Personal injury, industrial disease and insurance fraud in London Bar

Matthew Phillips QC - Outer Temple Chambers ‘ Extremely experienced in asbestos disease claims, he is pragmatic, gets to the point and never loses sight of the target. ’

David Platt QC - Crown Office Chambers ‘ He is without doubt one of the best asbestos practitioners at the Bar today. ’

Michael Rawlinson QC - 12 King's Bench Walk ‘ Faultless knowledge of the law in the field of disease litigation. ’

Steven Snowden QC - 12 King's Bench Walk ‘ Meticulous in his preparation and very effective on his feet. ’

Harry Steinberg QC - 12 King's Bench Walk ‘ An excellent barrister who communicates legal issues to clients in a straightforward manner. ’

Insurance Fraud - Leading Silks

William Featherby QC - 12 King's Bench Walk ‘ Outstanding advocate who is extremely experienced in catastrophic injury claims. ’

Personal Injury - Leading Silks

William Audland QC - 12 King's Bench Walk ‘ A go-to leader in serious international injury cases. ’

Neil Block QC - 39 Essex Chambers ‘ He is a great strategist and his ability to manage and control joint settlement meetings is second to none. ’

Gerard McDermott QC - Outer Temple Chambers ‘ He is a highly skilled advocate who invariably succeeds in securing the best outcome for clients. ’

Andrew Ritchie QC - 9 Gough Square ‘ He is fantastically astute and absolutely at the top of his field. ’

Robert Weir QC - Devereux ‘ Unsurpassable advocate who communicates highly complex issues in a straightforward effortless way. ’

Benjamin Browne QC - 2 Temple Gardens ‘ A first-rate advocate who is courteous but highly effective for his client. ’

Robert Glancy QC - Devereux ‘ A silk that is head and shoulders above the rest in respect of technical legal issues. ’

Elizabeth-Anne Gumbel QC - 1 Crown Office Row ‘ She is tough and yet tender with vulnerable clients and gets truly life-changing results. ’

Patricia Hitchcock QC - Cloisters ‘ She is equally great in complex liability and quantum issues. ’

Alan Jeffreys QC - Farrar's Building ‘ Invariably spot on when assessing quantum. ’

Stephen Killalea QC - Devereux ‘ A gifted advocate who is excellent at cross-examination and always one step ahead. ’

Simeon Maskrey QC - 7BR ‘ His depth of legal knowledge means he is the barrister you want to be sat behind in any complex case. ’

Dominic Nolan QC - Hailsham Chambers ‘ He is meticulous and has a great depth of knowledge of serious personal injury work. ’

William Norris QC - 39 Essex Chambers ‘ He is quick to grasp issues and has an encyclopaedic knowledge of personal injury law. ’

Julian Picton QC - Hailsham Chambers ‘ He fights his corner where appropriate but knows when to be pragmatic and flexible. ’

David Platt QC - Crown Office Chambers ‘ He is without doubt one of the best asbestos practitioners at the Bar today. ’

Paul Rose QC - Old Square Chambers ‘ Achieves great results for clients in high value maximum severity brain and spinal cord injury claims. ’

Paul Russell QC - 12 King's Bench Walk ‘ Excellent forensic analysis and superb drafting skills. ’

Stephen Worthington QC - 12 King's Bench Walk ‘ ‘Go-to’silk for tricky liability disputes and significant causation and quantum cases. ’

Grahame Aldous QC - 9 Gough Square ‘ Notable for his clear-thinking and strategic advice. ’

Simon Browne QC - Temple Garden Chambers ‘ Great demeanour in Court and experienced across catastrophic injury. ’

Ben Collins QC - Old Square Chambers ‘ Very good with clients and technically strong. ’

Charlie Cory-Wright QC - 39 Essex Chambers ‘ Highly regarded counsel in complex catastrophic injury claims. ’

Edward Faulks QC - 1 Chancery Lane ‘ Judges like his calm, measured approach. ’

Jacob Levy QC - 9 Gough Square ‘ No stone is left uncovered in relation to liability or quantum disputes. ’

Richard Lynagh QC - Crown Office Chambers ‘ He is a standout negotiator on high-value catastrophic claims. ’

Derek O'Sullivan QC - 39 Essex Chambers ‘ He cuts to the chase quickly and succinctly but always listens to the clients’ views. ’

