4 Pump Court is an established professional negligence set, covering all areas of professional negligence, with all barristers having broad commercial expertise. The Chambers are regularly instructed in cases involving accountants, auditors, solicitors, insurance brokers, financial advisers, asset managers, stockbrokers, surveyors, architects and valuers. Nigel Tozzi KC has a practice primarily focused on defendants, acting for against legal and financial professionals. Tozzi KC also had an active role in Persimmon v Osborne Clarke, which involved a major solicitors’ negligence action arising out of option agreement for purchase of land for housing in Oxfordshire. Fiona Sinclair KC‘s expertise lies in claims against construction professionals, as well as investment and tax advisors. Simon Goldstone , described as ‘bright and a pleasure to work with,’ has a thriving practice including defending financial and legal professionals.
Professional negligence in
London Bar4 Pump Court
Testimonials
Set
‘4 Pump Court is an excellent chambers, full of consistently strong barristers.’
‘An impressive set with stellar counsel.’
‘Really excellent set – quality individuals.‘
‘Chambers are of the highest quality.’
‘Very strong set for construction work, including construction professional indemnity work.’
Clerking
‘Excellent clerks – in particular Bill Griffiths and Sam Penny.’
2 Temple Gardens
Members of ‘reliable’ set 2 Temple Gardens act in claims for and against professionals across the legal, financial and construction sectors. The work overlaps with other areas commonly covered in the chambers, such as clinical negligence, allowing specialists to complement and effectively advise on claims. Neil Moody KC is a leading silk with expertise in dealing with claims of negligence against construction professionals. Charles Dougherty KC has a strong reputation for his practice with claims involving legal and financial professionals. Isabel Barter has been instructed on cases involving leading law firms, as well as work with a particular focus on cladding issues.
Testimonials
Set
‘Reliable good solid set of counsel.’
‘Easy to work with, always available, detailed, commercial and inspires confidence. An absolute pleasure to work with.’
‘Well regarded by PI insurers, and solicitors practicing in the professional negligence field.’
‘Great strength and depth in the prof neg field across all levels of call.’
‘An excellent and established chambers taking on some of the most high profile and complicated professional negligence cases.’
Clerking
‘Helpful clerks. Matthew Moylan is very responsive and pleasant to deal with.’
3 Verulam Buildings
3 Verulam Buildings are a strong set in banking-related professional negligence claims. Tom Weitzman KC represents professional indemnity insurers and brokers, with a good spread of work involving architects, engineers, solicitors, accountants and actuaries. Andrew Onslow KC is a leading barrister in high-profile financial professional negligence, with a standout case being Lancaster and Others v Peacock KC and Canaccord Genuity Wealth Management. The case dealt with numerous investors in failed film finance schemes and a claim for damages was presented against a well known tax silk and IFAs who advised on the entry into the schemes. Turning to the set’s juniors, Pia Dutton has been involved in a number of high profile professional negligence claims representing leading law firms and financial institutions.
Testimonials
Set
‘Really good commercial set I have used for many years.’
‘Some strong members, especially in banking.’
‘The juniors are very strong and I would particularly mention: Tom de Vecchi, Richard Hanke and Sophia Dzwig.’
‘Excellent set.’
‘Extremely hard working and committed and a great eye for detail. Very supportive and knowledgeable.’
‘3VB has a number of impressive Counsel and can field real specialists for a wide variety of cases. They also have an extensive training programme which helpfully reaches the regions, rather than just being London focused.’
‘Our “go to” trusted counsel for many years. Adam is extremely intelligent, technically excellent, commercially astute, and brilliant strategically. He always has full command of all of the details. Very user friendly and a pleasure to work with.’
7 King's Bench Walk
7 King’s Bench Walk have had a successful year with claims against accountants, auditors, brokers, surveyors and solicitors. The set has acted at the highest level, especially with Rebecca Sabben-Clare KC involvement in Manchester Building Society v Grant Thornton, which raised an issue of principle about scope of duty and the extent of damages; the Supreme Court found that the building society could recover losses after a change of accountancy method caused it to close out interest rate swaps at a £32m loss. Jonathan Gaisman KC is a specialist in financial claims, with cases including defending KPMG against Carillion PLC for damages in excess of over £1 billion, which raises significant legal issues such as the recoverability of trading losses. James Brocklebank KC has deep experience of audit and accounting negligence cases. Jo Higgs KC is a 2022 Silk appointment.
Testimonials
Set
‘7 King’s Bench Walk has a very strong professional negligence practice, with particular depth in the financial services sector.’
‘A superb set.’
‘7 King’s Bench Walk are always one of my ‘go to’ sets for anything insurance related.’
‘7 King’s Bench Walk is a set that I am always comfortable instructing.’
‘7 King’s Bench Walk is now one of the leading sets in auditors’ negligence, with a battery of excellent silks and juniors involved in most of the recent high profile cases in this area.’
Clerking
‘Gary Rose is exceptional.’
