The set at 12 King’s Bench Walk is described as ‘the best personal injury set at the Bar’, and has a reputation for its breadth of expertise across the set, which range from catastrophic and fatal personal injury work, to industrial disease and fraud. ‘Brilliant mind’ William Audland KC is instructed for the Rugby Football League on the high-profile concussion matters brought by multiple claimants in Dyson & Others v RFL. Patrick Kerr is worthy of mention, having recently succeeded for the claimant in a mesothelioma claim against the BBC. Michael Rawlinson KC notably led Kate Boakes and Cressida Mawdesley-Thomas successfully for the claimant in Mather v Ministry of Defence, wherein a £3m settlement was reached for a former RAF airman who developed multiple sclerosis following exposure to solvents in excess of the maximum standard regulatory limits.
Personal injury, industrial disease and insurance fraud in
London Bar12 King's Bench Walk
Testimonials
Set
’12 KBW is the best personal injury set at the Bar. They have strength and depth at all levels.’
‘The chambers are excellent. A very broad skill set, helpful, specialists in their field. They work closely with my firm on complex, specialist claims.’
‘The set have a wealth of specialists in asbestos-related disease and always have able cover available if originally instructed counsel is not available.’
Clerking
‘The clerks’ room is excellent; easy to deal with and noting is ever too much trouble.’
‘Good clerks who take the time to get to know their clients. Oliver Parkhouse runs a tight ship, Graham Johnson is superb and George Boggis is an up and coming leader.’
‘All the clerks I have dealt with have been helpful and have gone out of their way to arrange meetings and trials.’
‘The clerks do an excellent job. They are very responsive and will do all they can to assist.’
‘The clerks are all first-rate and will go out of their way to accommodate and facilitate instructions.’
‘The clerks are available and organised. Service is always first-class.’
39 Essex Chambers
39 Essex Chambers is described as being ‘one of the top personal injury sets’ and the team frequently acts on complex, maximum severity matters. Its strength was bolstered significantly in 2021 by the addition of four barristers, including Simon Browne KC, who carries consistently impressive work acting on severe brain and spinal injury cases of high-value and complexity, a recent example of which being his leading for the defendant public house in Kinder v The Cricketers Arms, a case concerning an allegedly inebriated pub customer who, after walking through the door the cellar, fell down steps and resultantly became tetraplegic and is claiming multi-millions in damages; the case involves novel areas of licensing law. Another recent addition to the team, Nina Goolamali KC is described as ‘impeccable’ in this practice area and has particular expertise in personal injury cases in a sports context, whilst the ‘formidable’ Charles Cory-Wright KC is noteworthy for his high-value and frequently cross-jurisdictional catastrophic work. At the junior end, Michael Standing is developing a strong traumatic brain injury practice.
Testimonials
Set
‘One of the top personal injury sets, with great depth.’
‘They are a first-rate set in the area.’
‘A very good set with excellent depth in connection with personal injury cases.’
’39 Essex are one of the leading personal injury and clinical negligence sets in the country. The quality of their practitioners is consistently high and they have an excellent reputation in the field.’
’39 Essex Chambers is an excellent set; well managed, rich in good quality, impressive barristers and second-to-none in terms of their ability to field talented counsel at all levels, juniors through to silks.’
Clerking
‘The clerks are very friendly and always happy to help.’
‘Always a good service from the clerks.’
‘Fast and responsive clerking, timely invoicing, pleasant and helpful. Hannah Milne and Ben Sundborg are the two clerks I speak to the most and both very easy to work with and pleasant.’
‘Ben Sundborg is standout clerk who gets things done.’
‘The clerks’ room at 39 Essex Chambers is well organised, reliable and easy to interact with, effectively representing the interests of counsel whilst delivering a good service to their clients.’
Work highlights
Crown Office Chambers
The ‘well-established’ set Crown Office Chambers has a strong reputation in personal injury work and is particularly renowned for its industrial disease specialism. Christopher Kennedy KC successfully represented the defendant at appeal in Campbell v Advantage Insurance Co Ltd, a case regarding the test to be applied when considering the contributory negligence of an intoxicated passenger, a point previously unclarified in the English law. Further, senior-junior Catherine Foster ‘s unled work on the Lambeth Redress Scheme, assisting victims of childhood sexual assault, as well as her work in defence of a Jehovah’s Witnesses congregation allegedly vicariously liable for a rape committed by a group elder in BXB v Watch Tower and others, have been particularly notable.
Testimonials
Set
‘The set offers a wide variety of counsel at varying levels making them attractive to use.’
‘A well-established set.’
‘Crown Office Chambers are my go to set for all levels of personal injury work. They never let us down and are brilliant to work with.’
‘An excellent set, particularly in relation to disease work, where they are specialists.’
‘This is one of the strongest sets in the country in my field of injury and disease.’
Clerking
‘Greg Frewin manages the set of counsel exceptionally well and is reliable, especially when sorting hearings last minute.’
‘Excellent – clerks are all very approachable and quick to respond.’
‘Chambers are friendly and the clerks are efficient and willing to assist with any tasks they can.’
‘The clerks are friendly, helpful and a pleasure work with.’
‘An excellent team of clerks led by James Wilkinson. Nothing is too much trouble and they are very responsive; a class act.’
Work highlights
Deka Chambers
The ‘excellent’ Deka Chambers has a strong reputation for its ‘high-quality barristers with experience in the field.’ Giles Mooney KC has acted on standout catastrophic injury work, namely for the claimant on the 2021 Court of Appeal case Ford v Seymour-Williams, which shows his niche expertise in matters involving the Animals Act 1971; additional notable work includes his action for claimants involved in Croydon tram crash, a matter involving particular points on prosthetics. From the 1 Chancery Lane side of the merger, Simon Readhead KC, described as having a ‘genuine star quality’, has handled impressive work on fatal and serious injury matters, often involving psychiatric factors, and Matthew Chapman KC is active in catastrophic injury cases, which are often international in scope and feature complex causation issues.
