Kings Chambers

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Adam Aldred has specialised in EU & competition law for over 25 years, including cartels, dominance, mergers, market investigations, antitrust litigation, public procurement, subsidy control / State aid, trading agreements and compliance. He is well known to case officers at the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), having dealt with numerous mergers, dawn raids, investigations and leniency applications in many market sectors. He has litigated many cases before the Competition Appeal Tribunal and other UK and EU courts, has acted in arbitrations, and settled other cases by way of mediation. Adam has also acted on a number of significant merger cases, for example, the clearance of the merger of British Salt and New Cheshire Salt Works, for which his team won The Lawyer’s Competition and Regulatory Team of the Year award.

Sophie is a Court of Protection practitioner who is regularly instructed on behalf of protected parties (including by the Official Solicitor) and also represents local authorities, NHS bodies, Clinical Commissioning Groups, and family members. Sophie acts in a wide range Court of Protection matters including health and welfare, property and affairs and serious medical treatment, as well as cases involving associated human rights’ breaches. Sophie has also advised in cases relating to safeguarding vulnerable adults under the inherent jurisdiction of the High Court. Sophie sits as a Recorder in the Family Division assigned to the Northern Circuit and as a Fee Paid Judge in the Mental Health Tribunal.

Lesley Anderson KC

Lesley Anderson KC is a senior silk who practises in all aspects of chancery and commercial disputes especially those involving companies, corporate and personal insolvency, professional negligence and commercial property. Lesley has been consistently ranked in Chambers & Partners as a Bank 1 silk (Northern) in six areas: chancery, commercial dispute resolution; restructuring/insolvency; professional negligence; partnership and real estate litigation and as a leading silk by the Legal 500 in the areas of chancery, probate and tax; commercial litigation; company and insolvency; professional negligence and property and construction. For 2020, 2021 and 2022 she has been named by Chambers & Partners as one of only a handful “Stars at the Bar”. She has appeared three times in the Supreme Court since 2013 - in Re Digital Satellite Warranty Cover Ltd [2013] UKSC 7; in Re North East Property Buyers Litigation: Rosemary Scott v Southern Paciﬁc Mortgages Ltd [2015] AC 385 and in Gavin Edmondson Solicitors Ltd v Haven Insurance Co Ltd [2015] EWCA Civ 1230. Clients include banks, multi-nationals and major public companies as well as a number of smaller manufacturing and e-commerce companies and professional ﬁrms. She has acted for and against the Government including on public interest winding up and directors’ disqualiﬁcation – most recently for the Official Receiver in the attempt to disqualify the directors of the failed high-profile charity: Keeping Kids Company. Known for her expertise in complex and sensitive shareholder/unfair prejudice disputes, breaches of trust and ﬁduciary duties and share and asset sale claims. Many of her cases arise in the context of difficult family breakdowns. Lesley often works with those from other areas of the Bar (such as planning lawyers and personal injury lawyers) and with other professionals (such as planners, accountants and financial advisers). Lesley sits regularly as a Deputy High Court Judge of the Chancery Division and as an arbitrator. Her decision (sitting as a Deputy Judge of the High Court) in Re Idessa UK Ltd [2011] EWHC 804 on the correct burden of proof on directors’ withdrawal of monies from a company is regularly cited and followed. She acts often as a mediator (including multi-party and remote mediations) and offers Early Neutral Evaluation. She also acts as an expert (including as an expert on the English law applicable to derivative claims in a claim about Standard Chartered Bank in New York); as an appointed expert under dispute resolution clauses (including recently in relation to the construction of a bridge over the River Mersey) and as Counsel in relation to expert determinations. Lesley continued to work throughout the Covid-19 pandemic and conducted several fully contested trials on a fully remotely and on a hybrid basis. She also sat remotely as a Deputy High Court Judge and as a mediator. Lesley is a former legal academic at the University of Manchester and former training manager for Norton Rose M5 Group and contributes regularly to legal and professional conferences and in- house training for solicitors and other professionals and to books and journals. She is the editor of five chapters in Tolley’s Insolvency Law and a member of the editorial board for Lexis Nexis Restructuring and Insolvency. Lesley also practises (since 1991) at Kings Chambers in Manchester, Leeds and Birmingham. In 2016 she was shortlisted as Regional Silk of the Year in the Legal 500 Awards.

For 20 years, Fiona has developed a specialism in cases involving Chronic Pain Syndromes, Complex Regional Pain Syndromes, Chronic Fatigue Syndromes, Somatoform Pain Disorders, Somatic Symptom Disorders, Conversion Disorders, Functional Neurological Disorders and Fibromyalgia. She is considered to be a leading expert in the field.

Fraser Barnstaple

Fraser is a member of the Costs and Litigation Funding team, having successfully completed pupillage under the supervision of Andrew Hogan, Kevin Latham and Erica Bedford. His practice spans the full spectrum of Costs and Litigation Funding to include advice, drafting and advocacy in respect of all inter-partes costs disputes and solicitor-client disputes. In his time at the bar, Fraser has already been instructed in a number of high value costs cases including a number of multimillion-pound claims, and has built up a considerable and impressive level experience of the following types of hearings: Detailed assessments (in the SCCO and the County Court); Provisional assessment review hearings; Fixed costs determinations; Costs and Case Management Conferences (“CCMCs”); Hearings involving the assessment of costs deductions from protected party’s damages; A range of application hearings involving wasted costs, relief from sanctions, fixed costs challenges, the applicability of QOCS, expert/agency fees, and the setting aside of Default Costs Certificates etc; and Hearings in respect of solicitor-client disputes. Fraser has a busy paperwork practice, and is regularly instructed to drafts costs pleadings, which include Points of Dispute and Replies, advices and witness statements, and is well equipped to deal with advising in conference. Fraser is currently seconded to work one day each week in the costs team of a major national law firm, advising on and drafting pleadings in relation to costs and litigation funding in high value clinical negligence and personal injury matters. Prior to beginning his career at the Bar, Fraser worked for over two years as a Senior Underwriter in the ATE legal expenses insurance and litigation funding industry. He remains a member of the Chartered Insurance Institute, having obtained a Level 3 Certificate in Insurance (CII) qualification in August 2024 and therefore is well positioned to deal with matters which straddle an insurance and litigation funding crossover.

John has practiced at the Planning and Environmental Bar since 1983. He is PEBA Member and is a former Committee Member of PEBA. John is also the former Editor of Encyclopaedia of Environmental Health (Sweet and Maxwell) he practices in all aspects of Town and Country Planning, Compulsory Purchase, Highways, Minerals and Waste, Renewable Energy, Environment, together with Administrative & Public Law and Local Government. Over the last 2 years John has promoted the development of over 2,000 houses on behalf of house builder and land promoter clients.

Before coming to the bar Constanze worked in the NGO sector. She was part of the legal team for ‘Control Arms’, a coalition of NGOs working to secure a human-rights orientated Arms Trade Treaty and attended the July 2012 Arms Trade Treaty Diplomatic Conference and negotiations at the UN in New York. Constanze retains an active interest in human rights law and, in particular, in planning, regulatory and environmental cases involving human rights issues. In 2022 Constanze was awarded a Pegasus Scholarship by Inner Temple and undertook a 3-month placement with Chapman Tripp, Wellington.

Rupert Beloff worked in sports media before being called to the bar and completing a commercial and planning pupillage. Rupert has a broad commercial and public law practice with a particular expertise in all aspects of sports and media law. He has extensive experience of appearing in courts and tribunals in London and nationwide, including high value complex claims. Rupert’s clients include regulatory bodies, sports clubs and agencies, sportsmen and women, national insurance companies, local authorities, FTSE listed companies, company directors, auctioneers and professionals. He accepts instructions across a wide range of Chambers’ work in both an advisory and advocacy capacity.

Neil practises in the specialist business courts (Mercantile, Chancery and TCC) in Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds and Birmingham. He also appears in the High Court in London (including the Companies Court, Commercial Court and TCC) and in the Court of Appeal. His practice is focused on advocacy, both oral and written. Neil is recognised as one of the leading juniors for commercial work in the North West, and he is regularly instructed against KCs. Neil frequently acts on applications for interim relief, where his experience and understanding of the court process enables him to provide clients with practical and realistic advice, and to focus case preparation to the client’s best advantage. He has acted in a number of commercial arbitrations, domestic and international. He has acted for a large number of major plc clients in the in substantial commercial disputes. He also has advised and acted in many substantial shareholder disputes, and other important company and insolvency matters. Neil has advised and represented numerous solicitors and other professionals in partnership and LLP disputes.

Richard Borrett

Richard acts for both Claimants and Defendants in Clinical Negligence, Inquests, Abuse, Human Rights, and Court of Protection litigation.

Michael Bowsher KC

Michael Bowsher KC has a busy practice in public procurement, competition and commercial law, particularly in disputes concerning major public and public-private projects. He is particularly known for his unique practice in regulated procurement in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and elsewhere in the EU and beyond. Michael Bowsher KC has appeared as counsel in many of the major procurement cases over more than a decade. He is also heavily involved in providing advice on procurement law and practice in non-contentious situations. He is also increasingly involved in matters involving application and interpretation of investment treaties and trade agreements. Michael is active in a range of other dispute resolution arrangements. He is often appointed as arbitrator, mediator and expert by CEDR, LCIA, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and the Technology and Construction Solicitors’ Association. Most of his appointments involve disputes concerning investments or long term contracts involving the public sector or utility sectors. Michael is a Visiting Professor at King’s College London where he teaches EU Public Procurement on the LLM degree course and is Director of the Distance Learning Diploma and Masters in Public Procurement law at King’s College. Each of these courses includes substantial components concerning procurement by international organisations beyond the EU. He is called to the Bar and practises actively in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland as well as in England and Wales.

