Health and safety

Leading Silks

KCs at the very top of their field, with a long-established record of market-defining cases, and widespread endorsement from clients and peers. All silks appointed in the last two rounds are listed further below.

Christine Agnew KC
1

Christine Agnew KC

2BR
Christine is very measured in her advocacy but also knows exactly when it is beneficial and appropriate to be tenacious in order to achieve her objective. Christine has a thorough understanding of H&S law and, due to her vast experience, is very good tactically. Clients always feel relaxed and reassured by her ability to explain things to them in a succinct and informative way. Christine has now stepped up to yet another level since becoming joint head of 2BR. This change in responsibility as joint head of chambers has actually enhanced her skill set. Christine really is the complete advocate.
Prashant Popat KC
1

Prashant Popat KC

Henderson Chambers
Prashant is acknowledged by me and clients to be head and shoulders above all competitors in this field. He is highly respected by judges and colleagues alike and is a trusted and powerful advocate with exceptional attention to detail and a master of strategy. Prashant is my leading counsel of choice because of his skilled advocacy, respected by clients for attention to detail and skilled persuasive submission. He is particularly skillful at presenting highly technical and complex issues with an outstanding understanding of corporate structures and safety management systems. He is respected by judges for his helpful and knowledgeable contributions to subjects that the judge may not be familiar with in routine practice. He is also approachable and presents authoritative submissions of appeal to judges and juries alike.
Toby Riley-Smith KC
1

Toby Riley-Smith KC

Henderson Chambers
Toby is pound for pound the best all-round regulatory crime lawyer in a highly competitive and crowded field; he would be first on the shortlist for any case of substance. He is exceptionally hardworking, laser-focused on serving his client's best interests, a master of his subject matter, both on the law and on the evidence, always thoroughly prepared, excellent on paper and in conference, and a superb advocate with the happy knack of giving every reassurance to the tribunal that it is in the safest of hands if it will allow itself to be guided by him. It's tough to think of any area of the way he operates where he is other than exceptional.
Jim Sturman KC
2

Jim Sturman KC

2BR
Jim Sturman KC has the ability to inspire confidence within lay and corporate clients alike through his straight talking and unerring self-belief. He's extremely valuable in assisting clients to avoid prosecutions through the astute strategic input he provides during the earlier stages of H&S investigations, but in the event of an H&S prosecution, he is an exceptional trial advocate admired by judges and juries alike for his intellect, humanity, and humor. He remains one of the few heavyweight trial KCs operating in the H&S sector and is our 'go-to' KC for health and safety fatalities and gross negligence manslaughter cases where directors are prosecuted. He has a proven track record of winning trials and is devastatingly impressive in court.
Stephen Walsh KC
2

Stephen Walsh KC

Three Raymond Buildings
A thoughtful and intellectually rigorous barrister who combines sharp analytical ability with a genuinely client-centered approach. Known for distilling complex legal issues into clear, practical advice, he demonstrates both strategic insight and meticulous attention to detail. His advocacy is measured and persuasive, underpinned by a deep understanding of the law and a strong commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes for clients. Approachable and responsive, he builds trust through careful listening and a clear focus on client objectives.
David Whittaker KC
2

David Whittaker KC

2 Hare Court
A genuine heavyweight in the field of health and safety law. Counsel possesses exceptional expertise and is both extremely sharp and highly intelligent in his approach to cases. His analysis is incisive, strategically focused, and invariably identifies the key issues quickly. He is fearless in advocacy and is an outstanding advocate before courts and tribunals. Clients and solicitors alike have enormous confidence in his judgment and ability. Despite his formidable reputation and expertise, he remains approachable, collaborative, and a pleasure to work with.

2025 Silks

KCs at the very top of their field, with a long-established record of market-defining cases, and widespread endorsement from clients and peers. All silks appointed in the last two rounds are listed further below.

2026 Silks

KCs at the very top of their field, with a long-established record of market-defining cases, and widespread endorsement from clients and peers. All silks appointed in the last two rounds are listed further below.

Alexander dos Santos KC
1

Alexander dos Santos KC

Serjeants' Inn Chambers
He is friendly, approachable, and instills confidence in both those instructing him and the clients he represents. Alex has a calm and reassuring manner, coupled with an impressive ability to grasp complex factual and legal issues quickly. His advice is consistently precise, practical, and forensic. He identifies the key issues without unnecessary complication. He is highly responsive and communicates his views in a clear and accessible way, making even the most challenging matters easier to navigate. He is always an integral and trusted member of the team.
James Purnell KC
1

James Purnell KC

Henderson Chambers
His attributes reflect the very strong set he has been brought up in under the guidance of heavyweights Prash Popat KC and Toby Riley-Smith KC. He has silky smooth skills with clients and is a master of his subject matter. He is very hard-working, great on paper, and has a disarmingly polite and matter-of-fact advocacy style. He also has that useful knack of stripping through the detail and getting quickly to the real issues so that they can be focused on, coupled with very sound judgment.
Health and safety in London Bar | Law firm and lawyer rankings from Legal 500 Health and safety guide | Silks