Testimonials
Set
‘A very good set with a broad range of experience, always willing to listen and help out on a range of issues.’
‘In my opinion, the best set for personal injury work because it has so many high-quality barristers with experience in the field of personal injury.’
‘A 21st century set in terms of service delivery, technology, chambers’ facilities but, above all, a modern and collaborative attitude to working.’
Clerking
‘Michael Goodridge is a titan of the clerking world. He is absolutely first-class, and chambers runs very efficiently under his leadership. Phones are answered promptly (which is rare) and the clerks are genuinely helpful and always call back if assistance cannot be provided immediately.’
‘The clerks are helpful, efficient and provide a very professional service.’
‘The service from the clerks’ room is impeccable and, frankly, streets ahead of any other Chambers.’
‘Clerks are helpful and efficient.’
‘The clerks as a whole were extremely efficient and very helpful at all times, particularly we required urgent assistance.’
Work highlights
2 Temple Gardens
The set at 2 Temple Gardens has a strong reputation for its ‘enormous experience’ in the field of personal injury. Notably, Lucy Wyles KC and the ‘extremely knowledgeable’ Rehana Azib KC are both newly appointed silks at the chambers. In addition, Benjamin Browne KC is continuing to act on high-value, complex catastrophic injury matters, namely acting for the defendant care home in the cross-border quantum dispute case of Sullivan v The Care Agency in the Supreme Court of Gibraltar. Marie Louise Kinsler KC is leading for the defence in the case of Peacock v Del Seatek and Hyundai Heavy Industries, involving a diving accident off the coast of India and resultant complex issues of jurisdiction for the claimant. Further, ‘outstanding junior’ Niazi Fetto is developing an impressive reputation for his mesothelioma work, and has also led juniors on international maximum severity matters. Also at the junior end, Helen Bell and the ‘well-regarded’ Jack Harris are up-and-coming in this practice area.
Testimonials
Set
‘There is strength in the number of barrister of all calls available.’
‘A very strong set even by the capital’s standards.’
‘An above average set with some real superstars.’
‘A very well-known set in this area with enormous experience.’
Clerking
‘Clerking is first-rate, particularly Lee Tyler and Matthew Moylan.’
‘2TG are my go-to chambers in London as the clerks are really helpful and counsel have always provided a high-standard of work.’
‘Great service from the clerks, particularly Lee Tyler and Billy Hammonds.’
‘The clerks are very user-friendly and happy to assist wherever possible.’
Devereux
The personal injury team at Devereux is described as a ‘super set of chambers with a large depth of knowledge’. The ‘razor sharp’ Stephen Killalea KC continues to excel in the field, with consistently impressive work on high-value catastrophic cases, particularly those caused by road traffic accidents. In addition, junior Colin Mendoza is consistently involved in high-quality, independently-led work in high-value cases of serious injury. Notably, he is assisting on quantum in a claim against the event governing body brought by a marshal at a motocross event at Weymouth Beach who, whilst assisting a fallen rider, was hit by the second defendant’s motorcycle after he had ignored yellow flags and took the jump at full speed, landing on the claimant’s head, which resulted in brain damage. Stephen Cottrell , who is frequently led by top-tier silks on the most complex of matters, and Jonathan Butters , who has a developing specialism in mesothelioma matters, both warrant particular recognition also.
Testimonials
Set
‘A super set of chambers with a large depth of knowledge on all personal injury matters, including the most serious of catastrophic injury.’
‘A leading set with fantastic senior barristers.’
‘Devereux Chambers has a good availability of specialist counsel, including some very good senior juniors.’
‘A go-to set for catastrophic injury work.’
‘An excellent set with top silks and juniors alike; one of the best around.’
Clerking
‘The clerks are excellent, they know the role inside out and a pleasure to work with.’
‘Good clerks: friendly ,efficient and communicative; particularly James Hudson.’
‘Excellent clerks- Cyrus Biggs in particular.’
‘Exceptionally helpful and communicative clerks especially Cyrus Biggs who is sheer class.’
‘The clerks work very hard to accommodate challenging diaries – very responsive and always seeking to assist.’
Work highlights
Outer Temple Chambers
‘Premier league’ set Outer Temple Chambers
is noted as having ‘household names, leading lights and stars of the future’ in personal injury. Jonathan Hand KC‘s equine specialism warrants notable mention, including Rapolti v Redbarn Stud, in which case he defended a farm in high-value negligence claims brought by a trainer who required upper limb amputation when bitten by stallion which was attacked by another stallion; the claim was brought under the Animals Act 1971 and important issues of scope of ownership and the meaning of ‘keeper’ under the Act were discussed. Christopher Wilson-Smith KC has also continued his work on complex catastrophic and fatal injury work, which often has a cross-border element. Nathan Tavares KC‘s cases are often complex and consistently involve severe brain, spinal and orthopaedic injury cases, including ones with such additional complicating factors as pre-existing learning disabilities to consider. Junior Ben Bradley , described as ‘top-drawer and destined for silk’ has done particularly impressive work for sexual assault victims, whilst Ian Denham is developing an international specialism.
Testimonials
Set
‘A great set – always willing to put the right barrister forward to help out.’
‘The go-to set in London for heavyweight catastrophic injury work with household names, leading lights and stars of the future under one roof.’
‘In recent years, the set has grown considerably in terms of barristers who can turn their hand to cross-border personal injury work. They have some excellent juniors coming through. An excellent set of chambers.’
‘Outer Temple is a premier league set.’
‘A strong set in personal injury work. A good variety of different skill sets and experience.’
Clerking
‘Clerks are first-class and always accommodating.’
‘Graham Woods and Paul Barton both fantastic clerks.’
‘I have always received good and prompt service from the clerks at Outer Temple.’
‘The clerks are very efficient, professional and provide a good service.’
‘A very good clerking team. Highly responsive and polite.’