James is Head of the Employment team at Kings Chambers. He undertakes work for both employers and employees. He tends to be instructed in multi-day cases around the whole of the UK (including Scotland and Northern Ireland).

Nicholas Braslavsky KC

A leading practitioner in catastrophic injury and clinical negligence cases. Nick acts for both claimants and defendants in cases involving traumatic injury of the utmost severity (principally neurological injury to the brain, spinal injuries and amputations) and for claimants in a wide range of clinical negligence cases (birth damage, failed/delayed diagnoses, emergency medicine, neurological/vascular accidents etc). Also, regulatory and allied clinical litigation arising from cosmetic surgery etc. Nick has extensive experience in all aspects of catastrophic injury cases arising from a road traﬃc accident, aviation and shipping accidents, recreational activities (roller coaster and fairground rides, mountaineering, jet-skiing accidents, construction and building site as well as military accidents. He has recently been involved in cases of aviation accidents in Antarctica, RAF aerobatic accidents and claims arising from terrorist attacks. One of Nick’s special interests (both in practice and as an academic) is biotechnology and development particularly in respect of prosthetics and advanced biomedical responses to acquired injury. Nick has extensive experience of fatal accident cases, appearing at inquests and acting for both claimants and defendants in high proﬁle cases. Nick’s military caseload has included mountaineering training accidents in Africa, catastrophic accidents during SAS training exercises on the Brecon Beacons, Snowdonia and elsewhere and fatal accident claims arising from accidents causing injuries of the utmost severity in the UK, Bosnia, Iraq, Afghanistan, Africa and Europe. Nick is an expert practitioner on specific issues within utmost severity injury litigation including expert medical issues, capacity, quantification of losses together with form of award issues. He practises throughout the UK from his Manchester chambers and will travel to meet clients in all parts of the UK and Ireland

Martin Budworth

Martin is a prominent senior junior dealing with substantial pieces of litigation (often appearing alone against Queen's Counsel). He has appeared in more than 45 reported/published cases which is testament to real strength across broad areas. Martin has been ranked consistently in the directories as a leading practitioner year on year since 2006; Chambers and Partners UK currently ranks him in no fewer than 4 practice areas. He served on the Attorney General's Panel of Counsel for five years. He carries a diverse practice as detailed below. His background in both commercial litigation and employment law made him well suited to issues in the sports law field and he continues to be nationally recognised for considerable experience in all aspects of sports law litigation and is ranked in Band 1 for the Regions. He also occasionally sits as an arbitrator in sports disputes, appointed by Sport Resolutions. "all that Mr Budworth has so ably submitted" Etherton MR in Clearway v Miles Smith [2016]EWCACiv1258 "I recognise the force of the contrary submissions put by Mr Budworth" Lewis J in ASE plc v Kendrick [2014]EWHC2171

Aisling Campbell

Aisling Campbell practises predominantly in the Court of Protection, specialising in health and welfare cases. Aisling is committed to promoting equality and diversity. She is a member of the recruitment committee and mentors pupils in Chambers. Aisling joined Chambers in 2018 following the completion of her pupillage under the supervision of Helen Mulholland KC, Richard Livingston and Sam Karim KC.

Giles Cannock KC

Giles Cannock KC is one of the highest ranked Planning Barristers in the country. He has spent his entire practising career with Kings Chambers. He is a very well-regarded planning specialist, undertaking advisory work, appearing at Inquiries and the Courts at all levels. He represents developers and local authorities in relation to major housing schemes, significant renewable energy schemes (wind farms, underground storage of gas, fracking etc), infrastructure projects, retail development, enforcement and CPO’s.

Chelsea is a commercial chancery barrister with a particular focus on insolvency, company and banking and finance litigation. Chelsea’s practice encompasses corporate and personal insolvency, company, partnership, banking and finance, contractual disputes, guarantees, consumer claims, breach of statutory and common law duties, property, professional negligence, construction and dispute resolution. With regular appearances in the County Court and High Court conducting trials, applications, costs and case management conferences and appeals, and an appearance in the Court of Appeal, Chelsea has a broad range of advocacy experience. She is also often instructed to attend mediations and settlement meetings on behalf of clients, and to undertake a range of advisory and drafting work. Her clients include insolvency practitioners, banks, multi-nationals, SMEs and private individuals. Chelsea is robust, resilient and conscientious, and aims to provide a practical service that is tailored to her clients’ individual needs.

Martin undertook his pupillage at Kings Chambers and has spent his entire practicing career with chambers. He undertakes advisory work and appears at inquiries and the Courts at all levels, including the Supreme Court.

David Casement KC

David Casement is a King’s Counsel specialising in chancery and commercial arbitration and litigation. He is a Member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and a Deputy High Court Judge. He is regularly instructed in large-scale disputes involving companies, LLPs, LPs and partnerships. He covers the full range of commercial litigation and arbitration such as banking, finance and securities, professional negligence, and sports, entertainment and media as well as commercial judicial review. He also specialises in all aspects of insolvency litigation and has acted for office-holders and third parties in corporate and personal insolvency disputes. David has acted for claimants and defendants in commercial fraud litigation and asset tracing across multiple jurisdictions. He has also represented trustees and beneficiaries in trust disputes including the liability of trustees and obtaining information regarding assets and the terms of settlements.

Paul Chaisty KC

Paul is a leading specialist in chancery and commercial litigation across all fields especially commercial disputes, corporate shareholder actions, civil fraud, partnership, banking, sports law, and domestic and international arbitrations. Appears at all levels including Supreme Court/Privy Council, Court of Appeal, High Court and domestic and international arbitrations and is regularly instructed in litigation abroad including in the BVI, Cayman Islands, Singapore (where he is a registered overseas lawyer), the Isle of Man and in the Bahamas on an ad hoc basis. A specialist trial lawyer with a strong reputation for tactical advice and ruthless cross-examination Paul regularly acts in connection with freezing injunctions, provisional liquidators, and associated interim applications. Rated as “Star of the Bar” since 2015. Deputy High Court Judge in Chancery Division and QBD. Also a full member of Kings Chambers, Manchester.

Jasmine Chan is a member of the Clinical Negligence and Serious Injury team. She is regularly instructed in complex and high value cases by both Claimants and Defendants. As part of her clinical negligence practice, Jasmine acts for interested parties at inquests including for families, Trusts and individual doctors and clinicians.

Leo Charalambides

Leo is an expert local government barrister who is regularly instructed to act on behalf of local authorities, public bodies, and professional and law clients in a wide array of legal challenges. Leo is highly regarded as a leading figure in Licensing Law, a Fellow of the Institute of Licensing and the Editor of the Journal of Licensing. As a nationally recognised licensing specialist, Leo has developed a strong reputation as a knowledgeable and skilled advocate who boasts a portfolio of clients including highly recognisable international brands as well as family-run businesses. He has a proven track record of success and is highly sought after by individuals and businesses looking for skilled, innovative, and successful legal representation. He appears at first-instance before licensing committees and magistrates’ courts throughout England and Wales. On appeal he appears before the First and Second Tier Tribunals, the High Court and the Court of Appeal.

Leo Charalambides

Leo Charalambides is a public law barrister, and is regularly instructed to act on behalf of local authorities, public bodies and both professional and lay clients in a wide array of legal challenges. Leo is regarded as a leading figure in Licensing law and is a Fellow of the Institute of Licensing as well as the Editor of the Journal of Licensing. As a nationally recognised licensing specialist, Leo has developed a strong reputation as a knowledgeable and skilled advocate who boasts a portfolio of clients including highly recognisable international brands as well as independent family-run businesses. He has a proven track record of success and is highly sought after by individuals and businesses looking for skilled, innovative and successful legal representation.

Nigel Clayton practises solely in Real Property Law including Probate and Trusts and related areas, and specialises in Mortgage Law and Litigation. He is regularly recognised as a ‘Leading Individual’ in Real Property and Mortgage Law in the Legal 500. Accredited as a Civil and Commercial Mediator by the ADR Group.

Sarah is one of the leading barristers in the country in Licensing, acting for a wide range of clients. She has been involved in some of the most important cases in the last decade, and is a pioneer in this modern licensing regime.

Douglas Cochran

Douglas Cochran has a wide-ranging commercial and chancery practice, with particular specialisms in the fields of insolvency (corporate and personal), contractual disputes, and competition law. Doug routinely appears in the Business and Property Courts, especially in Manchester and Leeds. Equally happy working as sole Counsel or with a leader, Doug particularly relishes the challenge of oral advocacy. Doug holds an LLM (First Class) from Cambridge University. During his undergraduate legal studies at Cambridge, Doug was awarded the George Long Prize for the highest mark in jurisprudence in Cambridge University. During his time at university, Doug won over twenty intervarsity debating competitions, including the John Smith Memorial Mace (formerly the Observer Mace). Prior to commencing pupillage, Doug worked for the UK Competition Commission as a Legal Researcher, conducting legal research relevant to the market investigations and merger inquiries conducted by the Commission.

Fay is a specialist court of protection and chancery barrister. She has a broad practice that encompasses contentious probate, trusts, property disputes and all sides of Court of Protection work.

Ian Cooper is part of the business and property team and accepts instructions across all practice areas falling under that umbrella. Before joining Kings Chambers, Ian had a successful career in sport. In 2014 he was heavily involved in the organisation and delivery of the inaugural Invictus Games, spearheaded by HRH The Duke of Sussex. He then joined the commercial team at City Football Group (“CFG”), the parent company that owns Manchester City F.C. where he was responsible for the drafting of partnership heads of term agreements. Ian was also involved in the development of partnership assets. Notable highlights include the Amazon “All or Nothing” series, and the approval of left sleeve branding on Premier League shirts. The year before pupillage, Ian was a judicial assistant in the Court of Appeal, working first with Lord Justice Simon, and latterly with Lady Justice Simler.

