in a case, in which liability is disputed, after a financial adviser suffered a tetraplegic injury after falling from a horse, provided by a supervised riding school, which had been scared by a West Highland terrier. John Meredith-Hardy has notable experience in cross-border claims.
Testimonials
‘The set is a strong set of very approachable, user friendly catastrophic defendant personal injury lawyers. They offer a wide variety of talent covering all matter of issues.’
‘Farrars Buildings is a good personal injury set, who have excellent strength and depth at all levels of experience.’
‘The clerks are friendly and approachable always willing to help solve a problem very friendly they go above and beyond.’
‘The Clerks are very efficient and helpful. In particular Kraig Marsh and James Shaw.’
‘All the clerks, senior and junior are friendly, helpful, approachable and always respond promptly.’
‘Good set of chambers with a range of PI barristers from junior to senior.’
‘Farrars is a friendly and impressive set, with a wide ranging selection of expertise.’
‘They are a very good set with a wide range of expertise. ‘
Work highlights
Gatehouse Chambers
The ‘talented barristers‘ at Gatehouse Chambers offer ‘an exceptional and fully rounded level of service‘. Jasmine Murphy has particular specialist knowledge regarding the Animals Act 1971, specifically equine law. Charles Bagot KC has niche expertise in secondary victim claims, and is experienced in cross-border personal injury claims. The set also has strength in abuse claims, with Bagot KC leading Murphy this year acting for the defendant’s insurers in XYZ v Euro Garages Limited (t/a Greggs), concerning repeated sexual assault in the workplace of a vulnerable young employee, including consequent psychiatric injury. Colm Nugent is also a notable name in the set.
Testimonials
‘Gatehouse Chambers are small enough to be approachable and flexible, and large enough to offer an exceptional and fully rounded level of service.’
‘A number of talented barristers.’
‘The clerks are always helpful and will go the extra mile to assist.’
‘Natasha Devlin-Clingham is lovely to deal with, very attentive and efficient’
‘Natasha Devlin-Clingham is hands down the best clerk I have dealt with and her standard of service should be the ideal of all clerks.’
‘The clerks are approachable and offer a good service.’
‘The clerks are very efficient and helpful.’
‘The barristers are technically excellent and adopt a commonsense approach to claims and litigation and are good communicators.’
Work highlights
39 Essex Chambers
‘Go-to set’ 39 Essex Chambers‘ civil liability team is managed by Jamie Tucker, who moved from 12 King’s Bench Walk in April 2023. It has notable growing sports injury expertise, with Derek O’Sullivan KC representing the Welsh Rugby Union in Hughes & 168 Others v World Rugby, Welsh Rugby Union and Rugby Football Union – claims brought by former professional rugby players for alleged cumulative brain damage over their careers. Nicola Greaney KC took silk in the 2023 round, this year acting for the Mayor and Transport for London in the case of Kissi-Debrah v Department for Environment & ors, a claim brought in the wake of a high-profile inquest which found that air pollution more than materially contributed to her death due to a fatal asthma attack. Sadie Crapper, who specialises in cases in which fraud is alleged, is a noteworthy set member.
Testimonials
‘Harry Airth is brilliant and always eager to help.’
’39 Essex is a go-to set for injury work with some excellent advocates at the top of their game.’
‘A helpful and efficient set of Chambers, with helpful clerks and a range of excellent counsel.’
‘The clerks are fantastic. Always on hand to help and provide information quickly and efficiently.’
‘This is a well run clerks room who put client service at the heart of everything they do.’
’39 Essex Chambers offer some of the best counsel in the field and their size means they can cover anything we may wish to throw at them. They are also excellent in nurturing new talent.’
’39 Essex is an exceptional set of Chambers. Great strength in depth and easy to engage with.’
’39 Essex are one of the leading PI sets in the country with some superb practitioners at silk and junior level.’