As ‘one of the leading chambers in this field’, the barristers at 39 Essex Chambers specialise in a range of disciplinary proceedings involving medical professionals. In GMC v Patel & Others & PSA, Fenella Morris KC acted on behalf of the Professional Standards Authority of Health and Social Care in an appeal against a decision by the Medical Practitioners Tribunal (MPT) not to sanction a group of doctors who shared racist material on WhatsApp. Jenni Richards KC successfully represented the GMC in an appeal to another MPT decision, one that suspended Simon Bramhall, a liver surgeon who had autographed transplant organs, instead of striking him off. Elsewhere in chambers, Peter Mant is regularly instructed by the GMC, including against an appeal brought against it by a doctor, who was struck off the medical register for his involvement in the drafting of misleading medical reports for food poisoning personal injury claims for a firm of solicitors at which his wife was a salaried partner.
Professional disciplinary and regulatory law in
London Bar39 Essex Chambers
Testimonials
Set
‘39 Essex Chambers is one of the leading chambers in this field.‘
‘Strong offering at all levels in professional discipline and public law. They can usually offer suitable counsel at the right level.‘
‘Very good bench of Professional Regulation lawyers.‘
‘39 Essex are a very reliable set in professional discipline.‘
Clerking
‘The clerks are very responsive: they understand the market, respond quickly, deal with matters efficiently. Peter Campbell stands out as efficient and commercially minded.‘
‘Responsive service, competitive on fees. Anthony King is always accommodating and helpful.‘
‘Alastair Davidson is very good and easy to work with.‘
‘Excellent. Peter Campbell and Sheraton Doyle are particularly helpful.‘
‘They’re clerking team sets them apart from other chambers. If they say they will call you back then they do – later that same day. Historically they have been of a high calibre and they provide a good service.‘
Serjeants' Inn Chambers
Regarded as ‘leaders in the field and usually the first to be contacted when a professional discipline hearing is listed‘, the members at Serjeants’ Inn Chambers handle a variety of work in the health care sector, among other areas. Among other key practitioners, Jonathan Holl-Allen KC represented Simon Bramhall in a judicial review challenge brought by Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care concerning the sanction imposed on the surgeon for autographing a transplanted liver during surgery. Anthony Haycroft defended a doctor in GMC v Srinivasan, after allegedly touching two patients in a sexual manner, an action that resulted in their name being erased from the register.
Testimonials
Set
‘Serjeants Inn has always been a ‘go to’ set for regulatory work, with a good selection of highly experienced and professional Counsel at all levels of expertise.‘
‘Serjeants Inn is a go to set for police misconduct. A strong list of Counsel and a consistent client centered approach. Lots of good people.‘
‘Truly one of the finest sets around, they are recognized as leaders in the field and usually the first to be contacted when a professional discipline hearing is listed. Their barristers are synonymous with the seminal case law in the area, and they have led the way for the past couple of decades. They now boast an enormous number of members and an embarrassment of riches, in terms of talent.‘
‘The set has real strength and depth in doing defence work in this field of law and particularly in representing a wide range of public and private authorities and in particular, policing organizations and associations.‘
‘Serjeants Inn is a fantastic set with a broad range and wealth of experience in the field. Not only are Serjeants Inn experts in the field of Professional Disciplinary and Regulatory Law, they are also experienced in many other fields too. This is a real advantage when clients need representation in a number of different arenas.‘
Clerking
‘All the clerks are quick to respond and efficient and very pleasant to deal with. Special thanks to Clare Sabido and Jennifer Pooler.‘
‘Lee Johnson is a legend in his own lifetime, a favourite amongst solicitors who looks after the interests of his members and clients with aplomb. Tom O’Connor is a key player and has a very sensible head on his shoulders.‘
‘A good responsive clerking team. Joe Ralph in particular is approachable, quick and very helpful. Prepared to go the extra mile and always tries his best to make diaries work!‘
‘All of the clerks at Sergeants Inn are always helpful and efficient. Lee Johnson is particularly good at managing the clerks and will always go above and beyond to resolve any issues. He responds efficiently to any requests for Counsel and will try to accommodate any requests we have.‘
‘Lee Johnson is excellent. Nothing is ever too much trouble and he works incredibly hard to ensure that clients receive a first class service from Chambers. Catherine Calder is a credit to Chambers – she is committed, hard-working and offers support and guidance in business development.‘
2 Hare Court
Regarded as ‘the best set for professional discipline barristers‘, 2 Hare Court is characterized for having ‘excellent silks, unparalleled senior juniors and some really strong junior barristers‘. Marios Lambis KC – a 2022 Silk appointment – defended a GP in a GMC case concerning 42 allegations in relation to dishonesty, bullying, and the deleting of patient records. ‘Master advocate‘ Stephen Brassington is acting on behalf of the former Chief Executive of Heart of England Foundation Trust in relation to an alleged conscious failure to prevent criminal behaviour by breast surgeon Ian Paterson, who is serving a two-decade prison sentence for carrying out unnecessary operations. In addition, Andrew Colman acted in front of the MPTS, successfully representing a GP alleged to have consumed surplus controlled drugs prescribed for his patients.