Susan Rodway QC - 39 Essex Chambers ‘ Brilliant advocate who is smart and switched on tactically. ’

John Ross QC - 1 Chancery Lane ‘ His specialist knowledge in acquired brain injuries is superb. ’

William Latimer- Sayer QC - Cloisters ‘ Highly skilled in handling catastrophic injury claims. ’

Howard Stevens QC - 3 Hare Court ‘ He has great eye for detail on particularly complex matters. ’

Andrew Warnock QC - 1 Chancery Lane ‘ He has an uncanny ability to predict the outcome of the case. ’

Jonathan Watt-Pringle QC - Temple Garden Chambers ‘ Outstanding negotiating skills and superb intellect. ’

Christopher Wilson-Smith QC - Outer Temple Chambers ‘ His tenacity and gravitas are huge strengths, as is his ability to keep the big picture in focus. ’

Henry Witcomb QC - 1 Crown Office Row ‘ He has excellent judgement and great ideas for case progression. ’

Edward Bishop QC - 1 Chancery Lane ‘ He fully explores the evidence with experts and interrogates it thoroughly. ’

James Counsell QC - Outer Temple Chambers ‘ His forensic attention to detail leaves no stone unturned. ’

William Featherby QC - 12 King's Bench Walk ‘ Outstanding advocate who is extremely experienced in catastrophic injury claims. ’

John Foy QC - 9 Gough Square ‘ He has an ability to think outside the initial issues. ’

Nina Goolamali QC - 2 Temple Gardens ‘ Her clear-eyed compassionate approach masks a steely determination to achieve the best results. ’

Andrew Hogarth QC - 12 King's Bench Walk ‘ Impressive advocate with a refreshing no-nonsense approach. ’

Michael Kent QC - Crown Office Chambers ‘ He is particularly strong handling high-profile group litigation. ’

Marie Louise Kinsler QC - 2 Temple Gardens ‘ She has an ability to deal with complex issues of jurisdiction in a straightforward manner. ’

Richard Methuen QC - 12 King's Bench Walk ‘ Effective mediator, who is able to promote a common sense approach between seemingly irreconcilable parties. ’

Martin Porter QC - 2 Temple Gardens ‘ His knowledge of coronial process/law is vast. ’

Harry Steinberg QC - 12 King's Bench Walk ‘ An excellent barrister who communicates legal issues to clients in a straightforward manner. ’

Industrial Disease - 2018 Silks

Patrick Blakesley QC - Crown Office Chambers ‘ He is brilliant with clients and has an effective courtroom manner. ’

Sarah Crowther QC - Outer Temple Chambers ‘ She is ferocious when called for and has a razor-sharp mind. ’

Nathan Tavares QC - Outer Temple Chambers ‘ Extremely effective advocate in utmost severity cases. ’

Insurance Fraud - 2019 Silks

James Todd QC - 39 Essex Chambers ‘ Excellent on high-value quantum disputes. ’

Personal Injury - 2018 Silks

Charles Bagot QC - Hardwicke ‘ He has a fantastic eye for detail but combines it with a sensible commercial approach. ’

Patrick Blakesley QC - Crown Office Chambers ‘ He is brilliant with clients and has an effective courtroom manner. ’

Sarah Crowther QC - Outer Temple Chambers ‘ She is ferocious when called for and has a razor-sharp mind. ’

Stuart McKechnie QC - 9 Gough Square ‘ He has an encyclopaedic knowledge of all things quantum. ’

Nathan Tavares QC - Outer Temple Chambers ‘ Extremely effective advocate in utmost severity cases. ’

Eliot Woolf QC - Outer Temple Chambers ‘ His ability to construct cases and marshal the evidence accordingly is of the highest quality. ’

Personal Injury - 2019 Silks

Katherine Deal QC - 3 Hare Court ‘ Quick thinker and excellent advocate on her feet. ’

Jonathan Hand QC - Outer Temple Chambers ‘ He has a sensible approach to advising on complex equine and occupiers’ liability claims. ’

Giles Mooney QC - 9 Gough Square ‘ Absolutely masterful, great on his feet, and has a super manner with vulnerable clients. ’

James Todd QC - 39 Essex Chambers ‘ Excellent on high-value quantum disputes. ’

Industrial Disease - Leading Juniors

Matthew Boyle - Crown Office Chambers ‘ A balance of Claimant and Defendant work gives him pragmatic approach couled with insight. ’

