Professional disciplinary and regulatory law in London Bar

Mary O’Rourke QC - Old Square Chambers ‘One of the giants in professional disciplinary law, particularly, but not exclusively, in relation to healthcare professionals.’

Patricia Robertson QC - Fountain Court Chambers ‘One of the go-to barristers in the field she has a fantastic ability to deal with high-pressure cases.’

Gregory Treverton-Jones QC - 39 Essex Chambers ‘Adopts the correct tone in advocacy for this field, which is surprisingly rare. Frank in assessment, respectful of others opinions, giving him the necessary flexibility to act in clients’ best interests.’

John Beggs QC - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘ The stand-out barrister in this field - he has seen it all and knows it all. He earns the immediate confidence of clients and is as impressive on his feet as he is with his written work. ’

Richard Coleman QC - Fountain Court Chambers ‘Calm and authoritative, he cuts through to the key issues.’

Ivan Hare QC - Blackstone Chambers ‘A huge intellect and a beguiling advocacy style.’

Patrick Lawrence QC - 4 New Square ‘Beautiful written style, analytical brain and great intellect.’

Michael McLaren QC - Fountain Court Chambers ‘Measured, urbane and a very effective advocate.’

Angus Moon QC - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘ Smart, accessible, he works collaboratively and is a pleasure to work with. Crisp and effective written advocacy. ’

Fenella Morris QC - 39 Essex Chambers ‘Her advocacy is "drop the mike" impressive. I've seen her flaw opposing barristers without having to raise her voice or over-egg an argument which can be expressed in simple terms.’

Paul Ozin QC - 23 Essex Street ‘He is technically brilliant with an unrivalled tenacity.’

Mark Shaw QC - Blackstone Chambers ‘His approach combines innovative strategy with exceptionally sound judgement.’

Jamie Smith QC - 4 New Square ‘A clear expert able to advise in an authoritative way whilst being very approachable.’

Ian Stern QC - 2 Bedford Row ‘Easy to work with, worldly, intelligent and sensible.’

Mark Sutton QC - Old Square Chambers ‘An extremely impressive advocate with a calm and measured style. Brings his knowledge of employment law to bear on professional disciplinary matters.’

Andrew Tabachnik QC - 39 Essex Chambers ‘Excellent all round - ability to absorb detail and cut to the key issues, written and oral advocacy skills, strategic ability and client and solicitor relationships.’

Tom Adam QC - Brick Court Chambers ‘Tom is one of the cleverest and most forceful silks I know. He is a delight to work with. He has very considerable experience in relation to the largest professional liability disputes. He never sits on the fence in terms of his advice which is always clear and well considered.’

Nicholas Bacon QC - 4 New Square ‘He has a very commercial approach and is easy to deal with.’

Catherine Callaghan QC - Blackstone Chambers ‘Insightful and razor-sharp in her analysis.’

Sarah Clarke QC - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘ Sarah is highly knowledgeable and experienced. She can make the complicated sound simple and has great rapport with clients. ’

James Counsell QC - Outer Temple Chambers ‘James is reliable, resilient and a brilliant tactician. He has a calm and measured yet devastating approach in the examination of witnesses and captivates his audience in submissions.’

Eleanor Grey QC - 39 Essex Chambers ‘Attention to detail; clear and concise presentation; a reassuring aura of calm and control.’

Javan Herberg QC - Blackstone Chambers ‘His intellectual prowess is unrivalled - he can absorb a complex case in hours and give a reasoned opinion.’

Jonathan Holl-Allen QC - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘ Thoroughly pleasant and very easy to work with: extremely sure-footed, very analytical, straight as an arrow, he pulls no punches and can gains the trust of opponents and decision-makers through his charm and thorough knowledge of the authorities. ’

Zoe Johnson QC - QEB Hollis Whiteman ‘She possesses a rare ability to truly connect with clients.’

Tom Kark QC - QEB Hollis Whiteman ‘A sound, efficient and thorough prosecuting counsel.’

Sean Larkin QC - QEB Hollis Whiteman ‘Sean has an excellent grasp of regulatory law and is a leader in the field. He is very calm and collected and has an easy manner with clients in the most difficult and complicated of cases.’

Graeme McPherson QC - 4 New Square ‘A superb intellect with great energy for tackling demanding cases.’

Mark Milliken-Smith QC - 2 Bedford Row ‘A first-rate brain with gravitas.’

Alison Padfield QC - 4 New Square ‘She has encyclopaedic knowledge of regulatory law and is very practical-minded.’