Testimonials
Set
‘2 Hare Court have excellent silks, unparalleled senior juniors and some really strong junior barristers coming up through the ranks. They are sure to be leaders in the field in future and will carry on the excellent reputation of this set.‘
‘2 Hare Court are exceptionally strong in the professional disciplinary world. Their number is the first that is called when excellent Counsel is required.‘
‘An excellent set full of first class barristers – spoilt for choice with them.‘
‘The best set for professional discipline barristers – they are really top notch and can always offer someone excellent to assist.‘
‘The entire set has a wonderful regulatory expertise, and I have been fortunate enough to instruct a number of barristers from the set, all of whom have been top class.‘
Clerking
‘Louis Lockwood in particular is excellent.‘
‘The team is amenable, flexible and user friendly.‘
‘Louis Lockwood is very good.‘
‘Louis Lockwood is very helpful and always tries his best to accommodate requests.‘
‘The clerks always go the extra mile to accommodate clients. Louis Lockwood is particularly helpful and always swift to suggest names and ensure availability.‘
Work highlights
4 New Square
With ‘excellent strength in depth in the field of professional liability and regulation‘, the practitioners at 4 New Square handle a range of work in a range of white-collar professions crossing over with its professional negligence expertise. Focusing on the financial and legal spheres, Ben Hubble KC represents the solicitor in Davies v Greene, a high-profile “private prosecution” against the former President of the Law Society before the SDT, who the claimant alleges to have misled the court. Achieving a suspension instead of disbarment, Graeme McPherson KC acted for a barrister in BSB v Wareing, concerning multiple charges for dishonesty including making a false statement to an employment judge. In addition, Helen Evans KC – a 2022 Silk appointment – is representing Peter Meehan, the KPMG partner responsible for Carillion’s audit previous to its collapse, in a dispute surrounding allegations the audit involved forged documentation intended to deceive FRC officials.
Testimonials
Set
‘The chambers has a good reputation for defence of solicitors facing prosecution in the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal. The Counsel provides sound reliable advice. They have a particular strength in coverage issues faced by solicitors such as issues concerning professional indemnity insurance cover for solicitors facing disciplinary proceedings.‘
‘They have strength in depth so there is usually someone available of suitable quality to assist.‘
‘4 New Square have a lot of experience.‘
‘Excellent strength in depth in the field of professional liability and regulation. Very well clerked and they are always able to field someone appropriate even in an emergency.‘
‘The go-to set for professional discipline. Their training seminars are excellent and they offer a wide range of useful and relevant topics, skillfully delivered.‘
Clerking
‘Clerking is very good – mainly through Dennis Peck.‘
‘Excellent – responsive, efficient.‘
‘All are excellent. Very responsive and reliable.‘
‘The clerks are always responsive, keen to assist and happy to sensibly discuss both fees and availability to find a solution.‘
Fountain Court Chambers
Considered a ‘stand out set in solicitors’ professional regulation‘ the set at Fountain Court Chambers has a ‘strong offering at all levels‘. Richard Coleman KC, who is considered ‘excellent all round‘, led Philip Ahlquist, standing before the Supreme Court in Harcus Sinclair LLP v Your Lawyers Limited, a dispute concerning the enforcement of solicitors’ undertakings in connection with group actions concerning the “dieselgate” emissions scandal. In Financial Reporting Council v C.A. Humphreys, Michael McLaren KC advised the former CFO of Conviviality plc – the insolvent former owner of Bargain Booze – in connection with an investigation by the FRC for alleged misconduct. In addition, Chloe Carpenter KC went up against Marianne Butler in SRA v Mishcon de Reya, focusing on allegations made against the firm by the SRA. In addition, Patricia Robertson KC was appointed to the Astana International Financial Centre Advisory Panel to advise on legal services regulation.
Testimonials
Set
‘Excellent for solicitors’ professional regulation.‘
‘Fountain Court has a number of impressive barristers specialising in solicitors disciplinary and regulatory work. Their knowledge of the case law, their ability to apply that to the facts of a case and their careful attention to the factual detail of cases, are particular strengths of all the counsel in Fountain Court who work in this area of law.‘
‘Stand out set in solicitors’ professional regulation. Strong offering at all levels, including a number of experienced senior juniors who are able to act as sole counsel.‘
‘The set has unparalleled strength in depth in professional disciplinary (audit and accountancy) work.‘
‘Outstanding. Fountain Court provides excellence not just in regulatory and disciplinary law but in the fields to which the regulation relates.’