Junior Counsel to the Crown (2018-2023) Secretary to the Henry Scott Fund Golf Junior, North Eastern Circuit

Millie Critchlow

Millie accepts instructions across Planning, Licensing, Highways, and Local Government law. Millie advises and represents clients from both the public and private sectors. She has advised on and appeared in public inquiries and hearings, enforcement appeals, injunctions, and local authority prosecutions. Millie successfully completed her twelve-month pupillage at Kings under the supervision of Philip Robson and Stephanie Hall. Prior to joining Kings, Millie studied Geography at the University of Cambridge, latterly specialising in urban and political geography.

Marcus F Daly SC

Marcus F Daly SC’s practice is focused on Civil and Commercial Litigation. He took Silk in 1999 and was one of the youngest Barristers in Ireland ever appointed to that position. He graduated in 1987 from King’s Inns in Dublin with the Degree of Barrister-at-Law and prior to commencing practice in Ireland, he worked with Cahill Gordon & Reindel LLP in New York City and with Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP in Brussels and London. He is a fluent speaker of French and completed a period of training in Paris with the SCP Labbé Delaporte Avocats au Conseil d’Etat. As a Member of the Inner Bar he has significant experience of Arbitration and Litigation in the areas of Commercial Insurance Law, Construction Law and Property ownership. He represents Respondents in a wide range of Professional Negligence claims and also represents Claimants in construction malpractice litigation. He is regularly instructed to advise in company and shareholder disputes to include the protection of minority rights and derivative actions. In addition to his work as an Advocate he has considerable experience of commercial Arbitration. He is a member of Arbitration Ireland and is the sole nominated member for Ireland and England on the Claims and Litigation Management Alliance for the United States of America based in New York City. Marcus is also a founding member of the British Irish Commercial Bar Association. He became an accredited mediator in 2004 and has completed further training with The London School of Mediation. He is a member of the Bar of England & Wales, Ireland and Northern Ireland and his practice in Kings Chambers is exclusively in Arbitration and Mediation.

Anna has a busy practice specialising in clinical negligence and high value and complex personal injury cases. She utilises her medical background in her varied caseload which covers the full range of clinical disciplines, with a particular interest in oncology cases and gynaecology and obstetrics claims. Cases which include complex issues around causation are always particularly relished. Anna is regularly involved in brain injury cases including cerebral palsy claims and traumatic brain injuries acquired later in life. Anna’s success is due in part to her ability to connect with clients and understand their practical and emotional needs. This, along with her collaborative approach with solicitors and experts, ensures the best outcome in the most difficult and challenging of cases.

Louis Doyle KC is a commercial silk with a particular expertise and reputation and extensive experience in insolvency and insolvency-related work, the latter commonly involving commercial claims litigated under the procedural umbrella of a formal insolvency.

Harry has particular expertise in construction disputes, property disputes and commercial litigation. Harry’s experience with construction disputes includes all stages of litigation, from adjudication all the way through to trial. His practice encompasses both residential and larger scale commercial disputes. He regularly represents new home builders both in an advisory capacity and at trial, with particular experience in disputes involving some form of new home warranty (such as the Premier Guarantee). This is in addition to his work on larger commercial disputes, including those which are referred to adjudication. Harry’s property law practice is equally as strong. He is routinely instructed in matters relating to leasehold renewals, forfeiture and dilapidations claims. This is in addition to his instructions on matters pertaining to boundary disputes, rights of way and nuisance. Harry’s professional background includes his work in the commercial litigation department at a leading regional firm of solicitors. There he gained experience in a wide range of complex commercial litigation cases including; partnership disputes, intellectual property, construction and breach of contract.

Alan specialises in (1) planning (2) town and village greens/commons and (3) highways, public rights of way and road traffic regulation. He has extensive experience across these areas and his practice embraces the full range of inquiry and hearing processes, a significant judicial review component and acting as an inspector in town and village greens/commons cases. In addition to advocacy, Alan also has a broad advisory practice in his specialist fields. He acts for both the public and private sector and accepts licensed access work.

Gordon qualified and practised as a solicitor and was a senior lecturer in law before being called to the Bar in 1991. He practises in the area of personal injury, fatal accidents, clinical negligence, sanctions, procedural issues, limitation and costs. He has been involved in several of the leading cases relating to procedure and the assessment of damages. Gordon is often the first port of call for lawyers faced with procedural, sanctions or limitation difficulties. Gordon is the author of several of the major texts on personal injury damages. Munkman and Exall on Damages for Personal Injury and Death is in its 14th edition, Gordon’s “Guide to Fatal Accidents” is now in its 4th edition as is his book “Personal Injury Practice Notes”. He has contributed to several of the major works on damages and procedure including the latest edition of Munkman on Employer’s Liability. In addition, Gordon's blog on civil procedure, "Civil Litigation Brief" has been described as "essential reading for any litigator" receiving well over 1 million views each year.

Jonathan Fletcher-Wright

Jonathan Fletcher-Wright has a thriving practice in commercial law and insolvency law. Following a Modern Languages degree and a postgraduate diploma in law, Jonathan started pupillage at Kings Chambers in 2011, becoming a full member of chambers in 2012. His specialist areas include commercial litigation, company and shareholder disputes, insolvency, banking and financial services. He also has a strong interest in conflict of laws and jurisdictional disputes. Jonathan appears regularly in the High Court, and has experience at Court of Appeal level. This has included representing the successful Respondent in Morris Homes Ltd v Cheshire West and Chester Council [2020] EWCA Civ 1516, a dispute about the correct interpretation of a contractual clause, with potentially extremely significant financial implications. Jonathan has a keen interest in law as an academic discipline; in 2022-2023 he took a sabbatical to study for an LL.M (Master’s Degree in Law), in which he focused on the legal impact of novel technologies such as cryptoassets and smart contracts. In his practice, Jonathan aims to provide solicitors and lay clients with a practical, commercially-minded service that focuses on their needs. Jonathan’s work brings him into contact with many different sectors and industries. He prides himself on seeking to understand their priorities and objectives, and helping to achieve practical and efficient solutions to complex legal problems.

Vincent Fraser KC

Vincent Fraser KC is a leading practitioner in town and country planning, compulsory purchase and compensation, environmental, local government and finance, highways, administrative and public law. He acts for and advises developers, local authorities, government agencies and interest groups. He regularly appears at inquiries into major infrastructure projects, housing development, major retail and regeneration schemes, commercial development, minerals, landfill and highways. He regularly appears in the Administrative Court and the Upper Tribunal (Lands Chamber).

Martha Garcia joined Kings Chambers as a tenant in September 2025, following the successful completion of her pupillage under the supervision of Martin Budworth and Jonathan Fletcher-Wright. She accepts instructions across the full spectrum of Business and Property work, with a growing practice in residential and commercial property disputes, personal and corporate insolvency, and commercial litigation. Martha’s notable successes during the practising period of her pupillage include securing interim injunctive relief in the High Court with the rare award of interim costs, and obtaining an indemnity costs order of circa £15,000 on the small claims track following a finding of unreasonable conduct under CPR 27.14(2)(g). Before commencing pupillage, Martha worked at two global law firms within commercial real estate and construction teams, supporting landlords and developers on high-value transactions. Martha is fluent in Spanish and welcomes instructions involving a Spanish-language element.

Helen Gardiner is regularly instructed in high-value commercial matters, particularly breach of warranty claims and matters of banking and securities. She also regularly acts in equine cases, particularly involving title to horses, purchase and sale disputes (with particular emphasis on the Consumer Rights Act 2015), and veterinary negligence. Helen’s significant experience of employment law means she is well placed to act and advise where there is a crossover between commercial and employment law, such as cases involving company insolvency and the transfer of undertakings. She has particular expertise in restraint of trade and directors’ duties. She is also regularly instructed in all areas of employment law, particularly discrimination and whistleblowing. Helen’s commercial outlook ensures she is well able to understand the drivers and concerns for litigants in high value and urgent work. She provides robust, practical and direct advice and representation to clients whilst retaining excellent rapport.

Killian Garvey is a specialist planning barrister who practices across England and Wales. He acts for both developers and local authorities. Killian has been consistently ranked as one of the top planning barristers nationally in Planning Resource Magazine. In 2022, Killian was ranked as the best planning barrister under the age of 35, he was ranked as the 6th best junior planning barrister nationwide and the 10th best planning barrister for housing developments amongst all barristers nationally (including all KCs).

Anthony Gill practises in all areas of Town and Country Planning. He has particular experience in specialist housing forms such as Extra Care and Purpose Built Student Accommodation. In recent years he has developed a speciality in the law surrounding Assets of Community Value advising both the owners of nominated assets and listing authorities. In addition, he has developed a practice in sitting as a legal advisor to listing reviews. Anthony is regularly instructed to assist in preparing planning application documentation and representations to examinations in public. He has acted as counsel to four different local plan examinations helping his local planning authority clients to navigate the examination process. He accepts instructions in the field of Highways Law, including advisory work and appearances at public path and definitive map modification order inquiries. Anthony is regularly instructed to draft papers in statutory challenges and Judicial Review proceedings in the High Court. Anthony has experience appearing in the High Court on planning matters. He has experience appearing in the Lands Tribunal and advising on references to the Tribunal.

Rory Goodson is a member of chambers’ Business and Property team, and has a wide-ranging practice across a variety of fields. Rory’s practice involves him appearing frequently in both the High Court and the County Courts, including regularly in the Circuit Commercial Court and the Business and Property Courts across the Northern and North Eastern Circuits. His recent work covers the spectrum from technical insolvency and probate applications, to larger multi-day commercial and property law trials. Rory also has a busy paper practice encompassing advice and pleadings. Prior to commencing pupillage, Rory obtained an undergraduate degree in Jurisprudence from Trinity College Oxford and completed an LLM at the University of Chicago Law School, before working in London for a leading boutique commercial litigation firm.

