2 Temple Gardens is recognised for its expertise in jurisdiction in cross-border personal injury claims arising from accidents abroad, especially involving serious injuries or death. It also stands out for its expertise in international law. The team has been involved in leading cases recently. Charles Dougherty KC and Benjamin Phelps work includes appearing in the Supreme Court in Roberts v SSAFA, MoD and Viersen for a German hospital in a claim brought on behalf of a child of a British soldier stationed in Germany who born with cerebral palsy as an alleged result of clinical negligence, with issues including the difference between the British and German limitation periods. Roger Harris is acting for the German Hospital in relation to the clinical negligence side of the case. Marie Louise Kinsler KC, Howard Palmer KC, Alistair Mackenzie and Phelps’ work includes appearing in the Supreme Court in Brownlie v FS Cairo, a case concerning the mechanics of cross-border personal injury claims such as if evidence on foreign law is required.
Travel law (including jurisdictional issues) in
London Bar2 Temple Gardens
Testimonials
Set
‘2 Temple Gardens has the best travel law team in the business.’
‘Leading set for travel work, particularly on issues of jurisdiction and choice of law.’
‘2 Temple Gardens is the go-to chambers for travel law cases, providing extremely strong counsel at all levels. It stands out from other chambers in the strength and range of barristers specialising and excelling in this area.’
‘2 Temple Gardens is rightly viewed as the leading chambers for travel law, given the star quality and number of barristers specialising in this area.’
‘The travel law team at 2 Temple Gardens is the best in the business, in my experience.’
Clerking
‘The clerking service is superb. Lee Tyler is heavily invested in ensuring chambers offer an excellent service, and is well supported by bright and dedicated clerks such as Oliver Gillen-Smith.’
‘The Clerks have always been impressively attentive – we liaise most with Billy Hammonds.’
‘I work mainly with Lee Tyler and he is always very quick to respond and the level of service he gives is always exceptional.’
‘Billy Hammond is always extremely helpful and responsive.’
‘Billy Hammonds always responds very quickly and in a kind and helpful manner. Very reliable and nice to work with.’
3 Hare Court
3 Hare Court‘s leading team is highly sought after by both claimants and defendants. Recently, the set has been particularly busy providing counsel on implications for air travel in the time of COVID-19, claims against insolvent travel companies, as well as the ongoing developments relating to Brexit. The team has experience at all levels dealing with accidents that occur overseas and in claims involving extensive group actions. Katherine Deal KC has vast international experience, including a case of alleged clinical negligence in Spain. Andrew Young was junior counsel for the claimants in the gastric illness case of Wood v TUI Travel Plc, which confirmed the principle that tour operators are strictly liable to their clients if food supplied by the holiday hotel as part of a package holiday is unfit for human consumption.
Testimonials
Set
‘High quality barristers across the board.’
‘3 Hare Court are an exceptional set of Chambers. Friendly, approachable, reliable, assured extremely able and an extremely safe pair of hands for aviation and travel law.’
‘Very strong in the area of travel litigation.’
‘3 Hare Court have a number of very skilled barristers in the travel field. The Clerks are very helpful and prompt in their responses.’
Clerking
‘The clerks have delivered an excellent service over the years – nothing is too much trouble. Toby Eales and James Donovan are class acts and the whole team has benefitted from their leadership.’
‘James Donovan, Simon Hamilton and Toby Eales are very helpful with counsel bookings and availability of suitable counsel and they know their barristers well.’
‘Clerks are incredibly accommodating and treat us with courtesy and respect – particularly clerks such as Toby Eales and Duane Hitchman.’
‘The clerks are excellent – in particular Toby Eales.’
Deka Chambers
Deka Chambers‘s travel team assists both claimants and defendants in overseas accident litigation and in recovery actions against overseas suppliers. The team counts on the expertise of John Ross KC, whose work includes leading cases on the subject of cross-border personal injury claims, and Sarah Prager, who is acting in a number of High Court trials and has three cases on jurisdictional matters going through the Court of Appeal. From the 9 Gough Square side of the chambers pre-merger, Grahame Aldous KC recently acted in Booth v Phillips, a High Court case which established the jurisdiction of the UK over deaths abroad leaving a dependent in the UK. Giles Mooney KC is acting for the defendant in a case where the claimant was injured whilst acting as a yacht’s engineer in the course of racing during an international regatta; it is alleged that the claimant has suffered serious brain injuries and the case is currently pleaded in excess of £3m.