Michael Brace - 12 King's Bench Walk ‘ He has extensive knowledge of asbestos disease cases and that shows in his advice. ’

Jeremy Crowther - 9 Gough Square ‘ He sees the strengths and weaknesses of the most complex case immediately. ’

Stephen Glynn - 9 Gough Square ‘ A future silk – his analysis of difficult issues is excellent. ’

Peter Houghton - Crown Office Chambers ‘ He is intelligent and analytic with a commercial focus. ’

Patrick Kerr - 12 King's Bench Walk ‘ A genuine star for asbestos disease claims who is not afraid to run novel arguments. ’

Simon Levene - 12 King's Bench Walk ‘ He excels in asbestos disease litigation. ’

Niall Maclean - 12 King's Bench Walk ‘ He has built up an impressive knowledge of the law relating to asbestos-related cases. ’

Alexander Macpherson - Crown Office Chambers ‘ He excels in cases involving challenging quantum issues and contested expert evidence. ’

Gemma Scott - 12 King's Bench Walk ‘ Her knowledge of the development of the understanding of asbestos risks is peerless. ’

John-Paul Swoboda - 12 King's Bench Walk ‘ He provides a pragmatic approach to matters especially complex multi-defendant claims. ’

A John Williams - Crown Office Chambers ‘ Excellent both in results and high level of preparation. ’

Insurance Fraud - Leading Juniors

Sadie Crapper - 39 Essex Chambers ‘ Junior counsel of choice in difficult cases. ’

Alex Glassbrook - Temple Garden Chambers ‘ His grasp of the smallest details in a case can often be the making of your strategy. ’

Marcus Grant - Temple Garden Chambers ‘ A leading light in subtle brain injury work and chronic pain cases. ’

Henry Morton Jack - 2 Temple Gardens ‘ A very good strategist that is truly aware of clients' aims and commercial realities. ’

Anastasia Karseras - 2 Temple Gardens ‘ Provides good commercial practical advice and is quick to turn around papers. ’

James Laughland - Temple Garden Chambers ‘ He is user-friendly, conscientious and forensic in his review of the papers. ’

Paul McGrath - Temple Garden Chambers ‘ On top of his game – he is a leading expert in cases involving suspected fraud. ’

Lionel Stride - Temple Garden Chambers ‘ A very persuasive advocate who has a forensic approach to the evidence. ’

Gemma Witherington - Hardwicke ‘ She has the knowledge and experience of breaking down complex legal and factual issues. ’

Personal Injury - Leading Juniors

Laura Begley - 9 Gough Square ‘ Extremely hardworking and a very safe pair of hands for complex cases. ’

James Bell - Temple Garden Chambers ‘ His schedules of loss are skilfully drafted. ’

Christian Du Cann - 39 Essex Chambers ‘ Formidable negotiator, very balanced and reasonable. ’

Henry Charles - 12 King's Bench Walk ‘ An astute mind whose mastery of the law is first-class. ’

Andrew Davis - Crown Office Chambers ‘ His attention to detail on complex jurisdictional matters is second to none. ’

Bernard Doherty - 39 Essex Chambers ‘ He is simply outstanding; on paper, in person and in court. ’

Shaun Ferris - Crown Office Chambers ‘ He gets swiftly to the heart of matters and has an excellent manner with clients. ’

Richard Furniss - 42 Bedford Row ‘ He is excellent with clients and pragmatic in his advice. ’

Marcus Grant - Temple Garden Chambers ‘ A leading light in subtle brain injury work and chronic pain cases. ’

Nicolas Hillier - 9 Gough Square ‘ A fearsome advocate for his clients who is forensic with the evidence. ’

Daniel Lawson - Cloisters ‘ He is absolutely masterful on his feet – it’s like watching an advocacy masterclass. ’

Nigel Lewers - 12 King's Bench Walk ‘ Extremely bright in dealing with cases of utmost complexity. ’

Julian Matthews - 7BR ‘ A QC in disguise. ’

Christopher Russell - 2 Temple Gardens ‘ Excellent advocacy skills and very good at reading judges. ’

Bruce Silvester - Devereux ‘ Extremely thorough in terms of preparation of the claim. ’

James Arney - Temple Garden Chambers ‘ He has a very detailed and analytical approach. ’

Richard Cartwright - Devereux ‘ Extremely good with figures and pleading of schedules. ’