Jenni Richards QC - 39 Essex Chambers ‘She is very good at listening to the needs of the client and very open to discussion and sharing of ideas. She can use the law creatively to pursue objectives which other barristers might say could not be pursued. She is expert on judicial review and very experienced in litigating in the higher courts.’

Vikram Sachdeva QC - 39 Essex Chambers ‘He is really on top of his subject. Sympathetic to the client and their aims. Very able in court.’

Simon Salzedo QC - Brick Court Chambers ‘Deeply knowledgeable about professional negligence in the audit/accountant/tax sphere; his background as an accountant stands him in very good stead. Strong strategic sense. Responsive and pleasant to work with. Among the very best in this field.’

Mark Simpson QC - Fountain Court Chambers ‘A brilliant strategist and a forensic and lethal cross-examiner.’

Roger Stewart QC - 4 New Square ‘He has fantastic knowledge of professional negligence law, and very good approach to strategy - very user friendly and a top choice for leading professional service firms.’

Geoffrey Williams QC - Farrar's Building ‘One of the best barristers for solicitors disciplinary cases - he knows the field inside out and knows what makes tribunals tick.’

Richard Booth QC - 1 Crown Office Row ‘Richard is a formidable silk in the course of healthcare regulatory proceedings in particular. He is an extremely intelligent and articulate advocate whose charm and good humour are always used to great effect, both before courts and Tribunals and when managing the client.’

Gerard Boyle QC - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘ He shows an impressive attention to detail and his ability to retain and recall information is incredible. He is a reliable and sensible barrister whom I have no hesitation in recommending to clients. ’

Clodagh Bradley QC - 1 Crown Office Row ‘She identifies the key issues arising from complex and disparate pieces of evidence quickly. She never fails to pick up urgent instructions very rapidly and she is very responsive indeed.’

Ben Collins QC - Old Square Chambers ‘He is a truly excellent advocate, whether on the law in appellate cases or as a cross-examiner of lay and expert witnesses. He is one of those barristers whom I would want acting for me if I had a professional regulatory issue.’

Christopher Coltart QC - 2 Hare Court ‘A formidable barrister at ease in the commercial world and great with clients.’

Jonathan Laidlaw QC - 2 Hare Court ‘Thoughtful, measured and analytical, he has excellent tactical judgement. He takes a reassuring but realistic approach when dealing with an emotionally involved client.’

Richard Lissack QC - Fountain Court Chambers ‘He is fantastic.’

Tim Nesbitt QC - Outer Temple Chambers ‘He prepared a powerfully argued written case, which showed his mastery of the field of professional discipline and the crossover with administrative and human rights law. He is a clear-headed and powerful advocate.’

Selva Ramasamy QC - QEB Hollis Whiteman ‘He has in-depth experience with cases at the interface of regulatory and criminal law so is well-suited for cases that may have commenced as a regulatory matter but face the risk of becoming a criminal prosecution.’

Joanna Smith QC - Wilberforce Chambers ‘Very quick to assimilate facts, very knowledgable and swift to make tactical decisions.’

Adam Solomon QC - Littleton Chambers ‘Extremely bright and on the ball, he is more than just an advocate - he is the full package.’

2019 Silks

Victoria Butler-Cole QC - 39 Essex Chambers ‘A very strong counsel.’

Rory Dunlop QC - 39 Essex Chambers ‘He is a very personable barrister who very much has the ear of the court. Judges clearly like listening to him. He is good at getting to the key issues in a case.’

Fiona Horlick QC - Outer Temple Chambers ‘She has a no-nonsense approach to get the best out of difficult clients. A keen eye for detail and a can-do approach. Always good at identifying and vocalising the strengths and weaknesses of a case.’

Robert Kellar QC - 1 Crown Office Row ‘Rob has been exemplary - he got to grips with the papers quickly, has provided excellent tactical advice.’

Nicholas Medcroft QC - Fountain Court Chambers ‘Nicholas is a talented young silk who has a bright future ahead of him.’

Siân Mirchandani QC - 4 New Square ‘She is very hard-working, is an insightful lawyer, is quickly able to master technical detail, and is utterly tenacious in fighting for her client. If you want someone to get the best for a client backed into a corner she would be a marvelous choice of advocate.’

Neil Sheldon QC - 1 Crown Office Row ‘A very polished silk who demonstrates great client empathy.’

2020 Silks

Chloe Carpenter QC - Fountain Court Chambers ‘She quickly understands large and complex matters inside out.’

Jamas Hodivala QC - Matrix Chambers ‘On his feet, Jamas is impressive and the respect he commands from his opposite numbers and the bench is evident. Jamas very quickly becomes part of the team and is always willing to roll his sleeves up and go the extra mile for clients and instructing solicitors alike.’