Testimonials
Set
‘Deka Chambers is our “go to” set of chambers for travel matters. They have a first class knowledge of travel matters and are very approachable and helpful.’
‘The leading, go to set for Travel Law. Experienced senior counsel and a good range of juniors to suit every type of instruction.’
‘The leading set in cross-border and international personal injury work covering the full range of cases on both sides of the Court.’
Clerking
‘Clark Chessis is a class act and has been the bedrock of the 1CL side of chambers for a very long time now. Nothing is ever a problem and he is the perfect gentlemen.’
‘David Barrow and Clark Chessis are first rate. No problem is too difficult to solve.’
‘All clerks are great. David Barrow and Clark Chessis particularly so.’
‘All the clerks are very helpful and responsive but I’ve worked in particular with Clark Chessis, Jamie Moylan and David Barrow who are great to work with and make the process of instructing all the barristers so easy.’
‘I have David Barrow on speed dial! He is superb.’
12 King's Bench Walk
12 King’s Bench Walk has expertise not only in the mainstream of travel and tour operator litigation, but in heavyweight cross-border personal injury cases. The set counts on the expertise of William Audland KC, who appeared in the Supreme Court in X v Kuoni Travel, the first time that the scope of liability under the package travel regulations had been considered at that level; the matter concerned the rape of a British woman by a hotel employee in Sri Lanka. Another key member of the team is Alex Carington – he recently acted for a tour operator in a case where the claimants, who was sleeping at the time, were attacked by a lion, leaving one claimant with his arm almost completely torn off and the other with psychiatric injuries.
Testimonials
Set
’12KBW are one of, if not the go-to set for travel law issues. They have a great deal of leading counsel who I and other members of the team would happily rely upon.’
‘In my view 12KBW has greater strength and depth across the several segments that cover the travel area: namely, package travel, Rome II claims, aviation and maritime, as well as multi party actions, and strength ranging from leaders to busy juniors.’
’12KBW has a large and growing team of ranked barristers and is fast becoming the go-to set for travel and jurisdictional disputes.’
Clerking
‘The clerks are always helpful and very quick to respond. Graham Johnson particularly is excellent, and always has time for your queries.’
‘The service provided by the clerks are exceptional, mainly George Boggis.’
‘Lexie Johnson is always extremely, helpful, friendly and approachable. She is quick to respond and will try to deal with queries in a clear and concise manner.‘
‘George Boggis is really helpful.’
‘Good clerks who take the time to get to know their clients. Oliver Parkhouse runs a tight ship, Graham Johnson is superb and George Boggis is an up-and-coming leader in my view.’
39 Essex Chambers
39 Essex Chambers works internationally and stands out for its expertise in personal injury claims. Its barristers mainly focus in group litigation actions as well as individual claims involving jurisdiction and choice of law issues including historic child sexual abuse, food poisoning, injuries suffered by private security personnel while working in politically unstable regions and skiing and other sport accidents. Neil Block KC recently took part in a case that raised complex legal and quantum issues, concerning a claim a tourist arising out of a snowmobile accident in Finland. Bernard Doherty , who has particular expertise in private international law issues, recently represented one of several defendants in a case arising from a neck fracture sustained by former Olympic gymnast Beth Tweddle while attempting a ski jump during the filming of reality TV programme The Jump in Austria.
Testimonials
Set
‘One of the leading chambers for personal injury cases.’
‘They are a first rate set.’
‘This is a first rate set with a lot of very good barristers.’
Clerking
‘Clerks are fantastic, particularly Hannah Milne and Harry Airth.’
‘Hannah Milne is excellent.’
Fountain Court Chambers
Fountain Court Chambers acts for regulators, such as the CAA, and the regulated, such as airlines and tour operators. This year they have been increasingly providing advice around topics including flight delays, cancellations, regulatory issues and Brexit-related issues among others. Akhil Shah KC has been instructed by the liquidators of Thomas Cook Airlines to assist in securing its slots at Gatwick, Manchester and other leading airports in an expedited judicial review application brought by Manchester Airport against the Civil Aviation Authority and Thomas Cook - the matter settled.
