Sought out by high-profile individual directors and managers, through to multi-billion pound corporations, the set at Crown Office Chambers continues to be a pre-eminent set for a whole array of high profile health and safety matters, including corporate and individual manslaughter, prosecutions under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, and appeals against improvement and prohibitions notices. John Cooper KC, James Ageros KC, and Lucy Wright, who joined the set from Lincoln House Chambers in November 2022, were all instructed in a trial relating to a Section 3 and Section 37 Health and Safety at Work Act case concerning five fatalities at a recycling centre in Birmingham. Simon Antrobus KC recently successfully defended a managing director in relation to four charges of manslaughter, and Mark Balysz KC is defending a paramedic at trial charged with gross negligence manslaughter.
Health and safety in
London Bar
Crown Office Chambers
Testimonials
‘Toby Sparrow is without question the best clerk around. Hard working, diligent and anticipates the needs of instructing solicitors.’
‘The clerks are always extremely efficient in dealing with any enquiries.’
‘The clerks are great – they are highly responsive and easy to contact when required. Toby Sparrow leads a great team.’
‘Toby Sparrow leads a strong and efficient team of clerks.’
‘The clerks room is well led and helpful generally and specifically Toby Sparrow assists in the selection of counsel and offering of alternatives, promoting candidates in an effective but non-pushy way.’
‘The countries leading H&S set with strength and depth at silk and junior level.’
‘The barristers are all leaders in the field and the service is second to none.’
‘Crown Office Chambers is the ‘go-to’ set for health and safety and inquest instructions. The set has a broad experience, at all levels, and the clerking is top rate. Members of this set are at the forefront of H&S case law, and are involved in some of the highest profile cases of recent years. Cannot recommend the set enough.’
Work highlights
Henderson Chambers
Henderson Chambers is reputed for established expertise in fatal and serious injury trials and HSE prosecutions. Prashant Popat continues to be instructed on behalf of many large UK organisations and companies, such as National Highways, and was recently instructed by Siemens in a Health and Safety at Work Act prosecution following a fatality at a rail depot. Expert for corporate manslaughter prosecutions Oliver Campbell KC has been representing Branston Site Services in HSE v Tarmac and Branston Site Services, a high-profile prosecution arising out of a fatal accident in the largest quarry in the country. Tim Green KC is prosecuting for the HSE in a case arising from the death of a construction worker whilst unloading glass from pallets.
Testimonials
‘All the clerks are great to work with. Dan Smith is always reliable and quick to resolve any queries.’
‘Senior clerk Jason Housden is outstanding, as is Daniel Smith.’
‘Good and responsive.’
‘Very high calibre!’
‘Excellent!’
‘Henderson chambers are the leading set for health and safety.’
‘Premier team for Health and safety with real skills at KC and junior level with appreciation of commercial realities.’
‘Henderson Chambers are a go-to set for health and safety, products and complex injury. Counsel at the set are both excellent technically and reliable.’
2 Bedford Row
With a particular strong corporate manslaughter and individual gross negligence practice, 2 Bedford Row stays highly active across numerous industries, including leisure, retail, construction and health care, and is also experienced in advising fire and rescue authorities on prosecutions for fire safety breaches. Jim Sturman KC represented Costain and Galliford Try in a prosecution following the death of a construction worker working on the construction of the M1 “smart motorway”. Christine Agnew KC was instructed in the prosecution of two men charged with gross negligence manslaughter after a collision in Southampton water that caused the death of a 15-year-old girl. Alex Stein is prosecuting Amberley Homes Limited following a fall from height fatality at a construction site.
Testimonials
‘The clerks are always proactive and helpful. Paul Rodgers is very good.’
‘Paul Rodgers is excellent. Hardworking, responsive and always going the extra mile in terms of the provision of training etc.’
‘Certainly a strong criminal set and with a number of silks and senior juniors experienced and trustworthy in the health and safety and related “corporate crime” fields.’
‘Fantastic criminal set.’
‘2BR are a good set. Lots of strength in this field.
Work highlights
Six Pump Court
Six Pump Court is sought out by high profile clients, including multinational organisations, across a broad range of industries, such as manufacturing, rail, nuclear, maritime, construction and retail. Mark Watson KC prosecuted a manslaughter prosecution arising from a worker being fatally injured as a result of being run over by a reversing lorry. Mark Harris represented the Environment Agency in an inquest arising from the death of an employee of the organisation whilst felling trees near Shepperton Lock.