Atkin Chambers
Atkin Chambers is known for professional negligence in the construction, engineering, technology, energy and infrastructure spheres. The chambers benefits from a strong team of barristers who have specialist knowledge in construction based cases and can apply it to issues surrounding professional negligence. Stephanie Barwise KC has a diverse practice spanning a range of issues arising in construction, civil, mechanical and geotechnical engineering work. Martin Bowdery KC acts for a range of different professionals, including financial services advisers in numerous multi-million-pound professional negligence actions. Rupert Choat KC has been appointed silk as of March 2022.
Testimonials
Set
‘Very good on detail and technical issues.’
‘Go to chambers for construction & engineering matters.’
‘Atkin Chambers is, with Keating, the pre-eminent set for construction litigation.‘
‘Extremely bright, very friendly, very good client manner. Excellent work product.’
‘Atkin is a very set for construction and engineering law with many able Juniors and Silks.’
Clerking
‘The clerks that I have dealt with are always responsive, and excellent at helping identify appropriate Counsel and looking at ways to overcome availability issues.’
Brick Court Chambers
The ‘excellent’ Brick Court Chambers have been instructed in a number of complex and high profile professional negligence cases. This includes cases such as McClean & Others v Thornhill KC, whereby the claimants, a large group of wealthy individuals entered allege the promoters of a tax scheme was provided negligent advice by a tax silk. The Chambers is particularly strong in financial professional negligence cases, with barristers well versed within tax law. Tom Adam KC is a well-regarded barrister, who is regularly instructed by the ‘Big Four’ accountancy firms. Mark Howard KC has a practice focused on defending major accountants and international law firms.
Testimonials
Set
‘Brick Court Chambers is an excellent set, and has some of the leading barristers in the area of professional negligence, e.g. Simon Salzedo KC.’
‘Generally very strong; eclectic mix of talents.’
‘Stellar set on professional negligence matters.’
‘An excellent alternative to 4 New Square for prof neg.’
‘A first-rate professional negligence, commercial and public law set.’
Clerking
‘Very good clerking team. Phil Wilkes in particular is stand out’
Crown Office Chambers
Crown Office Chambers are respected for their presence across brokers, lawyers, accountants and construction professionals, the latter crossing over with its expertise on project disputes in that space. The chambers finds itself often in some of the leading cases for professional negligence, and its barristers cover complex and high-profile cases regularly. Andrew Rigney KC has an extensive practice both domestically and internationally in construction-based professional negligence cases. Daniel Shapiro KC has a practice in professional negligence involving financial and legal professionals, typically acting for defendants. Isabel Hitching KC is a specialist whose practice covers a spectrum of construction professional negligence work.
Testimonials
Set
‘Responsive, intelligent, thoughtful.’
‘Crown Office Chambers is a major set with strength and depth in its barristers.’
‘Top rated for insurance and construction work.’
‘Delightful and friendly chambers.’
‘Very good indeed – helpful training programme and articles – one of the best sets for this.’
Clerking
‘Excellent – Steve Purse is particularly helpful.’
Gatehouse Chambers
Gatehouse Chambers covers a wide spread of professional negligence work, covering solicitors, construction and financial professionals. Within these areas, the Chambers have dealt with a wide range of issues, including solicitor negligence and matters concerning investment schemes. Paul Reed KC‘s expertise spans construction, insurance and reinsurance. Reed’s highlight cases include RFU & RSA v FM Conway and Others, which involved damage to RFU’s Twickenham stadium caused during construction of additional infrastructure for the Rugby World Cup. John de Waal KC is in demand by claimant solicitors in relation to complex claims coming from property transactions. Sara Ibrahim has recently joined the set from 3 Hare Court.
Testimonials
Set
‘Friendly and professional.’
‘The team is friendly and professional, and ultimately the set is led with great vision and purpose by CEO Amanda Illing’
‘Chambers have a range of specialists in this area, who work well together, which has proven useful on the small number of occasions when availability has been an issue. They also provide a plentiful supply of good quality seminars.’
‘Very good set of chambers, which is the first port of call for commercial, property and insolvency matters.’
‘Always consistently good with juniors to seniors.’
Clerking
‘Clerks are really helpful and always assist with new matters. Training is regular and helpful.’
Hailsham Chambers
The ‘very capable set‘ of Hailsham Chambers are well known as specialists within all core areas of professional negligence. Nicola Rushton KC specialises in property and finance-related professional negligence. Dan Stacey is a highly experienced senior junior, who worked on the case of Infinity v Khan Partnership, which involves a claim for professional negligence and breach of fiduciary duty against a firm of solicitors which revolves around whether the firm obtained the agreement of Infinity to payment of an uplift for their fees.
Testimonials
Set
‘Very capable in claims against solicitors and works collaboratively.’
‘Hailsham are a very easy chambers to work with – an efficient clerking team who always try to accommodate requests and make counsel available.’
‘Excellent. Easy to deal with, responsive and sensible. One of the best!’
‘Hailsham covers the full spectrum of professional liability work and its clerks are knowledgeable and always able to provide guidance if this is required. You are always kept up to date with fees and time estimates and really feel like you are working in a partnership with them.’
‘Specialist in their field and cover all required areas. good choice and variety of experience and always able to provide clear recommendations. They keep you up to date with fees and time frames- superb service always!’
Clerking
‘Michael Kilby in particular is fabulous!’