Mark was admitted as a Solicitor in 1981 and worked in a busy High Street firm of Solicitors until 1998. He became a partner in the firm and head of the firm’s Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence Department. He became a District Judge in 1998 and sat in the County Court and High Court in Manchester. He was nominated a Specialist District Judge in the fields of Clinical Negligence, Industrial Disease and Catastrophic Personal Injury. He was appointed a Recorder in 2005 and sat in both the Criminal and Civil jurisdictions. In 2010 he was appointed a Senior Circuit Judge and Designated Civil Judge for Leeds and North Yorkshire. By 2012 he had expanded his area to include Bradford and West Yorkshire and was responsible for managing the judiciary in ten courts. He regularly heard high-value personal injury and clinical negligence claims and was responsible for management of all High Court appeals on the North-Eastern Circuit. Mark also had section 9 authorisation to sit as a High Court Judge in the King’s Bench Division, the Business and Property Court and the Administrative Court. His reputation on the bench was as a courteous and efficient Judge who understood the commercial realities of business clients and was often able to broker negotiated settlements on the first morning of the trial. Mark was also responsible for training other Judges and taught Judges of the Business and Property Court on the Specialist Judges’ course from 2016 – 2022. He retired as a Judge on 31st March 2024 and has since trained as Mediator with the London School of Mediation on a course recognised by the International Mediation Institute. He is happy to accept instructions as a Mediator on either a facilitative or evaluative basis on any type of civil litigation or court procedure including costs.

Gary Grant of Kings Chambers is a specialist practitioner in Planning and Environmental law. Gary is experienced in bringing and defending statutory challenges, challenges by way of judicial review and other court based proceedings relevant to planning and environmental law. Recent instructions include defending a legal challenge to the refusal to issue a CLEUD on a mobile home park “ Gary acts for local authorities, developers and interested parties at planning appeals and has considerable experience in uses including housing, waste, infrastructure, highways, employment, retail and town centre uses. Gary has experience in both promoting and opposing orders for compulsory purchase. Gary has advised and continues to advise a number of local planning authorities in relation to the preparation and progress of local plans to adoption. Recent instructions include assisting in the promotion of major allocations on behalf of land owners and providing strategic advice to plan making bodies prior to plan submission. Gary presents papers to specialist training events held by RTPI and as part of the Kings Chambers CPD programme. Gary has a wide level of experience of central government work from working on the AG’s Regional Panel and has experience of the environmental, enforcement, contractual and regulatory matters associated with planning and environmental law.

Andrew Grantham KC

Andrew practises almost exclusively in Commercial and Chancery Dispute Resolution including Arbitration and International Disputes. He also undertakes some non-contentious work. He was called to the Bar following a short career as a full-time law lecturer at Wadham College, Oxford and part-time lecturer at King’s College, London. Andrew specialises in cases of high value and considerable complexity. He has particular expertise in contractual and corporate disputes. His clients include banks and major public companies as well as a number of smaller manufacturing and other companies and professional ﬁrms.

Louise Green is an accomplished barrister with over 15 years of experience specialising in Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence. Louise is known for providing strategic legal advice, robust advocacy and achieving successful outcomes for clients in complex cases. She is highly regarded for her meticulous case preparation and empathy with clients.

Brian Griffiths

Brian Griffiths’s practice specialises almost exclusively in the fields of personal injury, specialising in occupational disease. This is split between Claimant and Defendant instructions. He has a very busy Court practice. He is known to have a reassuring manner that assists in easing clients in the stressful implications of litigation. He is a highly effective in cross-examination and his understanding of detail allows a focused approach.

Matthew Hall is a specialist property, trusts and probate barrister.

Stephanie practices in all areas of planning law and has particular experience of large scale projects including power stations, rail and road projects, energy schemes and compulsory purchase.

Ben practises in all aspects of commercial litigation and dispute resolution. Most of his work is in the Business and Property Courts and he regularly appears across the Northern, North-Eastern and Midlands Circuits and in London. Within his broad commercial practice Ben has developed specialisms (detailed further below) in contract disputes, company and shareholder matters, insurance, insolvency, professional negligence and construction. He also has a growing sports law practice, having acted for a number of football clubs. Ben approaches every instruction with intellectual rigour, attention to detail, commercial pragmatism and speed. His attitude is that cases are won on the facts and lost on the law, so it is essential to identify and analyse the key issues early to achieve the best result for his client. He is also aware of the ever-pressing need to give a firm, clear view on prospects, for the benefit of the client and insurer/funder. Ben acts predominantly as sole Counsel and has been led by chambers’ silks on a number of occasions. His clients span the range from large corporations and institutions to private individuals, and the subject matter ranges from multi-million-pound claims and injunctions to his client’s home

Prior to being called to the Bar, Sam qualified as a Solicitor and then Solicitor-Advocate at a leading national law firm (Partner and Head of Advocacy 2006 – 2015) and a Partner Member of an international law firm (2015 – 2018). He was called to the Bar in 2013 and practised as in-house Counsel before joining Kings Chambers in 2018. Sam has over 20 years of experience of inquests and for the last two years has practised exclusively in this field. Sam also deals with any related Civil or Human Rights Act claim. Sam regularly represents organisations (including NHS Trusts, care homes and G.P. practices) as well as individual G.P’s, Consultants and support workers. Sam also represents bereaved families. Sam receives instructions from leading firms in this field including Clyde & Co, CMS, Farleys, Hempsons, Hill Dickinson, Irwin Mitchell, Ison Harrison, JMW, RPC, Slater Gordon and Watson Woodhouse and directly through the MDU, MDDUS and NMC. Sam has presented Properly Interested Persons in a wide range of cases such as Article 2 inquests (including a 6-week inquest before a jury, culminating in a conclusion of unlawful killing/suicide); an inquest into a death from anaphylaxis following the use of hair dye; infant deaths, road traffic deaths (one of which involves whether a defective police car engine contributed to the death of a Police Officer); deaths following police contact; deaths relating to defective products; suicide within the community and within mental health units and hospitals. Sam understands the importance of becoming involved at the earliest stages of an inquest so as to determine the framing of the inquiry to address the concerns of his client. He will then continue to support his client through any related civil claim which may then arise.

Mark is a member of the Business and Property team in Chambers.

James Henderson

James Henderson has been a barrister at Pump Court Tax Chambers since October 1998, which is the largest tax chambers in the UK. James also has a door tenancy at Kings Chambers in Manchester. He is instructed by solicitors and accountants to do advisory and court work. James has extensive experience of taking cases to the tax tribunal and higher courts. As a junior he has been instructed on some of the most significant tax cases of recent years, including for AstraZeneca in its transfer pricing dispute and for Lookers Plc in the VAT compound interest project. He advises companies and private clients on all the major UK taxes. This can either involve providing the tax analysis of events that have already occurred or tax planning for the future.

Victoria Heyworth

With 20 years’ experience at the bar, Victoria acts for both sides of the litigation process in the full range of clinical negligence and personal injury cases. Victoria is well known for her forensic approach, client friendly service and robust litigation skills.

Simon Hilton is vastly experienced Counsel whose practice encompasses high value Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence cases, professional negligence, regulatory, Professional disciplinary and Inquests. Simon has been junior regional panel A counsel to the Crown since 2000. Simon has appeared in many leading cases within these fields and his known for his skill in negotiation and advocacy. Simon acts for many leading insurance companies as well as NHS Trusts and many departments of government.

Wilson’s practice includes real estate law, with a bias towards contentious commercial property.

Paul Hughes is a highly experienced costs practitioner with an ever-expanding range of expertise. Whilst he maintains a busy and successful practice advising on the procedural law and the costs of high value clinical negligence and personal injury actions, including group litigation, he has considerable experience of advising on (and mediating) commercial, property and planning costs disputes. Having started practice at the Bar in personal injury, he is also an experienced cross-examiner, and is regularly instructed to deal with disputes concerning conduct, misconduct, wasted costs and non-party costs orders. Since 2013, Paul has been heavily involved in assisting firms with managing the transition to the post-Jackson world, having given business advice and undertaken substantial non-contentious work in this regard. Seven years on, Paul still advises on managing ‘broken retainers’ and resolving disputes concerning the indemnity principle, from both the paying party’s and the receiving party’s points of view. His expertise in solicitor and own client disputes has also recently been in high demand as litigation in the sector gains pace. As an advocate, Paul has appeared at all levels, from the County Court to Court of Appeal, and has substantial experience of advising on, litigating and mediating claims for costs in well excess of £1m. Paul is keen to expand his practice further and, in that regard, is currently advising on the costs of an application in a highly-complex and extremely high value commercial claim in the British Virgin Islands. He will be called to the Bar of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court in October 2020. Paul is a longstanding member of the Recruitment Committee in Chambers and, together with Kevin Latham, has co-edited the Costs section of the Civil Court Service (“the Brown Book”).

Freddie Humphreys

Freddie is instructed in all areas of Town and Country Planning, including housing, retail, highways, infrastructure and enforcement. Freddie has advisory experience in all of these areas, and appears in planning inquiries, enforcement inquiries, and enforcement prosecutions and appeals. Notably, he has become adept at dealing with urgent matters in injunctive proceedings. Freddie is increasingly recognised for his work on statutory challenges and Judicial Review proceedings in the High Court. Freddie has regular experience of appearing in the High Court and Court of Appeal on planning matters. He accepts instructions in the field of Highways Law, including advisory work and appearances at public path and definitive map modification order inquiries. Freddie also practices in all aspects of Licensing law. He regularly appears before licensing sub-committees and the courts in applications and review hearings. Further, he commonly acts in prosecutions in licensing matters and other areas of related local government enforcement action, notably statutory nuisance proceedings, that effect licensed premises He has developed a certain specialism in taxi licensing law where he is regularly asked to advise on the development of policy, procedure and how to handle cases with particularly sensitive issues. Significantly, this has involved advising on and bringing cases where there are issues of public interest immunity on key evidential matters in appeal hearings.