Work highlights
7BR
7BR is noted as a ‘fantastic set of chambers’. The team deals with a range of complex personal injury work, with some particular focus across the set on psychiatric injury and abuse. Particularly standout recent work comes from Adam Weitzman KC, whom has acted successfully in defence of the council in DFX v Coventry City Council, a case wherein four claimants were seeking £40m from the local council in relation to parental neglect and abuse they suffered over the course of fifteen years; it was found at trial that no duty of care existed, placing a damper on potential future claims against social workers. Steven Ford KC is another notable name, particularly for his action on brain injury matters, as well as on complex sexual abuse cases. ‘Master of his brief’ and leading junior Julian Matthews has continued to act on complex catastrophic injury cases, including ones resulting from road traffic accidents.
Testimonials
Set
‘A leading set for historical sexual abuse litigation and general personal injury litigation, particularly on complex and catastrophic claims.’
‘I regularly use several of the barristers in this set because they have such strength-in-depth.’
‘7BR are a fantastic set of chambers! I have barristers from this set instructed on the majority of my cases as I have absolute confidence that there will be counsel available with the expertise required.’
‘7BR is one of the pre-eminent sets on abuse claims and claims against public authorities. They provide extensive and varied training in this area.’
‘7BR has a broad spectrum of counsel at the variety of levels needed.’
Clerks
‘A superb clerking team.’
‘The clerks have been fantastic, particularly Paul Eeles! They have always offered alternative counsel quickly where the primary counsel instructed has been unavailable.’
‘An excellent training programme and effective clerking.’
‘The clerks are always helpful and friendly.’
‘7BR has a broad range of excellent barristers and the clerks are extremely helpful.’
Old Square Chambers
The personal injury set at Old Square Chambers is renowned for its ‘talent in the personal injury field’. Recent developments amidst the team include the 2022 appointment to silk of Charles Woodhouse KC, and the continued impressive caseloads of Paul Rose KC and Ben Collins KC respectively. At the junior end, Kara Loraine has been led on matters including the ongoing £33m High Court case of Mathieu v Aviva, wherein she is acting for an art student who suffered a traumatic brain injury when hit by a moped in 2015 but went on to become a successful contemporary artist; discussions include whether provisional damages can be awarded for the risk of developing dementia and on the taxation of damages for a claimant residing abroad claiming for the onset of later illness. In addition, Adam Samuel is notable for his representation of high-profile defendant insurers on multi-million-pound matters, including Galvin v Chief Constable of Thames Valley Police, wherein the claimant policeman was seeking damages against the force for injuries suffered whilst he pursued a suspected thief, and his proceeding retirement from front line duties in the force – the claim was dismissed in full.
Testimonials
Set
‘Old Square have always had talent in the personal injury field.’
‘An excellent set.’
‘A good set to use and I would recommend them for PI work.’
‘Old Square Chambers are a quality set with a depth-of-knowledge across a wide are of my area of specialism.’
‘London is a competitive area for sets and Old Square are one of the leading sets in the field of personal injury litigation.’
Clerking
‘Senior Clerk Will Meade is the best in the business. He understands client value and will go out of his way to ensure that the service provided is exceptional. I highly-rate the clerks at chambers.’
‘The clerking is excellent; they are always prepared to go the extra mile.’
‘Old Square chambers are fantastic. The clerks, especially Olivia Moliterno and Will Meade, care as much about our clients as we do.’
‘The clerks are one of the many reasons why we instruct Old Square.’
‘Good clerking.’
Work highlights
Temple Garden Chambers
Temple Garden Chambers is known as a ‘good set for high-value personal injury work’ and has a strong reputation for having ‘well-regarded silks and a particularly impressive line up of senior juniors’. Jonathan Watt-Pringle KC is described as ‘fantastic’ and acts on consistently high-value catastrophic cases, a recent example acting in defence of the BBC on the high-profile case of Stansfield v BBC, wherein a traumatic head injury suffered by a presenter as part of multiple crash-test stunts for the Bang Goes the Theory television series; the case involved complex factors of contributory negligence. In addition, as regards the juniors, Anthony Johnson notably successfully represented the defendant alongside Simon Browne KC in the Court of Appeal case Seabrook v Adam, in which Part 36 offers were discussed; the court accepted that a Part 36 offer had to be appraised in the context of the surrounding circumstances of the proceedings and confirmed that Part 36 offers in relation to liability only will not apply in cases where liability has already been conceded. Insurance fraud specialists in the set include Edward Hutchin and ‘accomplished advocate’ Tim Sharpe.
Testimonials
Set
‘This set of barristers and clerks are the best. They make me look good because they do such a great job.’
‘A great set with a wide variety of styles at different levels to suit most tastes.’
‘Temple Garden Chambers is an excellent set and has an abundance of talent at all levels in personal injury. I instruct from junior juniors to leading counsel on varied value cases, and I am confident in being able to instruct multiple counsel at all levels. ‘
‘A good, solid broad-based PI and employment set with plenty of depth and strength in these areas.’
‘Temple Garden Chambers are a very good set for high-value personal injury work, with some well-regarded silks and a particularly impressive line up of senior juniors.’
Clerking
The Clerks play a massive part in the popularity of this set.
Clerks service is the best around. Keith Sharman in particular is faultlessly responsive and helps to run a great team under Dean Norton
The service is excellent and the clerks’ room team are reliable, proactive and personable.
Generally deal with the same clerk, Jack Hebron who is very organised and responds quickly.
‘The clerks are excellent and really set the standard. They are always highly responsive and prepared to work collaboratively in order to accommodate us. Jordon Gallifant is excellent.’
Work highlights
1 Crown Office Row
1 Crown Office Row has a reputation for being ‘a very strong set of exceptional and skilled silks and juniors’ in personal injury, with a particular specialism in abuse claims on top of cases involving physical injuries. Notable work this year includes the ‘incredibly skilled’ Elizabeth-Anne Gumbel KC‘s complex and high-value work in cases of catastrophic injury in adults and children. In addition, Henry Witcomb KC has continued his maximum severity injury cases involving brain, spine and tetraplegic injury. At the junior end, Iain O’Donnell has been promoted in the rankings for his exceptional work for historical abuse victims, particularly the claimant survivors of historical sexual abuse at a childrens’ home in Various Claimants v London Borough of Lambeth (Shirley Oaks Survivors Group claims). In addition, Dominic Ruck Keene deserves mention for his growing specialism in psychiatric injury and stress at work cases.