Keating Chambers
Keating Chambers is well regarded for their work in technology and construction related professional negligence cases. Members of the chambers are often involved in domestic and international disputes, specialising in defending claims against professionals including architects, contractors and IT consultants. Alexander Nissen KC has been involved in Multiplex Construction Europe Ltd v Argo Global Syndicate, which related to the construction of a high profile and substantial 40-storey tower on Bishopsgate; it is alleged that there was a failure to perform a proper design check on a slip-form rig. Adam Constable KC, as was, is now on the High Court bench.
Testimonials
Set
‘Keating chambers has been my “go to” set for many years; especially for juniors to joint the team and assist with research. The quality of juniors and the speed at which they can pick up the often complex technical nuances of a case is a massive assistance to my small litigation team.’
‘In the wider team they have always been able to provide barristers to match our cases whether it be us requesting those we know or trusting their recommendation on those we don’t.’
‘Sharp intellect and clear advise.’
‘I have used Keating Chambers for around 30 years, using the full spectrum of Barristers from Seniors and Juniors. They have great strength in depth with a breath of experience that suits a variety of cases that I have been involved in over time. I have never had any issues over the availability of a suitably good Barrister for any specific case.’
Clerking
‘Excellent.’
‘Very good.’
Wilberforce Chambers
Wilberforce Chambers is well-regarded for the set’s user-friendly service and rigorous approach to legal issues when it comes to their professional negligence work, which encompasses claims against solicitors, barristers, accountants, auditors, actuaries and construction professionals. Ian Croxford KC has acted for and against professional firms in connection with substantial litigation, alongside work connected with accountants and solicitors. John Wardell KC has a busy practice, with defence work focused on claims brought against members of the Bar and patent attorneys. Clare Stanley KC has a practice focused on claims against solicitors and accountants, and is well known in acting in cases relating to trust, tax and restructuring matters.
Testimonials
Set
‘Great set.’
‘Wilberforce have a high reputation in many areas, including professional negligence.’
‘High quality set.’
‘Wilberforce is a trusted commercial litigation set which we have used for many years.’
‘Wilberforce is a strong set on commercial chancery matters and therefore any professional negligence arising within that context.’
Clerking
‘Very good.’
4 New Square
4 New Square are well-known specialists in professional negligence, acting both for Claimants and Defendants in litigation and arbitrations in England and Wales and internationally. The barristers practicing at the chambers have a depth of experience and talent, who have regularly been involved in cases which have shaped the law of professional negligence. Justin Fenwick KC has practiced in all areas of professional negligence and specialises in legal and financial claims. Nicholas Broomfield stands out for his professional negligence work spanning all core areas, and was involved in the case of Matthew & Others v Sedman & Others, whereby he successfully acted on behalf of respondents in an appeal arising from a claim against professional trustees, concerning the calculation of time for the purposes of limitation in cases of contract, tort and breach of trust when there is a ‘midnight deadline.’
Testimonials
Set
‘All works very efficiently. Their seminars and pod casts are of a very high quality and they are streets ahead of competitors in understanding the value of regular high quality seminars of this type. ‘
‘4 New Square are my set of choice for professional negligence matters.’
‘My experience of the mid, senior juniors is that they are not all carbon copies of each other. They all have an individuality which is really important. Despite this, they are all consistently client focused, academically sharp as tacks and thoroughly nice people to work with.’
‘4 New square Chambers provides a very high quality of barristers in particular specialising in professional negligence and liability.’
‘I have instructed 4 New Square for many years. 4 New Square is a top tier professional indemnity set with the depth and breadth of knowledge and experience which you would expect from a specialist set. Always professional, procative and helpful in all areas. 4 New Square have never let me down and have always been the reliable go-to set of choice.’
Clerking
‘Clerks are excellent, especially Alex Dolby and Chris Ebdon.’
Deka Chambers
Deka Chambers fields a large team within professional negligence, often crossing over with the set’s expertise in public sector areas. Members of the set have a strong relationship with leading professional negligence insurers, acting for them directly and through private practice law firms. Andrew Warnock KC and Maurice Rifat, from the 1 Chancery Lane side of the merger with 9 Gough Square, won the landmark Supreme Court case of Stoffel & Co v Grondona concerning the scope of the illegality defence in a claim against solicitors.
Testimonials
Set
‘Excellent all round.’
‘User friendly.’
‘The chambers are excellent and able to cater for a vast number of different areas of law. They also offer a series of free webinars.’
Clerking
‘Excellent clerking service – particularly Clark Chassis.’
Fountain Court Chambers
Described as a ‘top go to set’, members of Fountain Court Chambers are regularly instructed in cases concerning financial, construction and legal professionals. The set have practitioners who are in demand for their commercial litigation and regulatory knowledge, and have been instructed in various significant and high profile claims. Anneliese Day KC is noted as ‘a standout genius‘, acting on some of the biggest and complex professional negligence disputes, including Investors in the Scotts Atlantic Film Finance Scheme v Thornhill KC, with a claim worth £50m, whereby Day acted for over one hundred investors who invested money into a film finance scheme having been allegedly negligently advised by a tax KC. Christopher Knowles is a name to watch owing to his work defending solicitors.