Satinder Hunjan KC

Satinder Hunjan KC undertakes a range of general commercial work, insurance, private and manufacturing liability (including industrial plant and materials, consumer products and pharmaceuticals), construction and professional negligence (legal, sports, media, accountants and finance, architects and related professionals). The work that he undertakes is of very high value (multi million). It often involves issues which are novel and challenging. The matters are inevitably of particular complexity and often involve highly technical and specialist expert issues and disputes. He has a strong interest in work within an international framework including jurisdictional issues. Satinder has significant experience in the personal injury field of acting on behalf of claimants and defendants in major injury claims including injuries of the utmost severity, and he has a special interest in brain and spinal injuries. Satinder also undertakes litigation on behalf of claimants and defendants in all areas of clinical negligence. This includes substantial claims involving cerebral palsy and other birth injuries; severe brain and spinal injuries; injuries of the utmost severity; claims arising from the use of medical products and equipment; human rights; medical ethics and disciplinary and similar proceedings. Satinder Hunjan KC acts on behalf of medical and other professionals and interested parties in disciplinary and other similar proceedings and inquiries. He also acts in criminal proceedings which involve fatal, multi party and other very serious accidents and incidents and which are likely to have a significant impact on the workings and activities of the commercial and other organisations involved. He has acted in defence of many national and major companies and organisations in prosecutions brought by the Health and Safety Executive and local authorities. He has been instructed by many of the major insurers and loss adjusters in such proceedings, seeking to preserve their interests in respect of any subsequent civil or commercial claims. His work includes advisory work undertaken in contemplation of criminal, disciplinary and other processes.

John is an experienced junior practising in the fields of planning, environmental and local government law.

Sophie Hurst has a specialist Court of Protection practice and is regularly instructed in Health and Welfare, Serious Medical Treatment and Property and Affairs cases. Sophie acts for a range of clients including protected parties, with regular instructions from the Official Solicitor, NHS Trusts, integrated care boards, local authorities, professional deputies and family members. Sophie offers specialist advice on issues arising from the Mental Health Act 1983 and the Care Act 2014. Her public law experience extends to instructions in Judicial Review and human rights claims. Sophie has a fast-growing probate and wills practice and specialises in areas of cross over between probate and Court of Protections matters. Sophie also acts in inquests, specialising in those involving mental health and mental capacity issues and deaths in health care and social care settings.

Arevik has a planning, licensing and highways practice. She acts for both developers and local authorities. She is an experienced cross-examiner and regularly appears at contested hearings, public inquiries and prosecutions of planning offences. Arevik also regularly acts in licensing appeals. She has a wide range of knowledge and experience in assisting her clients with a variety of planning matters – ranging from advising on certificates of lawfulness, Tree Preservation Orders, planning appeals, judicial reviews, issues surrounding permitted development rights, changes of use, planning injunctions, enforcement appeals and others. Prior to coming to the bar, Arevik worked at two different law firms and for one of the UK government departments, representing the latter as an advocate in the First-Tier Tribunal. Arevik is authorised to accept instructions directly from members of the public. She is a long-standing mentor of the Mentoring for Underrepresented Groups at the Planning, Public Law and Property Bar Scheme.

Sam’s main areas of practice are administrative law (including commercial judicial review) and human rights law, regulatory law, public procurement and state aid law, Court of Protection and mental health, arbitration (domestic and international commercial) and information law. He has been a member of the Attorney General’s regional panel of Treasury Counsel for almost a decade and has been constantly recommended as a leading junior. Sam is a Member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and is admitted as a practitioner in the Dubai International Finance Centre (DIFC) Court.

Christopher Katkowski CBE KC

Chris Katkowski KC specialises in planning work in the main either preparing for and appearing at planning inquiries or acting in judicial reviews of planning decisions. The majority of his clients are from the private and corporate sectors together with a number of local planning authorities. Prior to taking silk Chris was a member of what is now the “A” Panel of Treasury Counsel as a result of which he has appeared in many court cases and continues to do so. Chris is consistently recognised in UK legal directories and in Planning magazine’s annual survey of planning lawyers as one of the foremost leaders in planning work in the country. Chris has topped Planning magazine's annual survey as the No. 1 planning KC a record 12 times. More than anyone else in the history of the survey. The 2022 survey describes Chris as: "undoubtedly the planning advocate with the most authority" listing him as the highest rated practitioner for commercial work. Chris’ eye-catching successes have changed the face of London. In his book “The Shard” Howard Watson reports that the late “Irvine Sellar said…”I’m a genius at picking geniuses:… the best QC in Christopher Katkowski.” “As a tough and critical man with extraordinarily high expectations of others, Sellar rarely hands out compliments, but his view of Christopher Katkowski remains undimmed by time: he describes the KC’s closing as “poetry”. During the lengthy inquiry the Queens’s Counsel himself was the pivotal figure in carrying the arguments in favour of the scheme. The transcripts reveal Katkowski’s point-by-point dismantling of the counter-arguments and several masterstrokes.” In his book “Leading from the Front” Gerald Ronson describes Chris as “a brilliant QC” having won the inquiry for the Heron Tower in the City. Chris’ caseload is diverse. As Planning Magazine says “he has seen it all [and] done it all”. He has appeared at hundreds of planning inquiries and court cases. A good deal of his work involves advising clients how to avoid planning applications ending up at planning inquiries or being challenged in court. Chris was appointed by the DCLG as an advisor to the Local Plans Expert Group in 2016 and by MHCLG as an advisor to the Rosewell Review in 2018; he was a keynote speaker at the Planning Inspectorate’s Annual Training Event in 2018. Chris was the planning lawyer appointed by the Government to the Task Force which drew up the proposals for sweeping changes to the planning system set out in the Planning for the Future White Paper published by the Government in August 2020. Chris was a member of the working group who advised DEFRA on HRA reforms in 2021 / 2022. Chris is down to earth and approachable and enjoys team working. He must be the only planning KC to have been awarded a gold disc (by MTV to celebrate the successful planning appeal for a new studio). His cases have appeared in episodes of the Archers and Judge John Deed.

Elliot Kay’s practice is split between serious injury litigation and construction litigation, acting for both Claimants and Defendants in the County Court and the High Court. Elliot’s serious injury practice involves increasingly complex and high value cases from the initial advisory stage right through to trial. He has extensive experience in claims arising from road traffic accidents as well as claims involving employers’ liability, occupiers’ liability, and public liability. Elliot is regularly instructed by insurers in claims where fraud is alleged and provides early strategic advice when required. Elliot maintains a busy construction practice alongside his serious injury work. He is regularly instructed by homeowners, contractors, sub-contractors, and employers across a range of construction disputes.

Sir Maurice Kay was called to the bar in 1975 following a period in academia. During his career at the bar, Sir Maurice embraced a wide-ranging practice which included sitting as an Arbitrator overseas. He was appointed a High Court Judge (Queen’s Bench Division) in 1995. He also was: Judge of Employment Appeal Tribunal (1995-2003) Judge of Administrative Court (1997-2003) Judge in Charge of the Administrative Court (2002-2003) Presiding Judge of Wales and Chester Circuit (1996-1999) In 2004 he was appointed a Lord Justice of Appeal, in which capacity he sat until 2014. Sir Maurice was also Vice President of the Court of Appeal (Civil Division) for 5 of those years. During his time in the Court of Appeal, Sir Maurice sat on some of the country’s most significant appeals. Sir Maurice now accepts appointments as an Arbitrator for both domestic and international arbitrations whether independently or as a member of arbitral panels.

Elana Kaymer practises across all areas of administrative and public law, with a particular focus on planning, highways, licensing and local government. Her clients include local authorities and developers at all stages of the planning process. She has advised on and appeared in public inquiries, judicial review proceedings, appeals and enforcement actions including local authority prosecutions and injunctions involving the gypsy and traveller communities. Elana successfully completed a specialist planning and public law pupillage at Kings under the supervision of John Hunter and Philip Robson. Prior to joining Chambers, Elana worked at LexisNexis where she tracked legal developments in areas including energy and environmental law and as a paralegal for a specialist immigration law chambers, with work often involving human rights matters.

Emily is a member of the Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence team, having successfully completed pupillage under the supervision of Victoria Heyworth and Louise Green. During pupillage, Emily gained experience dealing with high-value complex clinical negligence cases. Emily has experience successfully representing both Claimants and Defendants in a variety of hearings including small claims trials and disposals (both MOJ Stage 3s and OIC hearings), fast track trials, application hearings, and case management hearings. Emily also has experience representing families in Inquests and acting in regulatory hearings on behalf of Registrant Nurses before the Nursing and Midwifery Council. Emily has first-hand experience drafting a wide range of documents including but not limited to: defences, particulars of claim, advices and applications. Emily accepts instructions for all types of written work alongside her court work.

Shokat Khan has an established practice in personal injury and related fields of work. He is experienced in the full range of such work, with particular emphasis on road traffic claims (including claims involving allegations of fraud); public liability claims; employers` liability claims (including claims involving workplace accidents, defective work equipment, manual handling, workplace stress, workplace bullying, work-related upper limb disorders and occupational diseases); claims involving the MIB; industrial disease and respiratory claims (particularly noise-induced deafness, dermatitis and asthma claims); and fatal accident claims. He has extensive experience of conducting County Court and High Court trials, appeals (including Court of Appeal) and a variety of interlocutory hearings. He acts on behalf of Claimants and Defendants, providing advisory, drafting and advocacy services in the full range of injuries and levels of damage. He has particular interest in, and considerable experience of, preparing paperwork (Schedules of Loss/Counter-Schedules/Agenda/and Questions for experts etc) in both high value and medium value claims and conducting negotiations at Joint Settlement Meetings. He aims to provide realistic and practical advice, both in conference and in writing, to solicitors and insurers from an early stage in proceedings through to trial.

