Professional negligence

Leading Silks

KCs at the very top of their field, with a long-established record of market-defining cases, and widespread endorsement from clients and peers. All silks appointed in the last two rounds are listed further below.

1
Tom Adam KC
Brick Court Chambers
‘Tom is one of the best there is in the commercial litigation market. He has clear views, offers excellent legal and strategic guidance.'
1
Rachel Ansell KC
4 Pump Court
1
Nicholas Davidson KC
Hailsham Chambers
1
Anneliese Day KC
Fountain Court Chambers
'Anneliese is a real market leader in this space.'
1
Ben Elkington KC
4 New Square
'Ben is an excellent advocate to have in your corner. Always charming and armed with a razor sharp intellect, he is a force to be reckoned with.'  
1
Justin Fenwick KC
4 New Square
1
William Flenley KC
Hailsham Chambers
‘William is incredibly bright but is able to explain complicated issues to clients in a way which is easy to understand. His advocacy style involves forensic analysis with a real attention to detail.'
1
Jonathan Gaisman KC
7 King’s Bench Walk
1
Jonathan Hough KC
4 New Square
‘Jonathan is beyond impressive. He is meticulous, extremely responsive and his advice and written work is exemplary. ’
1
Ben Hubble KC
4 New Square
‘His mastery of detail, knowledge of case law and tactical acumen are outstanding. He is also a real team player.’
1
Patrick Lawrence KC
4 New Square
‘Consistently careful and confident with a brilliant ability as a lawyer in both written work and advocacy. He is always listened to and gets the best points across.'
1
Simon Lofthouse KC
Atkin Chambers
‘He is a superstar advocate. He absolutely crushes the detail. His cross-examinations are an absolute masterclass of how to be effective.’
1
Graeme McPherson KC
4 New Square
‘Amazing attention to detail and an almost photographic memory.'
1
Siân Mirchandani KC
4 New Square
‘A very strong attention to detail and a very clear focus on what needs to be done.'
1
Andrew Onslow KC
3 Verulam Buildings
1
Thomas Plewman KC
Brick Court Chambers
‘He methodically works through the other side’s case to pick it apart. Good on his feet and a straight talker with both judges and clients.’
1
Ben Quiney KC
Crown Office Chambers
‘Ben is very calm. His written advice is comprehensive and he is good with clients.’
1
Rebecca Sabben-Clare KC
7 King’s Bench Walk
‘Great on paper and in court.’
1
Simon Salzedo KC
Brick Court Chambers
‘A very thorough and persuasive advocate, he always knows the case and the law inside out.’
1
Jonathan Seitler KC
Wilberforce Chambers
‘Jonathan has strong legal knowledge, excellent advocacy skills, strong market knowledge and great client handling skills.’ 
1
Mark Simpson KC
Fountain Court Chambers
Calm, wise, he gives measured advice, and has deep expertise.’
1
Jamie Smith KC
4 New Square
‘Jamie is the epitome of the honest broker. He is able to navigate the complexities of a case with ease.’
1
Roger Stewart KC
4 New Square
'Roger has fantastic strategic instincts; he is always calm, convincing with clients, and carries the confidence of the bench. He is a true all-rounder who consistently delivers.'
1
David Streatfeild-James KC
Atkin Chambers
‘David is a master tactician. He is able to get to grips with a lot of information quickly, and is able to see 3 or 4 steps ahead of most other people.'
1
David Turner KC
4 New Square
‘He is careful, analytical, and courteous. He’s a pleasure to appear against and doubtless a pleasure to instruct.’
1
John Wardell KC
Wilberforce Chambers
‘John’s depth of knowledge is rivalled only by his strategic acumen and breadth of contacts, and trailed very closely by his excellent written and oral advocacy.’  
1
Thomas Weitzman KC
3 Verulam Buildings
2
Sean Brannigan KC
4 Pump Court
‘An outstanding advocate who is a joy to watch. It appears to come effortlessly and he seems to have the ear of the court.’
2
James Brocklebank KC
7 King’s Bench Walk
‘James is able to get to the key issues in a matter very quickly and is very bright. He is very good at judging when and how to give input.’
2
Robert Moxon Browne KC
2 Temple Gardens
2
Stuart Catchpole KC
Atkin Chambers
2
Ian Croxford KC
Wilberforce Chambers
2
Charles Dougherty KC
2 Temple Gardens
‘A master of the courtroom, Charles knows the law back to front.’
2
Michael Douglas KC
4 Pump Court
2
David Edwards KC
7 King’s Bench Walk
2
David Halpern KC
4 New Square
2
Matthew Hardwick KC
3 Verulam Buildings
'He is quick to grasp the issues in a complex situation and to understand both the legal and commercial context of the matter.'
2
Neil Hext KC
4 New Square
'Neil has an exceptional ability to cut to the heart of complex legal issues. His advocacy is top-notch.' 
2
Charles Hollander KC
Brick Court Chambers
‘Excellent advocate and appropriately bullish.’
2
Mark Howard KC
Brick Court Chambers
2
Timothy Howe KC
Fountain Court Chambers
2
Nigel Jones KC
Gatehouse Chambers
2
Tim Lord KC
Brick Court Chambers
‘Tim is indefatigable in his approach to litigation. One of the best advocates at the Bar, his courtroom ability is really first-rate.’  
2
Manus McMullan KC
Atkin Chambers
 