Marcus Dignum - 12 King's Bench Walk ‘ A strong advocate who is willing to take a robust approach to liability. ’

Lee Evans - Farrar's Building ‘ He is great in conference with experts. ’

Emily Formby - 39 Essex Chambers ‘ Brilliant strategist who is innovative when thinking of ways to solve problems. ’

Catherine Foster - Crown Office Chambers ‘ She works incredibly hard and is always available to assist whatever the timescale. ’

Stephen Glynn - 9 Gough Square ‘ A future silk – his analysis of difficult issues is excellent. ’

Hugh Hamill - 12 King's Bench Walk ‘ He is very thorough in preparation and able to negotiate difficult settlements. ’

Katherine Howells - Old Square Chambers ‘ First-class preparation and leaves no stone unturned. ’

Simon King - 7BR ‘ He has a smooth but deceptively effective approach to litigation. ’

Justin Levinson - 1 Crown Office Row ‘ He is the authority on child abuse cases in the country. ’

Alexander Macpherson - Crown Office Chambers ‘ He excels in cases involving challenging quantum issues and contested expert evidence. ’

Scott Matthewson - 42 Bedford Row ‘ First-rate counsel for high-value personal injury claims. ’

Alison McCormick - Outer Temple Chambers ‘ She is able to translate complex legal issues into language readily understood by the lay client. ’

Jeremy Pendlebury - 7BR ‘ He is reassuring to clients and not afraid of a difficult case. ’

Andrew Roy - 12 King's Bench Walk ‘ He is a strong negotiator and has the added value of real costs expertise. ’

David Sanderson - 12 King's Bench Walk ‘ He gets great results in roundtable meetings. ’

Harry Trusted - Outer Temple Chambers ‘ Always gets right to the key points in the case. ’

Patrick Vincent - 12 King's Bench Walk ‘ Go-to barrister for indemnity matters. ’

John Williams - Crown Office Chambers ‘ He is always very well prepared. ’

Rehana Azib - 2 Temple Gardens ‘ She lives and breathes law and punches firmly above her weight. ’

Nicholas Baldock - Six Pump Court ‘ His greatest asset is his ability to effectively settle complicated high-value claims. ’

Matthew Boyle - Crown Office Chambers ‘ A balance of Claimant and Defendant work gives him pragmatic approach couled with insight. ’

Simon Brindle - 9 Gough Square ‘ Simon is great at grasping the key issues very quickly and has a fantastic technical mind. ’

Sadie Crapper - 39 Essex Chambers ‘ Junior counsel of choice in difficult cases. ’

Romilly Cummerson - 39 Essex Chambers ‘ She is an extremely intelligent and skilful junior barrister involved in large-scale cases. ’

Niazi Fetto - 2 Temple Gardens ‘ He is talented, hardworking and a very persuasive advocate. ’

Jeremy Ford - 9 Gough Square ‘ He delivers sensible advice backed up by an extremely impressive knowledge of the law. ’

Peter Freeman - Temple Garden Chambers ‘ He offers practical commercial solutions and an excellent presence in the courtroom. ’

Perrin Gibbons - 9 Gough Square ‘ A highly effective litigator who shows utter commitment and concern for her clients. ’

Richard Gregory - 42 Bedford Row ‘ Excellent communicator with sound practical advice. ’

Roger Harris - 2 Temple Gardens ‘ Very experienced, clever and gets to the point promptly. ’

Helen Hobhouse - Farrar's Building ‘ She has effective analysis, promptness and a personable manner. ’

Laura Johnson - 1 Chancery Lane ‘ She is very tough whilst maintaining a great manner with clients – the iron fist in the velvet glove. ’

James Laughland - Temple Garden Chambers ‘ He is user-friendly, conscientious and forensic in his review of the papers. ’

Simon Levene - 12 King's Bench Walk ‘ He excels in asbestos disease litigation. ’

Timothy Meakin - 7BR ‘ He is able to cut through the issues quickly and has a fantastic analytical mind. ’

Colin Mendoza - Devereux ‘ Methodical, good with clients and extremely knowledgeable on all aspects of personal injury law. ’

Napier Miles - Lamb Chambers ‘ He is equally efficient acting for defendants and claimants. ’

Patrick Sadd - Outer Temple Chambers ‘ He is an expert in his field especially child abuse litigation. ’

Gemma Scott - 12 King's Bench Walk ‘ Her knowledge of the development of the understanding of asbestos risks is peerless. ’