Since transferring to the Bar, Rosie has built a strong and varied employment law practice, accepting instructions from both respondents and claimants.

Ben was called to the bar in March 2021 and runs a thriving business and property practice. Ben’s practice covers four main areas; general commercial litigation, insolvency (both personal and corporate), banking and finance and company. Ben is regularly instructed in each of the aforementioned sectors to provide written advisory and drafting work, and to attend court at all stages of proceedings, from interlocutory hearings to trials (be they single or multi-day). As well as contentious court work, Ben also has extensive experience of alternative dispute resolution, having successfully represented multiple clients in mediation. Prior to coming to the bar, Ben worked in the office of general counsel of a “big four” accountancy firm and in the banking and finance team of a major Northern Irish law firm. These experiences have shaped his practice.

Richard joined the Chancery and Commercial team as a pupil in 1994, having previously worked on property law reform at the Law Commission. Richard’s practice covers most aspects of chancery and commercial law, but with a particular emphasis on real estate litigation (commercial and residential) and associated areas such as professional negligence, banking, Inheritance Act claims, administration of estates and corporate and personal insolvency. He is at home dealing with individual clients, major banks or anyone in between. As well as carrying out drafting and advisory work, Richard has extensive experience of trial work and other litigation in the County Court, High Court and Court of Appeal, as well as before the Property Tribunal.

Kevin Latham is an experienced costs and personal injury practitioner with a busy nationwide practice. Having specialised in costs litigation throughout his career at the bar, Kevin has been highly sought after to provide business advice in light of the recent reforms to civil litigation. He is regularly instructed to advise and represent paying and receiving parties in all aspects of inter-partes costs litigation involving complex matters of law and fact. Whilst maintaining a strong personal injury practice, Kevin’s trial skills are an asset in solicitor/own client disputes and matters requiring robust cross-examination such as wasted and third party costs orders. Kevin’s advisory services are sought after with clients impressed by his thorough yet clear advice both in writing and in conference. Kevin’s experience as a law costs draftsman and at a national firm of Solicitors prior to pupillage enable him to provide first class service in cases where an appreciation of the ‘bigger picture’ is required. Kevin is frequently instructed in cases involving high value claims for costs in commercial claims, fatal accident claims and multiple party actions. He regularly appears in the SCCO, as well as the County and High Court, and is experienced in the Court of Appeal. In 2021, Kevin was appointed as a Deputy Costs Judge of the Senior Courts Costs Office. Kevin is an experienced costs mediator and CADR Panel member.

Andrew Latimer appears in the Business and Property Courts and in recent years has appeared 3 times in the Court of Appeal without a leader and also as a junior in the Supreme Court. Andrew’s business cases including unfair prejudice petitions and other claims to vindicate shareholder rights; claims for breaches of directors’ duties; breaches of trust and fiduciary duty; breach of warranty disputes, often arising after the sale of a business; partnership disputes, including disputes within solicitors’ own partnerships; litigation over commercial contracts and disputes about the scope of remedies such as specific performance, taking accounts, assessment of damages and unjust enrichment. Andrew’s property cases include access to neighbouring land to build a new roof on Leeds Opera House; easements at the Richard Seifert-designed Gateway House at Manchester Piccadilly station; removing liens over the Fox Street Village development in Liverpool; recreational easements at Broome Park, the home of Lord Kitchener until 1916; litigation over the lease at Haigh Hall in Lancashire, a Grade II* listed building; and an easement through airspace to take off and land aircraft in Northumberland.

Practises predominantly in the field of clinical negligence, dealing with cases of surgical and pharmaceutical negligence, dental negligence, misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis in primary and secondary care. Has particular experience in cases involving obstetrics and gynaecology, general surgery, orthopaedic injury, hand and plastic surgery (cosmetic and therapeutic) and general practice. Also practises in personal injury, specialising in cases of severe injury arising from employer’s liability, public liability, product liability and road traffic. Has particular experience in claims brought on behalf of military personnel. Appears regularly in the Coroner’s Court representing bereaved families, in particular following deaths in hospital and residential nursing homes. Also represents applicants to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority and Armed Forces Compensation Scheme.

Sarah Lawrenson

Sarah Lawrenson practices predominantly in Construction, Wills, Trusts and Probate (including Inheritance Act Claims) and related Professional Negligence matters. Sarah has a wide range of experience in the Specialist Courts including the TCC, Chancery Division, Court of Protection and Court of Appeal. She is a Full Member of ACTPAS and is on the TECBAR adjudicator’s panel. She has acted as an adjudicator on several construction disputes. Sarah has been successful at numerous mediations and roundtables and is a firm believer in the power and benefit of alternative dispute resolution. Sarah will accept instruction directly under the public access scheme and has extensive experience of doing so. Sarah has been instructed on several large Group Litigation Order cases including historic child abuse on behalf of an estate, property nuisance claims, professional negligence against a firm of solicitors and construction claims on behalf of joint owners such as blocks of apartments.

Richard Livingston

Richard specialises in all aspects of Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence work. His practice encompasses injuries of the utmost severity, and he regularly acts without a leader in cases where the value is pleaded well in excess £7,000,000. His cases regularly involve orders for periodical payments, accommodation claims and lifelong provision for care and assistance. He has secured millions of pounds of compensation for seriously injured Claimants and their Dependants. He also defends cases of similar value at Trial and at Joint Settlement Meetings for numerous Insurers, Medical and Dental Defence Organisations, Defendant Health Trusts, and the Motor Insurers Bureau. He has secured substantial awards before the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority where the damages initially awarded were inadequate. Richard has developed a substantial reputation in the field of Occupational Disease. He is regularly instructed by Claimants and Defendants alike in claims involving benign and malignant asbestos-related conditions (pleural thickening, asbestosis, asbestos-related lung cancer, mesothelioma), asthma, chemical exposure (COSHH claims), and occupational stress/harassment. He is on several Insurers’ panels. He frequently advises on claims for contribution between insurers and medical defence organisations. Richard also has a substantial professional negligence practice in the context of negligently mishandled personal injury and clinical negligence actions. He regularly appears without a leader in cases against KCs. He is regarded as having a practice well beyond his call.

Stephen Maguire

Stephen’s practice is focused on complex and high value litigation. He handles cases of the utmost severity, which include traumatic brain and spinal injuries, severe orthopaedic conditions, chronic pain, amputation and fatal accident cases.

Ifsa Mahmood has a fast-developing public law practice and works predominantly in the Court of Protection. Her work spans both health and welfare and property and affairs cases. Ifsa is also experienced in matters involving the Mental Health Act 1983 and abuse and human rights claims. Ifsa regularly accepts instructions in administrative and public law work. Her experience ranges from acting in judicial review matters in age assessment cases to advising on funding disputes between public bodies and representing governmental bodies and professional organisations in the UK Covid-19 Inquiry. Before joining chambers, Ifsa worked as a lawyer in the UK division of the European Court of Human Rights. Between 2018-19, she was the Judicial Assistant to Lord Justice Irwin at the Court of Appeal where she assisted with cases concerning a range of public law and human rights issues. Ifsa also has a background in public international law having completed a master’s degree in the subject at Leiden University. In 2017, she completed an internship at the Trial Chamber of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon.

David Manley KC

David specialises in planning and environmental law. He is ranked in the leading legal directory, Chambers UK, as Band 1 in both Planning and Environmental Law.

Phoebe is a member of Kings’ Employment team, having successfully completed her pupillage under the supervision of Ben Williams and Helen Gardiner. Phoebe acts for individuals, businesses and public authorities (including NHS Trusts and regulators) across the range of preliminary hearings, in judicial mediations and at final hearings. Throughout her pupillage, Phoebe also gained experience in regulatory law, particularly licensing and acts for both licence-holders and local authorities before licensing committees and in the appellate courts. During her practising second six, some of Phoebe’s cases included: Successfully defending a respondent company in a multi-day discrimination and victimisation claim, despite the response having been struck out for unreasonable conduct of the case Successfully representing a respondent company in a preliminary hearing considering jurisdiction with all claims dismissed (addressing both the reasonably practicable and just and equitable tests) Successfully representing the claimant in a multi-day unfair dismissal case Representing a public body at a judicial mediation where the claimant agreed to settle for less than 1% of the claim value Advising on a novel Employment Appeal Tribunal matter involving alleged procedural impropriety Successfully representing a respondent NHS Trust in a strike out application on the basis the claim had no reasonable prospect of success Representing a business in an application for a new alcohol premises licence before a licensing sub-committee, successfully obtaining the licence with full trading hours sought, despite having received representations from local councillors and residents Advising on a complex trading standards prosecution involving retrospective company directorship changes Successfully defending a transport company in a services discrimination claim in the County Court Phoebe also has experience of delivering online and in-person talks to lawyers and professionals. Having completed Advocate’s Pupillage Pledge, Phoebe is committed to pro bono work. Before joining Chambers, Phoebe was Legal Officer at the UK’s whistleblowing charity Protect, where she designed and led whistleblowing best practice training and consultancy for a range of not-for-profit, private and public sector organisations including national and international banks, Government departments and regulators. She also advised hundreds of individual whistleblowers on both strategy and legal issues. Phoebe co-authored Protect’s Environmental Whistleblowing Toolkit which was ‘Highly Commended’ at the LexisNexis Legal Awards 2024. In the summer of 2024, Phoebe was an intern with the Democratic Freedoms team at the Human Rights Law Centre in Sydney, Australia.