Edward Levey QC - Fountain Court Chambers ‘A most robust advocate who presents his case with the utmost conviction.’

Paul Raudnitz QC - QEB Hollis Whiteman ‘Experienced in regulatory cases, he deals well with complex clinical cases and is very pleasant to work with.’

Henry Warwick QC - Henderson Chambers ‘Very methodical and thorough; clients value his clear advice.’

Leading Juniors

Lydia Barnfather - QEB Hollis Whiteman ‘Lydia is an authoritative, bright and strategic advocate who is trusted by clients with their most complex and high profile matters. She provides robust case direction to achieve consistently strong results.’

David Bradly - 39 Essex Chambers ‘David is an excellent advocate. He is able to present often complex issues in a clear and understandable way for non dental/veterinary professionals. He is always very well prepared and knows his cases inside out. He is scrupulously fair and even-handed, yet most effective in cross-examining witnesses.’

Stephen Brassington - 2 Hare Court ‘Incredibly popular and rightly so. His cross-examinations are fantastic and play like something from a legal drama. He easily gains the respect of panels and experts and is reasonable and straightforward with opponents.’

Andrew Colman - 2 Hare Court ‘Andrew has a vast intellect, a keen eye for detail and nothing gets past him. He deploys his arguments eloquently, inevitably to devastating effect and as a solicitor, you know that if you instruct him, you can be confident of achieving the right result for your client.’

Mary-Teresa Deignan - Charter Chambers ‘Methodical and unwavering, with great attention to detail.’

Alan Jenkins - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘ He puts clients at ease and provides clear advice which is sensible and practical but also does not shy away from giving them the difficult advice which they may not want to hear. ’

Peter Mant - 39 Essex Chambers ‘Peter is extremely knowledgeable and experienced in the field of professional discipline. His advice is always clear, thorough and comprehensible. Peter is approachable and clients value his advice and his calm, clear manner.’

Scott Allen - 4 New Square ‘Very tenacious - someone to have in your corner.’

Marianne Butler - Fountain Court Chambers ‘She can rapidly analyse the best options in circumstances where the course of action is very unclear.’

Betsan Criddle - Old Square Chambers ‘Betsan has a dazzling intellect, coupled with a smooth, calm and persuasive delivery which bowls over opponents and impresses Tribunals. She has established herself as a leading senior junior and his hugely popular with solicitors and defence organisations.’

Christopher Geering - 2 Hare Court ‘Christopher is forensic in his approach to cases. He is thoughtful and concise in his advice and sympathetic to and, where necessary, firm with his clients, who often present with heightened emotions given that their careers and livelihoods are at stake.’

Rebecca Harris - QEB Hollis Whiteman ‘As an advocate she has an authority which commands the respect of the panels before whom she appears. She is a firm, but always fair, prosecutor with excellent judgement.’

Anthony Haycroft - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘ Particularly experienced where there is a crossover between crime and professional discipline. Strategically excellent, a calm, reassuring presence for the client and an excellent, persuasive advocate unencumbered by pomposity. ’

Andrew Kennedy - 1 Crown Office Row ‘A brilliant brain, a low key approach. Absolutely joyful to work with.’

Marios Lambis - 2 Hare Court ‘Excellent advocate, very good to work with, team player, extremely personable and good with clients, especially lay clients.’

Robert Lazarus - 39 Essex Chambers ‘He is a skilful advocate and extremely gifted.’

Kevin McCartney - 5 Paper Buildings ‘Kevin is a consummate professional. His strengths include: Attention to detail whilst at the same time being able to see the wider picture in each case and what can reasonably be achieved; The ability to inspire the confidence of the clients who by necessity are facing a very difficult time in their professional career; Extremely user friendly and once he takes on a case happy to discuss all aspects whenever required. Last but by now means least a fearless advocate in hearings.’

James McClelland - Brick Court Chambers ‘A highly persuasive advocate who sees problems with crystal clarity.’

David Morris - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘ He is measured and reflective, but tough when needed yet with a gentle demeanour - a brilliant combination for a particularly difficult case. ’

Nicholas Peacock - Hailsham Chambers ‘Nick is analytic, strategic and a robust advocate. He is extremely hard working and meticulous.’

Sarah Przybylska - 2 Hare Court ‘An excellent advocate, she is very impressive and makes good judgements in how the case is presented and handles the client, witnesses and the panel well. An excellent choice of counsel.’

Matthew Barnes - 1 Crown Office Row ‘He is an exceptional junior.’