Testimonials
Set
‘Fountain Court is a go-to set for me for (re)insurance coverage disputes, banking disputes and com lit.’
‘Very responsive and easy to work with; intelligent and excellent client handling skills; commercial and impressive work rate.’
‘Fountain Court is a really excellent set with quality from top to bottom. One of the first I go to. They are able to cover almost any type of commercial dispute. It was a real coup when they managed to get Richard Lissack to join — probably the best white collar lawyer at the Bar.’
‘Impressive knowledge and experience of the regulatory framework of solicitors and how the SRA operates.’
‘An excellent reputation for heavy commercial cases.‘
Clerking
‘The clerking team stands out as one of the most dynamic and friendly teams amongst sets, and can be commercially sensible.’
Radcliffe Chambers
Radcliffe Chambers are specialists within solicitor and financial based professional negligence work. Barristers are regularly instructed in both claimant and defendant based claims, whilst accepting instructions under the Public Access Scheme. Thomas Dumont KC has over forty years experience, with a recent highlight being the case of Bishop of Leeds v Dixon Coles & Gill, which involved a senior partner stealing millions from church charities, a Church of England bishop and deceased clients’ estates. Shantanu Majumdar KC acts for and against various legal and financial professionals.
Testimonials
Set
‘Radcliffe Chambers do a fair amount of work in the professional negligence field, particularly Jeremy Cousins KC who is very thorough and a pleasure to work with.’
‘Radcliffe Chambers is one of the leading chambers for pensions litigation. They have offered excellent and practical training relating to pensions litigation.’
‘Radcliffe is the best Chancery set to deal with in my experience. From very capable neo-juniors right up to KC level, they have never let me down. The clerk team are very helpful and efficient.’
‘Chambers offers a good range of counsel in both areas covered and years of experience. As a firm, we have used this firm for many years and many members of chambers from junior-juniors to KC level.’
Chambers
‘I have had the pleasure of working with all the clerks in the team and there is no variation in levels of service quality, all of a very high standard.’
‘A sound team well lead by John Clark.’
39 Essex Chambers
39 Essex Chambers is active in professional negligence cases across all core areas, with claims against construction professionals being its main core area. Barristers are able to use their knowledge in both insurance law and an understanding of the work that goes into construction projects to represent their clients. Well-known construction silk Paul Darling KC worked on Blue Manchester v NWGR, which concerned a claim by a freeholder against an architect in relation to the design of a cladding system on the Manchester Hilton. Marion Smith KC has extensive experience in representing and advising clients in Europe and the ASEAN region in a broad range of professional negligence matters.
Testimonials
Set
‘Impressive chambers, with a vast array of barristers at all levels and across a broad spectrum of practice areas.’
‘Extremely knowledgeable, with a calm advocacy style.’
Clerking
‘Very efficient – co-ordination of my diary with Paul\’s has always been efficient. They come well recommended by my clerks.’
‘The clerks are responsive, personable and helpful.’
‘Harvey Scott and Tom Gibbons are always helpful.’
‘Clerking is excellent.’
Serle Court
Serle Court fields a strong team in both the junior and senior barrister level in many leading professional negligence cases. Members of the chambers are present in defending complex claims for professional service providers, financial advisers, solicitors and tax advisers. Philip Jones KC is active in this space, with one highlight case being Jomast v Muckle, a claim against solicitors for allegedly negligent advice and drafting of a commercial contract to provide accommodation for asylum seekers to the Home Office. David Blayney KC is a specialist in numerous cases involving surveyors accused of negligence property valuation. David Drake has extensive experience acting and advising in disputes in relation to solicitors, accountants and directors.
Testimonials
Set
‘Serle Court have real strength in depth. I would single out Philip Jones KC, Lance Ashworth KC, Dan McCourt Fritz and Matthew Morison for particular praise in this area.’
‘Serle Court consistently delivers excellent quality and availability of Counsel. I have only ever had positive experiences with Serle Court in terms of the quality of barristers they provide and train. The quality of their juniors are a consistent credit to Serle Court’s wider membership and the training they deliver to their juniors.’
‘Pupils and juniors are consistently very good. They appear to receive excellent training and are a glowing reflection on Serle Court more generally. I am always comfortable accepting a recommendation from the clerks of a new junior as I know that the quality will be consistently high both technically, and from a client management perspective.’
‘Probably the best of the commercial chancery sets.’
‘Top class.’
Clerking
‘Clerks service is generally excellent, responsive and commercial in approach. Nick Hockney and Dan Wheeler in particular are always a pleasure to deal with, although that extends to the clerks as a whole. Again, the clerks are a credit to Serle Court.’
Outer Temple Chambers
Outer Temple Chambers
undertakes professional negligence work concerning solicitors, barristers, actuaries, accountants, financial services professionals and insolvency practitioners. The chambers are instructed on a wide range of work, from occupational pension schemes to commercial transactions. James Counsell KC acts for claimants against financial and legal professionals, having recently settled for four claimants against a solicitor. Nicolas Stallworthy KC has expertise in cases concerning insurance companies, benefits consultants and a number of financial professionals. Lydia Seymour is well regarded for her work focusing on pensions and actions against solicitors.