Clerking
‘Pleasant and friendly.‘
‘Excellent service, particularly from Luke Diebelius.‘
‘Clerks room was first class, responsive and easy to work with.‘
‘Excellent. Sian Huckett and Luke Diebelius are super-available and helpful.‘
‘Excellent service, very accommodating and responsive. Luke Diebelius is particularly effective and makes an effort to build strong relationships with instructing solicitors, which is appreciated.‘
QEB Hollis Whiteman
With ‘strength and expertise in depth and breadth from the junior to senior end‘, the set at QEB Hollis Whiteman often prosecute and defend professionals subject to disciplinary proceedings. Active on the defendant side, Zoe Johnson KC is representing a respiratory and intensive care consultant, surrounding allegations they signed third party prescriptions targeted at patients living outside the permitted jurisdiction. Also appearing before the Medical Practitioners Tribunal, Sean Larkin KC acted on behalf of a GP accused by four patients of sexual assault, with allegations spanning over a 14 year period. In the junior ranks, ‘immensely experienced‘ Lydia Barnfather was instructed by the GDC in proceedings involving ‘Orthotropics’, a contested practice which relies on a theory of paediatric cranio-facial development, with the regulatory body aiming to prosecute a body of practitioners in connection with the practice.
Testimonials
Set
‘The set clearly has strength-in-depth in a number of practice areas and a number of genuinely talented barristers in my practice areas of crime and police misconduct.‘
‘QEB are a class set. Their prosecutorial and regulatory experience means they are able to navigate all cases and related cases where unlawful behaviour is alleged and can anticipate their opponents position. They have strength and expertise in depth and breadth from the junior to senior end.‘
‘QEB are the chambers to use for regulatory cases – they have top class barristers, and do an excellent job!‘
‘QEB has an impressive range of Counsel with considerable experience, unmatched expertise and a deserved reputation as being amongst the best in the business. As a collective, they not only deliver results, but are a pleasure to work with and deserve all the accolades they receive.‘
‘QEB are one of the pre-eminent chambers offering disciplinary and regulatory services.‘
Clerking
‘Chris Emmings has finger very firmly on the pulse and knows the market as well as any of his peers. He ably leads a fantastic clerking team which is enthusiastic, engaging and helpful. Faye Stimpson is a firm favourite with solicitors and counsel alike.‘
‘Excellent. Responsive, helpful, good networking opportunities and great training. Chris Emmmings, Faye Stimpson and David O’Sullivan stand out.‘
‘Overall, the clerks are very helpful and communicative. Chris Emmings is a main point of contact and has a great understanding of the needs of clients.‘
‘Chris Emmings does a great job co-ordinating work together.‘
1 Crown Office Row
With ‘excellent strength in depth‘, the members at 1 Crown Office Row are regularly instructed in disciplinary work, with particular expertise in cases involving the healthcare sector. In NR v GMC, Robert Kellar KC represented a practitioner of cosmetic medicine with regard to an investigation alleging her clinic had remained open during Covid-19 lockdowns in 2020 and 2021. ‘Absolutely outstanding silk‘ Neil Sheldon KC acts for a collection of junior doctors against the GMC in proceedings concerning their alleged participation in a WhatsApp group where inappropriate messages were exchanged. In addition, in GOC v Skudder, Clodagh Bradley KC represented an osteopath accused of sexually motivated misconduct.
Testimonials
Set
‘1 Crown Office Row has excellent strength in depth amongst its senior juniors.’
‘1 Crown Office Row are one of the best sets in the field of professional regulation and have a wealth of talented barristers at their disposal.’
‘Considerable strength in depth – great set.’
‘An excellent set with many courteous opponents and colleagues.’
‘A brilliant set. All the barristers are such good quality and so clever. The silks are first class and the juniors are excellent.’
Clerking
‘Chloe Turvill is “the one”. Best clerk in town.’
‘The best set for clerking. Matthew Phipps leads an excellent team assisted by Andy Tull – both of whom are brilliant clerks.’
‘Fantastic clerks – Matthew Phipps leads a great team ably assisted by Andy Tull and the junior clerks. Old fashioned clerking service without the nonsense.’
Work highlights
2 Bedford Row
2 Bedford Row has ‘a lot of experience within the professional regulatory discipline‘, with particular expertise in cases relating to professionals in the healthcare space. Among its key practitioners, Christopher Saad acted on behalf of the regulatory body in GDC v Henning, where he was instructed to prosecute a registrant accused of providing an inappropriate standard of care to patients. In GDC v Patel, Sam Thomas also acted on behalf of the regulator, accusing the dentist of having sex with one of his patients after he completed a course of cosmetic treatment.