Laura Bayley - Charter Chambers ‘Laura is passionate about her clients and is quick to grasp complex issues and how best to resolve them expertly. She is gentle yet firm when needed and continually demonstrates compassion, empathy and understanding in cases that are challenging and time-sensitive in nature.’

Yash Bheeroo - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘Yash is very good at disseminating the key issues in an evidence heavy matter and presenting the most pertinent points to the court in a persuasive manner.’

Thomas Buxton - Charter Chambers ‘Tom is extremely knowledgeable in this area and will always think outside the box. He is a dynamic and fierce advocate and has a very keen eye for detail.’

Simon Cridland - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘ He has a calm and measured approach to emotionally charged cases, builds excellent rapport with clients and very effective tribunal advocate. Achieves very good results. ’

Tom Cross - 11KBW ‘Tom has vast experience in advising clients in this sphere meaning that he has an almost instinctive sense of the public law challenges that can be brought to bear to secure the best results for clients. Decisive, deft and devastating in drafting, Tom is the go to barrister in these cases.’

Ranald Davidson - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘ Very thorough presentation combined with an easy yet authoritative style. ’

Tom Day - 2 Hare Court ‘He has an easy charisma that puts clients at ease and charms panels and experts alike. He can also be ruthless in getting the result that he wants and will work incredibly hard to make sure that he gets it.’

Heather Emmerson - 11KBW ‘Truly excellent in the field. A star of the future if not the present. Very good at absorbing a mass of detail and focusing on the key points. Strong written advocacy skills. Good with clients.’

Helen Evans - 4 New Square ‘An invaluable addition to any team.’

Alexandra Felix - QEB Hollis Whiteman ‘She mastered the considerable detail underpinning the allegations of misconduct and provided sound and practical advice.’

Chris Gillespie - 2 Hare Court ‘An extremely effective cross-examiner, but it is done is a respectful manner. He is firm but not aggressive, and also pragmatic - he never takes any bad points.’

Tim Grey - 23 Essex Street ‘Tim is always meticulous in his preparation, combining an acute tactical sense with strong legal analysis. He is a compelling and engaging advocate.’

Kenneth Hamer - Henderson Chambers ‘Kenneth has a completely encyclopaedic knowledge of case law relating to professional disciplinary work. Even in hotly contested cases, he is courteous and helpful at all times.’

Christopher Hamlet - 23 Essex Street ‘Charming, sensible, reasonable - and completely trustworthy and straight-up. An admirable barrister.’

Alexis Hearnden - 39 Essex Chambers ‘Alexis is easy to work with and builds a good relationship with our clients. She is also effective in dealing with expert evidence.’

Wendy Hewitt - 5 St Andrews Hill ‘An outstanding advocate with well-honed interpersonal skills. Tribunals admire her attention to detail and her approach is always borne of complete preparation, focussed and concise: when Wendy speaks, tribunals listen.’

Andrew Hockton - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘ He is highly recommended as an experienced advocate who brings a calm presence and achieves outstanding results. ’

Tom Hoskins - Foundry Chambers ‘Very resilient in arguing a case, he deals with difficult opponents and arguments in a calm, resolute and methodical manner. He is also calm and measured in his advocacy - he focuses on key issues tenaciously.’

Scott Ivill - 2 Hare Court ‘He has great attention to detail and is well prepared. Good with the lay client and persuasive on his feet.’

Alex Jamieson - 25 Bedford Row ‘Alex is a superb barrister. Impressive beyond his years, clever and with excellent judgement, he brings the skills of his criminal practice to this area.’

Timothy Kendal - 2 Bedford Row ‘A tenacious and confident operator who finds a way to win.’

James Marsland - 5 Paper Buildings ‘James is meticulous in his prep of a case from the 1st-final hearing. He is extremely knowledgeable and clients love the fact that he can put them at ease and he is entirely approachable. You also know that if you instruct James he will put his life and soul into a case.’

Matthew McDonagh - Outer Temple Chambers ‘He is excellent with the client, who is often anxious in a difficult situation potentially facing either to loss of career or profession or at the least risk of reputational damage. He is a skilful advocate whose examination of witnesses is wonderful to watch.’

Eleena Misra - Old Square Chambers ‘Eleena is hardworking and eloquent who is a trusted pair of hands when on your side. She is extremely knowledgeable and enthusiastic and a delight to work with.’

Nadia Motraghi - Old Square Chambers ‘Very experienced in representing healthcare professionals before their regulators.’

Fiona Neale - Hailsham Chambers ‘Fiona has great experience in representing healthcare professionals, particularly before their professional regulators. She has a punchy style combined with a very caring approach to her client.’

