Kathleen Donnelly KC > Chambers of Charles Gibson KC > London, England > Barrister Profile
Henderson Chambers Offices
Henderson Chambers
2 HARCOURT BUILDINGS, TEMPLE
LONDON
EC4Y 9DB
England
- Set Profile
- Go to...
Kathleen Donnelly KC
Position
Kathleen Donnelly has a broad commercial litigation practice and is a specialist in group action claims.
Kathleen is described by the directories as “a formidable advocate”, “fantastic commercially and has a fantastic manner with clients; she’s unbelievably hard-working”; “excellent attention to detail with good judgement and court presence”, “skilled in managing large scale litigation”, “a very effective and tenacious advocate”, “always on top of the brief” and that “her enthusiasm and intellect make her a pleasure to work with”.
Kathleen has appeared in many high profile group actions, including the Buncefield oil depot explosion, the OCENSA pipeline litigation, Sports Direct bonus claims, and the long running NOx emissions litigation, in which she is first junior to Volkswagen.
Kathleen was also first junior for the claimants in the Post Office group litigation concerning the legal status and contracts of subpostmasters and the operation of the Horizon accounting system, which has been widely reported and publicised in the legal and national press.
In her employment practice Kathleen has developed a significant international practice acting for international civil servants.
Career
Qualified 2005; Lincoln’s Inn (Hardwicke and Buchanan scholar); worked as research assistant at the Law Commission of England and Wales.
Education
Oriel College, Oxford University (BA Hons Jurisprudence); Queens College, Cambridge University (LLM International and Commercial Law).
Lawyer Rankings
London Bar > Employment
(2023 Silks)Ranked: Tier 1Kathleen Donnelly KC – Henderson Chambers ‘She provides clear advice. Clients and solicitors love her.’
London Bar > Environment
(2023 Silks)Ranked: Tier 1Kathleen Donnelly KC – Henderson Chambers ‘Kathleen is decisive and robust. A calm and collected advocate.’
Henderson Chambers has particular expertise in handling environmental litigation. Multiple members of the set continue to act for various parties in the high-profile Volkswagen emissions litigation, alongside advising on complex environmental damage claims arising from pollution and large-scale oil spills. Oliver Campbell KC is ‘incredibly approachable‘ and ‘adept at advising on complex group litigation matters‘. Prashant Popat KC is sought after for his strength in handling regulatory issues in the environmental arena. The senior end of the team was bolstered by the elevation of Kathleen Donnelly KC to silk in March 2023.
London Bar > Group litigation
(2023 Silks)Ranked: Tier 1Kathleen Donnelly KC – Henderson Chambers ‘Razor-sharp mind and exceptionally strong on managing multiple work streams when preparing evidence and preparing for court.’
Reputed as ‘go-to set for group litigation’, members of Henderson Chambers‘ areas of expertise include product liability, environmental, consumer and financial group actions, as well as handling claims arising from injuries, death or human rights abuse. A number of the set’s barristers, including Charles Gibson KC, Prashant Popat KC, Geraint Webb KC, Kathleen Donnelly KC and Lucy McCormick , continue to represent members of the Volkswagen Group in the ongoing group actions regarding the emissions of their diesel cars. Leading Adam Heppinstall KC, Oliver Campbell KC is acting as opposing counsel for claimants in these high-profile cases. At the same time, Campbell KC handles a group action by over 30,000 claimants against Easyjet in relation to a mass data breach involving financial and other data. Malcolm Sheehan KC represents Mercedes-Benz in other “dieselgate” litigation. Toby Riley-Smith KC is acting for Bayer plc in over a hundred claims being brought under the Consumer Protection Act 1987, alleging that the permanent contraceptive device Essure has caused them a range of different personal injuries.
London Bar > Health and safety
(2023 Silks)Ranked: Tier 1Kathleen Donnelly KC – Henderson Chambers ‘Very good experienced advocate. Excellent with clients under pressure.‘
London Bar > Product liability
(2023 Silks)Ranked: Tier 1Kathleen Donnelly KC – Henderson Chambers ‘Kathleen is trusted by her clients as a result of her incredibly hard work and the fact she gets the details organised.’