Byrom Street Chambers > Manchester, England > Set Profile

Byrom Street Chambers Offices

Chambers of Winston Hunter QC
Byrom Street Chambers
12 BYROM STREET
MANCHESTER
M3 4PP
England
Visit website 0161 829 2100 0161 829 2101

Byrom Street Chambers > The Legal 500 Rankings

Northern Circuit > Clinical negligence Tier 1

Byrom Street Chambers is an ‘excellent set‘ with ‘high quality barristers who are also friendly and approachable‘. The set has a sizeable team with Winston Hunter QC as head of chambers, who is ‘technically excellent‘ and handles clinical negligence and insurance policy disputes. Christopher Melton QC specialises in cases involving catastrophic and serious injury, disease and death. James Rowley QC acts in high value clinical negligence cases and displays expertise in cases involving birth injury. Mary Ruck is also noted and focuses on cases involving clinical negligence, serious personal injury, and fatal injury. Raymond Machell QC retired in April 2020.

Leading Silks

Darryl Allen QC - Byrom Street Chambers ‘ Darryl is excellent. He is sharp and experienced. ’
Ranked: Tier 1
Sally Hatfield QC - Byrom Street Chambers ‘ Sally has a complete command of recent case law and its application to my cases and the relevance to the experts instructed. She is excellent at getting the best out of experts in all situations. She is empathic and refreshingly clear with clients. Sally is ferociously intelligent but tempers this with practicality and approachability, so that cases run smoothly and effectively to achieve excellent solutions. ’
Ranked: Tier 1
David Heaton QC - Byrom Street Chambers ‘ Highly intelligent with a wealth of experience. He is both pragmatic and meticulous. In dealing with a highly complex case, he was a reassuringly safe pair of hands. He is also highly personable and a pleasure to work with. ’
Ranked: Tier 1
Winston Hunter QC - Byrom Street Chambers ‘ Winston is exceptionally intelligent, well-organised and meticulous in his preparation. I have never worked with anyone who can recall so many relevant precedents at the drop of a hat. He is very approachable and clients like him. ’
Ranked: Tier 1
Christopher Melton QC - Byrom Street Chambers ‘ Christopher combines his depth of knowledge and experience in the field with detailed preparation, with the result that he approaches cases with a sage-like calm and a laser focus on the evidence which he is able to deploy with impressive effect in negotiations. ’
Ranked: Tier 1
James Rowley QC - Byrom Street Chambers ‘ I have found James' particular strength is his eagerness to progress cases with the minimum of delay. He is very easy to communicate with directly. He identifies the core issues quickly and combines commendable attention to detail with sensible and practical advice. His breadth of experience is very reassuring in high-value claims and his management of expert witnesses is exemplary. ’
Ranked: Tier 1
Rhiannon Jones QC - Byrom Street Chambers ‘ Rhiannon has excellent attention to detail and outstanding advocacy skills, as well as having a personable and approachable nature. ’
Ranked: Tier 2
Simon Kilvington QC - Byrom Street Chambers ‘ Simon has the ability to tackle multi-faceted and complex cases and carve a way through with sound judgement and clear, considered advice. Always immaculately prepared, Simon is a pleasure to work with, fostering a collaborative team approach whilst at the same time leading from the front. ’
Ranked: Tier 2
Andrew Lewis QC - Byrom Street Chambers ‘ Highly respected by opponents and judges alike, never flustered and always talks straight. Andrew's attention to detail is first-class. ’
Ranked: Tier 2

Leading Juniors

Darrel Crilley - Byrom Street Chambers ‘ Darrel is very experienced in dealing with fatal claims. His knowledge of this area of law is second to none. ’
Ranked: Tier 1
Mary Ruck - Byrom Street Chambers ‘ Mary is formidable as an individual. She commands the respect of the client and defendant, but is still down to earth and able to be sympathetic and relatable to the lay client and family. ’
Ranked: Tier 1
Ranked: Tier 2

Testimonials

Set

‘Bryom Street is an impressive set particularly in the field of medical negligence with numerous silks in this area. They provide excellent and frequent training for solicitors.’