Testimonials
Set
‘ A really great set of barristers who know their area of law exceptionally well.’
‘A superb chambers, offering a broad range of disciplines. Undoubtedly the best set for abuse work.’
‘A very strong set of exceptional and skilled silks and juniors.’
‘1COR are a brilliant set. They are fairly diverse in their expertise. There is a coterie of counsel who specialise in abuse and high-end clinical negligence work, and it is for these strengths that we know them.’
‘1COR is one of the best common law sets of chambers at the Bar. It has strength-in-depth and and all of its members are intellectually out of the top-drawer. It is well balanced in terms of diversity and ensures that all junior members are properly supported. Overall, it is a go-to set in terms of personal injury practice.’
Clerking
‘The clerks are professional yet friendly and helpful’
‘The clerks work hard to get things done.’
‘The clerks are fantastic, particularly Louis Candy; very responsive with emails and eager to please.’
‘The clerks are friendly, professional and responsive.’
‘The clerks are great- always willing and able to facilitate requests from instructing solicitors to trial availability and liaising with the court for listing approvals.’
Cloisters
Cloisters has a reputation as a ‘very good set of highly-respected silks and juniors’ in the personal injury space. In particular, the team members this year continue their impressive work on road traffic accident-induced catastrophic injury work. Namely, William Latimer-Sayer KC is representing the claimant, a former RAF air traffic controller who suffered severe spinal injury resulting in complete motor and sensory paraplegia as a result of a bicycle accident on the A32, in the case of Rose v Taylor; following the accident the claimant won a gold and two silver medals at the 2018 Invictus Games in Sydney. In addition, Latimer-Sayer KC has led newly ranked ‘future personal injury star’ Chesca Lord, who deals solely with complex quantum, on high-value matters of catastrophic injury. Tamar Burton is active in, among other areas, motor injury cases and often led by high-ranking Silks. Patricia Hitchcock KC retired in 2021.
Testimonials
Set
‘Cloisters are one of the best sets in this area of work. Their strength-in-depth is very impressive.’
‘A very good set of highly-respected silks and junior.’
‘Cloisters are an excellent, almost old-fashioned set in that they are a relatively small set with a group of excellent barristers, whom are all highly-respected and provide a personal service to those solicitors who have instructed them for years.’
‘Cloisters are an excellent chambers we know well and their support teams and barristers are first-rate.’
‘Cloisters are excellent.’
Clerking
‘A good clerks’ room – very accommodating.’
‘A good, very competent clerks’ room – experienced and helpful. One could not ask for more.’
‘The clerks are proficient and cope well with demand.’
‘I have had a good experience with the clerks.’
‘The best clerking team I work with.’
Work highlights
Farrar's Building
‘Excellent set’ Farrar’s Building has a strong personal injury offering, with a particular weighting towards juniors in its team. Particularly exceptional members include Joshua Hedgman , who frequently acts on high-value catastrophic injury work, namely having represented the defence on the multi-party action brought against them in the case of Various Claimants v Lime Green Events Limited (We Are FSTVL) regarding a stampede in a festival queue in 2019 which led to numerous injuries, ranging in severity. Huw Davies is also noteworthy for his representation of high-profile defendants on complex quantum cases, as is Howard Cohen for his frequently high-value independent action on injury cases and Nick Blake for his complex and consistently high-value cases.
Testimonials
Set
‘Farrar’s has a number of excellent individuals whom we instruct frequently.’
‘Farrar’s is an excellent set with a good range of counsel for all types of cases. They are my go-to’ set.’
‘The set has a good offering at different levels.’
‘Farrar’s Building is my preferred set for personal injury claims. They have a large number of suitably experienced counsel that can assist on personal injury matters, and I have always been pleased by any of the ‘substitutes’ if my preferred choice of Counsel is unavailable for any reason.’
‘A good set of chambers and choice of counsel.’
Clerking
‘Very approachable clerks. James Shaw and Kraig Marsh are both very amenable.’
‘The clerks are always efficient, friendly and helpful.’
‘The clerks at chambers are all extremely friendly and approachable.’
‘A fabulous group of clerks.’
‘A great set of chambers; the clerks are exceptionally helpful and provide quick responses. They are always able to accommodate requests for counsel at short notice.’
Work highlights
Gatehouse Chambers
Gatehouse Chambers has a strong reputation as a ‘fantastic set’ in personal injury with a ‘good range of barristers.’ Charles Bagot KC, described as ‘doing his utmost with every instruction’, continues to work on high-profile, high-value and often cross-border cases, including Hoff v Langley Design & Multiple Defendants, in which he is acting for the furniture company, one of multiple defendants in the case wherein furniture collapsed onto a six-year-old school child causing catastrophic brain injury. In addition, junior Colm Nugent continues to excel in the set, acting on cross-border, high-profile cases, which this year have included such complex matters as catastrophic brain injury, amputation and multiple fatalities, many of which he has acted on unled.
Testimonials
Set
‘This is a good and well-known set with a number of experienced advocates who also have part-time judicial office.’
‘Gatehouse always offer appropriate Counsel when requested, even at short notice, which is hugely appreciated. They also host a good range of webinars on relevant and current topics of interest. All in all, Gatehouse are a great set of people to work with.’
‘The set have a good range of barristers; counsel always tend to be available and reply quickly to questions and instructions.’
‘Gatehouse is a fantastic set. It is ambitious but also holds personal relationships dear in what might be considered by some, an old-fashioned way, nonetheless crucial to those instructing their Counsel.’
‘A hard act to beat.’
Clerking
‘Very strong indeed for personal injury. Natasha Devlin-Clingham is the stand out clerk for the department; she’s knowledgeable, listens to what is needed and she is a problem solver. Full marks!’