Testimonials
Set
‘2 Bedford Row has many outstanding Counsel in their ranks.‘
‘2 Bedford Row have counsel with a lot of experience within the professional regulatory discipline. There are always several counsel available with suitable experience to assist on cases.‘
Clerking
‘Lee Bartlett provides an excellent customer service as his responsiveness and attention to detail are notable. He is also able to prioritise urgent matters and deal with them appropriately.‘
‘Paul Rodgers is very helpful and approachable. He dealt with an enquiry efficiently and effectively. Could not have asked for a better service.‘
‘The clerks are very professional, polite and helpful. They are always happy to help when Counsel need to be re-arranged.‘
‘Attentive, efficient, and commercial.‘
Work highlights
23ES
With barristers considered ‘at the top of their game, but down to earth and approachable’, 23ES acts for a range of regulatory bodies, with Paul Ozin KC also active as Chair of the Association of Regulatory and Disciplinary Lawyers. In SRA v Khan, Tim Grey represented a high-profile solicitor Sophie Khan, who had been found to have failed to deliver required documents to the SRA, following two High Court orders and a summary strike off. In addition, Rebecca Vanstone represented the regulatory body in GDC v Notta, prosecuting a registrant facing multiple allegations of clinical misconduct and dishonesty.
Testimonials
Set
‘23ES have good strength in depth in this area.‘
‘23ES are a go-to set – they always try their best to assist in both civil and criminal matters – especially when there is a crossover. Their barristers tend to be at the top of their game, but down to earth and approachable.‘
Clerking
‘Daniel Randall is excellent. Always responds without delay and always gave a top class service by keeping you updated, and where Counsel availability was limited would try and work around this by rearranging diaries (where possible) in order to secure Counsel. He is friendly and approachable and is a go-to clerk at the Chambers. 23ES are lucky to have him on the team.’
‘Excellent clerking – Daniel Randall is brilliant.‘
‘The clerking team is friendly and generally very responsive and pleasant. Daniel Randall deserves a special mention.‘
‘Daniel Randall is always very helpful and responsive.‘
Blackstone Chambers
Blackstone Chambers has ‘an abundance of knowledge in the set on regulatory and disciplinary matters‘, with its barristers being regularly instructed on behalf of a range of regulatory authorities across the medical, optical, and legal sectors. In the Court of Appeal, Ivan Hare KC acted in Okpara v GMC, concerning the correct approach for a deference to the medical practitioners tribunal on appeal. In addition, Catherine Callaghan KC acted for the GMC in an appeal in the High Court concerning a doctor’s removal from the medical register following allegations of dishonesty and their failure to tell the truth in a disciplinary hearing.
Testimonials
Set
‘Blackstone remain a very special set. They are blessed with many fantastic black letter lawyers. Despite their formidable reputation, Blackstone barristers remain humble and hardworking.‘
‘Blackstone is packed with top notch talent right the way through the set at all levels.‘
‘Cleary there is an abundance of knowledge in the set on regulatory and disciplinary matters.‘
‘Blackstone is an excellent set. They have a strong regulatory presence. The quality of the set’s barristers is well known.‘
Clerking
‘Excellent throughout the clerks room.‘
‘Very efficient and helpful.‘
‘Gary Oliver is an excellent leader of the clerking team. I have found all clerks to be helpful, accommodating and good at keeping in contact.‘
Work highlights
Brick Court Chambers
With a range of practitioners, the set at Brick Court Chambers features Simon Salzedo KC – a chartered accountant previous to his career at the Bar – advised the respondent of an FRC claim for misleading conduct during an investigation into the Carillion audit. Heading up a five-person team in efforts of supporting the FRC in the Carillion investigation is Tom Adam KC, another key figure in chambers. Taking silk in 2021, James McClelland KC acted for the SRA in relation to a solicitors’ alleged dishonesty when providing evidence in court, while Tony Singla KC represented Deloitte in FRC v Deloitte, a regulatory matter touching on the dispute over Hewlett-Packard's takeover of Autonomy.
Testimonials
Clerking
‘High quality.‘
‘Luke Carvalho could not be more helpful.‘
Old Square Chambers
Regarded for its ‘expertise in assisting healthcare professionals‘, the barristers at Old Square Chambers often ‘provide an excellent service‘. In GMC v Richard Freeman, Mary O’Rourke KC acted for the former British Cycling and Team Sky team doctor in a tribunal case looking to strike them off for allegedly administering a prohibited substance to British Cycling’s elite competitors, alongside additional allegations with respect to prescription-only medicines. In addition, Mark Sutton KC addressed allegations of misconduct brought against the Medical Director of the Trust employing a breast surgeon previously found guilty of performing damaging surgery to patients. Betsan Criddle KC – taking silk in 2022 – acted on Burn v Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, proceedings covering the scope of a doctor’s right to disclose documents in an NHS disciplinary investigation.
Testimonials
Set
‘Very helpful and flexible chambers who always provide an excellent service.‘
‘Chambers known for its expertise in assisting healthcare professionals in respect of MHPS proceedings.‘
Clerking
‘The clerks are very helpful and responsive.‘
Work highlights
Outer Temple Chambers
The barristers at Outer Temple Chambers
regularly handle professional disciplinary matters in relation the healthcare, financial services and legal sectors. For instance, James Counsell KC defended a cosmetic surgeon facing against several allegations of misconduct brought by the GMC. Also acting against the medical regulatory body was Fiona Horlick KC, representing a senior surgeon with over 160 charges brought against him, involving a variety of patients.
