'A stand out performer in this area', 4 New Square is a 'pre-eminent set for defendant professional negligence work' with 'great strength in depth' - 'the quality of the barristers is second to none'. In a recent highlight for the set, newly appointed silk Clare Dixon QC and Nicholas Broomfield acted for the successful respondents before the Supreme Court in Matthew & Others v Sedman & Others, an accountants’ negligence claim involving the calculation of the limitation period when the cause of action accrues at the stroke of midnight. George Spalton QC was elevated to silk in March 2021.
Professional negligence in
London Bar4 New Square
Testimonials
Set
‘The best set for professional indemnity work. The depth of skill amongst all level of counsel is perfect to bring confidence to clients‘.
‘Strong offering across the board‘.
‘Every barrister has a user-friendly approach, which makes them approachable and makes me want to use them again‘.
Clerking
‘First-rate clerks‘.
‘Very commercial and responsive‘.
‘Andrew Call and Dennis Peck are superb clerks‘.
‘Andrew Call will always go the extra mile to help and offer recommendations‘.
4 Pump Court
'Very strong set' 4 Pump Court is 'excellent in professional negligence and construction disputes', with 'very good strength in depth in these areas'. The team of 'high quality barristers' are equally adept at handling claims against telecoms professionals, as well as accountants, solicitors, surveyors, auditors and financial advisers. The set is particularly active in cases involving the construction sector, including matters concerning the use of unsafe building materials. Separately, Nigel Tozzi QC and Kate Livesey are acting for E20 Development in a claim against an international law firm, concerning the drafting of a commercial agreement for the future use of the Olympic Stadium in Stratford. In March 2021 Claire Packman QC was elevated to silk.
Testimonials
Set
‘4 Pump Court’s barristers are very responsive, hugely knowledgeable and experienced and collaborative‘.
‘Excellent strength in depth‘.
‘A formidable range of junior and senior counsel‘.
‘Excellent chambers with a well deserved leading reputation in dealing with construction disputes‘.
Clerking
‘4 Pump Court stands out for its excellent clerking, always ensuring that matters are dealt with by someone with the right experience and level of seniority in a cost effective manner‘.
‘A strong clerking team which goes the extra mile‘.
‘Responsive and approachable‘.
‘Carl Wall, Stewart Gibbs and Billy Griffiths are all exceptionally knowledgeable and helpful‘.
‘Ollie Miney in particular is a very commercial and safe pair of hands, and a pleasure to deal with‘.
Hailsham Chambers
Hailsham Chambers is 'a premier set for professional negligence and liability work, offering suitable high-calibre counsel', and is noted as an 'absolute standout in the field of claims against solicitors'. Derek Holwill is acting for the defendants in Gibson v Farrer & Co and others, a solicitors' negligence claim concerning alleged negligent tax advice arising from the purchase of a painting through a BVI company. Simon Howarth QC is sought after for his expertise in handling financial services-related professional negligence claims.
Testimonials
Set
‘Hailsham is a strong set for professional negligence, with a large number of outstanding advocates‘.
‘A very well respected set with a good number of excellent barristers in the field of professional negligence‘.
‘A pleasure to work with. Lots of excellent counsel in the professional negligence field‘.
‘Always delivers a high class service in a user friendly way‘.
Clerking
‘Excellent service – Stephen Smith runs a tight ship‘.
‘Stephen Smith and Michael Kilbey are outstanding in their mastery of clerking‘.
‘Michael Kilbey is excellent‘.
‘Michael Kilbey is a consummate professional‘.
‘Stephen Smith and Stuart Paley are always on hand to help with planning, getting matters into the right hands and keeping matters moving. Very transparent and realistic on availability and cost‘.
3 Verulam Buildings
Viewed as 'a class act', 3 Verulam Buildings is 'a very strong set in financial services'. Members have 'great talent' in handling professional negligence claims in the financial arena, and report an uptick in auditors' negligence claims. Andrew Onslow QC continues to represent multiple claimants in an ongoing claim brought against an independent financial adviser and a tax silk, regarding losses suffered under a film finance tax scheme. Adrian Beltrami QC is sought after for his expertise in handling claims against solicitors, valuers and accountants. The junior end was reinforced by the arrival of Adam Temple from 4 Pump Court in October 2020, while the senior end of the team was recently bolstered with the elevation of Adam Kramer QC and Matthew Parker QC to silk in March 2021.