Testimonials
‘Richard Constable and Ryan Barrow in the clerks room are excellent at what they do. Not least, they make their work seem effortless, which is the sign of a very able clerk.’
‘The clerks provide the exact service you require, prompt and friendly, easy to communicate with.’
‘The clerks are always willing to go the extra mile and find a solution to a problem. The clerks are a credit to the set. They are approachable and friendly.’
‘The clerks are very good, proactive, personable and accommodating. Very prompt and contactable and always willing to help.’
‘The senior clerk Richard is extremely knowledgable and helpful. He is proactive in dealing with the crown court list offices and assists our paralegals immensely in ensuring the smooth progress of the case.’
‘Michael Hearn at 6 Pump Court is the best clerk I have worked with. He responds quickly to emails, is always willing to negotiate on fees and is friendly and approachable. ‘
‘6 Pump Court is a brilliant set. It has a large portfolio of health and safety lawyers, all of whom are dedicated and talented.’
‘I have always been extremely happy with the set as a whole. A decent bunch of people from the clerks all the way up to KC’s’
Work highlights
2 Hare Court
2 Hare Court continues to advise and defend a broad range of corporate clients, as well as individual directors, on proceedings by regulators and enforcement bodies such as the Health and Safety Executive. Alexandra Tampakopoulos is instructed by Seaway Heavy Lifting Ltd in relation to a prosecution by the Health and Safety Executive arising from an incident which injured seven employees installing an offshore wind turbine in the North Sea. James Buchanan is defending two paramedics who are charged with gross negligence manslaughter after a series of incidents that culminated in a vulnerable member of the public’s death.
Testimonials
‘The clerking service is excellent – they provide prompt responses in requests and regularly help with sorting listings. Julian Campbell is particularly impressive.’
‘Clerks are always very helpful.’
‘Easy to work with and responsive clerks.’
‘Good clerking.’
‘2 Hare Court are highly regarded within the regulatory arena and provide an impressive offering of counsel’
‘2 Hare Court have an industry-leading reputation for health and safety work. Jim Buchanan and Craig Ferguson are very well respected. Their annual health and safety seminar highlights the technical expertise of the Chambers.’
‘2 Hare Court provide an impressive offering.’
‘Availability is good and the 2HC Regulatory Seminar is always worth attending.’
Work highlights
Temple Garden Chambers
Temple Garden Chambers is known for successfully handling corporate manslaughter charges at trial and on appeal. Keith Morton KC is leading Fiona Canby in representing Transport for London in the prosecution arising out of the Croydon Tram crash, and also represented the employer of a bus driver who had been run over and suffered life changing injuries while running near his depot. Dominic Adamson KC acted for Incarcare Ltd in a prosecution following a fatality at a stock car racing track in Birmingham.
Testimonials
‘Helpful, knowledgeable and courteous clerks.’
‘The clerks are always friendly and approachable.’
‘A strong set for a wide range of regulatory cases. Go-to chambers in London.’
‘Strong leaders and talented juniors.’
Work highlights
Outer Temple Chambers
Equipped to handle an array of health and safety matters, Outer Temple Chambers offers established expertise in maritime and rail related safety cases, and has a track record of prosecution for the Maritime and Coastguard Authority. James Leonard KC ‘s recent workload includes the representation of a company director charged with gross negligence manslaughter and section 37 offense following a fatal accident on a demolition site. Paul Rogers was represented MotorSport Vision in a prosecution arising from a fatality in an accident during a motorcycle track day.
Testimonials
‘The clerks are very good.’
‘Nicholas Levett is extremely professional and great to deal with. He is personable and runs a very smooth and effective operation.’
‘Always helpful and responsive.’
‘Outer Temple is an excellent set for health and safety / regulatory work. Serious talent on display at every level.’
‘Several well known and respected regulatory juniors and silks.’
Three Raymond Buildings
With particular experience in the construction, transport, retail and entertainment industries, Three Raymond Buildings is sought out by local and national regulators, companies and individuals for advice on a range of health and safety matters, including major disasters and serious workplace injuries and fatalities. Sophie Cartwright joined the set in February 2023, and is also a member of Deans Court Chambers in Manchester.
Testimonials
‘Great clerks room. Eddie Holland is notable.’
‘The clerks are excellent. Responsive, bright and helpful. Dean Brown and Chris Feathers in particular are fantastic.’