Daniel Tobin - 12 King's Bench Walk ‘ Strong negotiator who presses the right buttons to obtain maximum results. ’

Christopher Walker - Old Square Chambers ‘ Good client care and an excellent grasp of issues in high value cases. ’

David White - 12 King's Bench Walk ‘ He has an eye for detail providing clear but balanced advice supported by strong assessment of the evidence. ’

Richard Wilkinson - Temple Garden Chambers ‘ He has an impressive ability to analyse very complicated information and summarise it in simple terms. ’

Charles Woodhouse - Old Square Chambers ‘ Brilliant on his feet and commands respect from the court room. ’

Dominic Adamson - Temple Garden Chambers ‘ A go-to Counsel in respect of high value and sensitive claims particularly where there is also a criminal health and safety element. ’

James Aldridge - Outer Temple Chambers ‘ He is unflappable and acts with great sensitivity with vulnerable clients. ’

Judith Ayling - 39 Essex Chambers ‘ Her strengths are her attention to detail and meticulous approach to technical evidence. ’

John Bate-Williams - Temple Garden Chambers ‘ He has extensive experience in brain and spinal injury claims ’

Ben Bradley - Outer Temple Chambers ‘ He shows a real passion for representing catastrophically injured claimants. ’

Geoffrey Brown - 39 Essex Chambers ‘ A specialist in complex, high-value and emotive work-related stress claims. ’

Camilla Church - 39 Essex Chambers ‘ She is very good with clients and always well-prepared. ’

Jamie Clarke - Crown Office Chambers ‘ He produces detailed skeleton arguments usually under real pressure of time. ’

Peter Edwards - Devereux ‘ Very diligent, client-friendly and commercial. ’

Quintin Fraser - 39 Essex Chambers ‘ Solid on paper, in conference and in court – a genuine all-rounder. ’

Richard Hermer QC - Matrix Chambers ‘ He has an exceptionally keen strategic litigation sense. ’

Roger Hiorns - 9 Gough Square ‘ He is a leading force in complex occupational disease claims. ’

Robert Hunter - Devereux ‘ He is unfailingly well-prepared, delightful with his clients and forensic with the evidence. ’

Christopher Kemp - Outer Temple Chambers ‘ A very experienced junior with an excellent manner with clients. ’

Paul Kilcoyne - Temple Garden Chambers ‘ He is the leading barrister for military claims. ’

Mark Stephen Lomas - 3PB ‘ He has a very good eye for detail and is adept at schedule preparation. ’

John Meredith-Hardy - Farrar's Building ‘ He is a great draftsman and will not be brow beaten by opponent. ’

Colm Nugent - Hardwicke ‘ A natural eye for detail who is able to carry out astute assessment of risk. ’

David Rivers - Old Square Chambers ‘ He identifies strengths and weaknesses immediately and brings courtroom insight. ’

Dan Saxby - 3 Hare Court ‘ His ability to get under the skin of the technical arguments is excellent. ’

Shahram Sharghy - 9 Gough Square ‘ He has great drafting skills and is able to get to the issues in a case. ’

Paul Stagg - 1 Chancery Lane ‘ An absolutely outstanding lawyer, who is an abuse and tort law expert ’

Christopher Stephenson - 9 Gough Square ‘ He has the rare skill of adapting his manner to perfectly suit the needs of his client. ’

Lisa Sullivan - Cloisters ‘ She has great attention to detail. ’

Adam Walker - 7BR ‘ Very good with clients. ’

Guy Watkins - Farrar's Building ‘ He instinctively knows which are the points worth taking and which are those that will merely antagonise the Judge. ’

Andrew Wille - Farrar's Building ‘ He is technically excellent and provides carefully considered advice. ’

Angus Withington - Henderson Chambers ‘ He is incredibly knowledgeable and a huge asset in every claim. ’

Andrew Young - 3 Hare Court ‘ He has good grasp of the detail of the case, pragmatic and commercial approach. ’

James Burton - 39 Essex Chambers ‘ He is meticulous, always prepared and an excellent tactician. ’

Jonathan Butters - Devereux ‘ He is extremely intelligent, articulate and understands highly complex issues. ’

Daniel Clarke - Outer Temple Chambers ‘ He is always helpful in discussing the merits of a claim in a friendly, yet professional, manner. ’