Testimonials
Set
‘Very responsive.’
‘Easy to work with. Takes into account client/instructing solicitors views.’
‘Excellent. Detailed focused and hard working. Approachable and brilliant with clients. Impressively capable of simplifying complex issues.’
‘Efficient and approachable.’
‘Outer Temple Chambers has an impressive range of talent for advising on professional negligence claims.’
Clerking
‘Clerks are responsive and communicative.’
4 Pump Court
Testimonials
Set
‘4 Pump Court is an excellent chambers, full of consistently strong barristers.’
‘An impressive set with stellar counsel.’
‘Really excellent set – quality individuals.‘
‘Chambers are of the highest quality.’
‘Very strong set for construction work, including construction professional indemnity work.’
Clerking
‘Excellent clerks – in particular Bill Griffiths and Sam Penny.’
2 Temple Gardens
Members of ‘reliable’ set 2 Temple Gardens act in claims for and against professionals across the legal, financial and construction sectors. The work overlaps with other areas commonly covered in the chambers, such as clinical negligence, allowing specialists to complement and effectively advise on claims. Neil Moody KC is a leading silk with expertise in dealing with claims of negligence against construction professionals. Charles Dougherty KC has a strong reputation for his practice with claims involving legal and financial professionals. Isabel Barter has been instructed on cases involving leading law firms, as well as work with a particular focus on cladding issues.
Testimonials
Set
‘Reliable good solid set of counsel.’
‘Easy to work with, always available, detailed, commercial and inspires confidence. An absolute pleasure to work with.’
‘Well regarded by PI insurers, and solicitors practicing in the professional negligence field.’
‘Great strength and depth in the prof neg field across all levels of call.’
‘An excellent and established chambers taking on some of the most high profile and complicated professional negligence cases.’
Clerking
‘Helpful clerks. Matthew Moylan is very responsive and pleasant to deal with.’
3 Verulam Buildings
3 Verulam Buildings are a strong set in banking-related professional negligence claims. Tom Weitzman KC represents professional indemnity insurers and brokers, with a good spread of work involving architects, engineers, solicitors, accountants and actuaries. Andrew Onslow KC is a leading barrister in high-profile financial professional negligence, with a standout case being Lancaster and Others v Peacock KC and Canaccord Genuity Wealth Management. The case dealt with numerous investors in failed film finance schemes and a claim for damages was presented against a well known tax silk and IFAs who advised on the entry into the schemes. Turning to the set’s juniors, Pia Dutton has been involved in a number of high profile professional negligence claims representing leading law firms and financial institutions.
Testimonials
Set
‘Really good commercial set I have used for many years.’
‘Some strong members, especially in banking.’
‘The juniors are very strong and I would particularly mention: Tom de Vecchi, Richard Hanke and Sophia Dzwig.’
‘Excellent set.’
‘Extremely hard working and committed and a great eye for detail. Very supportive and knowledgeable.’
‘3VB has a number of impressive Counsel and can field real specialists for a wide variety of cases. They also have an extensive training programme which helpfully reaches the regions, rather than just being London focused.’
‘Our “go to” trusted counsel for many years. Adam is extremely intelligent, technically excellent, commercially astute, and brilliant strategically. He always has full command of all of the details. Very user friendly and a pleasure to work with.’
7 King's Bench Walk
7 King’s Bench Walk have had a successful year with claims against accountants, auditors, brokers, surveyors and solicitors. The set has acted at the highest level, especially with Rebecca Sabben-Clare KC involvement in Manchester Building Society v Grant Thornton, which raised an issue of principle about scope of duty and the extent of damages; the Supreme Court found that the building society could recover losses after a change of accountancy method caused it to close out interest rate swaps at a £32m loss. Jonathan Gaisman KC is a specialist in financial claims, with cases including defending KPMG against Carillion PLC for damages in excess of over £1 billion, which raises significant legal issues such as the recoverability of trading losses. James Brocklebank KC has deep experience of audit and accounting negligence cases. Jo Higgs KC is a 2022 Silk appointment.
Testimonials
Set
‘7 King’s Bench Walk has a very strong professional negligence practice, with particular depth in the financial services sector.’
‘A superb set.’
‘7 King’s Bench Walk are always one of my ‘go to’ sets for anything insurance related.’
‘7 King’s Bench Walk is a set that I am always comfortable instructing.’
‘7 King’s Bench Walk is now one of the leading sets in auditors’ negligence, with a battery of excellent silks and juniors involved in most of the recent high profile cases in this area.’
Clerking
‘Gary Rose is exceptional.’
Atkin Chambers
Atkin Chambers is known for professional negligence in the construction, engineering, technology, energy and infrastructure spheres. The chambers benefits from a strong team of barristers who have specialist knowledge in construction based cases and can apply it to issues surrounding professional negligence. Stephanie Barwise KC has a diverse practice spanning a range of issues arising in construction, civil, mechanical and geotechnical engineering work. Martin Bowdery KC acts for a range of different professionals, including financial services advisers in numerous multi-million-pound professional negligence actions. Rupert Choat KC has been appointed silk as of March 2022.
Testimonials
Set
‘Very good on detail and technical issues.’