‘The clerks are very helpful.’
‘Clerks room is very good. Dean Brown excels.’
‘Three Raymond Buildings are an exceptional set of criminal, public law and regulatory barristers. They are always my first port of call.’
‘Very strong set.’
‘3 Raymond Buildings is an excellent Chambers with strength in depth.’
‘Good set for inquests and inquiry work.’
Work highlights
Crown Office Chambers
Testimonials
‘Toby Sparrow is without question the best clerk around. Hard working, diligent and anticipates the needs of instructing solicitors.’
‘The clerks are always extremely efficient in dealing with any enquiries.’
‘The clerks are great – they are highly responsive and easy to contact when required. Toby Sparrow leads a great team.’
‘Toby Sparrow leads a strong and efficient team of clerks.’
‘The clerks room is well led and helpful generally and specifically Toby Sparrow assists in the selection of counsel and offering of alternatives, promoting candidates in an effective but non-pushy way.’
‘The countries leading H&S set with strength and depth at silk and junior level.’
‘The barristers are all leaders in the field and the service is second to none.’
‘Crown Office Chambers is the ‘go-to’ set for health and safety and inquest instructions. The set has a broad experience, at all levels, and the clerking is top rate. Members of this set are at the forefront of H&S case law, and are involved in some of the highest profile cases of recent years. Cannot recommend the set enough.’
Work highlights
Henderson Chambers
Henderson Chambers is reputed for established expertise in fatal and serious injury trials and HSE prosecutions. Prashant Popat continues to be instructed on behalf of many large UK organisations and companies, such as National Highways, and was recently instructed by Siemens in a Health and Safety at Work Act prosecution following a fatality at a rail depot. Expert for corporate manslaughter prosecutions Oliver Campbell KC has been representing Branston Site Services in HSE v Tarmac and Branston Site Services, a high-profile prosecution arising out of a fatal accident in the largest quarry in the country. Tim Green KC is prosecuting for the HSE in a case arising from the death of a construction worker whilst unloading glass from pallets.
Testimonials
‘All the clerks are great to work with. Dan Smith is always reliable and quick to resolve any queries.’
‘Senior clerk Jason Housden is outstanding, as is Daniel Smith.’
‘Good and responsive.’
‘Very high calibre!’
‘Excellent!’
‘Henderson chambers are the leading set for health and safety.’
‘Premier team for Health and safety with real skills at KC and junior level with appreciation of commercial realities.’
‘Henderson Chambers are a go-to set for health and safety, products and complex injury. Counsel at the set are both excellent technically and reliable.’
2 Bedford Row
With a particular strong corporate manslaughter and individual gross negligence practice, 2 Bedford Row stays highly active across numerous industries, including leisure, retail, construction and health care, and is also experienced in advising fire and rescue authorities on prosecutions for fire safety breaches. Jim Sturman KC represented Costain and Galliford Try in a prosecution following the death of a construction worker working on the construction of the M1 “smart motorway”. Christine Agnew KC was instructed in the prosecution of two men charged with gross negligence manslaughter after a collision in Southampton water that caused the death of a 15-year-old girl. Alex Stein is prosecuting Amberley Homes Limited following a fall from height fatality at a construction site.
Testimonials
‘The clerks are always proactive and helpful. Paul Rodgers is very good.’
‘Paul Rodgers is excellent. Hardworking, responsive and always going the extra mile in terms of the provision of training etc.’
‘Certainly a strong criminal set and with a number of silks and senior juniors experienced and trustworthy in the health and safety and related “corporate crime” fields.’
‘Fantastic criminal set.’
‘2BR are a good set. Lots of strength in this field.
Work highlights
Six Pump Court
Six Pump Court is sought out by high profile clients, including multinational organisations, across a broad range of industries, such as manufacturing, rail, nuclear, maritime, construction and retail. Mark Watson KC prosecuted a manslaughter prosecution arising from a worker being fatally injured as a result of being run over by a reversing lorry. Mark Harris represented the Environment Agency in an inquest arising from the death of an employee of the organisation whilst felling trees near Shepperton Lock.
Testimonials
‘Richard Constable and Ryan Barrow in the clerks room are excellent at what they do. Not least, they make their work seem effortless, which is the sign of a very able clerk.’
‘The clerks provide the exact service you require, prompt and friendly, easy to communicate with.’