Laura Collignon - Thomas More Chambers ‘ She is not willing to simply follow the law, but challenge it if it means getting the most for her clients. ’

Stephen Cottrell - Devereux ‘ He builds a great rapport with clients and takes a very sensible approach. ’

Jeremy Crowther - 9 Gough Square ‘ He sees the strengths and weaknesses of the most complex case immediately. ’

Brian Cummins - Old Square Chambers ‘ Straightforward and develops a good rapport rather than being confrontational to get the best result for his client. ’

Adam Dawson - 9 Gough Square ‘ He is great with clients and fair but firm with opponents. ’

Paul Dean - Crown Office Chambers ‘ He gives considered advice taking into account all aspects of the case, case law and unusual aspects. ’

Lisa Dobie - 1 Chancery Lane ‘ She is a dynamic, forthright advocate whose paperwork is first-class. ’

Christopher Edwards - Old Square Chambers ‘ Excellent depth of knowledge, approachable and prepared to take a chance where others won't. ’

Bruce Gardiner - 2 Temple Gardens ‘ Excellent advocate with strong drafting skills. ’

Yvette Genn - Cloisters ‘ Her judicial experience allows her to swiflty analyse the issues of real concern to the court and address authoritatively. ’

Deirdre Goodwin - 7BR ‘ Her attention to detail is little short of incredible. ’

John Greenbourne - Crown Office Chambers ‘ Unrivalled attention to detail and encyclopaedic knowledge of the law. ’

Robert Horner - 9 Gough Square ‘ Intelligent, very client-focused and an eye for detail. ’

Anna Hughes - 2 Temple Gardens ‘ She is excellent on paper and in court. ’

Anastasia Karseras - 2 Temple Gardens ‘ Provides good commercial practical advice and is quick to turn around papers. ’

Arun Katyar - 12 King's Bench Walk ‘ He has sound judgement and provides realistic, commercial advice. ’

Harry Lambert - Crown Office Chambers ‘ He identifies the key issues and gets to the heart of the matter. ’

Niall Maclean - 12 King's Bench Walk ‘ He has built up an impressive knowledge of the law relating to asbestos-related cases. ’

Michelle Marnham - 3PB ‘ She is diligent, personable and very thorough. ’

Philip Mead - 12 King's Bench Walk ‘ Almost needs no mention as one of the barristers with a big brain for all things private international law. ’

Jasmine Murphy - Hardwicke ‘ She provides sound technical advice and achieves results which surpass expectations. ’

Linda Nelson - 9 Gough Square ‘ Very user friendly, approachable and has a good manner with clients. ’

Johnathan Payne - 9 Gough Square ‘ His standard of client care is truly exceptional. ’

Catherine Peck - 12 King's Bench Walk ‘ She will know the papers inside-out and really gets to grips with the cases quickly and effectively. ’

Andrew Peebles - Farrar's Building ‘ He is able to deal with complex issues and is firm in his approach. ’

Angus Piper - 1 Chancery Lane ‘ He is a superb advocate who is often against QCs. ’

James Pretsell - Farrar's Building ‘ He is good on his feet, whilst his written work is clear, concise and thorough. ’

Angela Rainey - 39 Essex Chambers ‘ Cases, law and statute appear at her fingertips with frightening ease. ’

Liam Ryan - 7BR ‘ His knowledge in relation to stress at work claims is impressive. ’

Henry Slack - Hardwicke ‘ He is particularly strong on preparation and solid advice to clients. ’

Charlie Sparling - Old Square Chambers ‘ He remains level headed when presented with difficult situations to manage. ’

Lionel Stride - Temple Garden Chambers ‘ A very persuasive advocate who has a forensic approach to the evidence. ’

James Sullivan - 12 King's Bench Walk ‘ He will always go the extra mile to advise on difficult issues. ’

Simon Trigger - 1 Chancery Lane ‘ He is very efficient, decisive and clear in advice. ’

Bella Webb - Old Square Chambers ‘ Able to explain complex issues in a clear manner. She is a skilled negotiator, taking a robust approach when required. ’

Simon Wheatley - 7BR ‘ He is able to analyse in detail but exercise pragmatism at the same time. ’

Gemma Witherington - Hardwicke ‘ She has the knowledge and experience of breaking down complex legal and factual issues. ’

Tier 1 firms

12 King's Bench Walk has 'modernised its approach to become one of the leading chambers for personal injury'. The 'go-to set for asbestos disease litigation' draws on a wealth of 'unrivalled experience' acting in high-value and complex claims, and is gaining momentum in the international catastrophic injury arena. Stephen Worthington QC and Patrick Vincent acted for the appellant in the Supreme Court decision of Cameron v Hussain, an important judgement on accidents where drivers are untraced. William Audland QC is noted for his specialism in cross-border claims and issues of jurisdiction.