Testimonials
Set
‘The bench strength is fantastic, with top Silks, top senior juniors and all the juniors are excellent – there are no duds at all.’
‘Fountain are a leading set for aviation and travel work.’
Clerking
‘The clerks are brilliant and the service excellent, really pro-active and fast response times, Sian Huckett is a stand out.’
Outer Temple Chambers
Outer Temple Chambers
counts on the expertise of Sarah Crowther KC, who appeared in the Supreme Court in Brownlie v FS Cairo, a case regarding the scope of the tort gateway for service abroad and the requirement to plead foreign law. Gerard McDermott KC is also a part of the team, and a recognised name in this field and sought after by those who have suffered a catastrophic injury abroad. Eliot Woolf KC, has recently appeared for the successful claimant in Kempson v First Choice Holidays, establishing the basis for strict liability in salmonella claims.
Testimonials
Set
‘The set has several very good barristers who specialise in the area of Travel Law, both junior counsel and silks.’
‘A very good travel law team. A number of knowledgeable and able barristers specialising in cross-border litigation.’
‘A fine set of silks, ably supported by some of the brightest juniors around.’
‘They are an excellent set.’
‘Very good set – very good travel law seminars and very good selection of Counsel.’
Clerking
‘Paul Barton and Mark Gardner are excellent. Both are knowledgeable, helpful and will go out their way to find solutions when required.’
‘I communicate mostly with Ben Fitzgerald and Mark Gardener in the clerks room. Both always respond promptly.’
‘Excellent clerking team including Paul Barton.’
‘Clerks are very helpful and approachable, particularly Paul Barton and Mark Gardner who are both class acts. Graham Woods is a delight to work with.’
‘Very able – Mark Gardner and Paul Barton are excellent.’
Quadrant Chambers
Quadrant Chambers’ team acts in cases for a number of leading airlines including British Airways, Ryan Air, and Etihad airlines. Its work varies from arbitrations and inquests through to commercial disputes leases and regulatory matters. John Kimbell KC, who was appointed a Deputy High Court Judge in 2018, has recently acted as a foreign law expert witness in class action proceedings arising out of a mass outbreak of COVID on a cruise ship. Mark Stiggelbout acts for an airline in a case pivoting on the definition of the term ‘operations of disembarking.’
Testimonials
Set
‘Quadrant is a very strong set which has for many years been recognised as the top aviation accident set for claimants and defendants alike.’
‘A solid core have a good understanding of this area, both practical and legal.’
2 Temple Gardens
Testimonials
Set
‘2 Temple Gardens has the best travel law team in the business.’
‘Leading set for travel work, particularly on issues of jurisdiction and choice of law.’
‘2 Temple Gardens is the go-to chambers for travel law cases, providing extremely strong counsel at all levels. It stands out from other chambers in the strength and range of barristers specialising and excelling in this area.’
‘2 Temple Gardens is rightly viewed as the leading chambers for travel law, given the star quality and number of barristers specialising in this area.’
‘The travel law team at 2 Temple Gardens is the best in the business, in my experience.’
Clerking
‘The clerking service is superb. Lee Tyler is heavily invested in ensuring chambers offer an excellent service, and is well supported by bright and dedicated clerks such as Oliver Gillen-Smith.’
‘The Clerks have always been impressively attentive – we liaise most with Billy Hammonds.’
‘I work mainly with Lee Tyler and he is always very quick to respond and the level of service he gives is always exceptional.’
‘Billy Hammond is always extremely helpful and responsive.’
‘Billy Hammonds always responds very quickly and in a kind and helpful manner. Very reliable and nice to work with.’
3 Hare Court
3 Hare Court‘s leading team is highly sought after by both claimants and defendants. Recently, the set has been particularly busy providing counsel on implications for air travel in the time of COVID-19, claims against insolvent travel companies, as well as the ongoing developments relating to Brexit. The team has experience at all levels dealing with accidents that occur overseas and in claims involving extensive group actions. Katherine Deal KC has vast international experience, including a case of alleged clinical negligence in Spain. Andrew Young was junior counsel for the claimants in the gastric illness case of Wood v TUI Travel Plc, which confirmed the principle that tour operators are strictly liable to their clients if food supplied by the holiday hotel as part of a package holiday is unfit for human consumption.