Testimonials
Set
‘Outer Temple remain a strong dependable presence backed up by a strong clerking team.‘
‘Chambers are excellent at advising on available counsel when needed.‘
‘Some strong counsel in this area.‘
‘They are a high quality set.‘
‘Outer Temple Chambers are renowned for their specialist expertise in fitness to practise/regulatory matters.‘
Clerking
‘The clerking has been really helpful and efficient.‘
‘Very efficient and friendly service – Graham Woods was extremely helpful throughout, and straightforward to deal with.‘
39 Essex Chambers
Testimonials
Set
‘39 Essex Chambers is one of the leading chambers in this field.‘
‘Strong offering at all levels in professional discipline and public law. They can usually offer suitable counsel at the right level.‘
‘Very good bench of Professional Regulation lawyers.‘
‘39 Essex are a very reliable set in professional discipline.‘
Clerking
‘The clerks are very responsive: they understand the market, respond quickly, deal with matters efficiently. Peter Campbell stands out as efficient and commercially minded.‘
‘Responsive service, competitive on fees. Anthony King is always accommodating and helpful.‘
‘Alastair Davidson is very good and easy to work with.‘
‘Excellent. Peter Campbell and Sheraton Doyle are particularly helpful.‘
‘They’re clerking team sets them apart from other chambers. If they say they will call you back then they do – later that same day. Historically they have been of a high calibre and they provide a good service.‘
Serjeants' Inn Chambers
Regarded as ‘leaders in the field and usually the first to be contacted when a professional discipline hearing is listed‘, the members at Serjeants’ Inn Chambers handle a variety of work in the health care sector, among other areas. Among other key practitioners, Jonathan Holl-Allen KC represented Simon Bramhall in a judicial review challenge brought by Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care concerning the sanction imposed on the surgeon for autographing a transplanted liver during surgery. Anthony Haycroft defended a doctor in GMC v Srinivasan, after allegedly touching two patients in a sexual manner, an action that resulted in their name being erased from the register.
Testimonials
Set
‘Serjeants Inn has always been a ‘go to’ set for regulatory work, with a good selection of highly experienced and professional Counsel at all levels of expertise.‘
‘Serjeants Inn is a go to set for police misconduct. A strong list of Counsel and a consistent client centered approach. Lots of good people.‘
‘Truly one of the finest sets around, they are recognized as leaders in the field and usually the first to be contacted when a professional discipline hearing is listed. Their barristers are synonymous with the seminal case law in the area, and they have led the way for the past couple of decades. They now boast an enormous number of members and an embarrassment of riches, in terms of talent.‘
‘The set has real strength and depth in doing defence work in this field of law and particularly in representing a wide range of public and private authorities and in particular, policing organizations and associations.‘
‘Serjeants Inn is a fantastic set with a broad range and wealth of experience in the field. Not only are Serjeants Inn experts in the field of Professional Disciplinary and Regulatory Law, they are also experienced in many other fields too. This is a real advantage when clients need representation in a number of different arenas.‘
Clerking
‘All the clerks are quick to respond and efficient and very pleasant to deal with. Special thanks to Clare Sabido and Jennifer Pooler.‘
‘Lee Johnson is a legend in his own lifetime, a favourite amongst solicitors who looks after the interests of his members and clients with aplomb. Tom O’Connor is a key player and has a very sensible head on his shoulders.‘
‘A good responsive clerking team. Joe Ralph in particular is approachable, quick and very helpful. Prepared to go the extra mile and always tries his best to make diaries work!‘
‘All of the clerks at Sergeants Inn are always helpful and efficient. Lee Johnson is particularly good at managing the clerks and will always go above and beyond to resolve any issues. He responds efficiently to any requests for Counsel and will try to accommodate any requests we have.‘
‘Lee Johnson is excellent. Nothing is ever too much trouble and he works incredibly hard to ensure that clients receive a first class service from Chambers. Catherine Calder is a credit to Chambers – she is committed, hard-working and offers support and guidance in business development.‘
2 Hare Court
Regarded as ‘the best set for professional discipline barristers‘, 2 Hare Court is characterized for having ‘excellent silks, unparalleled senior juniors and some really strong junior barristers‘. Marios Lambis KC – a 2022 Silk appointment – defended a GP in a GMC case concerning 42 allegations in relation to dishonesty, bullying, and the deleting of patient records. ‘Master advocate‘ Stephen Brassington is acting on behalf of the former Chief Executive of Heart of England Foundation Trust in relation to an alleged conscious failure to prevent criminal behaviour by breast surgeon Ian Paterson, who is serving a two-decade prison sentence for carrying out unnecessary operations. In addition, Andrew Colman acted in front of the MPTS, successfully representing a GP alleged to have consumed surplus controlled drugs prescribed for his patients.