Testimonials
Set
‘An excellent set, with tremendous strength in depth‘.
‘Good range of high-quality barristers‘.
Clerking
‘The clerks are very responsive and helpful‘.
‘They have high quality and friendly people with great commercial sense‘.
‘Stuart Pullum is excellent‘.
‘Steve Penson and Stuart Pullum complement each other perfectly‘.
7 King's Bench Walk
The ‘first-class‘ set 7 King’s Bench Walk has ‘a very solid reputation‘ in the professional negligence field. Claims against auditors and accountants form the cornerstone of the practice, and in a prominent example of the group’s expertise in this area, Jonathan Gaisman QC, James Brocklebank QC, and Rebecca Sabben-Clare QC are appearing for various parties in Carillion v KPMG, an claim against auditors concerning the early 2018 collapse of the construction contractor and facilities outsourcing firm. In another matter, James Goudkamp (‘a fantastic source of knowledge‘) appeared for the successful respondent in Henderson v Dorset Healthcare University NHS Foundation Trust, an appeal before the Supreme Court concerning the illegality defence in a clinical negligence context but with broader consequences.
Testimonials
Set
‘The quality is second to none‘.
‘Excellent on insurance issues‘.
Clerking
‘Excellent clerks‘.
‘Excellent service at all times. Thoughtful, flexible and responsive‘.
‘Gary Rose is an exceptional clerk – he is incredibly knowledgeable, extremely efficient and always very helpful‘.
‘Gary Rose is always helpful and responsive‘.
Atkin Chambers
Atkin Chambers is 'a very solid professional negligence set' with 'great depth of talent', and due to its reputation as 'a leading chambers for construction and engineering', members have established expertise in handling claims arising from engineering, construction and infrastructure matters. In a recent example, Marc Lixenberg and Katie Powell are acting in Victoria Beckham Limited v Farshid Moussavi Architecture Limited and NJ Richards Project Limited, a claim against the architects of the former Spice Girl's fashion store in London. Members of the set have also been instructed in professional negligence claims against the backdrop of the cladding scandal.
Testimonials
Set
‘A real powerhouse‘.
‘An excellent set‘.
Clerking
‘The clerks are extremely helpful and responsive‘.
‘Justin Wilson is always a pleasure to work with: sensible, pragmatic and very knowledgeable‘.
‘Rob Bryant is excellent. He quickly grasps the issues, and is perceptive, responsive and personable‘.
‘Andy Burrows is very helpful and pragmatic‘.
Brick Court Chambers
Brick Court Chambers' professional negligence practice stands out for its 'incredibly strong depth of knowledge', and houses 'several go-to silks and senior juniors for big-ticket professional negligence work'. Simon Salzedo QC and Sophie Shaw acted for the defendant accountants in Manchester Building Society v Grant Thornton, a Supreme Court case stemming from advice which caused the society to have to close out negatively-valued interest rate swaps it had purchased. In another matter, Mark Howard QC, Edward Harrison and Kyle Lawson are representing the defendant in the long-running ENRC v Dechert case, one of the most high-profile solicitor-client disputes of recent years. Tony Singla QC took silk in March 2021.
Testimonials
Set
‘Brick Court Chambers is a first-class operation‘.
Clerking
‘An excellent service‘.
‘Paul Dennison always strives to provide excellent service‘.
‘Very professional and easy to deal with‘.
‘James Knapp is always very responsive‘.
Crown Office Chambers
Crown Office Chambers is 'exceptional in professional negligence', and has 'strength at all levels, from QC to newly called'. Construction-related claims are a key area of expertise for the team, however members are equally adept at advising on claims in the insurance and financial arenas. Claims involving solicitors are another area of instruction. Ben Quiney QC, Richard Sage and Caroline McColgan are representing parties in National Trust v Cuffe, concerning a fire in a stately home and allegations of negligence brought against the architect and contractor. In another matter, Daniel Shapiro QC and James Sharpe acted for the defendant firm of solicitors in Hall v Saunders Law Ltd, involving allegations of breach of fiduciary duty concerning the interpretation of a funding agreement. In September 2020 Adam Taylor moved to Kellerhals Carrard in Lausanne, and Michael Harvey QC retired from practice.