2
Neil Moody KC
2 Temple Gardens
‘Superstar silk, particularly noted for efficient and effective advocacy. He is a master of building credibility with the Judge during submissions.’ 
2
Alexander Nissen KC
Keating Chambers
‘Alexander is a compelling advocate who is extremely approachable and responsive. A leader in the field.’
2
Ben Patten KC
4 New Square
‘Ben provides strong legal analysis and assesses the key strengths and weaknesses in the case at an early stage.’
2
Dominique Rawley KC
Atkin Chambers
‘Dominique is very bright and has a wonderful manner with clients.’
2
Paul Reed KC
Gatehouse Chambers
2
Hefin Rees KC
3 Verulam Buildings
2
Andrew Rigney KC
Crown Office Chambers
‘Andrew has a sharp intellect and an unfailingly charming manner.’
2
Patricia Robertson KC
Fountain Court Chambers
2
Keith Rowley KC
Radcliffe Chambers
Keith remains pre-eminent in his field.'
2
Nicola Rushton KC
Hailsham Chambers
‘Nicola is adaptive and intelligent when an unexpected twist happens at court. Strategically very sound, what she doesn’t know about lender professional negligence claims isn’t worth knowing.’
2
Daniel Shapiro KC
Crown Office Chambers
‘He gives clear and concise advice, is client friendly, persuasive and measured a advocate.’
2
Nicolas Stallworthy KC
Outer Temple Chambers
‘Nicolas is a technically brilliant and tactically astute litigator, with extensive experience in the field of professional negligence claims. He combines his sharp intellect with great charm and a prodigious capacity for hard work.’
2
Clare Stanley KC
Wilberforce Chambers
Clare is masterful at cross-examination of well-prepared and hostile witnesses, and at adapting on her feet as the case requires.’
2
Bankim Thanki KC
Fountain Court Chambers
He is an excellent advocate: persuasive, smooth and unflappable, and he has gravitas. Clients warm to him and he quickly wins their trust.’
2
Nigel Tozzi KC
4 Pump Court
‘Nigel thorough and able to master heavy detail, especially on quantum aspects. He is user-friendly and mindful of underlying commercial objectives.’
2
John de Waal KC
Gatehouse Chambers
2
Andrew White KC
Atkin Chambers
3
Stephanie Barwise KC
Atkin Chambers
3
Chloe Carpenter KC
Fountain Court Chambers
‘Chloe is excellent on her feet, but her most striking trait is how thoroughly well prepared she is - no detail escapes Chloe. Chloe is fantastic with clients and a joy to work with.’
3
Jamie Carpenter KC
Hailsham Chambers
'Extremely clever, incisive, gets to grips with the issues. Very clear communicator. Excellent advocate, very quick on his feet and persuasive.'
3
Graham Chapman KC
4 New Square
‘Clever and brave advocate who knows how to deliver difficult points effectively and with impact.’
3
Serena Cheng KC
Atkin Chambers
‘She has a fine intellect, coupled with an extraordinary work rate attention to detail.’
3
Aidan Christie KC
4 Pump Court
‘Aidan has meticulous attention to detail and provides very helpful advice. His drafting is first class, as is his advocacy.’
3
Derrick Dale KC
Fountain Court Chambers
3
Clare Dixon KC
4 New Square
‘Her tenacity and robust advocacy style make her a forceful presence in the courtroom. She approaches each case with an eye for detail and deep knowledge of the law on professional negligence.’
3
Chantal-Aimée Doerries KC
Atkin Chambers
3
Helen Evans KC
4 New Square
‘Helen’s strengths are numerous – she is incredibly bright but also pragmatic, which is a very potent combination. Helen is easy to work with.’  
3
Michael Furness KC
Wilberforce Chambers
‘ He has a wealth of expertise on various matters: pensions, tax, trusts, company etc. Creative on defences and a measured, compelling advocate to whom judges listen with respect.’
3
Lucy Garrett KC
Keating Chambers
 