‘The clerks are great and have a fantastic awareness of the needs of the instructing solicitors, as well as being diligent, responsive and approachable.’
‘All the clerks at Gatehouse Chambers are courteous and helpful.’
‘The clerks are very good and they have a strong set of training seminars.’
‘The clerks always seem very attentive. I have never had any issues. They liaise promptly regarding matters such as conferences, hearings and fees and are always on hand in case a stand in is needed.’
Work highlights
12 King's Bench Walk
Testimonials
Set
’12 KBW is the best personal injury set at the Bar. They have strength and depth at all levels.’
‘The chambers are excellent. A very broad skill set, helpful, specialists in their field. They work closely with my firm on complex, specialist claims.’
‘The set have a wealth of specialists in asbestos-related disease and always have able cover available if originally instructed counsel is not available.’
Clerking
‘The clerks’ room is excellent; easy to deal with and noting is ever too much trouble.’
‘Good clerks who take the time to get to know their clients. Oliver Parkhouse runs a tight ship, Graham Johnson is superb and George Boggis is an up and coming leader.’
‘All the clerks I have dealt with have been helpful and have gone out of their way to arrange meetings and trials.’
‘The clerks do an excellent job. They are very responsive and will do all they can to assist.’
‘The clerks are all first-rate and will go out of their way to accommodate and facilitate instructions.’
‘The clerks are available and organised. Service is always first-class.’
39 Essex Chambers
39 Essex Chambers is described as being ‘one of the top personal injury sets’ and the team frequently acts on complex, maximum severity matters. Its strength was bolstered significantly in 2021 by the addition of four barristers, including Simon Browne KC, who carries consistently impressive work acting on severe brain and spinal injury cases of high-value and complexity, a recent example of which being his leading for the defendant public house in Kinder v The Cricketers Arms, a case concerning an allegedly inebriated pub customer who, after walking through the door the cellar, fell down steps and resultantly became tetraplegic and is claiming multi-millions in damages; the case involves novel areas of licensing law. Another recent addition to the team, Nina Goolamali KC is described as ‘impeccable’ in this practice area and has particular expertise in personal injury cases in a sports context, whilst the ‘formidable’ Charles Cory-Wright KC is noteworthy for his high-value and frequently cross-jurisdictional catastrophic work. At the junior end, Michael Standing is developing a strong traumatic brain injury practice.
Testimonials
Set
‘One of the top personal injury sets, with great depth.’
‘They are a first-rate set in the area.’
‘A very good set with excellent depth in connection with personal injury cases.’
’39 Essex are one of the leading personal injury and clinical negligence sets in the country. The quality of their practitioners is consistently high and they have an excellent reputation in the field.’
’39 Essex Chambers is an excellent set; well managed, rich in good quality, impressive barristers and second-to-none in terms of their ability to field talented counsel at all levels, juniors through to silks.’
Clerking
‘The clerks are very friendly and always happy to help.’
‘Always a good service from the clerks.’
‘Fast and responsive clerking, timely invoicing, pleasant and helpful. Hannah Milne and Ben Sundborg are the two clerks I speak to the most and both very easy to work with and pleasant.’
‘Ben Sundborg is standout clerk who gets things done.’
‘The clerks’ room at 39 Essex Chambers is well organised, reliable and easy to interact with, effectively representing the interests of counsel whilst delivering a good service to their clients.’
Work highlights
Crown Office Chambers
The ‘well-established’ set Crown Office Chambers has a strong reputation in personal injury work and is particularly renowned for its industrial disease specialism. Christopher Kennedy KC successfully represented the defendant at appeal in Campbell v Advantage Insurance Co Ltd, a case regarding the test to be applied when considering the contributory negligence of an intoxicated passenger, a point previously unclarified in the English law. Further, senior-junior Catherine Foster ‘s unled work on the Lambeth Redress Scheme, assisting victims of childhood sexual assault, as well as her work in defence of a Jehovah’s Witnesses congregation allegedly vicariously liable for a rape committed by a group elder in BXB v Watch Tower and others, have been particularly notable.
Testimonials
Set
‘The set offers a wide variety of counsel at varying levels making them attractive to use.’
‘A well-established set.’
‘Crown Office Chambers are my go to set for all levels of personal injury work. They never let us down and are brilliant to work with.’
‘An excellent set, particularly in relation to disease work, where they are specialists.’
‘This is one of the strongest sets in the country in my field of injury and disease.’
Clerking
‘Greg Frewin manages the set of counsel exceptionally well and is reliable, especially when sorting hearings last minute.’
‘Excellent – clerks are all very approachable and quick to respond.’
‘Chambers are friendly and the clerks are efficient and willing to assist with any tasks they can.’
‘The clerks are friendly, helpful and a pleasure work with.’
‘An excellent team of clerks led by James Wilkinson. Nothing is too much trouble and they are very responsive; a class act.’
Work highlights
Deka Chambers
The ‘excellent’ Deka Chambers has a strong reputation for its ‘high-quality barristers with experience in the field.’ Giles Mooney KC has acted on standout catastrophic injury work, namely for the claimant on the 2021 Court of Appeal case Ford v Seymour-Williams, which shows his niche expertise in matters involving the Animals Act 1971; additional notable work includes his action for claimants involved in Croydon tram crash, a matter involving particular points on prosthetics. From the 1 Chancery Lane side of the merger, Simon Readhead KC, described as having a ‘genuine star quality’, has handled impressive work on fatal and serious injury matters, often involving psychiatric factors, and Matthew Chapman KC is active in catastrophic injury cases, which are often international in scope and feature complex causation issues.
Testimonials
Set
‘A very good set with a broad range of experience, always willing to listen and help out on a range of issues.’
‘In my opinion, the best set for personal injury work because it has so many high-quality barristers with experience in the field of personal injury.’
‘A 21st century set in terms of service delivery, technology, chambers’ facilities but, above all, a modern and collaborative attitude to working.’