Testimonials
Set
‘A very impressive set offering a high quality service‘.
‘The set possesses a number of talented individuals across the levels of seniority‘.
Clerking
‘Efficient and proactive‘.
‘Clerks are always prompt to respond‘.
‘Steve Purse provides a superb client service‘.
‘Steve Purse is fantastic. He goes above and beyond for every instruction no matter how big or small, and is incredibly personable‘.
‘Steve Purse and Matthew Solari are excellent. Always very responsive, hard-working and personable‘.
Fountain Court Chambers
Fountain Court Chambers is 'a very strong set', and houses a 'fantastic' team noted for its expertise in handling financial-related professional negligence claims brought against asset managers, accountants, auditors and insurance brokers, among other professionals. Richard Coleman QC, Niamh Cleary and James Duffy continue to act on either side of the high-profile Ingenious litigation, regarding allegedly negligent financial advice on investing in a film finance scheme. Claims against solicitors and barristers are another area of instruction for the group; for example, Anneliese Day QC and Christopher Knowles are acting for over a hundred investors in a claim against a tax QC for alleged negligent tax advice.
Testimonials
Set
‘Fountain Court Chambers contains a strong stable of barristers‘.
‘Fountain Court is an excellent chambers with lots of very talented barristers‘.
Clerking
‘The Fountain Court clerks are always helpful and eager to accommodate‘.
‘Excellent clerking, particularly from Sian Huckett‘.
‘Katie Szewczyk is a star‘.
Keating Chambers
Keating Chambers 'is incredibly knowledgeable in construction law', with 'incredible depth at both QC and junior level'. Construction-related professional negligence cases are the set's cornerstone area of expertise; for example, Marcus Taverner QC and Tom Owen are acting for the claimant in Standard Life v Gleeds and others, a multimillion-pound negligence claim concerning the design of the Parkway retail development in Newbury; the case involves issues of whether a claim can be proven by extrapolation and sampling. In another matter, Krista Lee QC appeared in a multi-million pound TCC-related professional negligence claim relating to alleged defects arising from a newly-patented design of five car parks located at Sainsbury's supermarkets. Bolstering the team at the senior end, Samuel Townend QC was elevated to silk in March 2021.
Testimonials
Set
‘Keating Chambers understands construction – its in the set’s DNA‘.
‘The set epitomises strength in depth‘.
‘Great set with first class barristers‘.
Clerking
‘Friendly, prompt service, and can never do enough to ensure a smooth instruction‘.
‘James Luxmoore and Will Shrubsall are knowledgeable and experienced‘.
‘Jade Clark is enthusiastic and user-friendly‘.
Wilberforce Chambers
‘Stellar set‘ Wilberforce Chambers garners praise for its ‘quality and strength in depth‘. The ‘top class‘ team stands out for its expertise in handling negligence claims pertaining to pensions and property, and has also been kept busy acting in claims against a range of professionals, including solicitors, barristers, accountants and tax advisers. Jonathan Seitler QC is representing 54 investor claimants in a group action against a firm of solicitors concerning investments in student accommodation in Yorkshire. Clare Stanley QC, ‘an impressive advocate‘ with ‘a compelling courtroom style‘, has established strength in handling cases regarding alleged negligence in relation to the trusts sector. In January 2021, Joanna Smith QC was appointed to the High Court bench.
Testimonials
Set
‘A user-friendly set‘.
Clerking
‘Very efficient‘.
‘Very personable and provide a great service to their instructing solicitors‘.
‘The service is very attentive‘.
2 Temple Gardens
2 Temple Gardens handles claims against engineers, barristers, surveyors, solicitors, architects, and financial and insurance services advisers. Neil Moody QC has extensive expertise in insurance-related professional negligence claims, and is also instructed in claims against construction and engineering professionals. Isabel Barter 'gets to grips with the most complex cases amazingly fast' - she is acting for two defendant accountants in CNM Estates (Tolworth Tower) Ltd v Carvill-Biggs and Khalastchi, a claim involving alleged negligence in the sale of a development site.
Testimonials
Clerking
‘Very efficient‘.
‘The clerks are always very helpful. Lee Tyler is very knowledgeable about the members of chambers‘.