Gavin enjoys an extensive and almost exclusive personal injury practice. He commands a large and loyal solicitor base, and provides a comprehensive service. He is regarded as a highly competent advocate, a skill honed in his early years in practice in criminal law. He is client friendly, being regarded as sympathetic and approachable yet equally clear and objective. His serious injury practice involves all aspects of personal injury – particularly catastrophic injury, employer’s liability, public liability and highway litigation. Gavin is a local boy, having been educated at The Manchester Grammar School. He then studied at Pembroke College, Cambridge and City University, London before returning home. Gavin joined Chambers in 2008, having moved from Peel Court Chambers, in order to focus on and broaden his personal injury practice.

Gerard McDermott KC

Barrister specialising in Employment; Clinical Negligence; Health and Safety; Personal Injury; Professional Negligence; Private International Law; EU Law.

Oliver McEntee acts in all areas covered by the Business and Property team, and has particular experience of arbitration, commercial, construction and engineering, fraud, insolvency, post-M&A and joint venture matters. Oliver joined Kings Chambers following a career as an employed barrister in international firms in London, Singapore and Tokyo.

John Meehan is an experienced costs practitioner, with a busy costs and litigation funding practice. Prior to coming to the Bar, John worked in an award-winning international law firm as a Solicitor-Advocate practising exclusively in Costs. As a former Solicitor with almost a decade of experience, John is tactically astute and prides himself on providing practical and commercially focused advice. John handles a full range of Costs matters with expertise on a wide range of issues including litigation funding, fixed costs challenges, conduct issues, proportionality, Solicitor and client assessments and costs issues arising from the administration of estates. John has substantial experience of representing receiving and paying parties at detailed assessments including in high value, complex and multi-party assessments. He appears frequently before Masters of the Senior Court Costs Office, Regional Costs Judge and in the Appellate Courts. He prides himself on meticulous preparation and attention to detail. John has detailed and practical knowledge of fixed Costs and is regularly sought out by clients to argue technical Costs issues arising out of such claims. He has developed a busy solicitor and own client practice with a particular focus on assisting Solicitor’s firms faced with challenges from former clients. Following the increase in such challenges, John has been heavily involved in assisting firms to update their funding arrangements and strengthen their business practices. As a Costs Barrister, John regularly appears at Costs and Case Management Conferences (CCMCs), particularly in high value claims and where disputes have arisen as to costs budgeting. John’s Court practice is augmented by his advisory and drafting work, including Points of Dispute, Replies to Points of Dispute and Statements of Case. As a regular contributor to the legal press, John has written for LexisNexis and Litigation Funding magazine. In addition, he has provided a wide range of training seminars to legal organisations, including a number of the UK’s top 100 legal firms.

Helen Mulholland KC

Helen is a specialist medical barrister. She accepts instructions in all areas of healthcare law, with particular expertise in cases of medical negligence and serious medical treatment decisions. She undertakes the most serious medical negligence cases, with particular expertise in cases of neurological and neurosurgical injury; she is also regularly instructed on birth damage cases. Helen is recognised for her exceptional trial advocacy, and has extensive experience of cross-examining medical experts; she is frequently instructed in medical negligence liability trials of particular complexity. In addition to her trial acumen, Helen is a highly accomplished negotiator and undertakes countless mediations and JSMs. Helen has considerable experience of cases involving serious medical treatment decisions, both in the Family Division and the Court of Protection. She has been involved in many cases involving complex treatment and withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment and understands the extreme sensitivity of such cases.

Anisa Niaz-Dickinson

Anisa Niaz-Dickinson is an experienced and well respected advocate who is recommended by Chambers & Partners and the Legal 500 as a leading barrister within the field of employment law. Anisa practices exclusively within the employment jurisdiction and across the full spectrum of employment law. Her practice covers a wide range of sectors such as the NHS, Police, business, education and the public sector. She represents and advises both Claimants and Respondents, before, during and after litigation in the Employment and Employment Appeal Tribunal. She has been instructed in high profile cases that have received media attention as well as group actions involving multiple Claimants. She represents the UK’s largest employers and extensively undertakes complex multi-day unfair dismissal, contractual, discrimination, victimisation, whistleblowing and equal pay claims. Anisa has a passion for employment law and provides outstanding representation. She is able to offer exceptional client care, meticulous and efficient preparation and proven advocacy skills to ensure the best possible outcome in every case. The strength of Anisa’s employment law practice is testament to her proven ability and commitment to her lay and professional clients.

Lois Norris is a member of the Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence groups. Lois has a nationwide serious injury practice. She is currently instructed in brain injury, spinal injury and amputation cases, both as a junior alone and with the benefit of leading counsel. Lois has particular expertise in drafting schedules and founded Schedule School, a free resource designed to take practitioners through catastrophic injury schedules. She regularly provides schedule workshops. In her clinical negligence practice, she handles a variety of cases, including cases involving amputation, birth injury cases and vision loss. To complement her personal injury and clinical negligence practice, Lois is regularly instructed in inquests. Notably: Lois represented the partner of the late Police Sergeant Ratana, after a man detained by the Metropolitan Police concealed a firearm during a stop and search on the street, and later discharged it in custody, fatally wounding PS Ratana. Lois represented the family of Dr Rachel Gibson, who died following cardiac arrest caused by administration of excessive local anaesthetic (Ropivacaine) during surgery at a private hospital. A prevention of future deaths report was issued to the Royal College of Anaesthetists. In addition, Lois has represented families in cases relating to a failure to scan (resulting in a finding of neglect), a failure to change a catheter (resulting in a finding of neglect) and a failure to provide lifesaving surgery. Lois has represented several families in cases touching upon the deaths of individuals with learning disabilities. Lois also represents individual consultants and doctors alongside local authorities. In personal injury inquests, Lois has expertise with motor vehicle deaths and deaths caused by the state of the highway (including cases involving mud and standing water). In line with her inquest practice, Lois is regularly instructed in fatal claims and has developed a particular expertise in drafting schedules in cases where the Deceased was a single parent and/or did not live with their partner, and the conventional fatal calculations do not apply. Lois prides herself on her client-centric approach and attention to detail.

Colm Ó hOisín SC

Colm Ó hOisín SC has been in practice at the Irish Bar since 1988 and became a Senior Counsel in 2005. He is also a member of the Bars of Northern Ireland and of England and Wales. He is regularly appointed as chair, panel member and sole arbitrator in international arbitration including appointments under LCIA, ICC, ICDR, ICSID and DIAC rules. His practice principally involves commercial litigation and international arbitration. He has particular experience in the areas of company and shareholder disputes, maritime law, banking and financial services law, construction, competition law, insurance law, environmental law and general contract. Colm is currently Leader of the European Circuit of the Bar. He is also a former President of Arbitration Ireland – the Irish Arbitration Association. He is the Irish member of the ICC International Court of Arbitration and is designated by the Irish Government to the Panel of Arbitrators of ICSID (International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes). He has been an accredited mediator since 2004. Colm was President of the Irish Maritime Law Association from 2007 to 2010 and is a titular member of the Comité Maritime International (CMI).

Kelly is a senior junior who specialises in commercial and construction law disputes with a particular emphasis on contractual, civil fraud and urgent injunctive relief cases (including search orders, freezing injunctions and injunctions to restrain breaches of confidence, fiduciary duty and restrictive covenants). She has been recommended by Chambers & Partners in these fields in the North since 2004 and 2012 respectively. She has appeared at all levels, including the House of Lords (Cream v Banerjee [2004] UKHL 44), and has been instructed on many heavyweight, complex and high-value cases. She enjoys a successful practice and has an excellent market standing. In addition, Kelly specialises in business rates disputes with a particular emphasis on high-value rates mitigation scheme cases. She has advised and represented many councils in relation to such matters including Trafford, Preston, Lancaster, Bolton, Basildon, Cardiff and Stockton. She is currently representing Trafford Borough Council in proceedings against Principled Offsite Logistics Ltd on 61 consolidated summonses where the sums directly and indirectly at stake are in excess of £1 million. She has also been instructed by numerous councils wishing to resist claims for substantial refunds following retrospective alterations to the VOA lists.

Will is a member of the Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence team, having successfully completed pupillage under the supervision of Claire Steward and Louise Green. Throughout his pupillage, Will gained experience dealing with high-value and complex cases, including, in particular, clinical negligence and serious personal injury. As part of his practice, Will successfully represents both Claimants and Defendants dealing with a variety of hearings, including small claims and disposals (both MOJ Stage 3s and OIC hearings), fast track trials, application hearings, and case management hearings such as CCMCs and Pre-Trial Reviews. Will has also developed a busy regulatory practice and is regularly instructed by the Royal College of Nursing to act on behalf of Registrant Nurses before the Nursing and Midwifery Council. In addition to his court work, Will has a growing paperwork practice and he accepts instructions for all types of written work, including drafting pleadings, opinions and advices. Prior to commencing work at the Bar, Will worked as a paralegal at a global law firm in their counter-fraud team. He therefore has considerable experience in dealing with claims involving allegations of fundamental dishonesty.

Serious Personal Injury, encompassing the full range of catastrophic injuries, brain injury, limb amputation, fatal accident and pain disorders. All Industrial Disease, mainly asbestos, but also industrial cancer, any toxic exposures, occupational asthma, deafness, dermatitis, RSI, upper limb disorders and stress at work.

Ian enjoys an extensive national planning and public law practice. He is highly rated, consistently featuring in Planning’s list of top-rated junior barristers. He appears for both developers and local planning authorities at inquiries for housing, employment, retail, energy and waste schemes. He also appears at development plan examinations (both promoting and objecting to draft plans), and at CPO inquiries (as well as proceedings in the Upper Tribunal (Lands Chamber) dealing with compensation issues arising out of compulsory purchase). On top of his busy inquiry practice, he appears in the High Court on judicial reviews, statutory planning challenges, and injunctive proceedings.