Tetyana Nesterchuk - Fountain Court Chambers ‘Popular with clients, both regulators and respondents.’

Nicola Newbegin - Old Square Chambers ‘Nicola is incredibly knowledgeable in this particular area of work. She is a very safe pair of hands and no issue is too large for her to deal with. Cases are a real team effort. Her knowledge knows no bounds and she is a perfect choice of counsel to help steer clients through tricky procedural issues.’

Jane Oldfield - Red Lion Chambers ‘Jane is an outstanding advocate. When assessing and presenting a case, she has an innate ability to cut through the irrelevant and focus on key issues. She strikes a perfect balance between approachability and delivering balanced, legally sound and understandable advice.’

Paul Parker - 4 New Square ‘He is an excellent advocate who presents well and can deal robustly with counter-arguments; good on paper; responsive; very personable. One of the best junior counsel for professional liability at the Bar.’

Giles Powell - Old Square Chambers ‘Giles is able to translate complex areas into clear advice providing a very clear route map forward. Given the nature of the advice, a fast turnaround is often required and Giles ensures that he is responding quickly. The work often involves very sensitive issues which Giles is able to deal with whilst providing the clients with a clear view as to his advice.’

Louise Price - Doughty Street Chambers ‘Her attention to detail is second to none. Louise is articulate, fair and will really fight for her client.’

Sandesh Singh - Crown Office Chambers ‘Extremely clever and very thorough, he always gets to the heart of the case. Personable and great to work with, he is very hardworking, too.’

Iain Steele - Blackstone Chambers ‘An excellent drafter with great strategic instincts.’

Vivienne Tanchel - 2 Hare Court ‘A robust and strategic counsel with great intellect. She secures fantastic results and is incredibly hardworking - she will always go the extra mile for instructing solicitors.’

Rebecca Vanstone - 23 Essex Street ‘Rebecca has an excellent understanding of the needs of our clients and has an exceptional eye for the detail whilst never overlooking the overarching objective or the big picture.’

Claire Watson - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘ Her advocacy is crisp, polished and intelligent, her written advice impeccable and in any given situation, you are likely to consider Claire to be the smartest person in the room. ’

Jennifer Agyekum - 3PB ‘She is very knowledgeable and has a great understanding of regulatory process. You can tell she really cares about her clients.’

Rupert Allen - Fountain Court Chambers ‘Exceptionally bright, extremely articulate and a pleasure to work with.’

Carolina Bracken - 5 Paper Buildings ‘Carolina is effortlessly calm in every situation but those who have worked with her for a long time will know that she is constantly kicking beneath the surface to get the best result for your clients. Her manner of presentation in hearings puts the entire room at ease and instantly gets the tribunal on her side no matter how difficult the argument is that she's making.’

Tom Coke-Smyth - QEB Hollis Whiteman ‘He provides pragmatic advice with minimal fuss: an effective advocate, well-liked by panels and a very able junior who understands the needs of his clients.’

Carol Davis - Littleton Chambers ‘Excellent knowledge of employment law, thorough preparation, leaves no stone unturned.’

Kerenza Davis - Blackstone Chambers ‘She is a fantastic junior; astonishingly bright and hard-working.’

Emma Dixon - Blackstone Chambers ‘She has a broad regulatory practice.’

Malcolm Fortune - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘ He provides robust advice and advocacy, seeing the wood for the trees on cases for NHS trusts. ’

Nicola Greaney - 39 Essex Chambers ‘Nicola is extremely knowledgeable, experienced and proficient in the field of professional discipline. She is approachable, hard-working and thorough. She is always very accommodating and helpful - she has stepped in to help us at short notice. She gives advice in a calm and comprehensible manner.’

Saima Hanif - 3 Verulam Buildings ‘Saima not only knows the law, but also its application and how to challenge bodies that have failed in that application. That is what you want from Counsel, not simply a rehearsal of the statutes. Saima is great with clients and can keep even the most emotional of clients on track and focused. Her stand-out characteristic is her performance on her feet. She is persuasive before any forum and can respond decisively and effectively to the other side's arguments.’

Clare Hennessey - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘ A punchy, sharp and highly effective advocate. She has a real knack for getting to the heart of the matter, delivering her arguments forcefully but sensibly, a combination which invariably wins over tribunals. ’

Adam Heppinstall - Henderson Chambers ‘His work includes osteopaths and psychotherapy cases.’

Matthew Hill - 1 Crown Office Row ‘Very hardworking; his preparation is meticulous.’

Gemma Hobcraft - Doughty Street Chambers ‘She is very knowledgeable about the GMC disciplinary process with some useful practical insights.’