Gatehouse Chambers
Gatehouse Chambers' team has 'very good strength-in-depth', and is particularly strong in handling construction- and property-related professional negligence claims. Paul Reed QC provides 'clear, strategic advice, drawing on a level of experience in the field that none can match', and the 'pragmatic' Nigel Jones QC is 'a huge asset to any legal team'. Financial services negligence claims are another area of strength for the team, and the 'very efficient' James Hall is noted for his 'particular expertise in financial services professional negligence'. Hall is acting for the defendants in Oliver v Finnies Accountants Limited & 2 others, involving two linked claims worth £10m concerning alleged negligent investment advice regarding the claimants’ investments in a Qualifying Registered Overseas Pension Scheme (QROPS) domiciled in Cyprus.
Testimonials
Set
‘An excellent set‘.
‘Particularly good in relation to professional negligence claims involving property‘.
Clerking
‘Clerks are responsive and very reliable‘.
‘Excellent client-centric clerking‘.
‘Richard Sumarno is always available and ready to help with queries as to capacity, experience and fees‘.
Radcliffe Chambers
Radcliffe Chambers is noted for its 'strong team' in the professional negligence arena. Members are instructed in defendant- and claimant-side work, with recent matters including claims against solicitors, pensions issues, and claims relating to property transactions. Jeremy Cousins QC appeared in the Supreme Court case of Matthew & Others v Sedman & Others, a claim against accountants (as professional trustees) which reached the apex court on an issue as to the interpretation of midnight deadlines. The 'highly skilled' Peter Dodge has extensive expertise in handling claims against financial services professionals.
Testimonials
Clerking
‘Very efficient and helpful‘.
‘Keith Nagle is always very helpful and responsive‘.
1 Chancery Lane
1 Chancery Lane is 'a very good set for professional negligence', and has noted strength in handling professional negligence claims involving the education sector and local authorities. In recent highlights, Andrew Warnock QC successfully represented the respondent in the Supreme Court case of Stoffel & Co v Grondona, a solicitors' negligence claim which involved issues concerning the applicability of an illegality defence in a conveyancing transaction.
Testimonials
Set
‘1 Chancery Lane goes the extra mile for you, and expectations are managed in relation to when you will get the advice. The juniors are always excellent, and the depth of experience and knowledge with all the barristers we have used shines through‘.
Clerking
‘The clerks are truly excellent and provide a first class service‘.
‘David Barrow and Clark Chessis are assets to the set‘.
‘Clark Chessis is extremely responsive and great to deal with‘.
39 Essex Chambers
39 Essex Chambers is ‘a strong set on construction‘ and is regularly instructed in professional negligence claims against construction professionals, including architects, surveyors, engineers and contractors. The ‘highly pragmatic‘ Paul Darling QC ‘provides clear, direct, authoritative and practical advice‘, and is representing the claimant in Blue Manchester v Simpson Haugh, a case concerning the design of a cladding system.
Testimonials
Set
‘Great strength in depth‘.
Clerking
‘A strong clerks room. Niki Merison and Mark Winrow are particular stars‘.
‘Excellent service and very well managed‘.
‘Mark Winrow and Niki Merison are brilliant‘.
Outer Temple Chambers
Outer Temple Chambers includes members regularly instructed in negligence cases concerning actuaries, accountants, barristers and solicitors in a range of industries, with a particular bright spot in the pensions space. The 'outstanding' Nicolas Stallworthy QC has 'very deep technical knowledge' and is 'excellent on his feet', and Andrew Spink QC acts for claimants and defendants in complex, multi-party claims regarding in the pensions industry. Elaine Palser has established expertise in insolvency-related professional negligence claims.
Testimonials
Set
‘A great set of chambers – easy to work with‘.
Clerking
‘The clerks are highly professional and easy to work with‘.
‘Peter Foad and Matt Sale are always very efficient and friendly‘.
‘Peter Foad is a great clerk‘.
Selborne Chambers
The 'excellent' Selborne Chambers has 'a depth of counsel', with noted expertise in handling professional negligence claims in relation to property transactions. Gary Blaker QC is 'very thorough' and 'his advocacy is very measured, calm and convincing', and has notable expertise in advising on claims involving property identity fraud. Hugh Jackson has extensive experience in multi-party cases, and acts in claims brought against solicitors, surveyors and valuers. Nicholas Trompeter QC was elevated to silk in the 2021 round.
Testimonials
Set
‘Very responsive and easy to deal with‘.