‘Excellent chambers, very high quality work.’

‘They are great QC set of chambers. They hold very informative and useful seminars.’

‘Byrom Street are an excellent quality chambers with quality barristers at all levels but mostly able to do senior complex work in clinical negligence and serious personal injury.’

‘Byrom Street are second to none for serious injury cases both PI and Clinical Negligence – not just on the Northern Circuit but nationally.’

‘There are several silks and senior juniors who I would not hesitate to instruct due to their experience and intellect, particularly in the most complex cases.’

‘They are by far the leading clinical negligence set in the North West for catastrophic claims due to the number of specialist silks. They also provide excellent, free, training to solicitors who instruct them regularly.’

Northern Circuit > Personal injury Tier 1

Byrom Street Chambers is a 'very impressive set' with a 'large number of silks' and 'talented members'.  Christopher Melton QC specialises in cases involving catastrophic and serious injury, disease and death. Simon Kilvington QC is 'always immaculately prepared' and has a strong background in catastrophic brain and spinal injury case work, as does Rhiannon Jones QC. Peter Burns QC  is also noted and represented the defendants in Beveridge v Homan & Evans Transport, a case that involved the claimant lorry driver suffering a devastating brain injury when he fell from back of a truck. Other key names to note include  head of chambers Winston Hunter QC and Darrel Crilley, a senior junior with a broad personal injury practice.

Leading Silks

David Heaton QC - Byrom Street Chambers ‘ Extremely knowledgeable in this field, he is adept at getting to the root of the issue and making appropriate legal argument. Approachable and works collaboratively with solicitors and equally inspires confidence in clients. His collaborative style of working extends to settlement meetings and produces excellent results. ’
Ranked: Tier 1
Ranked: Tier 1
Simon Kilvington QC - Byrom Street Chambers ‘ Simon has the ability to tackle multi-faceted and complex cases and carve a way through with sound judgement and clear, considered advice. Always immaculately prepared, Simon is a pleasure to work with, fostering a collaborative team approach whilst at the same time leading from the front. ’
Ranked: Tier 1
Andrew Lewis QC - Byrom Street Chambers ‘ Highly respected by opponents and judges alike, never flustered and always talks straight. Andrew's attention to detail is first class. ’
Ranked: Tier 1
Christopher Melton QC - Byrom Street Chambers ‘ Chris always knows what to do. There is nothing about serious injury he doesn't know. He is charm personified; a fantastic advocate and clients of all walks of life love him. ’
Ranked: Tier 1
Darryl Allen QC - Byrom Street Chambers ‘ Darryl is excellent: sharp and experienced. ’
Ranked: Tier 2
Peter Burns QC - Byrom Street Chambers ‘ Great attention to details. Sound judgment. Commercial awareness. Approachable and client focused. ’
Ranked: Tier 2
Winston Hunter QC - Byrom Street Chambers ‘ Winston is exceptionally intelligent, well-organised and meticulous in his preparation. I have never worked with anyone who can recall so many relevant precedents at the drop of a hat. He is very approachable and clients like him. ’
Ranked: Tier 2
Ranked: Tier 2
James Rowley QC - Byrom Street Chambers ‘ Powerful intellect and encyclopaedic knowledge of case law. Combines sharpness and ability to get to get grips with the details and a commitment to achieve early resolution. Always most thorough ad incisive in his analysis of the issues. ’
Ranked: Tier 2

Leading Juniors

Darrel Crilley - Byrom Street Chambers ‘ Darrel is very experienced in dealing with fatal claims. His knowledge of this area of law is second to none. ’
Ranked: Tier 2

Testimonials

Set

‘Silk-led chambers and most considered to be at the head of their fields.’

‘Top set and clear leaders within PI and clinical negligence on the circuit.’

‘Byrom Street are an exceptional set. They have real strength and depth in my area of work. I’ve never been let down by them and, even if they can’t offer me the person I’m seeking to instruct, they can always offer a high calibre alternative. Their training seminars are second to none and the materials are often a very useful reference point going forwards.’

‘Excellent set of Chambers, leading the way in Manchester with the very best of the best. There is no need to look to London Counsel as we have the elite on our doorstep.’