‘The clerks are always willing to go the extra mile and find a solution to a problem. The clerks are a credit to the set. They are approachable and friendly.’
‘The clerks are very good, proactive, personable and accommodating. Very prompt and contactable and always willing to help.’
‘The senior clerk Richard is extremely knowledgable and helpful. He is proactive in dealing with the crown court list offices and assists our paralegals immensely in ensuring the smooth progress of the case.’
‘Michael Hearn at 6 Pump Court is the best clerk I have worked with. He responds quickly to emails, is always willing to negotiate on fees and is friendly and approachable. ‘
‘6 Pump Court is a brilliant set. It has a large portfolio of health and safety lawyers, all of whom are dedicated and talented.’
‘I have always been extremely happy with the set as a whole. A decent bunch of people from the clerks all the way up to KC’s’
Work highlights
2 Hare Court
2 Hare Court continues to advise and defend a broad range of corporate clients, as well as individual directors, on proceedings by regulators and enforcement bodies such as the Health and Safety Executive. Alexandra Tampakopoulos is instructed by Seaway Heavy Lifting Ltd in relation to a prosecution by the Health and Safety Executive arising from an incident which injured seven employees installing an offshore wind turbine in the North Sea. James Buchanan is defending two paramedics who are charged with gross negligence manslaughter after a series of incidents that culminated in a vulnerable member of the public’s death.
Testimonials
‘The clerking service is excellent – they provide prompt responses in requests and regularly help with sorting listings. Julian Campbell is particularly impressive.’
‘Clerks are always very helpful.’
‘Easy to work with and responsive clerks.’
‘Good clerking.’
‘2 Hare Court are highly regarded within the regulatory arena and provide an impressive offering of counsel’
‘2 Hare Court have an industry-leading reputation for health and safety work. Jim Buchanan and Craig Ferguson are very well respected. Their annual health and safety seminar highlights the technical expertise of the Chambers.’
‘2 Hare Court provide an impressive offering.’
‘Availability is good and the 2HC Regulatory Seminar is always worth attending.’
Work highlights
Temple Garden Chambers
Temple Garden Chambers is known for successfully handling corporate manslaughter charges at trial and on appeal. Keith Morton KC is leading Fiona Canby in representing Transport for London in the prosecution arising out of the Croydon Tram crash, and also represented the employer of a bus driver who had been run over and suffered life changing injuries while running near his depot. Dominic Adamson KC acted for Incarcare Ltd in a prosecution following a fatality at a stock car racing track in Birmingham.
Testimonials
‘Helpful, knowledgeable and courteous clerks.’
‘The clerks are always friendly and approachable.’
‘A strong set for a wide range of regulatory cases. Go-to chambers in London.’
‘Strong leaders and talented juniors.’
Work highlights
Outer Temple Chambers
Equipped to handle an array of health and safety matters, Outer Temple Chambers offers established expertise in maritime and rail related safety cases, and has a track record of prosecution for the Maritime and Coastguard Authority. James Leonard KC ‘s recent workload includes the representation of a company director charged with gross negligence manslaughter and section 37 offense following a fatal accident on a demolition site. Paul Rogers was represented MotorSport Vision in a prosecution arising from a fatality in an accident during a motorcycle track day.
Testimonials
‘The clerks are very good.’
‘Nicholas Levett is extremely professional and great to deal with. He is personable and runs a very smooth and effective operation.’
‘Always helpful and responsive.’
‘Outer Temple is an excellent set for health and safety / regulatory work. Serious talent on display at every level.’
‘Several well known and respected regulatory juniors and silks.’
Three Raymond Buildings
With particular experience in the construction, transport, retail and entertainment industries, Three Raymond Buildings is sought out by local and national regulators, companies and individuals for advice on a range of health and safety matters, including major disasters and serious workplace injuries and fatalities. Sophie Cartwright joined the set in February 2023, and is also a member of Deans Court Chambers in Manchester.
Testimonials
‘Great clerks room. Eddie Holland is notable.’
‘The clerks are excellent. Responsive, bright and helpful. Dean Brown and Chris Feathers in particular are fantastic.’
‘The clerks are very helpful.’
‘Clerks room is very good. Dean Brown excels.’
‘Three Raymond Buildings are an exceptional set of criminal, public law and regulatory barristers. They are always my first port of call.’
‘Very strong set.’
‘3 Raymond Buildings is an excellent Chambers with strength in depth.’
‘Good set for inquests and inquiry work.’