‘Good range of counsel‘.
Clerking
‘The clerks are all great and very responsive‘.
‘The clerks are friendly, knowledgeable and practical in their approach‘.
‘Darren Madle is always on top of matters‘.
‘Superb, efficient clerking‘.
4 New Square
Testimonials
Set
‘The best set for professional indemnity work. The depth of skill amongst all level of counsel is perfect to bring confidence to clients‘.
‘Strong offering across the board‘.
‘Every barrister has a user-friendly approach, which makes them approachable and makes me want to use them again‘.
Clerking
‘First-rate clerks‘.
‘Very commercial and responsive‘.
‘Andrew Call and Dennis Peck are superb clerks‘.
‘Andrew Call will always go the extra mile to help and offer recommendations‘.
4 Pump Court
'Very strong set' 4 Pump Court is 'excellent in professional negligence and construction disputes', with 'very good strength in depth in these areas'. The team of 'high quality barristers' are equally adept at handling claims against telecoms professionals, as well as accountants, solicitors, surveyors, auditors and financial advisers. The set is particularly active in cases involving the construction sector, including matters concerning the use of unsafe building materials. Separately, Nigel Tozzi QC and Kate Livesey are acting for E20 Development in a claim against an international law firm, concerning the drafting of a commercial agreement for the future use of the Olympic Stadium in Stratford. In March 2021 Claire Packman QC was elevated to silk.
Testimonials
Set
‘4 Pump Court’s barristers are very responsive, hugely knowledgeable and experienced and collaborative‘.
‘Excellent strength in depth‘.
‘A formidable range of junior and senior counsel‘.
‘Excellent chambers with a well deserved leading reputation in dealing with construction disputes‘.
Clerking
‘4 Pump Court stands out for its excellent clerking, always ensuring that matters are dealt with by someone with the right experience and level of seniority in a cost effective manner‘.
‘A strong clerking team which goes the extra mile‘.
‘Responsive and approachable‘.
‘Carl Wall, Stewart Gibbs and Billy Griffiths are all exceptionally knowledgeable and helpful‘.
‘Ollie Miney in particular is a very commercial and safe pair of hands, and a pleasure to deal with‘.
Hailsham Chambers
Hailsham Chambers is 'a premier set for professional negligence and liability work, offering suitable high-calibre counsel', and is noted as an 'absolute standout in the field of claims against solicitors'. Derek Holwill is acting for the defendants in Gibson v Farrer & Co and others, a solicitors' negligence claim concerning alleged negligent tax advice arising from the purchase of a painting through a BVI company. Simon Howarth QC is sought after for his expertise in handling financial services-related professional negligence claims.
Testimonials
Set
‘Hailsham is a strong set for professional negligence, with a large number of outstanding advocates‘.
‘A very well respected set with a good number of excellent barristers in the field of professional negligence‘.
‘A pleasure to work with. Lots of excellent counsel in the professional negligence field‘.
‘Always delivers a high class service in a user friendly way‘.
Clerking
‘Excellent service – Stephen Smith runs a tight ship‘.
‘Stephen Smith and Michael Kilbey are outstanding in their mastery of clerking‘.
‘Michael Kilbey is excellent‘.
‘Michael Kilbey is a consummate professional‘.
‘Stephen Smith and Stuart Paley are always on hand to help with planning, getting matters into the right hands and keeping matters moving. Very transparent and realistic on availability and cost‘.
3 Verulam Buildings
Viewed as 'a class act', 3 Verulam Buildings is 'a very strong set in financial services'. Members have 'great talent' in handling professional negligence claims in the financial arena, and report an uptick in auditors' negligence claims. Andrew Onslow QC continues to represent multiple claimants in an ongoing claim brought against an independent financial adviser and a tax silk, regarding losses suffered under a film finance tax scheme. Adrian Beltrami QC is sought after for his expertise in handling claims against solicitors, valuers and accountants. The junior end was reinforced by the arrival of Adam Temple from 4 Pump Court in October 2020, while the senior end of the team was recently bolstered with the elevation of Adam Kramer QC and Matthew Parker QC to silk in March 2021.
Testimonials
Set
‘An excellent set, with tremendous strength in depth‘.
‘Good range of high-quality barristers‘.
Clerking
‘The clerks are very responsive and helpful‘.