‘Byrom Street Chambers has the elite of the personal injury Bar. It is equal to any London set which makes practising in Manchester a dream.’

‘Byrom Street Chambers have been at the forefront of severe injury personal injury work for many years. They continue to maintain high standards.’

‘I think that they are the most talented catastrophic injury silk team in the country bar none. They have great strength in depth. No other set of chambers can boast the experience and expertise of these silks at these chambers.’

Northern Circuit > Commercial litigation

Leading Silks

Simon Myerson QC - Byrom Street Chambers ‘ He displays attention to detail, mastery of complex facts and ability to communicate easily with the client - and a very sharp mind. ’
Ranked: Tier 2

Regional Bar > Northern Circuit > Clinical negligence Tier 1

Byrom Street Chambers is an ‘excellent set‘ with ‘high quality barristers who are also friendly and approachable‘. The set has a sizeable team with Winston Hunter QC as head of chambers, who is ‘technically excellent‘ and handles clinical negligence and insurance policy disputes. Christopher Melton QC specialises in cases involving catastrophic and serious injury, disease and death. James Rowley QC acts in high value clinical negligence cases and displays expertise in cases involving birth injury. Mary Ruck is also noted and focuses on cases involving clinical negligence, serious personal injury, and fatal injury. Raymond Machell QC retired in April 2020.

Leading Silks

Darryl Allen QC - Byrom Street Chambers ‘ Darryl is excellent. He is sharp and experienced. ’
Ranked: Tier 1
Sally Hatfield QC - Byrom Street Chambers ‘ Sally has a complete command of recent case law and its application to my cases and the relevance to the experts instructed. She is excellent at getting the best out of experts in all situations. She is empathic and refreshingly clear with clients. Sally is ferociously intelligent but tempers this with practicality and approachability, so that cases run smoothly and effectively to achieve excellent solutions. ’
Ranked: Tier 1
David Heaton QC - Byrom Street Chambers ‘ Highly intelligent with a wealth of experience. He is both pragmatic and meticulous. In dealing with a highly complex case, he was a reassuringly safe pair of hands. He is also highly personable and a pleasure to work with. ’
Ranked: Tier 1
Winston Hunter QC - Byrom Street Chambers ‘ Winston is exceptionally intelligent, well-organised and meticulous in his preparation. I have never worked with anyone who can recall so many relevant precedents at the drop of a hat. He is very approachable and clients like him. ’
Ranked: Tier 1
Christopher Melton QC - Byrom Street Chambers ‘ Christopher combines his depth of knowledge and experience in the field with detailed preparation, with the result that he approaches cases with a sage-like calm and a laser focus on the evidence which he is able to deploy with impressive effect in negotiations. ’
Ranked: Tier 1
James Rowley QC - Byrom Street Chambers ‘ I have found James' particular strength is his eagerness to progress cases with the minimum of delay. He is very easy to communicate with directly. He identifies the core issues quickly and combines commendable attention to detail with sensible and practical advice. His breadth of experience is very reassuring in high-value claims and his management of expert witnesses is exemplary. ’
Ranked: Tier 1
Rhiannon Jones QC - Byrom Street Chambers ‘ Rhiannon has excellent attention to detail and outstanding advocacy skills, as well as having a personable and approachable nature. ’
Ranked: Tier 2
Simon Kilvington QC - Byrom Street Chambers ‘ Simon has the ability to tackle multi-faceted and complex cases and carve a way through with sound judgement and clear, considered advice. Always immaculately prepared, Simon is a pleasure to work with, fostering a collaborative team approach whilst at the same time leading from the front. ’
Ranked: Tier 2
Andrew Lewis QC - Byrom Street Chambers ‘ Highly respected by opponents and judges alike, never flustered and always talks straight. Andrew's attention to detail is first-class. ’
Ranked: Tier 2

Leading Juniors

Darrel Crilley - Byrom Street Chambers ‘ Darrel is very experienced in dealing with fatal claims. His knowledge of this area of law is second to none. ’
Ranked: Tier 1
Mary Ruck - Byrom Street Chambers ‘ Mary is formidable as an individual. She commands the respect of the client and defendant, but is still down to earth and able to be sympathetic and relatable to the lay client and family. ’
Ranked: Tier 1
Ranked: Tier 2

Testimonials

Set

‘Bryom Street is an impressive set particularly in the field of medical negligence with numerous silks in this area. They provide excellent and frequent training for solicitors.’

