Ben Rich > Chambers of Jonathan Laidlaw KC > London, England > Barrister Profile

Ben Rich

020 7353 5324 clerks@2harecourt.com View profile

Position

Ben has a substantial practice appearing before Panels of a variety of regulatory tribunals including the MPTS, GDC, GOC, RICS, NMC, and BAcC.

He has appeared before the High Court on behalf of registrants, including successfully resisting a GMC appeal in GMC v Awan [2020] EWHC 1553. He has represented doctors accused of grooming, sexual offences against children, dishonesty, clinical incompetence and violence. He has advised on judicial review of a regulator’s decision, and has conducted judicial reviews in the Administrative Count.

Across the healthcare sector, Ben has dealt with cases including allegations of sexual and physical assaults on patients, sexual interest in children, theft, multiple clinical failings and behaviour issues.

Among his recent cases he represented a consultant surgeon facing around 60 allegations relating to his clinical practice and behaviour. Only a few minor allegations were found proved, and the Tribunal concluded there was no misconduct.

Ben appears for doctors in NHS England Performers’ List hearings. He also represents healthcare professionals at inquests, including a consultant anaesthetist whose patient bled to death after a caesarean section.

Career

Year of Call 2010. Career as senior journalist before coming to the Bar. Editor of BBC Newsnight; Deputy Editor of BBC Six and Ten O’Clock News.

Memberships

• Association of Regulatory & Disciplinary Lawyers
• Criminal Bar Association
• Health and Safety Lawyers Association