‘Go to chambers for construction & engineering matters.’
‘Atkin Chambers is, with Keating, the pre-eminent set for construction litigation.‘
‘Extremely bright, very friendly, very good client manner. Excellent work product.’
‘Atkin is a very set for construction and engineering law with many able Juniors and Silks.’
Clerking
‘The clerks that I have dealt with are always responsive, and excellent at helping identify appropriate Counsel and looking at ways to overcome availability issues.’
Brick Court Chambers
The ‘excellent’ Brick Court Chambers have been instructed in a number of complex and high profile professional negligence cases. This includes cases such as McClean & Others v Thornhill KC, whereby the claimants, a large group of wealthy individuals entered allege the promoters of a tax scheme was provided negligent advice by a tax silk. The Chambers is particularly strong in financial professional negligence cases, with barristers well versed within tax law. Tom Adam KC is a well-regarded barrister, who is regularly instructed by the ‘Big Four’ accountancy firms. Mark Howard KC has a practice focused on defending major accountants and international law firms.
Testimonials
Set
‘Brick Court Chambers is an excellent set, and has some of the leading barristers in the area of professional negligence, e.g. Simon Salzedo KC.’
‘Generally very strong; eclectic mix of talents.’
‘Stellar set on professional negligence matters.’
‘An excellent alternative to 4 New Square for prof neg.’
‘A first-rate professional negligence, commercial and public law set.’
Clerking
‘Very good clerking team. Phil Wilkes in particular is stand out’
Crown Office Chambers
Crown Office Chambers are respected for their presence across brokers, lawyers, accountants and construction professionals, the latter crossing over with its expertise on project disputes in that space. The chambers finds itself often in some of the leading cases for professional negligence, and its barristers cover complex and high-profile cases regularly. Andrew Rigney KC has an extensive practice both domestically and internationally in construction-based professional negligence cases. Daniel Shapiro KC has a practice in professional negligence involving financial and legal professionals, typically acting for defendants. Isabel Hitching KC is a specialist whose practice covers a spectrum of construction professional negligence work.
Testimonials
Set
‘Responsive, intelligent, thoughtful.’
‘Crown Office Chambers is a major set with strength and depth in its barristers.’
‘Top rated for insurance and construction work.’
‘Delightful and friendly chambers.’
‘Very good indeed – helpful training programme and articles – one of the best sets for this.’
Clerking
‘Excellent – Steve Purse is particularly helpful.’
Gatehouse Chambers
Gatehouse Chambers covers a wide spread of professional negligence work, covering solicitors, construction and financial professionals. Within these areas, the Chambers have dealt with a wide range of issues, including solicitor negligence and matters concerning investment schemes. Paul Reed KC‘s expertise spans construction, insurance and reinsurance. Reed’s highlight cases include RFU & RSA v FM Conway and Others, which involved damage to RFU’s Twickenham stadium caused during construction of additional infrastructure for the Rugby World Cup. John de Waal KC is in demand by claimant solicitors in relation to complex claims coming from property transactions. Sara Ibrahim has recently joined the set from 3 Hare Court.
Testimonials
Set
‘Friendly and professional.’
‘The team is friendly and professional, and ultimately the set is led with great vision and purpose by CEO Amanda Illing’
‘Chambers have a range of specialists in this area, who work well together, which has proven useful on the small number of occasions when availability has been an issue. They also provide a plentiful supply of good quality seminars.’
‘Very good set of chambers, which is the first port of call for commercial, property and insolvency matters.’
‘Always consistently good with juniors to seniors.’
Clerking
‘Clerks are really helpful and always assist with new matters. Training is regular and helpful.’
Hailsham Chambers
The ‘very capable set‘ of Hailsham Chambers are well known as specialists within all core areas of professional negligence. Nicola Rushton KC specialises in property and finance-related professional negligence. Dan Stacey is a highly experienced senior junior, who worked on the case of Infinity v Khan Partnership, which involves a claim for professional negligence and breach of fiduciary duty against a firm of solicitors which revolves around whether the firm obtained the agreement of Infinity to payment of an uplift for their fees.
Testimonials
Set
‘Very capable in claims against solicitors and works collaboratively.’
‘Hailsham are a very easy chambers to work with – an efficient clerking team who always try to accommodate requests and make counsel available.’
‘Excellent. Easy to deal with, responsive and sensible. One of the best!’
‘Hailsham covers the full spectrum of professional liability work and its clerks are knowledgeable and always able to provide guidance if this is required. You are always kept up to date with fees and time estimates and really feel like you are working in a partnership with them.’
‘Specialist in their field and cover all required areas. good choice and variety of experience and always able to provide clear recommendations. They keep you up to date with fees and time frames- superb service always!’
Clerking
‘Michael Kilby in particular is fabulous!’
Keating Chambers
Keating Chambers is well regarded for their work in technology and construction related professional negligence cases. Members of the chambers are often involved in domestic and international disputes, specialising in defending claims against professionals including architects, contractors and IT consultants. Alexander Nissen KC has been involved in Multiplex Construction Europe Ltd v Argo Global Syndicate, which related to the construction of a high profile and substantial 40-storey tower on Bishopsgate; it is alleged that there was a failure to perform a proper design check on a slip-form rig. Adam Constable KC, as was, is now on the High Court bench.