'Undoubtedly one of the leaders in the personal injury arena', defendant-oriented set 39 Essex Chambers is 'an ever-growing set with a huge range of experience'. Members 'offer a first-class service at all levels' and have extensive expertise in high-value catastrophic injury cases, fielding a growing caseload for historical abuse claims. Neil Block QC was instructed by the Foreign and Colonial Office in the Kenyan Emergency Group Litigation, the largest and most complex personal injury claim brought against the UK government. Derek O’Sullivan QC is highlighted for acting in high-value, severe injury cases; Sadie Crapper often acts as sole in catastrophic injury claims, such as those involving brain and spinal injuries. Also of note, James Todd QC took silk in 2019.

The 'professional yet approachable' 9 Gough Square has 'successfully attracted barristers who are exceptionally good'. As well as 'established silks', the set has a 'remarkable team of leading juniors' who are 'cutting edge' and 'not afraid of taking difficult cases to trial'. Claimant catastrophic injury is at the core of the practice, with expertise spanning brain, spinal, and amputation cases. Giles Mooney QC is a recent silk appointment. Andrew Ritchie QC acted for the claimants in Carlos Valencia Estrada & Seb John v BP, a claim in relation to two fatalities arising from the Al Qaeda terrorist attacks on the defendant's gas facility in Algeria. Grahame Aldous QC specialises in personal injury claims with an international or maritime setting, while Laura Begley has particular expertise in criminal injuries compensation claims.

Tier 2 firms

The 'highly respected' 2 Temple Gardens has 'real strength in depth from top silks to new juniors', who are 'highly competent and technically able'. Catastrophic personal injury cases and high-profile group litigation are among the typical instructions for barristers. Its expertise in multi-jurisdictional matters is evidenced by the recent involvement in the landmark Supreme Court case of Lungowe v Vedanta, where Marie Louise Kinsler QC acted for the claimants. Roger Harris is noted for claims involving vicarious liability issues.

Crown Office Chambers is 'a particularly impressive set' with a 'good range of highly experienced advocates' who are able to cover the full gamut of personal injury and industrial disease cases, including group actions. In one instruction of note, David Platt QC acted as lead counsel in the historic sexual abuse case of X Children v Minister for Health and Social Services, which has resulted in an immediate change in the law in Jersey to control the size of such claims. Platt QC also led Alexander Macpherson in Goldscheider v Royal Opera House, a high-profile noise claim against the Royal Opera involving an allegation of acoustic shock by an orchestra member, in which they acted for the defendant. Peter Houghton has recently been involved in cases raising issues of novel mesothelioma treatment (immunotherapy) costs.

Devereux is 'a very strong personal injury set', according to instructing solicitors. Members demonstrate 'far-reaching knowledge of catastrophic injury cases' and have 'client care skills to match'. The set has 'unparalleled expertise in certain niche areas', including spinal cord and brain injury. Severe psychiatric injury and cases that raise challenging points of law are other areas of specialist interest for the set's barristers. Robert Weir QC represented the claimant in the Court of Appeal case Bellman v Northampton Recruitment Ltd, which held an employer vicariously liable for an assault committed by its managing director at a work party. Robert Glancy QC predominantly acts for brain damages and paralysed claimants, while Bruce Silvester has extensive experience in group litigation.

Outer Temple Chambers has a 'good range of quality counsel with suitable levels of expertise and experience', that make up a 'supporting and approachable' team of barristers who are 'serious heavyweights in the personal injury realm'. Members are instructed in cases of utmost complexity and value, including abuse and industrial disease claims. Jonathan Hand QC, who is known for his expertise in equine and other animal-related litigation, took silk in 2019. Gerard McDermott QC has been retained to act for over 200 victims of the Grenfell Tower tragedy. Acting for survivors in historical sex abuse claims is a particular area of expertise for James Counsell QC. Alison McCormick regularly deals with vulnerable claimants, including minors and those who lack mental capacity.