Frederick Hookway - 2 Harcourt Buildings ‘He has excellent client care and an in-depth knowledge of regulatory law. This combination of skills and knowledge has proven to achieve remarkable results for clients.’

Roderick James - Charter Chambers ‘Roderick is barrister who excels both in relation his professional clients and his lay clients. He is personable, very astute and knows the UK Medical Professional regimes inside out. He is a very safe pair of hands but can argue innovative points where appropriate. Panels love him as do clients.’

Suzanne Lambert - 1 Crown Office Row ‘Suzanne is incredibly hard working, leaving no stone unturned, analytical and demonstrates good judgement. She is unflappable and a robust advocate. Her calm demeanour assisted greatly with a particularly challenging client.’

James Leonard - Outer Temple Chambers ‘James is always very well prepared with an excellent eye for detail, a strong advocate who is also very good at putting clients at ease.’

Philip McGhee - QEB Hollis Whiteman ‘Phil is a very able junior with good technical skills. He is also extremely personable and a pleasure to work with.’

Justin Meiland - Hailsham Chambers ‘He is able to digest large amounts of information and pull out key points extremely well.’

Thomas Ogg - 11KBW ‘Tom understands how to achieve the best results for individuals and firms.’

James Palmer - Henderson Chambers ‘He is clear and commercial.’

Richard Partridge - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘ He is very clever, tenacious, personable, and user-friendly. ’

Oliver Renton - Charter Chambers ‘He is a dedicated and highly engaging barrister with a proven track record of sound outcomes. He is straightforward, easy for clients to connect with and very supportive to instructing solicitors.’

Ben Rich - 2 Hare Court ‘He works with impeccable attention to detail and engages in rigorous case preparation - well-prepared, dependable and responsive.’

Claire Robinson - Charter Chambers ‘Claire is a very strong advocate who comes across as someone with full command of the documents and detail. She is a very calming influence on clients and has a clear way of explaining things for their benefit.’

Christopher Saad - 2 Bedford Row ‘Chris is very personable and his calm demeanour is reassuring to clients within the run up to, and during hearings. He understands the facts of a case quickly and from the perspective of an instructing solicitor, he is very easy to approach and likes to share ideas regarding hearing preparation and tactics.’

Jana Sadler-Forster - Blackstone Chambers ‘What stands out about Jana's work and contributions is the exceedingly high quality and meticulous attention to detail given in conducting investigations in disciplinary matters.’

Alexander dos Santos - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘ He cross-examines opposing witnesses effectively, and develops a good rapport with co-defendants, which is important in multi-handed cases. ’

Tony Singla - Brick Court Chambers ‘His work and input is rigorous, thorough and penetrating.’

Sue Sleeman - Doughty Street Chambers ‘Sue has excellent knowledge of regulatory/professional discipline procedure. She very clearly has the client’s best interests at heart. Her advocacy is skilled and she is highly adaptable. She is enjoyable to work with and an asset to a case.’

Richard Smith - 1 Crown Office Row ‘Richard is insightful and calm and this translates very well into his client management, putting doctors and dentists at ease in what are very stressful times in their career. His cross-examinations are forensic and relentless and usually garner the required response.’

Darren Snow - Charter Chambers ‘Darren is effective in cross-examination and is able to clearly present our case. From the perspective of an instructing solicitor, he provides regular updates throughout the course of the case which I find invaluable.’

George Spalton - 4 New Square ‘George is a thoroughly modern barrister, easy to engage with and sensible. He is very strong on strategy and good on his feet.’

Laura Stephenson - 2 Hare Court ‘Decisive and thorough, she defends clients with tenacity. Excellent at handling witnesses and at delivering unwelcome information in a firm but empathetic manner.’

Natasha Tahta - QEB Hollis Whiteman

Sam Thomas - 2 Bedford Row ‘One of his greatest strengths is his advocacy skills. He is both articulate and persuasive and his delivery is accurately pitched to suit the tribunal he is addressing.’

Michael Uberoi - Outer Temple Chambers ‘Michael has a sensitive and sympathetic approach to clients, which is often necessary in the area of professional discipline.’

Paul Wakerley - QEB Hollis Whiteman ‘Mr Wakerley is excellent with clients, putting them at ease and spending time to ensure they understand the process.’

Oliver Williamson - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘ He is an excellent, hard-working barrister who is careful and precise in his work. He has excellent attention to detail and is very patient with clients. He has a fantastic ability to support clients through difficult circumstances. ’

David Wood - 25 Bedford Row ‘He is tenacious and compassionate in equal measure.’