3
Thomas Grant KC
Wilberforce Chambers
 
3
Simon Hargreaves KC
Keating Chambers
3
David Head KC
3 Verulam Buildings
‘David is technically excellent and is also very user friendly, clients like him and he gets results. Always a pleasure to work with him.’
3
Josephine Higgs KC
7 King’s Bench Walk
‘She is an excellent advocate with a keen intellect. She is hardworking, knows her material thoroughly and always has a clear tactical objective.’
3
James Howells KC
Atkin Chambers
James has excellent analytical skills and is a compelling advocate. James is a highly intelligent and hard-working KC who is always a pleasure to deal with. ’
3
Riaz Hussain KC
Atkin Chambers
3
James Leabeater KC
4 Pump Court
3
Richard Liddell KC
4 New Square
‘Richard is a civil and very experienced barrister who has an authoritative advocacy style and is a very adept cross-examiner.’
3
Daniel Lightman KC
Serle Court
‘Daniel has a first-rate intellect, deep knowledge of the law and is extremely wise on matters of strategy.'
3
Ben Lynch KC
Fountain Court Chambers
‘Ben is rightly one of the leaders in the insurance Bar as well as being very personable and highly responsive.’
3
Ali Malek KC
3 Verulam Buildings
3
Lynne McCafferty KC
4 Pump Court
Lynne is clever, logical and hardworking. She has a nice way with clients, she is approachable and engaged.’
3
Paul Newman KC
Wilberforce Chambers
‘With unrivalled enthusiasm and hard work, and a sharp focus on professional negligence in the pensions world, Paul provides robust advice taking account of the bigger picture and commercial sensitivities.'
3
Jeremy Nicholson KC
4 Pump Court
3
Fiona Parkin KC
Atkin Chambers
3
Benjamin Pilling KC
4 Pump Court
3
John Ross KC
Deka Chambers
3
Daniel Saoul KC
4 New Square
3
Jonathan Selby KC
Keating Chambers
ery clear forthright advice has good insights and thinks widely about solutions. His pleadings are a model of clarity and succinctness.’
3
Andrew Spink KC
Outer Temple Chambers
‘Eloquent and a powerful advocate, he reads the court brilliantly.’
3
Andrew Wales KC
7 King’s Bench Walk
‘Andrew has a keen eye for detail and is second to none when it comes to breaking down complex problems into an understandable and logical analysis. His advocacy style is measured and methodical. ’
3
Andrew Warnock KC
Deka Chambers
‘Andrew is extremely thorough in his preparation, ensuring that he knows the case and the relevant law om detail. He is very calm in court, and gives succinct, accurate and well thought out answers to any challenges to his case.' 
3
Geraint Webb KC
Henderson Chambers
3
David Yates KC
Pump Court Tax Chambers
‘David has an outstanding ability to explain technical and difficult issues, which not only demonstrates his excellent specialist knowledge and court experience, but in a straight forward and sensible way that really helps lay clients grapple with the issues and decisions they face.’
4
Zoë Barton KC
Wilberforce Chambers
 
4
Adrian Beltrami KC
3 Verulam Buildings
4
Gary Blaker KC
Selborne Chambers
 
4
Martin Bowdery KC
Atkin Chambers
.
4
Andrew Butler KC
Tanfield Chambers
4
Noel Casey KC
7 King’s Bench Walk
4
Rupert Choat KC
Atkin Chambers
‘Rupert's exceptional strength is being able to distil complex matters into straightforward and more importantly, practical advice. He leaves no stone unturned and will always do his best for his clients.’
4
Michael Curtis KC
Crown Office Chambers
4
James Cutress KC
Fountain Court Chambers
‘He is very good on the law. He inspires confidence in his analysis and prepared to give commercial advice.’
4
Simon Davenport KC
4 Pump Court
‘Simon is an excellent advocate and a great thinker, strategically excellent and a real pleasure to work with. Very much recommended.'
4
Thomas Dumont KC
Radcliffe Chambers
4
Adam Fenton KC
7 King’s Bench Walk
   
4
Karim Ghaly KC
Atkin Chambers
‘Karim is smart, affable and knows his stuff.’
4
David Grant KC
Outer Temple Chambers
4
Christopher Heather KC
Tanfield Chambers
'He has an excellent command of complex and specialist legal areas. User-friendly and clear in his advice.'
4
Lexa Hilliard KC
Wilberforce Chambers
4
Isabel Hitching KC
Crown Office Chambers
4
Simon Howarth KC
Hailsham Chambers
‘An exceptional and tenacious advocate, with a real understanding of the arguments which are most attractive to the court. He combines exceptional intellectual ability with a practical and down-to-earth understanding of what is in the client’s best interests.’
4
Calum Lamont KC
Keating Chambers
4
Krista Lee KC
Keating Chambers
‘Krista has a good strategic insight and a calm manner. She is able to articulate difficult concepts in easily digestible format for clients.’
4
Nicholas Medcroft KC
Fountain Court Chambers
‘Nicholas is an extremely bright leading counsel who gets to the nub of the issues of the cases very quickly and conveys these in a clear and concise way. He is hard working and very easy to work with.’
4
Paul Mitchell KC
4 New Square
‘A true spectacle to watch in court; when speaking, he has the ear of not only the judge but also the opposition and basically everyone in the room. His drafting is incredibly on point, as is his knowledge of the authorities.'    
4
Vincent Moran KC
Keating Chambers
 