Testimonials
Set
‘High quality barristers across the board.’
‘3 Hare Court are an exceptional set of Chambers. Friendly, approachable, reliable, assured extremely able and an extremely safe pair of hands for aviation and travel law.’
‘Very strong in the area of travel litigation.’
‘3 Hare Court have a number of very skilled barristers in the travel field. The Clerks are very helpful and prompt in their responses.’
Clerking
‘The clerks have delivered an excellent service over the years – nothing is too much trouble. Toby Eales and James Donovan are class acts and the whole team has benefitted from their leadership.’
‘James Donovan, Simon Hamilton and Toby Eales are very helpful with counsel bookings and availability of suitable counsel and they know their barristers well.’
‘Clerks are incredibly accommodating and treat us with courtesy and respect – particularly clerks such as Toby Eales and Duane Hitchman.’
‘The clerks are excellent – in particular Toby Eales.’
Deka Chambers
Deka Chambers‘s travel team assists both claimants and defendants in overseas accident litigation and in recovery actions against overseas suppliers. The team counts on the expertise of John Ross KC, whose work includes leading cases on the subject of cross-border personal injury claims, and Sarah Prager, who is acting in a number of High Court trials and has three cases on jurisdictional matters going through the Court of Appeal. From the 9 Gough Square side of the chambers pre-merger, Grahame Aldous KC recently acted in Booth v Phillips, a High Court case which established the jurisdiction of the UK over deaths abroad leaving a dependent in the UK. Giles Mooney KC is acting for the defendant in a case where the claimant was injured whilst acting as a yacht’s engineer in the course of racing during an international regatta; it is alleged that the claimant has suffered serious brain injuries and the case is currently pleaded in excess of £3m.
Testimonials
Set
‘Deka Chambers is our “go to” set of chambers for travel matters. They have a first class knowledge of travel matters and are very approachable and helpful.’
‘The leading, go to set for Travel Law. Experienced senior counsel and a good range of juniors to suit every type of instruction.’
‘The leading set in cross-border and international personal injury work covering the full range of cases on both sides of the Court.’
Clerking
‘Clark Chessis is a class act and has been the bedrock of the 1CL side of chambers for a very long time now. Nothing is ever a problem and he is the perfect gentlemen.’
‘David Barrow and Clark Chessis are first rate. No problem is too difficult to solve.’
‘All clerks are great. David Barrow and Clark Chessis particularly so.’
‘All the clerks are very helpful and responsive but I’ve worked in particular with Clark Chessis, Jamie Moylan and David Barrow who are great to work with and make the process of instructing all the barristers so easy.’
‘I have David Barrow on speed dial! He is superb.’
12 King's Bench Walk
12 King’s Bench Walk has expertise not only in the mainstream of travel and tour operator litigation, but in heavyweight cross-border personal injury cases. The set counts on the expertise of William Audland KC, who appeared in the Supreme Court in X v Kuoni Travel, the first time that the scope of liability under the package travel regulations had been considered at that level; the matter concerned the rape of a British woman by a hotel employee in Sri Lanka. Another key member of the team is Alex Carington – he recently acted for a tour operator in a case where the claimants, who was sleeping at the time, were attacked by a lion, leaving one claimant with his arm almost completely torn off and the other with psychiatric injuries.
Testimonials
Set
’12KBW are one of, if not the go-to set for travel law issues. They have a great deal of leading counsel who I and other members of the team would happily rely upon.’
‘In my view 12KBW has greater strength and depth across the several segments that cover the travel area: namely, package travel, Rome II claims, aviation and maritime, as well as multi party actions, and strength ranging from leaders to busy juniors.’
’12KBW has a large and growing team of ranked barristers and is fast becoming the go-to set for travel and jurisdictional disputes.’
Clerking
‘The clerks are always helpful and very quick to respond. Graham Johnson particularly is excellent, and always has time for your queries.’
‘The service provided by the clerks are exceptional, mainly George Boggis.’
‘Lexie Johnson is always extremely, helpful, friendly and approachable. She is quick to respond and will try to deal with queries in a clear and concise manner.‘
‘George Boggis is really helpful.’