Testimonials
Set
‘Keating chambers has been my “go to” set for many years; especially for juniors to joint the team and assist with research. The quality of juniors and the speed at which they can pick up the often complex technical nuances of a case is a massive assistance to my small litigation team.’
‘In the wider team they have always been able to provide barristers to match our cases whether it be us requesting those we know or trusting their recommendation on those we don’t.’
‘Sharp intellect and clear advise.’
‘I have used Keating Chambers for around 30 years, using the full spectrum of Barristers from Seniors and Juniors. They have great strength in depth with a breath of experience that suits a variety of cases that I have been involved in over time. I have never had any issues over the availability of a suitably good Barrister for any specific case.’
Clerking
‘Excellent.’
‘Very good.’
Wilberforce Chambers
Wilberforce Chambers is well-regarded for the set’s user-friendly service and rigorous approach to legal issues when it comes to their professional negligence work, which encompasses claims against solicitors, barristers, accountants, auditors, actuaries and construction professionals. Ian Croxford KC has acted for and against professional firms in connection with substantial litigation, alongside work connected with accountants and solicitors. John Wardell KC has a busy practice, with defence work focused on claims brought against members of the Bar and patent attorneys. Clare Stanley KC has a practice focused on claims against solicitors and accountants, and is well known in acting in cases relating to trust, tax and restructuring matters.
Testimonials
Set
‘Great set.’
‘Wilberforce have a high reputation in many areas, including professional negligence.’
‘High quality set.’
‘Wilberforce is a trusted commercial litigation set which we have used for many years.’
‘Wilberforce is a strong set on commercial chancery matters and therefore any professional negligence arising within that context.’
Clerking
‘Very good.’
4 New Square
4 New Square are well-known specialists in professional negligence, acting both for Claimants and Defendants in litigation and arbitrations in England and Wales and internationally. The barristers practicing at the chambers have a depth of experience and talent, who have regularly been involved in cases which have shaped the law of professional negligence. Justin Fenwick KC has practiced in all areas of professional negligence and specialises in legal and financial claims. Nicholas Broomfield stands out for his professional negligence work spanning all core areas, and was involved in the case of Matthew & Others v Sedman & Others, whereby he successfully acted on behalf of respondents in an appeal arising from a claim against professional trustees, concerning the calculation of time for the purposes of limitation in cases of contract, tort and breach of trust when there is a ‘midnight deadline.’
Testimonials
Set
‘All works very efficiently. Their seminars and pod casts are of a very high quality and they are streets ahead of competitors in understanding the value of regular high quality seminars of this type. ‘
‘4 New Square are my set of choice for professional negligence matters.’
‘My experience of the mid, senior juniors is that they are not all carbon copies of each other. They all have an individuality which is really important. Despite this, they are all consistently client focused, academically sharp as tacks and thoroughly nice people to work with.’
‘4 New square Chambers provides a very high quality of barristers in particular specialising in professional negligence and liability.’
‘I have instructed 4 New Square for many years. 4 New Square is a top tier professional indemnity set with the depth and breadth of knowledge and experience which you would expect from a specialist set. Always professional, procative and helpful in all areas. 4 New Square have never let me down and have always been the reliable go-to set of choice.’
Clerking
‘Clerks are excellent, especially Alex Dolby and Chris Ebdon.’
Deka Chambers
Deka Chambers fields a large team within professional negligence, often crossing over with the set’s expertise in public sector areas. Members of the set have a strong relationship with leading professional negligence insurers, acting for them directly and through private practice law firms. Andrew Warnock KC and Maurice Rifat, from the 1 Chancery Lane side of the merger with 9 Gough Square, won the landmark Supreme Court case of Stoffel & Co v Grondona concerning the scope of the illegality defence in a claim against solicitors.
Testimonials
Set
‘Excellent all round.’
‘User friendly.’
‘The chambers are excellent and able to cater for a vast number of different areas of law. They also offer a series of free webinars.’
Clerking
‘Excellent clerking service – particularly Clark Chassis.’
Fountain Court Chambers
Described as a ‘top go to set’, members of Fountain Court Chambers are regularly instructed in cases concerning financial, construction and legal professionals. The set have practitioners who are in demand for their commercial litigation and regulatory knowledge, and have been instructed in various significant and high profile claims. Anneliese Day KC is noted as ‘a standout genius‘, acting on some of the biggest and complex professional negligence disputes, including Investors in the Scotts Atlantic Film Finance Scheme v Thornhill KC, with a claim worth £50m, whereby Day acted for over one hundred investors who invested money into a film finance scheme having been allegedly negligently advised by a tax KC. Christopher Knowles is a name to watch owing to his work defending solicitors.
Testimonials
Set
‘Fountain Court is a go-to set for me for (re)insurance coverage disputes, banking disputes and com lit.’
‘Very responsive and easy to work with; intelligent and excellent client handling skills; commercial and impressive work rate.’
‘Fountain Court is a really excellent set with quality from top to bottom. One of the first I go to. They are able to cover almost any type of commercial dispute. It was a real coup when they managed to get Richard Lissack to join — probably the best white collar lawyer at the Bar.’