Clerking
‘Michael Goodridge is a titan of the clerking world. He is absolutely first-class, and chambers runs very efficiently under his leadership. Phones are answered promptly (which is rare) and the clerks are genuinely helpful and always call back if assistance cannot be provided immediately.’
‘The clerks are helpful, efficient and provide a very professional service.’
‘The service from the clerks’ room is impeccable and, frankly, streets ahead of any other Chambers.’
‘Clerks are helpful and efficient.’
‘The clerks as a whole were extremely efficient and very helpful at all times, particularly we required urgent assistance.’
Work highlights
2 Temple Gardens
The set at 2 Temple Gardens has a strong reputation for its ‘enormous experience’ in the field of personal injury. Notably, Lucy Wyles KC and the ‘extremely knowledgeable’ Rehana Azib KC are both newly appointed silks at the chambers. In addition, Benjamin Browne KC is continuing to act on high-value, complex catastrophic injury matters, namely acting for the defendant care home in the cross-border quantum dispute case of Sullivan v The Care Agency in the Supreme Court of Gibraltar. Marie Louise Kinsler KC is leading for the defence in the case of Peacock v Del Seatek and Hyundai Heavy Industries, involving a diving accident off the coast of India and resultant complex issues of jurisdiction for the claimant. Further, ‘outstanding junior’ Niazi Fetto is developing an impressive reputation for his mesothelioma work, and has also led juniors on international maximum severity matters. Also at the junior end, Helen Bell and the ‘well-regarded’ Jack Harris are up-and-coming in this practice area.
Testimonials
Set
‘There is strength in the number of barrister of all calls available.’
‘A very strong set even by the capital’s standards.’
‘An above average set with some real superstars.’
‘A very well-known set in this area with enormous experience.’
Clerking
‘Clerking is first-rate, particularly Lee Tyler and Matthew Moylan.’
‘2TG are my go-to chambers in London as the clerks are really helpful and counsel have always provided a high-standard of work.’
‘Great service from the clerks, particularly Lee Tyler and Billy Hammonds.’
‘The clerks are very user-friendly and happy to assist wherever possible.’
Devereux
The personal injury team at Devereux is described as a ‘super set of chambers with a large depth of knowledge’. The ‘razor sharp’ Stephen Killalea KC continues to excel in the field, with consistently impressive work on high-value catastrophic cases, particularly those caused by road traffic accidents. In addition, junior Colin Mendoza is consistently involved in high-quality, independently-led work in high-value cases of serious injury. Notably, he is assisting on quantum in a claim against the event governing body brought by a marshal at a motocross event at Weymouth Beach who, whilst assisting a fallen rider, was hit by the second defendant’s motorcycle after he had ignored yellow flags and took the jump at full speed, landing on the claimant’s head, which resulted in brain damage. Stephen Cottrell , who is frequently led by top-tier silks on the most complex of matters, and Jonathan Butters , who has a developing specialism in mesothelioma matters, both warrant particular recognition also.
Testimonials
Set
‘A super set of chambers with a large depth of knowledge on all personal injury matters, including the most serious of catastrophic injury.’
‘A leading set with fantastic senior barristers.’
‘Devereux Chambers has a good availability of specialist counsel, including some very good senior juniors.’
‘A go-to set for catastrophic injury work.’
‘An excellent set with top silks and juniors alike; one of the best around.’
Clerking
‘The clerks are excellent, they know the role inside out and a pleasure to work with.’
‘Good clerks: friendly ,efficient and communicative; particularly James Hudson.’
‘Excellent clerks- Cyrus Biggs in particular.’
‘Exceptionally helpful and communicative clerks especially Cyrus Biggs who is sheer class.’
‘The clerks work very hard to accommodate challenging diaries – very responsive and always seeking to assist.’
Work highlights
Outer Temple Chambers
‘Premier league’ set Outer Temple Chambers
is noted as having ‘household names, leading lights and stars of the future’ in personal injury. Jonathan Hand KC‘s equine specialism warrants notable mention, including Rapolti v Redbarn Stud, in which case he defended a farm in high-value negligence claims brought by a trainer who required upper limb amputation when bitten by stallion which was attacked by another stallion; the claim was brought under the Animals Act 1971 and important issues of scope of ownership and the meaning of ‘keeper’ under the Act were discussed. Christopher Wilson-Smith KC has also continued his work on complex catastrophic and fatal injury work, which often has a cross-border element. Nathan Tavares KC‘s cases are often complex and consistently involve severe brain, spinal and orthopaedic injury cases, including ones with such additional complicating factors as pre-existing learning disabilities to consider. Junior Ben Bradley , described as ‘top-drawer and destined for silk’ has done particularly impressive work for sexual assault victims, whilst Ian Denham is developing an international specialism.
Testimonials
Set
‘A great set – always willing to put the right barrister forward to help out.’
‘The go-to set in London for heavyweight catastrophic injury work with household names, leading lights and stars of the future under one roof.’
‘In recent years, the set has grown considerably in terms of barristers who can turn their hand to cross-border personal injury work. They have some excellent juniors coming through. An excellent set of chambers.’
‘Outer Temple is a premier league set.’
‘A strong set in personal injury work. A good variety of different skill sets and experience.’
Clerking
‘Clerks are first-class and always accommodating.’
‘Graham Woods and Paul Barton both fantastic clerks.’
‘I have always received good and prompt service from the clerks at Outer Temple.’
‘The clerks are very efficient, professional and provide a good service.’
‘A very good clerking team. Highly responsive and polite.’
Work highlights
7BR
7BR is noted as a ‘fantastic set of chambers’. The team deals with a range of complex personal injury work, with some particular focus across the set on psychiatric injury and abuse. Particularly standout recent work comes from Adam Weitzman KC, whom has acted successfully in defence of the council in DFX v Coventry City Council, a case wherein four claimants were seeking £40m from the local council in relation to parental neglect and abuse they suffered over the course of fifteen years; it was found at trial that no duty of care existed, placing a damper on potential future claims against social workers. Steven Ford KC is another notable name, particularly for his action on brain injury matters, as well as on complex sexual abuse cases. ‘Master of his brief’ and leading junior Julian Matthews has continued to act on complex catastrophic injury cases, including ones resulting from road traffic accidents.