‘Good clerks who take the time to get to know their clients. Oliver Parkhouse runs a tight ship, Graham Johnson is superb and George Boggis is an up-and-coming leader in my view.’
39 Essex Chambers
39 Essex Chambers works internationally and stands out for its expertise in personal injury claims. Its barristers mainly focus in group litigation actions as well as individual claims involving jurisdiction and choice of law issues including historic child sexual abuse, food poisoning, injuries suffered by private security personnel while working in politically unstable regions and skiing and other sport accidents. Neil Block KC recently took part in a case that raised complex legal and quantum issues, concerning a claim a tourist arising out of a snowmobile accident in Finland. Bernard Doherty , who has particular expertise in private international law issues, recently represented one of several defendants in a case arising from a neck fracture sustained by former Olympic gymnast Beth Tweddle while attempting a ski jump during the filming of reality TV programme The Jump in Austria.
Testimonials
Set
‘One of the leading chambers for personal injury cases.’
‘They are a first rate set.’
‘This is a first rate set with a lot of very good barristers.’
Clerking
‘Clerks are fantastic, particularly Hannah Milne and Harry Airth.’
‘Hannah Milne is excellent.’
Fountain Court Chambers
Fountain Court Chambers acts for regulators, such as the CAA, and the regulated, such as airlines and tour operators. This year they have been increasingly providing advice around topics including flight delays, cancellations, regulatory issues and Brexit-related issues among others. Akhil Shah KC has been instructed by the liquidators of Thomas Cook Airlines to assist in securing its slots at Gatwick, Manchester and other leading airports in an expedited judicial review application brought by Manchester Airport against the Civil Aviation Authority and Thomas Cook - the matter settled.
Testimonials
Set
‘The bench strength is fantastic, with top Silks, top senior juniors and all the juniors are excellent – there are no duds at all.’
‘Fountain are a leading set for aviation and travel work.’
Clerking
‘The clerks are brilliant and the service excellent, really pro-active and fast response times, Sian Huckett is a stand out.’
Outer Temple Chambers
Outer Temple Chambers
counts on the expertise of Sarah Crowther KC, who appeared in the Supreme Court in Brownlie v FS Cairo, a case regarding the scope of the tort gateway for service abroad and the requirement to plead foreign law. Gerard McDermott KC is also a part of the team, and a recognised name in this field and sought after by those who have suffered a catastrophic injury abroad. Eliot Woolf KC, has recently appeared for the successful claimant in Kempson v First Choice Holidays, establishing the basis for strict liability in salmonella claims.
Testimonials
Set
‘The set has several very good barristers who specialise in the area of Travel Law, both junior counsel and silks.’
‘A very good travel law team. A number of knowledgeable and able barristers specialising in cross-border litigation.’
‘A fine set of silks, ably supported by some of the brightest juniors around.’
‘They are an excellent set.’
‘Very good set – very good travel law seminars and very good selection of Counsel.’
Clerking
‘Paul Barton and Mark Gardner are excellent. Both are knowledgeable, helpful and will go out their way to find solutions when required.’
‘I communicate mostly with Ben Fitzgerald and Mark Gardener in the clerks room. Both always respond promptly.’
‘Excellent clerking team including Paul Barton.’
‘Clerks are very helpful and approachable, particularly Paul Barton and Mark Gardner who are both class acts. Graham Woods is a delight to work with.’
‘Very able – Mark Gardner and Paul Barton are excellent.’
Quadrant Chambers
Quadrant Chambers’ team acts in cases for a number of leading airlines including British Airways, Ryan Air, and Etihad airlines. Its work varies from arbitrations and inquests through to commercial disputes leases and regulatory matters. John Kimbell KC, who was appointed a Deputy High Court Judge in 2018, has recently acted as a foreign law expert witness in class action proceedings arising out of a mass outbreak of COVID on a cruise ship. Mark Stiggelbout acts for an airline in a case pivoting on the definition of the term ‘operations of disembarking.’
Testimonials
Set
‘Quadrant is a very strong set which has for many years been recognised as the top aviation accident set for claimants and defendants alike.’
‘A solid core have a good understanding of this area, both practical and legal.’