‘Impressive knowledge and experience of the regulatory framework of solicitors and how the SRA operates.’
‘An excellent reputation for heavy commercial cases.‘
Clerking
‘The clerking team stands out as one of the most dynamic and friendly teams amongst sets, and can be commercially sensible.’
Radcliffe Chambers
Radcliffe Chambers are specialists within solicitor and financial based professional negligence work. Barristers are regularly instructed in both claimant and defendant based claims, whilst accepting instructions under the Public Access Scheme. Thomas Dumont KC has over forty years experience, with a recent highlight being the case of Bishop of Leeds v Dixon Coles & Gill, which involved a senior partner stealing millions from church charities, a Church of England bishop and deceased clients’ estates. Shantanu Majumdar KC acts for and against various legal and financial professionals.
Testimonials
Set
‘Radcliffe Chambers do a fair amount of work in the professional negligence field, particularly Jeremy Cousins KC who is very thorough and a pleasure to work with.’
‘Radcliffe Chambers is one of the leading chambers for pensions litigation. They have offered excellent and practical training relating to pensions litigation.’
‘Radcliffe is the best Chancery set to deal with in my experience. From very capable neo-juniors right up to KC level, they have never let me down. The clerk team are very helpful and efficient.’
‘Chambers offers a good range of counsel in both areas covered and years of experience. As a firm, we have used this firm for many years and many members of chambers from junior-juniors to KC level.’
Chambers
‘I have had the pleasure of working with all the clerks in the team and there is no variation in levels of service quality, all of a very high standard.’
‘A sound team well lead by John Clark.’
39 Essex Chambers
39 Essex Chambers is active in professional negligence cases across all core areas, with claims against construction professionals being its main core area. Barristers are able to use their knowledge in both insurance law and an understanding of the work that goes into construction projects to represent their clients. Well-known construction silk Paul Darling KC worked on Blue Manchester v NWGR, which concerned a claim by a freeholder against an architect in relation to the design of a cladding system on the Manchester Hilton. Marion Smith KC has extensive experience in representing and advising clients in Europe and the ASEAN region in a broad range of professional negligence matters.
Testimonials
Set
‘Impressive chambers, with a vast array of barristers at all levels and across a broad spectrum of practice areas.’
‘Extremely knowledgeable, with a calm advocacy style.’
Clerking
‘Very efficient – co-ordination of my diary with Paul\’s has always been efficient. They come well recommended by my clerks.’
‘The clerks are responsive, personable and helpful.’
‘Harvey Scott and Tom Gibbons are always helpful.’
‘Clerking is excellent.’
Serle Court
Serle Court fields a strong team in both the junior and senior barrister level in many leading professional negligence cases. Members of the chambers are present in defending complex claims for professional service providers, financial advisers, solicitors and tax advisers. Philip Jones KC is active in this space, with one highlight case being Jomast v Muckle, a claim against solicitors for allegedly negligent advice and drafting of a commercial contract to provide accommodation for asylum seekers to the Home Office. David Blayney KC is a specialist in numerous cases involving surveyors accused of negligence property valuation. David Drake has extensive experience acting and advising in disputes in relation to solicitors, accountants and directors.
Testimonials
Set
‘Serle Court have real strength in depth. I would single out Philip Jones KC, Lance Ashworth KC, Dan McCourt Fritz and Matthew Morison for particular praise in this area.’
‘Serle Court consistently delivers excellent quality and availability of Counsel. I have only ever had positive experiences with Serle Court in terms of the quality of barristers they provide and train. The quality of their juniors are a consistent credit to Serle Court’s wider membership and the training they deliver to their juniors.’
‘Pupils and juniors are consistently very good. They appear to receive excellent training and are a glowing reflection on Serle Court more generally. I am always comfortable accepting a recommendation from the clerks of a new junior as I know that the quality will be consistently high both technically, and from a client management perspective.’
‘Probably the best of the commercial chancery sets.’
‘Top class.’
Clerking
‘Clerks service is generally excellent, responsive and commercial in approach. Nick Hockney and Dan Wheeler in particular are always a pleasure to deal with, although that extends to the clerks as a whole. Again, the clerks are a credit to Serle Court.’
Outer Temple Chambers
Outer Temple Chambers undertakes professional negligence work concerning solicitors, barristers, actuaries, accountants, financial services professionals and insolvency practitioners. The chambers are instructed on a wide range of work, from occupational pension schemes to commercial transactions. James Counsell KC acts for claimants against financial and legal professionals, having recently settled for four claimants against a solicitor. Nicolas Stallworthy KC has expertise in cases concerning insurance companies, benefits consultants and a number of financial professionals. Lydia Seymour is well regarded for her work focusing on pensions and actions against solicitors.
Testimonials
Set
‘Very responsive.’
‘Easy to work with. Takes into account client/instructing solicitors views.’
‘Excellent. Detailed focused and hard working. Approachable and brilliant with clients. Impressively capable of simplifying complex issues.’
‘Efficient and approachable.’
‘Outer Temple Chambers has an impressive range of talent for advising on professional negligence claims.’
Clerking
‘Clerks are responsive and communicative.’