Leanne Woods - 1 Crown Office Row ‘Leanne is very tenacious and doesn’t shy away from a fight on behalf of her client.’

Rising Stars

Heather Beckett - Goldsmith Chambers ‘Astute, commercial, detailed, authoritative and responsive.’

Sarah Bousfield - Brick Court Chambers ‘She is a very capable, hard-working, and enthusiastic junior.’

Lewis MacDonald - 2 Hare Court ‘Easy to work with, well-prepared and a good advocate, he is a very talented and hardworking junior barrister.’

Alecsandra Manning-Rees - 5 St Andrews Hill ‘She is a fantastic member of the team, and is great with clients and tribunals alike, who value her open, engaging and practical style.’

Tier 1 firms

39 Essex Chambers

'Widely recognised as a leading chambers in professional discipline', members of 39 Essex Chambers are active for regulators, covering factually and difficult cases in medical and legal contexts. Eleanor Grey QC represented the regulator in R (Kuzmin) v GMC, in which the High Court effectively abolished the right to remain silent in proceedings by finding the tribunal could draw negative influences from a doctor declining to give evidence. In the legal space, Vikram Sachdeva QC successfully represented Amicable, a company which records couples' divorce negotiations and then fills in the court forms, which found that it was not activity regulated by the Legal Services Act. The set has 'lots of talented juniors' – David Bradly, successfully defeated an appeal to the Privy Council in Elefterescu v RCVS.

Serjeants' Inn Chambers

'A very strong and reputable set', Serjeants' Inn Chambers is 'one of the premier sets for healthcare law and especially defence regulatory work'. Jon Holl-Allen QC represented an orthopaedic surgeon who was suspended for 12 months after performing the wrong kind of knee replacement on a patient and then lying to her as to why revision surgery was required. Angus Moon QC represented a dentist in an appeal against proposed imposed conditions including surprise blood and hair tests. Among the set's juniors, Ranald Davidson represented an anaesthetist who was suspended by the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) after claiming sick leave to carry out locum work. While most work comes from the context of health, John Beggs QC is active in Bar Standards Board (BSB) cases.

Tier 2 firms

2 Hare Court

Alongside its elite criminal practitioners, 2 Hare Court 'has in its membership some of the leading lights of professional discipline – their brand is synonymous with the area'. Medical areas are particularly active, with many of the set's members presenting cases for the General Optical Council (GOC) and defending doctors and dentists. The set, in particular, is praised for its 'excellent junior juniors and senior juniors'. Stephen Brassington successfully represented a heart surgeon who was accused of dishonestly prescribing tablets to his then-partner to control her behaviour, while on the other side of the fence Sarah Przybylska prosecuted two Liverpool vets who performed a caesarian section on a pedigree French Bulldog and stole her puppies. The set includes members who handle work for more esoteric regulators, with Scott Ivill prosecuting for the GOC. Among the set's Silks, Jonathan Laidlaw QC (leading rising star Lewis MacDonald) represented Baker McKenzie's former head of HR, who was acquitted in the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal (SDT) case centring around former managing partner Gary Senior.

4 New Square

Offering 'great strength in depth, just as in professional negligence', 4 New Square's strength in the professional discipline work is in the white-collar professions. In addition to members being instructed in cases concerning accountants (before the ICAEW and the FRC), surveyors and insolvency practitioners, the set's members are adept at legal regulatory matters: Ben Hubble QC represents the incoming president of the Law Society in Administrative Court proceedings after an attempt at a "private prosecution" before the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal (SDT) was struck out. Helen Evans is also a name to note as she is instructed in high-profile disciplinary matters.

Fountain Court Chambers

'A very strong set with a range of barristers with high ability', Fountain Court Chambers deploys an 'abundance of talent and depth' in various matters concerning white-collar regulators, with particular involvement in high-profile solicitors and auditors regulation cases. Mark Simpson QC continues to advise the Financial Reporting Council on its investigation into Grant Thornton's 2016 audit of Sports Direct, and Nicholas Medcroft QC is advising the same regulator on its investigations into the demise of contractor Carillion. Several members represented parties acquitted by the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal (SDT) in the Gary Senior case: Patricia Robertson QC and 2020 silk appointment Chloe Carpenter QC represented Baker McKenzie, while Richard Coleman QC represented a partner who was involved in the internal investigation. Another 2020 silk appointment, Edward Levey QC represented the regulator in SRA v Siaw, in which the Administrative Court reversed the tribunal's findings, holding that the respondent had acted dishonesty and struck him off.