Testimonials
Set
‘2 Hare Court have excellent silks, unparalleled senior juniors and some really strong junior barristers coming up through the ranks. They are sure to be leaders in the field in future and will carry on the excellent reputation of this set.‘
‘2 Hare Court are exceptionally strong in the professional disciplinary world. Their number is the first that is called when excellent Counsel is required.‘
‘An excellent set full of first class barristers – spoilt for choice with them.‘
‘The best set for professional discipline barristers – they are really top notch and can always offer someone excellent to assist.‘
‘The entire set has a wonderful regulatory expertise, and I have been fortunate enough to instruct a number of barristers from the set, all of whom have been top class.‘
Clerking
‘Louis Lockwood in particular is excellent.‘
‘The team is amenable, flexible and user friendly.‘
‘Louis Lockwood is very good.‘
‘Louis Lockwood is very helpful and always tries his best to accommodate requests.‘
‘The clerks always go the extra mile to accommodate clients. Louis Lockwood is particularly helpful and always swift to suggest names and ensure availability.‘
Work highlights
4 New Square
With ‘excellent strength in depth in the field of professional liability and regulation‘, the practitioners at 4 New Square handle a range of work in a range of white-collar professions crossing over with its professional negligence expertise. Focusing on the financial and legal spheres, Ben Hubble KC represents the solicitor in Davies v Greene, a high-profile “private prosecution” against the former President of the Law Society before the SDT, who the claimant alleges to have misled the court. Achieving a suspension instead of disbarment, Graeme McPherson KC acted for a barrister in BSB v Wareing, concerning multiple charges for dishonesty including making a false statement to an employment judge. In addition, Helen Evans KC – a 2022 Silk appointment – is representing Peter Meehan, the KPMG partner responsible for Carillion’s audit previous to its collapse, in a dispute surrounding allegations the audit involved forged documentation intended to deceive FRC officials.
Testimonials
Set
‘The chambers has a good reputation for defence of solicitors facing prosecution in the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal. The Counsel provides sound reliable advice. They have a particular strength in coverage issues faced by solicitors such as issues concerning professional indemnity insurance cover for solicitors facing disciplinary proceedings.‘
‘They have strength in depth so there is usually someone available of suitable quality to assist.‘
‘4 New Square have a lot of experience.‘
‘Excellent strength in depth in the field of professional liability and regulation. Very well clerked and they are always able to field someone appropriate even in an emergency.‘
‘The go-to set for professional discipline. Their training seminars are excellent and they offer a wide range of useful and relevant topics, skillfully delivered.‘
Clerking
‘Clerking is very good – mainly through Dennis Peck.‘
‘Excellent – responsive, efficient.‘
‘All are excellent. Very responsive and reliable.‘
‘The clerks are always responsive, keen to assist and happy to sensibly discuss both fees and availability to find a solution.‘
Fountain Court Chambers
Considered a ‘stand out set in solicitors’ professional regulation‘ the set at Fountain Court Chambers has a ‘strong offering at all levels‘. Richard Coleman KC, who is considered ‘excellent all round‘, led Philip Ahlquist, standing before the Supreme Court in Harcus Sinclair LLP v Your Lawyers Limited, a dispute concerning the enforcement of solicitors’ undertakings in connection with group actions concerning the “dieselgate” emissions scandal. In Financial Reporting Council v C.A. Humphreys, Michael McLaren KC advised the former CFO of Conviviality plc – the insolvent former owner of Bargain Booze – in connection with an investigation by the FRC for alleged misconduct. In addition, Chloe Carpenter KC went up against Marianne Butler in SRA v Mishcon de Reya, focusing on allegations made against the firm by the SRA. In addition, Patricia Robertson KC was appointed to the Astana International Financial Centre Advisory Panel to advise on legal services regulation.
Testimonials
Set
‘Excellent for solicitors’ professional regulation.‘
‘Fountain Court has a number of impressive barristers specialising in solicitors disciplinary and regulatory work. Their knowledge of the case law, their ability to apply that to the facts of a case and their careful attention to the factual detail of cases, are particular strengths of all the counsel in Fountain Court who work in this area of law.‘
‘Stand out set in solicitors’ professional regulation. Strong offering at all levels, including a number of experienced senior juniors who are able to act as sole counsel.‘
‘The set has unparalleled strength in depth in professional disciplinary (audit and accountancy) work.‘
‘Outstanding. Fountain Court provides excellence not just in regulatory and disciplinary law but in the fields to which the regulation relates.’
Clerking
‘Pleasant and friendly.‘
‘Excellent service, particularly from Luke Diebelius.‘
‘Clerks room was first class, responsive and easy to work with.‘
‘Excellent. Sian Huckett and Luke Diebelius are super-available and helpful.‘
‘Excellent service, very accommodating and responsive. Luke Diebelius is particularly effective and makes an effort to build strong relationships with instructing solicitors, which is appreciated.‘
QEB Hollis Whiteman
With ‘strength and expertise in depth and breadth from the junior to senior end‘, the set at QEB Hollis Whiteman often prosecute and defend professionals subject to disciplinary proceedings. Active on the defendant side, Zoe Johnson KC is representing a respiratory and intensive care consultant, surrounding allegations they signed third party prescriptions targeted at patients living outside the permitted jurisdiction. Also appearing before the Medical Practitioners Tribunal, Sean Larkin KC acted on behalf of a GP accused by four patients of sexual assault, with allegations spanning over a 14 year period. In the junior ranks, ‘immensely experienced‘ Lydia Barnfather was instructed by the GDC in proceedings involving ‘Orthotropics’, a contested practice which relies on a theory of paediatric cranio-facial development, with the regulatory body aiming to prosecute a body of practitioners in connection with the practice.