Testimonials
Set
‘A leading set for historical sexual abuse litigation and general personal injury litigation, particularly on complex and catastrophic claims.’
‘I regularly use several of the barristers in this set because they have such strength-in-depth.’
‘7BR are a fantastic set of chambers! I have barristers from this set instructed on the majority of my cases as I have absolute confidence that there will be counsel available with the expertise required.’
‘7BR is one of the pre-eminent sets on abuse claims and claims against public authorities. They provide extensive and varied training in this area.’
‘7BR has a broad spectrum of counsel at the variety of levels needed.’
Clerks
‘A superb clerking team.’
‘The clerks have been fantastic, particularly Paul Eeles! They have always offered alternative counsel quickly where the primary counsel instructed has been unavailable.’
‘An excellent training programme and effective clerking.’
‘The clerks are always helpful and friendly.’
‘7BR has a broad range of excellent barristers and the clerks are extremely helpful.’
Old Square Chambers
The personal injury set at Old Square Chambers is renowned for its ‘talent in the personal injury field’. Recent developments amidst the team include the 2022 appointment to silk of Charles Woodhouse KC, and the continued impressive caseloads of Paul Rose KC and Ben Collins KC respectively. At the junior end, Kara Loraine has been led on matters including the ongoing £33m High Court case of Mathieu v Aviva, wherein she is acting for an art student who suffered a traumatic brain injury when hit by a moped in 2015 but went on to become a successful contemporary artist; discussions include whether provisional damages can be awarded for the risk of developing dementia and on the taxation of damages for a claimant residing abroad claiming for the onset of later illness. In addition, Adam Samuel is notable for his representation of high-profile defendant insurers on multi-million-pound matters, including Galvin v Chief Constable of Thames Valley Police, wherein the claimant policeman was seeking damages against the force for injuries suffered whilst he pursued a suspected thief, and his proceeding retirement from front line duties in the force – the claim was dismissed in full.
Testimonials
Set
‘Old Square have always had talent in the personal injury field.’
‘An excellent set.’
‘A good set to use and I would recommend them for PI work.’
‘Old Square Chambers are a quality set with a depth-of-knowledge across a wide are of my area of specialism.’
‘London is a competitive area for sets and Old Square are one of the leading sets in the field of personal injury litigation.’
Clerking
‘Senior Clerk Will Meade is the best in the business. He understands client value and will go out of his way to ensure that the service provided is exceptional. I highly-rate the clerks at chambers.’
‘The clerking is excellent; they are always prepared to go the extra mile.’
‘Old Square chambers are fantastic. The clerks, especially Olivia Moliterno and Will Meade, care as much about our clients as we do.’
‘The clerks are one of the many reasons why we instruct Old Square.’
‘Good clerking.’
Work highlights
Temple Garden Chambers
Temple Garden Chambers is known as a ‘good set for high-value personal injury work’ and has a strong reputation for having ‘well-regarded silks and a particularly impressive line up of senior juniors’. Jonathan Watt-Pringle KC is described as ‘fantastic’ and acts on consistently high-value catastrophic cases, a recent example acting in defence of the BBC on the high-profile case of Stansfield v BBC, wherein a traumatic head injury suffered by a presenter as part of multiple crash-test stunts for the Bang Goes the Theory television series; the case involved complex factors of contributory negligence. In addition, as regards the juniors, Anthony Johnson notably successfully represented the defendant alongside Simon Browne KC in the Court of Appeal case Seabrook v Adam, in which Part 36 offers were discussed; the court accepted that a Part 36 offer had to be appraised in the context of the surrounding circumstances of the proceedings and confirmed that Part 36 offers in relation to liability only will not apply in cases where liability has already been conceded. Insurance fraud specialists in the set include Edward Hutchin and ‘accomplished advocate’ Tim Sharpe.
Testimonials
Set
‘This set of barristers and clerks are the best. They make me look good because they do such a great job.’
‘A great set with a wide variety of styles at different levels to suit most tastes.’
‘Temple Garden Chambers is an excellent set and has an abundance of talent at all levels in personal injury. I instruct from junior juniors to leading counsel on varied value cases, and I am confident in being able to instruct multiple counsel at all levels. ‘
‘A good, solid broad-based PI and employment set with plenty of depth and strength in these areas.’
‘Temple Garden Chambers are a very good set for high-value personal injury work, with some well-regarded silks and a particularly impressive line up of senior juniors.’
Clerking
The Clerks play a massive part in the popularity of this set.
Clerks service is the best around. Keith Sharman in particular is faultlessly responsive and helps to run a great team under Dean Norton
The service is excellent and the clerks’ room team are reliable, proactive and personable.
Generally deal with the same clerk, Jack Hebron who is very organised and responds quickly.
‘The clerks are excellent and really set the standard. They are always highly responsive and prepared to work collaboratively in order to accommodate us. Jordon Gallifant is excellent.’
Work highlights
1 Crown Office Row
1 Crown Office Row has a reputation for being ‘a very strong set of exceptional and skilled silks and juniors’ in personal injury, with a particular specialism in abuse claims on top of cases involving physical injuries. Notable work this year includes the ‘incredibly skilled’ Elizabeth-Anne Gumbel KC‘s complex and high-value work in cases of catastrophic injury in adults and children. In addition, Henry Witcomb KC has continued his maximum severity injury cases involving brain, spine and tetraplegic injury. At the junior end, Iain O’Donnell has been promoted in the rankings for his exceptional work for historical abuse victims, particularly the claimant survivors of historical sexual abuse at a childrens’ home in Various Claimants v London Borough of Lambeth (Shirley Oaks Survivors Group claims). In addition, Dominic Ruck Keene deserves mention for his growing specialism in psychiatric injury and stress at work cases.
Testimonials
Set
‘ A really great set of barristers who know their area of law exceptionally well.’