‘Excellent chambers, very high quality work.’

‘They are great QC set of chambers. They hold very informative and useful seminars.’

‘Byrom Street are an excellent quality chambers with quality barristers at all levels but mostly able to do senior complex work in clinical negligence and serious personal injury.’

‘Byrom Street are second to none for serious injury cases both PI and Clinical Negligence – not just on the Northern Circuit but nationally.’

‘There are several silks and senior juniors who I would not hesitate to instruct due to their experience and intellect, particularly in the most complex cases.’

‘They are by far the leading clinical negligence set in the North West for catastrophic claims due to the number of specialist silks. They also provide excellent, free, training to solicitors who instruct them regularly.’

Regional Bar > Northern Circuit > Personal injury Tier 1

Byrom Street Chambers is a 'very impressive set' with a 'large number of silks' and 'talented members'.  Christopher Melton QC specialises in cases involving catastrophic and serious injury, disease and death. Simon Kilvington QC is 'always immaculately prepared' and has a strong background in catastrophic brain and spinal injury case work, as does Rhiannon Jones QC. Peter Burns QC  is also noted and represented the defendants in Beveridge v Homan & Evans Transport, a case that involved the claimant lorry driver suffering a devastating brain injury when he fell from back of a truck. Other key names to note include  head of chambers Winston Hunter QC and Darrel Crilley, a senior junior with a broad personal injury practice.

Leading Silks

David Heaton QC - Byrom Street Chambers ‘ Extremely knowledgeable in this field, he is adept at getting to the root of the issue and making appropriate legal argument. Approachable and works collaboratively with solicitors and equally inspires confidence in clients. His collaborative style of working extends to settlement meetings and produces excellent results. ’
Ranked: Tier 1
Ranked: Tier 1
Simon Kilvington QC - Byrom Street Chambers ‘ Simon has the ability to tackle multi-faceted and complex cases and carve a way through with sound judgement and clear, considered advice. Always immaculately prepared, Simon is a pleasure to work with, fostering a collaborative team approach whilst at the same time leading from the front. ’
Ranked: Tier 1
Andrew Lewis QC - Byrom Street Chambers ‘ Highly respected by opponents and judges alike, never flustered and always talks straight. Andrew's attention to detail is first class. ’
Ranked: Tier 1
Christopher Melton QC - Byrom Street Chambers ‘ Chris always knows what to do. There is nothing about serious injury he doesn't know. He is charm personified; a fantastic advocate and clients of all walks of life love him. ’
Ranked: Tier 1
Darryl Allen QC - Byrom Street Chambers ‘ Darryl is excellent: sharp and experienced. ’
Ranked: Tier 2
Peter Burns QC - Byrom Street Chambers ‘ Great attention to details. Sound judgment. Commercial awareness. Approachable and client focused. ’
Ranked: Tier 2
Winston Hunter QC - Byrom Street Chambers ‘ Winston is exceptionally intelligent, well-organised and meticulous in his preparation. I have never worked with anyone who can recall so many relevant precedents at the drop of a hat. He is very approachable and clients like him. ’
Ranked: Tier 2
Ranked: Tier 2
James Rowley QC - Byrom Street Chambers ‘ Powerful intellect and encyclopaedic knowledge of case law. Combines sharpness and ability to get to get grips with the details and a commitment to achieve early resolution. Always most thorough ad incisive in his analysis of the issues. ’
Ranked: Tier 2

Leading Juniors

Darrel Crilley - Byrom Street Chambers ‘ Darrel is very experienced in dealing with fatal claims. His knowledge of this area of law is second to none. ’
Ranked: Tier 2

Testimonials

Set

‘Silk-led chambers and most considered to be at the head of their fields.’