Tier 3 firms

1 Chancery Lane is 'highly proficient in personal injury and related law'. The set is renowned for its involvement in historic abuse claims, but its specialisms also encompass motor-fraud cases as well as high-profile claims against local authorities. Edward Faulks QC and Paul Stagg appeared in the landmark case of CN v Poole BC on the issue of whether social workers owe duties of care to children in investigating allegations of abuse and neglect. Angus Piper is noted for his particular expertise in Highways claims relating to injuries caused by falling trees.

7BR is a 'well-managed, comprehensive and well-stocked supplier of counsel' for personal injury litigation. The set has 'a strong range of juniors and silks' who take on cases ranging in value and field of expertise, encompassing maximum severity brain and spinal claims as well as abuse work. Having appeared before the European Court of Justice and the Supreme Court, Simeon Maskrey QC's practice encompasses maximum severity brain and spinal injury claims. Simon King is regularly instructed on cases involving multiple expert disciplines; while military personal injury law is a particular specialism for Timothy Meakin.

The 'excellent' Cloisters covers the full spectrum of complex and high-profile personal injury cases, acting on behalf of claimants and defendants. Members are 'highly skilled in handling catastrophic injury claims' and particularly adept at dealing with intricate liability and quantum issues. Quantum is a core focus of William Latimer-Sayer QC's practice; he is representing two claimants who were seriously injured in the 2015 Alton Towers' ride accident, as well as acting for PC Kristopher Aves in his claim against the Motor Insurers Bureau arising out of the Westminster Bridge attack. Daniel Lawson has, in turn, a strong reputation for handling difficult liability claims.

The 'very approachable and reactive' Farrar's Building has a number of 'great barristers across all levels of experience' who offer 'extremely good service in the defendant personal injury market'. Members are acknowledged for their 'ability to effectively handle large loss claims'. Of note, Alan Jeffreys QC has a particular speciality in liability claims involving multiple collisions, mechanical defect issues, as well as factual and clinical causation. Andrew Wille was instructed by an employer in connection with the group action arising out of the terrorist attack in Algeria, which contends that BP should be held liable for security failings that might otherwise have prevented or mitigated the attack.

The 'impressive' Old Square Chambers is an 'excellent choice' in the personal injury market. The set has a longstanding reputation in successfully acting for claimants but has recently built a significant defendant presence. Members, particularly juniors, are highly-regarded for bringing 'different strengths to the table'. Paul Rose QC has extensive experience of acting for severely injured service personnel, which is also an area of expertise for Ben Collins QC, one of the leading experts on the law of criminal injuries compensation. Charles Woodhouse is noted for his proven track record acting for defendants in chronic pain and mild traumatic brain injury claims.

Temple Garden Chambers has a 'good range of very competent personal injury counsel' who offer representation at all levels in relation to cases of the highest value. Members' expertise spans pain syndromes, subtle brain injury and motor insurance fraud. The set also fields specialist teams that demonstrate extensive experience across military claims and accidents abroad. Simon Browne QC has niche expertise in aviation accident and international claims, while Marcus Grant's specialisms include head injury and chronic pain litigation. James Bell is regularly instructed by claimants in employer's liability matters.

Tier 4 firms

3 Hare Court is 'an excellent set' which covers the full gamut of personal injury matters from fast track cases to the most complex disputes. Serious head and spinal injuries, fatal claims, and catastrophic accidents are among the areas of expertise for members, who are renowned for their strong track record in travel-related litigation. Katherine Deal QC is a recent silk appointment, strengthening the set's PI team.

Hardwicke offers 'a wide and diverse range of barristers' who are 'available to provide advice at the drop of a hat to assist and complement those instructing'. Counsel is regularly instructed on cases concerning brain and orthopaedic injuries, fatal accidents as well as Animals Act and Montreal Convention claims. Charles Bagot QC successfully defended a high-profile claim brought by a former male model who sued Lufthansa for £7m in lost earnings, after claiming that a fall at Munich airport left him with an exacerbated squint. High-value claims involving defective staircases and the Defective Premises Act 1974 are particular areas of interest for Colm Nugent; Gemma Witherington regularly acts for insurers and has an increasing practice pertaining to secondary victim cases.

The Legal 500 > United Kingdom - The Bar > London Bar > Personal injury, industrial disease and insurance fraud

Coverage By Practice AreaLondon Bar

Personal Injury, Industrial Disease And Insurance Fraud - Leading Sets

Industrial Disease - Leading Silks