‘A superb chambers, offering a broad range of disciplines. Undoubtedly the best set for abuse work.’
‘A very strong set of exceptional and skilled silks and juniors.’
‘1COR are a brilliant set. They are fairly diverse in their expertise. There is a coterie of counsel who specialise in abuse and high-end clinical negligence work, and it is for these strengths that we know them.’
‘1COR is one of the best common law sets of chambers at the Bar. It has strength-in-depth and and all of its members are intellectually out of the top-drawer. It is well balanced in terms of diversity and ensures that all junior members are properly supported. Overall, it is a go-to set in terms of personal injury practice.’
Clerking
‘The clerks are professional yet friendly and helpful’
‘The clerks work hard to get things done.’
‘The clerks are fantastic, particularly Louis Candy; very responsive with emails and eager to please.’
‘The clerks are friendly, professional and responsive.’
‘The clerks are great- always willing and able to facilitate requests from instructing solicitors to trial availability and liaising with the court for listing approvals.’
Cloisters
Cloisters has a reputation as a ‘very good set of highly-respected silks and juniors’ in the personal injury space. In particular, the team members this year continue their impressive work on road traffic accident-induced catastrophic injury work. Namely, William Latimer-Sayer KC is representing the claimant, a former RAF air traffic controller who suffered severe spinal injury resulting in complete motor and sensory paraplegia as a result of a bicycle accident on the A32, in the case of Rose v Taylor; following the accident the claimant won a gold and two silver medals at the 2018 Invictus Games in Sydney. In addition, Latimer-Sayer KC has led newly ranked ‘future personal injury star’ Chesca Lord, who deals solely with complex quantum, on high-value matters of catastrophic injury. Tamar Burton is active in, among other areas, motor injury cases and often led by high-ranking Silks. Patricia Hitchcock KC retired in 2021.
Testimonials
Set
‘Cloisters are one of the best sets in this area of work. Their strength-in-depth is very impressive.’
‘A very good set of highly-respected silks and junior.’
‘Cloisters are an excellent, almost old-fashioned set in that they are a relatively small set with a group of excellent barristers, whom are all highly-respected and provide a personal service to those solicitors who have instructed them for years.’
‘Cloisters are an excellent chambers we know well and their support teams and barristers are first-rate.’
‘Cloisters are excellent.’
Clerking
‘A good clerks’ room – very accommodating.’
‘A good, very competent clerks’ room – experienced and helpful. One could not ask for more.’
‘The clerks are proficient and cope well with demand.’
‘I have had a good experience with the clerks.’
‘The best clerking team I work with.’
Work highlights
Farrar's Building
‘Excellent set’ Farrar’s Building has a strong personal injury offering, with a particular weighting towards juniors in its team. Particularly exceptional members include Joshua Hedgman , who frequently acts on high-value catastrophic injury work, namely having represented the defence on the multi-party action brought against them in the case of Various Claimants v Lime Green Events Limited (We Are FSTVL) regarding a stampede in a festival queue in 2019 which led to numerous injuries, ranging in severity. Huw Davies is also noteworthy for his representation of high-profile defendants on complex quantum cases, as is Howard Cohen for his frequently high-value independent action on injury cases and Nick Blake for his complex and consistently high-value cases.
Testimonials
Set
‘Farrar’s has a number of excellent individuals whom we instruct frequently.’
‘Farrar’s is an excellent set with a good range of counsel for all types of cases. They are my go-to’ set.’
‘The set has a good offering at different levels.’
‘Farrar’s Building is my preferred set for personal injury claims. They have a large number of suitably experienced counsel that can assist on personal injury matters, and I have always been pleased by any of the ‘substitutes’ if my preferred choice of Counsel is unavailable for any reason.’
‘A good set of chambers and choice of counsel.’
Clerking
‘Very approachable clerks. James Shaw and Kraig Marsh are both very amenable.’
‘The clerks are always efficient, friendly and helpful.’
‘The clerks at chambers are all extremely friendly and approachable.’
‘A fabulous group of clerks.’
‘A great set of chambers; the clerks are exceptionally helpful and provide quick responses. They are always able to accommodate requests for counsel at short notice.’
Work highlights
Gatehouse Chambers
Gatehouse Chambers has a strong reputation as a ‘fantastic set’ in personal injury with a ‘good range of barristers.’ Charles Bagot KC, described as ‘doing his utmost with every instruction’, continues to work on high-profile, high-value and often cross-border cases, including Hoff v Langley Design & Multiple Defendants, in which he is acting for the furniture company, one of multiple defendants in the case wherein furniture collapsed onto a six-year-old school child causing catastrophic brain injury. In addition, junior Colm Nugent continues to excel in the set, acting on cross-border, high-profile cases, which this year have included such complex matters as catastrophic brain injury, amputation and multiple fatalities, many of which he has acted on unled.
Testimonials
Set
‘This is a good and well-known set with a number of experienced advocates who also have part-time judicial office.’
‘Gatehouse always offer appropriate Counsel when requested, even at short notice, which is hugely appreciated. They also host a good range of webinars on relevant and current topics of interest. All in all, Gatehouse are a great set of people to work with.’
‘The set have a good range of barristers; counsel always tend to be available and reply quickly to questions and instructions.’
‘Gatehouse is a fantastic set. It is ambitious but also holds personal relationships dear in what might be considered by some, an old-fashioned way, nonetheless crucial to those instructing their Counsel.’
‘A hard act to beat.’
Clerking
‘Very strong indeed for personal injury. Natasha Devlin-Clingham is the stand out clerk for the department; she’s knowledgeable, listens to what is needed and she is a problem solver. Full marks!’
‘The clerks are great and have a fantastic awareness of the needs of the instructing solicitors, as well as being diligent, responsive and approachable.’
‘All the clerks at Gatehouse Chambers are courteous and helpful.’
‘The clerks are very good and they have a strong set of training seminars.’
‘The clerks always seem very attentive. I have never had any issues. They liaise promptly regarding matters such as conferences, hearings and fees and are always on hand in case a stand in is needed.’