‘Top set and clear leaders within PI and clinical negligence on the circuit.’

‘Byrom Street are an exceptional set. They have real strength and depth in my area of work. I’ve never been let down by them and, even if they can’t offer me the person I’m seeking to instruct, they can always offer a high calibre alternative. Their training seminars are second to none and the materials are often a very useful reference point going forwards.’

‘Excellent set of Chambers, leading the way in Manchester with the very best of the best. There is no need to look to London Counsel as we have the elite on our doorstep.’

‘Byrom Street Chambers has the elite of the personal injury Bar. It is equal to any London set which makes practising in Manchester a dream.’

‘Byrom Street Chambers have been at the forefront of severe injury personal injury work for many years. They continue to maintain high standards.’

‘I think that they are the most talented catastrophic injury silk team in the country bar none. They have great strength in depth. No other set of chambers can boast the experience and expertise of these silks at these chambers.’

Regional Bar > Northern Circuit > Commercial litigation

Leading Silks

Simon Myerson QC - Byrom Street Chambers ‘ He displays attention to detail, mastery of complex facts and ability to communicate easily with the client - and a very sharp mind. ’
Ranked: Tier 2

Byrom Street Chambers > Set Profile

Byrom Street Chambers is a unique and specialist set practising within the heart of Manchester situated in close proximity to the Civil Justice Centre and the Crown Court. Members also practise from Crown Office Chambers in London. According to The legal directories, “Byrom Street have an impressive number of top QC’s many of whom I use for high value and complex cases. They are known for their professionalism and those who rely upon their input can be secure in the knowledge that their clients are in safe hands.” “All of the clerks are super responsive and cannot do enough to help.” “Clerks are second to none; completely adept at balancing the solicitors needs and demands with Counsels commitments and requirements.” “Steve and Matt are both exceptional.” “The clerks at Byrom Street Chambers are second to none: they are experts in their own right.”

The set: Byrom Street Chambers is a forward-thinking set with traditional values, exclusively dedicated to the work of leading and senior junior counsel, who have extensive expertise in high-value and complex cases. Chambers provides a highly individual and personalised service, focusing on clients’ needs, combined with a friendly and open approach to clerking.

Chambers’ premises are modern, purpose-built, DDA-compliant and architecturally designed with particular attention to the needs of both professional and lay clients. Facilities include large comfortable conference rooms, a video-conferencing suite, the latest information technology with wireless connection and an extensive online library.

Three members of chambers currently sit as Deputy Judges of the High Court, seven members sit as Recorders, one member sits on the Mental Health Review Tribunal, one member sits on the Criminal Injuries Compensation Tribunal and two members sit as Deputy Coroners.

In keeping with their traditional business plan chambers recently welcomed experienced Counsel Stephen McNamara to the Byrom Street team.

Types of work undertaken: Chambers has a reputation for quality and service. Members offer advice and advocacy in a range of specialisations and can provide the depth of cover necessary to conduct litigation in the most complex of cases. They practise regularly in the fields of personal injury (with an emphasis on catastrophic cases, group and class actions, clinical negligence and disease litigation), health and safety, professional negligence, financial services, commercial, human rights and civil fraud.

Members are highly experienced in core areas, including delayed diagnosis and surgical negligence. The barristers advise on complex and high-value claims, including birth trauma caused by negligent obstetric care, and demonstrate a strong command of cerebral palsy cases. The set’s members also boast strong expertise in claims regarding spinal and orthopaedic injury and amputations. They offer experience of matters involving fatal accidents and human rights issues, and chambers’ seasoned advocates are well-placed to argue highly significant medical cases that reach the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court.

Sample cases:

Supreme Court: Armes v Nottingham County Council; International Energy Group Ltd v Zurich Insurance Plc UK Branch; Dunhill v Burgin; Woodland v Essex CC; Sienkiewicz and Willmore.

House of Lords: Fairchild v Glenhaven; Tomlinson v Congleton.

Court of Appeal: Swift v Carpenter; Cable v Liverpool Victoria Insurance Co Ltd; McDonald v Dept for Communities; Huscroft v P&O Ferries; Thompstone v Tameside;  Sowden v Lodge; Heneghan v Manchester Dry Dock Ltd.

