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John DickinsonSt John’s ChambersJohn has a rare cross-discipline of law and accountancy, which is invaluable. He is thorough in his analysis and crystal-clear in his explanations.  He is also decisive, accurate and completely dependable. Moreover, he is easy to talk to and very supportive.’ 
Jay JagasiaGuildhall Chambers ‘Jay is able to quickly get to grips with complex factual situations and provide thorough and commercial advice. His drafting is detailed and powerful and he is excellent in conferences with clients. Jay’s preparation is meticulous and this shows on paper, in conferences and in court. On his feet he is fantastic and is robust in cross-examinations and detailed when dealing with intervention and submissions.’
James Pearce-SmithSt John’s Chambers ‘James is a fantastic advocate. His approach to cross-examination is particularly impressive in that he comes across at first as extremely polite and courteous, which lulls witnesses into a false sense of security, and he then sets about pulling their testimony methodically apart.’ 
Richard Whitehouse3PBHe is able to put legal advice in a commercial context for clients and is good at making complex legal academic points clear and easy to understand.' 
Joss KnightSt John’s ChambersJoss is an all-round excellent barrister. He is socially, emotionally and academically intelligent.' 
James WibberleyGuildhall ChambersJames is insightful and incisive and turns around exceptionally high-quality work extraordinarily quickly. He is a brilliant strategist and quickly gets to the heart of the weaknesses in the other side’s position and is also a ruthless advocate.’ 

Professional negligence in Regional Bar

Guildhall Chambers


Guildhall Chambers has an ‘excellent‘ reputation for its professional negligence offering and members appear at all levels, from County Courts to the Supreme Court, in claims against accountants, construction professionals, solicitors and surveyors, amongst others. Holly Doyle regularly handles ‘factually and legally messy disputes‘. She possesses niche expertise in claims against independent financial advisors and insolvency practitioners. Professional negligence and indemnity work forms a core part of Hugh Sims KC’s commercial practice, while James Wibberley primarily acts in claims against solicitors, accountants, and construction professionals heard in the High Court.

Testimonials

‘The clerks at Guildhall Chambers are helpful and efficient – particularly Stephen Arnold and Joe Stayte.’

‘Guildhall’s clerks are excellent. They are responsive, helpful and contactable. Stephen Arnold in particular is a go-to and makes it easy to go back to Guildhall again and again.’ 

‘Guildhall Chambers is an excellent set with some exceptional barristers.’ 

Work highlights














St John's Chambers


St John’s Chambers hosts several members with considerable experience in the field of professional negligence claims. James Pearce-Smith recently acted for and against defendant solicitors, including in Mercer v Burningham & Brown, which concerned a significant claim alleging a negligent failure to obtain a right of way to nearby land with development potential, a case raising issues regarding quantification and mitigation of loss. John Dickinson mainly handles claims that emerge from his Chancery and commercial practices, while Joss Knight acts on behalf of claimants, defendants, and insurers, principally in claims against solicitors, architects, and construction professionals.

Testimonials

‘Rob Bocock is particularly helpful and very knowledgeable when it comes to barristers’ respective strengths. Elizabeth Champion and Paul Bennett also stand out.’

‘A good chambers.’

‘All of the clerks at St Johns are excellent. They respond quickly to enquiries.’