Testimonials
Set
‘The set clearly has strength-in-depth in a number of practice areas and a number of genuinely talented barristers in my practice areas of crime and police misconduct.‘
‘QEB are a class set. Their prosecutorial and regulatory experience means they are able to navigate all cases and related cases where unlawful behaviour is alleged and can anticipate their opponents position. They have strength and expertise in depth and breadth from the junior to senior end.‘
‘QEB are the chambers to use for regulatory cases – they have top class barristers, and do an excellent job!‘
‘QEB has an impressive range of Counsel with considerable experience, unmatched expertise and a deserved reputation as being amongst the best in the business. As a collective, they not only deliver results, but are a pleasure to work with and deserve all the accolades they receive.‘
‘QEB are one of the pre-eminent chambers offering disciplinary and regulatory services.‘
Clerking
‘Chris Emmings has finger very firmly on the pulse and knows the market as well as any of his peers. He ably leads a fantastic clerking team which is enthusiastic, engaging and helpful. Faye Stimpson is a firm favourite with solicitors and counsel alike.‘
‘Excellent. Responsive, helpful, good networking opportunities and great training. Chris Emmmings, Faye Stimpson and David O’Sullivan stand out.‘
‘Overall, the clerks are very helpful and communicative. Chris Emmings is a main point of contact and has a great understanding of the needs of clients.‘
‘Chris Emmings does a great job co-ordinating work together.‘
1 Crown Office Row
With ‘excellent strength in depth‘, the members at 1 Crown Office Row are regularly instructed in disciplinary work, with particular expertise in cases involving the healthcare sector. In NR v GMC, Robert Kellar KC represented a practitioner of cosmetic medicine with regard to an investigation alleging her clinic had remained open during Covid-19 lockdowns in 2020 and 2021. ‘Absolutely outstanding silk‘ Neil Sheldon KC acts for a collection of junior doctors against the GMC in proceedings concerning their alleged participation in a WhatsApp group where inappropriate messages were exchanged. In addition, in GOC v Skudder, Clodagh Bradley KC represented an osteopath accused of sexually motivated misconduct.
Testimonials
Set
‘1 Crown Office Row has excellent strength in depth amongst its senior juniors.’
‘1 Crown Office Row are one of the best sets in the field of professional regulation and have a wealth of talented barristers at their disposal.’
‘Considerable strength in depth – great set.’
‘An excellent set with many courteous opponents and colleagues.’
‘A brilliant set. All the barristers are such good quality and so clever. The silks are first class and the juniors are excellent.’
Clerking
‘Chloe Turvill is “the one”. Best clerk in town.’
‘The best set for clerking. Matthew Phipps leads an excellent team assisted by Andy Tull – both of whom are brilliant clerks.’
‘Fantastic clerks – Matthew Phipps leads a great team ably assisted by Andy Tull and the junior clerks. Old fashioned clerking service without the nonsense.’
Work highlights
2 Bedford Row
2 Bedford Row has ‘a lot of experience within the professional regulatory discipline‘, with particular expertise in cases relating to professionals in the healthcare space. Among its key practitioners, Christopher Saad acted on behalf of the regulatory body in GDC v Henning, where he was instructed to prosecute a registrant accused of providing an inappropriate standard of care to patients. In GDC v Patel, Sam Thomas also acted on behalf of the regulator, accusing the dentist of having sex with one of his patients after he completed a course of cosmetic treatment.
Testimonials
Set
‘2 Bedford Row has many outstanding Counsel in their ranks.‘
‘2 Bedford Row have counsel with a lot of experience within the professional regulatory discipline. There are always several counsel available with suitable experience to assist on cases.‘
Clerking
‘Lee Bartlett provides an excellent customer service as his responsiveness and attention to detail are notable. He is also able to prioritise urgent matters and deal with them appropriately.‘
‘Paul Rodgers is very helpful and approachable. He dealt with an enquiry efficiently and effectively. Could not have asked for a better service.‘
‘The clerks are very professional, polite and helpful. They are always happy to help when Counsel need to be re-arranged.‘
‘Attentive, efficient, and commercial.‘
Work highlights
23ES
With barristers considered ‘at the top of their game, but down to earth and approachable’, 23ES acts for a range of regulatory bodies, with Paul Ozin KC also active as Chair of the Association of Regulatory and Disciplinary Lawyers. In SRA v Khan, Tim Grey represented a high-profile solicitor Sophie Khan, who had been found to have failed to deliver required documents to the SRA, following two High Court orders and a summary strike off. In addition, Rebecca Vanstone represented the regulatory body in GDC v Notta, prosecuting a registrant facing multiple allegations of clinical misconduct and dishonesty.