European Court of Human Rights: RK & AK v Oldham NHS Trust.

Inquiries: Shipman; Alder Hey; Hillsborough; North Wales Child Abuse.

Former members of chambers include Sir Brian Leveson, Dame Janet Smith, Sir David Clarke, Dame Caroline Swift, Sir Timothy King, Sir Stephen Stewart and HHJ Richard Pearce.

Main Contacts

DepartmentNameEmailTelephone
Senior clerk Steve Price
Deputy senior clerk Matt Tudor
Head of Chambers HUNTER QC, Winston (1985)
Deputy Head of Chambers MELTON QC, Christopher (1982)
Members of Chambers MYERSON QC, Simon (1986)
Members of Chambers ROWLEY QC, James (1987)
Members of Chambers HEATON QC, David (1983)
Members of Chambers LEWIS QC, Andrew (1985)
Members of Chambers HATFIELD QC, Sally (1988)
Members of Chambers ALLEN QC, Darryl (1995)
Members of Chambers JONES QC, Rhiannon (1993)
Members of Chambers KILVINGTON QC, Simon (1995)
Members of Chambers BURNS QC, Peter (1993)
Members of Chambers RUCK, Mary (1993)
Members of Chambers CRILLEY, Darrel (1996)
Members of Chambers WELLS, Jason (2007)
Members of Chambers MCNAMARA, Stephen (2008)

Barrister Profiles

PhotoNamePositionProfile
Darryl Allen photo Darryl AllenQueen’s Counsel specialising in personal injury and clinical negligence litigation. Personal Injury…View Profile
Peter Burns photo Peter BurnsPeter specialises in complex catastrophic injury and large loss claims, with particular…View Profile
Darrel Crilley photo Darrel Crilley Personal injury, industrial disease and clinical negligence in serious injury claims. Acts…View Profile
Sally Hatfield photo Sally HatfieldSally has for many years specialised in medical law.Her principal area of…View Profile
David Heaton photo David HeatonActs for both claimants and defendants in catastrophic, complex and high value…View Profile
Winston Hunter photo Winston HunterPersonal Injury: Winston Hunter is routinely instructed by both Claimants and Defendants…View Profile
Rhiannon Jones photo Rhiannon JonesThe full range of personal injury work, in particular spinal and brain…View Profile
Simon Kilvington photo Simon KilvingtonCatastrophic, serious and complex personal injury, including catastrophic brain and spinal injuries;…View Profile
Andrew Lewis QC photo Andrew Lewis QCAndrew has vast experience of all areas of personal injury and clinical…View Profile
Stephen McNamara photo Stephen McNamara Stephen practises in the fields of clinical negligence and serious personal injury,…View Profile
Christopher Melton photo Christopher MeltonPersonal injury, clinical negligence Recent contested cases include: Alabady v Akram (2021)…View Profile
Simon Myerson photo Simon MyersonHuman Rights/Group Litigation: lead counsel on the Kenyan Emergency Group Litigation (Kimathi…View Profile
James Rowley photo James RowleyPersonal injuries: Moreira v Moran and others [2021] EWHC 1800 (CA); Faisal and…View Profile
Mary Ruck photo Mary Ruck Specialises in clinical negligence, medical law, human rights and healthcare (including regulatory…View Profile
Lauren Sutherland photo Lauren Sutherland Lauren was junior counsel in the landmark case on Consent to medical…View Profile
Jason Wells photo Jason Wells View Profile

Diversity/Community


Chambers is committed to the Equality Guidelines as per the Bar Standards Board Handbook.

Chambers is committed to promoting a culture where the individual is fairly treated and respected.

We also promote a culture where diversity is appreciated.

Chambers is committed to ensuring, both individually and collectively, that it does not practise or permit any form of discrimination, whether direct, indirect, or by way of victimisation, against any person, or any harassment of any person.

Chambers will make reasonable adjustments where a practice, policy or procedure, or physical feature of premises, make it impossible or unreasonably difficult for a disabled person to make use of a service.