‘They have high quality and friendly people with great commercial sense‘.
‘Stuart Pullum is excellent‘.
‘Steve Penson and Stuart Pullum complement each other perfectly‘.
7 King's Bench Walk
The ‘first-class‘ set 7 King’s Bench Walk has ‘a very solid reputation‘ in the professional negligence field. Claims against auditors and accountants form the cornerstone of the practice, and in a prominent example of the group’s expertise in this area, Jonathan Gaisman QC, James Brocklebank QC, and Rebecca Sabben-Clare QC are appearing for various parties in Carillion v KPMG, an claim against auditors concerning the early 2018 collapse of the construction contractor and facilities outsourcing firm. In another matter, James Goudkamp (‘a fantastic source of knowledge‘) appeared for the successful respondent in Henderson v Dorset Healthcare University NHS Foundation Trust, an appeal before the Supreme Court concerning the illegality defence in a clinical negligence context but with broader consequences.
Testimonials
Set
‘The quality is second to none‘.
‘Excellent on insurance issues‘.
Clerking
‘Excellent clerks‘.
‘Excellent service at all times. Thoughtful, flexible and responsive‘.
‘Gary Rose is an exceptional clerk – he is incredibly knowledgeable, extremely efficient and always very helpful‘.
‘Gary Rose is always helpful and responsive‘.
Atkin Chambers
Atkin Chambers is 'a very solid professional negligence set' with 'great depth of talent', and due to its reputation as 'a leading chambers for construction and engineering', members have established expertise in handling claims arising from engineering, construction and infrastructure matters. In a recent example, Marc Lixenberg and Katie Powell are acting in Victoria Beckham Limited v Farshid Moussavi Architecture Limited and NJ Richards Project Limited, a claim against the architects of the former Spice Girl's fashion store in London. Members of the set have also been instructed in professional negligence claims against the backdrop of the cladding scandal.
Testimonials
Set
‘A real powerhouse‘.
‘An excellent set‘.
Clerking
‘The clerks are extremely helpful and responsive‘.
‘Justin Wilson is always a pleasure to work with: sensible, pragmatic and very knowledgeable‘.
‘Rob Bryant is excellent. He quickly grasps the issues, and is perceptive, responsive and personable‘.
‘Andy Burrows is very helpful and pragmatic‘.
Brick Court Chambers
Brick Court Chambers' professional negligence practice stands out for its 'incredibly strong depth of knowledge', and houses 'several go-to silks and senior juniors for big-ticket professional negligence work'. Simon Salzedo QC and Sophie Shaw acted for the defendant accountants in Manchester Building Society v Grant Thornton, a Supreme Court case stemming from advice which caused the society to have to close out negatively-valued interest rate swaps it had purchased. In another matter, Mark Howard QC, Edward Harrison and Kyle Lawson are representing the defendant in the long-running ENRC v Dechert case, one of the most high-profile solicitor-client disputes of recent years. Tony Singla QC took silk in March 2021.
Testimonials
Set
‘Brick Court Chambers is a first-class operation‘.
Clerking
‘An excellent service‘.
‘Paul Dennison always strives to provide excellent service‘.
‘Very professional and easy to deal with‘.
‘James Knapp is always very responsive‘.
Crown Office Chambers
Crown Office Chambers is 'exceptional in professional negligence', and has 'strength at all levels, from QC to newly called'. Construction-related claims are a key area of expertise for the team, however members are equally adept at advising on claims in the insurance and financial arenas. Claims involving solicitors are another area of instruction. Ben Quiney QC, Richard Sage and Caroline McColgan are representing parties in National Trust v Cuffe, concerning a fire in a stately home and allegations of negligence brought against the architect and contractor. In another matter, Daniel Shapiro QC and James Sharpe acted for the defendant firm of solicitors in Hall v Saunders Law Ltd, involving allegations of breach of fiduciary duty concerning the interpretation of a funding agreement. In September 2020 Adam Taylor moved to Kellerhals Carrard in Lausanne, and Michael Harvey QC retired from practice.
Testimonials
Set
‘A very impressive set offering a high quality service‘.
‘The set possesses a number of talented individuals across the levels of seniority‘.
Clerking
‘Efficient and proactive‘.
‘Clerks are always prompt to respond‘.
‘Steve Purse provides a superb client service‘.