4
Leigh-Ann Mulcahy KC
Fountain Court Chambers
4
Sonia Nolten KC
2 Temple Gardens
4
Tamara Oppenheimer KC
Fountain Court Chambers
4
Claire Packman KC
4 Pump Court
 
4
Alison Padfield KC
4 New Square
‘Alison is one of the very best out there for coverage advice on professional negligence policies. She has an unrivalled mastery of the law and provides detailed, well reasoned and thorough advice.’  
4
Catherine Piercy KC
Gatehouse Chambers
4
Fionn Pilbrow KC
Brick Court Chambers
‘Fionn is a great silk for professional negligence cases with excellent knowledge and understanding of auditing and superb client handling skills.’
4
David Pliener KC
Gatehouse Chambers
‘David provides excellent and comprehensive advice in an easy to understand manner. His approach is very user-friendly to both professional and lay clients alike’
4
Alexander Polley KC
One Essex Court
4
Amanda Savage KC
4 New Square
‘Amanda is incisive, clever and personable. She gets to the nub of a case very quickly.’
4
Tiffany Scott KC
Wilberforce Chambers
‘Tiffany's style is compelling - bringing clarity of reasoning, deep consideration, a calm and engaging manner which is a winning combination.’
4
Tony Singla KC
Brick Court Chambers
‘ Tony is very clever, diligent, analytical and charming, a formidable combination. He is destined for a glittering career as one of the leading lights in his field.’
4
Marion Smith KC
39 Essex Chambers
'She knows her stuff and is respected by her peers. She speaks with authority and has the ear of judges.'
4
George Spalton KC
4 New Square Chambers
 
4
Jessica Stephens KC
4 Pump Court
4
Samuel Townend KC
Keating Chambers
4
Nicholas Trompeter KC
Selborne Chambers
4
Steven Walker KC
Atkin Chambers
 
4
Giles Wheeler KC
Fountain Court Chambers
4
Crispin Winser KC
Crown Office Chambers
‘He is skilled and highly professional, great at drafting. He explains everything clearly and manages expectations in an accessible way. ’
4
Andrew George KC
Blackstone Chambers
‘Andrew has no weaknesses at all. He is highly intelligent, incredibly effective in court and in negotiation and yet manages to achieve all this with unwavering calm and a charming and approachable personality.’

2025 Silks

KCs at the very top of their field, with a long-established record of market-defining cases, and widespread endorsement from clients and peers. All silks appointed in the last two rounds are listed further below.

1
Richard Coplin KC
Keating Chambers
‘ Always goes above and beyond, is the barrister you want on your side.'
1
Simon Hale KC
4 Pump Court
1
Edward Harrison KC
Brick Court Chambers
‘ He cracks on and gets things done in a way that is immensely helpful to those working with him. His writing is beautiful.’
1
Justin Kitson KC
Selborne Chambers
 
1
Michael Walsh KC
Serle Court

2024 Silks

KCs at the very top of their field, with a long-established record of market-defining cases, and widespread endorsement from clients and peers. All silks appointed in the last two rounds are listed further below.

1
James Duffy KC
Fountain Court Chambers
1
Jennifer Jones KC
Atkin Chambers
‘Jennifer is able to quickly understand difficult technical and legal issues to identify the strengths and weaknesses in a case and put forward a suitable strategy. Clients appreciate her clear and commercial advice.’
1
Anna Laney KC
Crown Office Chambers
 ‘She is smart, robust, and super user-friendly. Clients love her tenacious approach.’
1
Brendan McGurk KC
Monckton Chambers
1
Tom Owen KC
Keating Chambers
‘Tom sets the gold standard for the role of a barrister; his written and oral advocacy is flawless, and his incredible work ethic means he is always available for his clients and instructing solicitors. Tom always delivers and is a genuine pleasure to work alongside in the process.’
1
Shail Patel KC
4 New Square
‘Shail is very bright. He is good on the wider tactics and strategy for dealing with a claim – both on doing the groundwork for success at trial, or teeing things up for sensible settlement.’
1
Camille Slow KC
Atkin Chambers
‘Camille is fantastic. Commercial, incredibly diligent, and a pleasure to work with.’
1
Michael Wheater KC
Gatehouse Chambers
 
1
Simon Wilton KC
Hailsham Chambers
‘Simon is extremely capable on complex legal issues, effortlessly charming with clients and a delightful team player. He is also a resolute advocate who is not put off by awkward opponents or unhelpful judges.'