Testimonials
Set
‘23ES have good strength in depth in this area.‘
‘23ES are a go-to set – they always try their best to assist in both civil and criminal matters – especially when there is a crossover. Their barristers tend to be at the top of their game, but down to earth and approachable.‘
Clerking
‘Daniel Randall is excellent. Always responds without delay and always gave a top class service by keeping you updated, and where Counsel availability was limited would try and work around this by rearranging diaries (where possible) in order to secure Counsel. He is friendly and approachable and is a go-to clerk at the Chambers. 23ES are lucky to have him on the team.’
‘Excellent clerking – Daniel Randall is brilliant.‘
‘The clerking team is friendly and generally very responsive and pleasant. Daniel Randall deserves a special mention.‘
‘Daniel Randall is always very helpful and responsive.‘
Blackstone Chambers
Blackstone Chambers has ‘an abundance of knowledge in the set on regulatory and disciplinary matters‘, with its barristers being regularly instructed on behalf of a range of regulatory authorities across the medical, optical, and legal sectors. In the Court of Appeal, Ivan Hare KC acted in Okpara v GMC, concerning the correct approach for a deference to the medical practitioners tribunal on appeal. In addition, Catherine Callaghan KC acted for the GMC in an appeal in the High Court concerning a doctor’s removal from the medical register following allegations of dishonesty and their failure to tell the truth in a disciplinary hearing.
Testimonials
Set
‘Blackstone remain a very special set. They are blessed with many fantastic black letter lawyers. Despite their formidable reputation, Blackstone barristers remain humble and hardworking.‘
‘Blackstone is packed with top notch talent right the way through the set at all levels.‘
‘Cleary there is an abundance of knowledge in the set on regulatory and disciplinary matters.‘
‘Blackstone is an excellent set. They have a strong regulatory presence. The quality of the set’s barristers is well known.‘
Clerking
‘Excellent throughout the clerks room.‘
‘Very efficient and helpful.‘
‘Gary Oliver is an excellent leader of the clerking team. I have found all clerks to be helpful, accommodating and good at keeping in contact.‘
Work highlights
Brick Court Chambers
With a range of practitioners, the set at Brick Court Chambers features Simon Salzedo KC – a chartered accountant previous to his career at the Bar – advised the respondent of an FRC claim for misleading conduct during an investigation into the Carillion audit. Heading up a five-person team in efforts of supporting the FRC in the Carillion investigation is Tom Adam KC, another key figure in chambers. Taking silk in 2021, James McClelland KC acted for the SRA in relation to a solicitors’ alleged dishonesty when providing evidence in court, while Tony Singla KC represented Deloitte in FRC v Deloitte, a regulatory matter touching on the dispute over Hewlett-Packard's takeover of Autonomy.
Testimonials
Clerking
‘High quality.‘
‘Luke Carvalho could not be more helpful.‘
Old Square Chambers
Regarded for its ‘expertise in assisting healthcare professionals‘, the barristers at Old Square Chambers often ‘provide an excellent service‘. In GMC v Richard Freeman, Mary O’Rourke KC acted for the former British Cycling and Team Sky team doctor in a tribunal case looking to strike them off for allegedly administering a prohibited substance to British Cycling’s elite competitors, alongside additional allegations with respect to prescription-only medicines. In addition, Mark Sutton KC addressed allegations of misconduct brought against the Medical Director of the Trust employing a breast surgeon previously found guilty of performing damaging surgery to patients. Betsan Criddle KC – taking silk in 2022 – acted on Burn v Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, proceedings covering the scope of a doctor’s right to disclose documents in an NHS disciplinary investigation.
Testimonials
Set
‘Very helpful and flexible chambers who always provide an excellent service.‘
‘Chambers known for its expertise in assisting healthcare professionals in respect of MHPS proceedings.‘
Clerking
‘The clerks are very helpful and responsive.‘
Work highlights
Outer Temple Chambers
The barristers at Outer Temple Chambers regularly handle professional disciplinary matters in relation the healthcare, financial services and legal sectors. For instance, James Counsell KC defended a cosmetic surgeon facing against several allegations of misconduct brought by the GMC. Also acting against the medical regulatory body was Fiona Horlick KC, representing a senior surgeon with over 160 charges brought against him, involving a variety of patients.
Testimonials
Set
‘Outer Temple remain a strong dependable presence backed up by a strong clerking team.‘
‘Chambers are excellent at advising on available counsel when needed.‘
‘Some strong counsel in this area.‘
‘They are a high quality set.‘
‘Outer Temple Chambers are renowned for their specialist expertise in fitness to practise/regulatory matters.‘
Clerking
‘The clerking has been really helpful and efficient.‘
‘Very efficient and friendly service – Graham Woods was extremely helpful throughout, and straightforward to deal with.‘