QEB Hollis Whiteman

QEB Hollis Whiteman 'has a long tradition of presenting cases for healthcare regulators and its members demonstrate the concomitant strength in depth and experience', although, like the set's criminal presence (which positions it well for parallel criminal and regulatory investigations), its members do not exclusively prosecute. Selva Ramasamy QC represents the General Dental Council (GDC) in a case against a self-representing dentist, who facing a lengthy charge sheet, is alleged to have attempted to burgle files from the GDC's solicitors, Blake Morgan LLP. Before the same regulator, Alexandra Felix successfully defended the founder of sports mouthguard manufacturer Opro; the regulator alleged that the fitting of the guards amounted to practising dentistry.

Tier 3 firms

1 Crown Office Row

'Very experienced in professional regulatory matters', members of 1 Crown Office Row are primarily active in this space for registrants in the medical space. Richard Booth QC defended a vet who received a suspension for kicking and stamping on a dog that had bitten him. Meanwhile, Andrew Kennedy represented Boots in a General Optical Council (GOC) matter concerning alleged public interest disclosures made by a former employee.

2 Bedford Row

2 Bedford Row is 'a solid set with a good reputation'. In recent instructions of note, Ian Stern QC represented a GP, who was accused of, among other matters, conducting the termination of a pregnancy at a facility not licensed for abortions – there was found to be no case to answer. Timothy Kendal is active in solicitors work, and a number of members of chambers are active in optical matters, primarily on the defence side.

23ES

23 Essex Street is 'a really great set', handling amongst other matters some of the most complex work for medical regulators. Tim Grey represented the GMC in a case concerning an alleged sexual assault on a patient during a cancer screening examination, with complex issues of whether it is possible to compel chaperones to give evidence amongst those to be decided; Christopher Hamlet represented the same regulator in a matter concerning a medical academic where the case turned on whether the behaviour was dishonest in the wake of Ivey v Genting.

Blackstone Chambers

For some the 'leading set for contentious regulatory work', members of Blackstone Chambers is 'a go-to set for tricky, sensitive or high-profile public laws or litigation', with members instructed in a range of regulatory matters with challenging public law crossovers. Mark Shaw QC represented the regulator in High Court case Beard v General Osteopathic Council concerning the involvement of panel chairs in the examination of witnesses, while Ivan Hare QC and Ravi Mehta represented the British Psychological Society in proceedings concerning a Muslim convert registrant's comments concerning LGBT-inclusive sex education in Birmingham schools. Unled, Iain Steele represented the regulator in R (Lonsdale) v Judicial Appointments and Conduct Ombudsman, a judicial review of its decision to reject complaints brought by a former barrister, who herself was sanctioned by the relevant regulator in 2009, against a serving judge.

Brick Court Chambers

Brick Court Chambers' members are instructed in a number of regulatory matters concerning solicitors and accountants. Tom Adam QC continues to head a team working with the Financial Reporting Council on its investigations into the demise of Carillion, concerning among other matters its audits by KPMG. Among the set's juniors is Sarah Bousfield, who represents the Solicitors Regulation Authority in matters concerning the collapse of law firm Blavo & Co.

Old Square Chambers

'A first choice set for tricky disciplinary cases with a range of counsel of varying call', Old Square Chambers is active in a number of cases, including defending doctors, and is adept at handling cases crossing over with employment law. In Dr. Jain v University Hospitals South Manchester NHS Foundation Trust, Mark Sutton QC appeared in the High Court addressing an issue of whether a trust is required to investigate behaviour leading to a fundamental breakdown in working relationships within a hospital department via its established conduct or capability procedures. Mary O’Rourke QC represents former Team Sky doctor Richard Freeman, who is is accused by the GMC of having ordered banned steroids to be delivered to the Manchester Velodrome for their administration to elite cyclists; leading Nicola Newbegin, O'Rourke QC also represented the appellant in GMC v Sastry, a High Court case (with permission to appeal granted) concerning if an Indian doctor treating local patients there was subject to the GMC's aegis owing to his dual registration in the UK. Unled, Eleena Misra represented a medical professional in a case concerning if facts which led to a criminal trial being terminated as an abuse of process could be the basis of regulatory proceedings.

Outer Temple Chambers

Members of Outer Temple Chambers – 'a well-regarded set for professional discipline cases' – handle both medical and legal services disciplinary work. James Counsell QC both prosecutes and defends in BTAS cases, while in the medical space Matthew McDonagh represented a haematologist who was convicted of causing the death by dangerous driving in the Isle of Man. The case before the GMC raised arguments about the admissibility of an Isle of Man conviction and the basis of the Judge alone conviction in subsequent.

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