‘Steve Purse is fantastic. He goes above and beyond for every instruction no matter how big or small, and is incredibly personable‘.
‘Steve Purse and Matthew Solari are excellent. Always very responsive, hard-working and personable‘.
Fountain Court Chambers
Fountain Court Chambers is 'a very strong set', and houses a 'fantastic' team noted for its expertise in handling financial-related professional negligence claims brought against asset managers, accountants, auditors and insurance brokers, among other professionals. Richard Coleman QC, Niamh Cleary and James Duffy continue to act on either side of the high-profile Ingenious litigation, regarding allegedly negligent financial advice on investing in a film finance scheme. Claims against solicitors and barristers are another area of instruction for the group; for example, Anneliese Day QC and Christopher Knowles are acting for over a hundred investors in a claim against a tax QC for alleged negligent tax advice.
Testimonials
Set
‘Fountain Court Chambers contains a strong stable of barristers‘.
‘Fountain Court is an excellent chambers with lots of very talented barristers‘.
Clerking
‘The Fountain Court clerks are always helpful and eager to accommodate‘.
‘Excellent clerking, particularly from Sian Huckett‘.
‘Katie Szewczyk is a star‘.
Keating Chambers
Keating Chambers 'is incredibly knowledgeable in construction law', with 'incredible depth at both QC and junior level'. Construction-related professional negligence cases are the set's cornerstone area of expertise; for example, Marcus Taverner QC and Tom Owen are acting for the claimant in Standard Life v Gleeds and others, a multimillion-pound negligence claim concerning the design of the Parkway retail development in Newbury; the case involves issues of whether a claim can be proven by extrapolation and sampling. In another matter, Krista Lee QC appeared in a multi-million pound TCC-related professional negligence claim relating to alleged defects arising from a newly-patented design of five car parks located at Sainsbury's supermarkets. Bolstering the team at the senior end, Samuel Townend QC was elevated to silk in March 2021.
Testimonials
Set
‘Keating Chambers understands construction – its in the set’s DNA‘.
‘The set epitomises strength in depth‘.
‘Great set with first class barristers‘.
Clerking
‘Friendly, prompt service, and can never do enough to ensure a smooth instruction‘.
‘James Luxmoore and Will Shrubsall are knowledgeable and experienced‘.
‘Jade Clark is enthusiastic and user-friendly‘.
Wilberforce Chambers
‘Stellar set‘ Wilberforce Chambers garners praise for its ‘quality and strength in depth‘. The ‘top class‘ team stands out for its expertise in handling negligence claims pertaining to pensions and property, and has also been kept busy acting in claims against a range of professionals, including solicitors, barristers, accountants and tax advisers. Jonathan Seitler QC is representing 54 investor claimants in a group action against a firm of solicitors concerning investments in student accommodation in Yorkshire. Clare Stanley QC, ‘an impressive advocate‘ with ‘a compelling courtroom style‘, has established strength in handling cases regarding alleged negligence in relation to the trusts sector. In January 2021, Joanna Smith QC was appointed to the High Court bench.
Testimonials
Set
‘A user-friendly set‘.
Clerking
‘Very efficient‘.
‘Very personable and provide a great service to their instructing solicitors‘.
‘The service is very attentive‘.
2 Temple Gardens
2 Temple Gardens handles claims against engineers, barristers, surveyors, solicitors, architects, and financial and insurance services advisers. Neil Moody QC has extensive expertise in insurance-related professional negligence claims, and is also instructed in claims against construction and engineering professionals. Isabel Barter 'gets to grips with the most complex cases amazingly fast' - she is acting for two defendant accountants in CNM Estates (Tolworth Tower) Ltd v Carvill-Biggs and Khalastchi, a claim involving alleged negligence in the sale of a development site.
Testimonials
Clerking
‘Very efficient‘.
‘The clerks are always very helpful. Lee Tyler is very knowledgeable about the members of chambers‘.
Gatehouse Chambers
Gatehouse Chambers' team has 'very good strength-in-depth', and is particularly strong in handling construction- and property-related professional negligence claims. Paul Reed QC provides 'clear, strategic advice, drawing on a level of experience in the field that none can match', and the 'pragmatic' Nigel Jones QC is 'a huge asset to any legal team'. Financial services negligence claims are another area of strength for the team, and the 'very efficient' James Hall is noted for his 'particular expertise in financial services professional negligence'. Hall is acting for the defendants in Oliver v Finnies Accountants Limited & 2 others, involving two linked claims worth £10m concerning alleged negligent investment advice regarding the claimants’ investments in a Qualifying Registered Overseas Pension Scheme (QROPS) domiciled in Cyprus.
Testimonials
Set
‘An excellent set‘.
‘Particularly good in relation to professional negligence claims involving property‘.
Clerking
‘Clerks are responsive and very reliable‘.
‘Excellent client-centric clerking‘.
‘Richard Sumarno is always available and ready to help with queries as to capacity, experience and fees‘.
Radcliffe Chambers
Radcliffe Chambers is noted for its 'strong team' in the professional negligence arena. Members are instructed in defendant- and claimant-side work, with recent matters including claims against solicitors, pensions issues, and claims relating to property transactions. Jeremy Cousins QC appeared in the Supreme Court case of Matthew & Others v Sedman & Others, a claim against accountants (as professional trustees) which reached the apex court on an issue as to the interpretation of midnight deadlines. The 'highly skilled' Peter Dodge has extensive expertise in handling claims against financial services professionals.
Testimonials
Clerking
‘Very efficient and helpful‘.
‘Keith Nagle is always very helpful and responsive‘.
1 Chancery Lane
1 Chancery Lane is 'a very good set for professional negligence', and has noted strength in handling professional negligence claims involving the education sector and local authorities. In recent highlights, Andrew Warnock QC successfully represented the respondent in the Supreme Court case of Stoffel & Co v Grondona, a solicitors' negligence claim which involved issues concerning the applicability of an illegality defence in a conveyancing transaction.
Testimonials
Set
‘1 Chancery Lane goes the extra mile for you, and expectations are managed in relation to when you will get the advice. The juniors are always excellent, and the depth of experience and knowledge with all the barristers we have used shines through‘.
Clerking
‘The clerks are truly excellent and provide a first class service‘.
‘David Barrow and Clark Chessis are assets to the set‘.
‘Clark Chessis is extremely responsive and great to deal with‘.
39 Essex Chambers
39 Essex Chambers is ‘a strong set on construction‘ and is regularly instructed in professional negligence claims against construction professionals, including architects, surveyors, engineers and contractors. The ‘highly pragmatic‘ Paul Darling QC ‘provides clear, direct, authoritative and practical advice‘, and is representing the claimant in Blue Manchester v Simpson Haugh, a case concerning the design of a cladding system.
Testimonials
Set
‘Great strength in depth‘.
Clerking
‘A strong clerks room. Niki Merison and Mark Winrow are particular stars‘.
‘Excellent service and very well managed‘.
‘Mark Winrow and Niki Merison are brilliant‘.
Outer Temple Chambers
Outer Temple Chambers includes members regularly instructed in negligence cases concerning actuaries, accountants, barristers and solicitors in a range of industries, with a particular bright spot in the pensions space. The 'outstanding' Nicolas Stallworthy QC has 'very deep technical knowledge' and is 'excellent on his feet', and Andrew Spink QC acts for claimants and defendants in complex, multi-party claims regarding in the pensions industry. Elaine Palser has established expertise in insolvency-related professional negligence claims.
Testimonials
Set
‘A great set of chambers – easy to work with‘.
Clerking
‘The clerks are highly professional and easy to work with‘.
‘Peter Foad and Matt Sale are always very efficient and friendly‘.
‘Peter Foad is a great clerk‘.
Selborne Chambers
The 'excellent' Selborne Chambers has 'a depth of counsel', with noted expertise in handling professional negligence claims in relation to property transactions. Gary Blaker QC is 'very thorough' and 'his advocacy is very measured, calm and convincing', and has notable expertise in advising on claims involving property identity fraud. Hugh Jackson has extensive experience in multi-party cases, and acts in claims brought against solicitors, surveyors and valuers. Nicholas Trompeter QC was elevated to silk in the 2021 round.
Testimonials
Set
‘Very responsive and easy to deal with‘.
‘Good range of counsel‘.
Clerking
‘The clerks are all great and very responsive‘.
‘The clerks are friendly, knowledgeable and practical in their approach‘.
‘Darren Madle is always on top of matters‘.
‘Superb, efficient clerking‘.