Sarah Pritchard KC

King’s Counsel specialising in clinical negligence litigation. Her practice covers a wide range of medical malpractice but she has particular expertise in birth damage claims, cauda equina cases and surgical negligence. She also has a substantial personal injury practice dealing with high value and complex cases and actions involving contribution proceedings between insurance companies and healthcare providers.

Sam Proffitt joined Kings Chambers as tenant in March 2021, having cross-qualified as a Solicitor Advocate. Prior to joining Kings, Sam spent almost 9 years in the Employment team at DAC Beachcroft LLP, qualifying as a Solicitor in February 2016. There, he specialised in employment tribunal litigation, conducting hundreds of claims on behalf of major respondent clients, including undertaking advocacy at complex and high value multi-day hearings. He obtained Higher Rights of Audience (Civil) in March 2018, and joins Chambers as an experienced practitioner, having been granted a full exemption from all elements of the Bar Transfer Test and Pupillage. He was also noted to be a “key lawyer” within the Tier 1 Employment team in the Legal 500 UK 2021 rankings. Sam has a particular interest and experience dealing with discrimination and whistleblowing claims, including in a regulated environment with large public and private health sector organisations. He also brings real commercial insight to his practice, having spent a year on secondment as in-house counsel at a FTSE 100 client. Sam also had substantial exposure to appellate litigation during his time as a Solicitor, and can draw on his experience working with a number of leading employment silks across several ground-breaking cases in the Employment Appeal Tribunal and Court of Appeal.

Craig Ralph practices exclusively in all aspects of costs and litigation funding. He provides strategic advice in contentious and non-contentious costs issues arising in both civil and criminal matters. He regularly appears before all levels of judiciary from the County Courts and the Supreme Court Cost Office as well as appearing before the High Court and Court of Appeal on important points of principle. His expertise on influential cost questions is regularly sought after in test cases. Craig has a particular expertise in the incidence of costs, managing broken retainers and issues arising from assignment/novation. Craig is particularly praised for his ability in matters concerning issues of conduct, especially in solicitor and own client matters. Craig is a qualified mediator and is registered for Public Access work; receiving instructions directly from members of the Bar and costs professionals in relation to fee recovery in both Civil and Criminal matters. In addition to his advocacy, advisory and mediation work, Craig is highly sought after for his engaging bespoke lectures and seminars. Craig is an experienced costs mediator and CADR Panel member.

Tina Ranales-Cotos

Tina Rañales-Cotos practises in commercial and corporate litigation and advisory work, mainly in the specialist courts in Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham, Leeds and London. Her work frequently involves interim injunctive relief hearings in the High Court in the business restraint field, including freezing, springboard, misuse of confidential information and restrictive covenant injunctions and search orders. Tina’s specialist practice includes the following areas: Agency (including commercial agency) Banking and finance (including secured lending, guarantees and indemnities) Civil/commercial fraud (including VAT/MTIC fraud) Confidential Information, MOPI and GDPR, Commercial Contracts (including joint ventures, distribution, agency and share sale/purchase and warranties) Company (especially shareholder disputes and breach of trust, fiduciary and directors’ duties) Competition – UK and EU, Director Disqualification, Employment (contractual and statutory), Discrimination (service providers) Insolvency (corporate and personal), Insurance, Intellectual Property (trademark infringement and passing off), Commercial Torts, Mediation, Partnership, Professional Negligence (especially solicitors, accountants, surveyors and financial advisers), Restraint of Trade including restrictive covenants (commercial and employment) and sale and carriage of goods (domestic and international) and services. Tina often represents banks, public and private companies, small firms, as well as private investors. Recent experience includes being led in a two-week commercial trial which took place remotely, involving an interpreter and experts.

Michael Rawlinson KC

Michael’s main area of practice arises from claims where historic exposure to any bodily insult is argued to have led to late-onset sequelae. Predominantly this arises in respect of asbestos exposure leading to the contraction of cancer but there are few toxic agents which he has not encountered in litigation.

Aidan has rapidly developed his practice, specialising exclusively in commercial and chancery disputes (including insolvency). With regular appearances in both the County Court and High Court conducting applications, CCMCs, trials and appeals, Aidan has a broad range of advocacy experience. Aidan is also often instructed in a range of advisory and drafting work. Aidan’s practice includes the following areas: Business rates disputes Corporate and commercial disputes Corporate and personal insolvency matters Jurisdictional matters Partnership disputes Possession actions Property disputes (including common intention constructive trusts and ToLATA 1996 matters)

Following the completion of her public law pupillage at Kings Chambers, Chloe joined the Court of Protection team. She acts for ‘P’, local authorities, health trusts and ICBs in section 21A and section 16 health and welfare proceedings. Prior to completing pupillage, Chloe completed an internship with a capital defense office in Texas, undertook a paid internship with the UK Supreme Court and worked for a Dutch NGO which specialized in anti-discrimination law, and the rights to free expression and association. Chloe enjoys undertaking pro bono work which has included advising a client on the public law issues arising from a university’s decision to designate them an international student for the purposes of charging fees, and advising an NGO on the impact of Higgs v Farmor’s School on strategic litigation relating to the manifestation of a protected belief.

Sarah specialises in all areas of Town and Country Planning, and took Silk in 2022. She is consistently rated highly by all the leading directories and publications (Legal 500, Chambers and Partners, The Planner’s Women of Inﬂuence List and Planning Magazine). Sarah has extensive experience across the full range of planning matters including large scale housing schemes, retail, renewable energy, waste, enforcement and compulsory purchase. She regularly appears in planning inquiries and hearings, enforcement inquiries, local plan examinations, statutory challenges and judicial review proceedings. Sarah is the Head of Recruitment in Chambers. Prior to that, she was Director of Pupillage in Chambers.

Piers Riley-Smith

Piers has a varied planning, environment, licensing and highways practice. Piers is ranked Band 2 ‘Leading Junior’ in Legal 500 2025 where Clients have said: ‘Piers is an absolute expert and intellect in the field of planning law. He is always friendly and approachable, his technical knowledge and his ability to deal with matters in a pragmatic and creative way is an excellent strength, and the legal support that Piers provides is outstanding.’ Piers is ranked Band 2 in Chambers and Partners 2025, where Clients have said: “Piers has a depth of knowledge, is very supportive and enthusiastic and is clear in his advice.” “Piers is superb. He is very good at handling difficult clients and explaining the options to them and thinking strategically.” Piers is ranked 6th in the Top Planning Juniors under 35 by Planning Law Survey 2023. Piers was appointed to the Attorney General’s Panel in 2023 and appears regularly for the Government in the High Court.

Philip has a broad planning and environmental practice, regularly appearing at inquiries.

Jeremy practices almost exclusively in the fields of personal injury and clinical negligence.

Michael practises in the areas of town and country planning and compulsory purchase law, environmental and agricultural law, highways, local government and public and administrative law. He accepts instructions under the Direct Public Access provisions Michael is also a Fellow of the Geological Society and has academic qualifications in geology, physics and advanced engineering geology. Before being called to the Bar Michael spent fourteen years in the development industry, initially as an Engineering Geologist before moving into the field of Planning and Environmental Consultancy. He was employed by a number of major engineering contractors and international consultancies providing advice on foundation design and construction, highways design and construction, contaminated land and ground water assessment and remediation, dewatering solutions, flood risk assessments, and carrying out environmental impact assessments He advised on such developments as the Channel Tunnel Rail Link, Heathrow Terminal 5, the Canary Wharf Development, Chapelcross and Sellafield nuclear power stations and designed the innovative foundations for the Huddersfield Town Football Club stadium. He has particular experience of deep level drilling for the purposes of the installation of complex groundwater monitoring and sampling installations.

Rachel Senior is developing a practice across employment, commercial law and public inquiries. She has experience of a broad range of employment litigation, including High Court and Employment Appeal Tribunal work, and is ranked by the Legal 500 as a ‘rising star’ in employment law. She acts for individuals, businesses, charities and public authorities, including local authorities and NHS Trusts. Rachel is regularly instructed in complex multi-day trials involving whistleblowing and discrimination allegations. During pupillage Rachel acted for a Claimant who was awarded what is believed to be the highest-ever Tribunal award for menopause-related discrimination. Rachel’s commercial work draws on her employment and public law experience, and often involves contractual disputes, issues around discrimination and equalities, and claims for and against public authorities. She is happy to advise on cases involving restrictive covenants and other restraint of trade provisions. Before joining Chambers, Rachel spent two years with the Government Legal Department and qualified as a solicitor in September 2022. She advised on individual employment cases and wider issues in employment and labour law. Rachel gained experience of High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court litigation, and has extensive experience of Parliament, having advised on and drafted legislation. She is therefore well placed to and regularly advises on matters involving novel legal issues, complex statutory schemes and parallel civil court and Employment Tribunal claims. Rachel is a member of the Attorney General’s Junior Junior Scheme and acted for a Core Participant in five modules of the UK Covid-19 Inquiry. She is currently acting for a Core Participant in the Nottingham Inquiry. Prior to her time as a civil servant, Rachel spent three years working as a speechwriter and political adviser to Bishops in the House of Lords. She grew up in western Canada and has family ties to England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Shem has been consecutively ranked by Legal 500 as a ‘Rising Star’. The 2026 ranking states: ‘Shemuel’s strengths are his ability to cut to the chase and to distil advice and instructions in a way which clients appreciate. He’s approachable and yet direct with his advice.’ The 2025 ranking states: ‘Shemuel is an exceptional advocate. He is patient and a good reader of his audience.’ Shem is also ranked by Chambers & Partners UK 2026 as ‘Up and Coming’ which states: “Shemuel Sheikh is very good at drilling down into detail very quickly and disseminating information.” “Shemuel Sheikh has a very good way with clients and with judges.” “Shemuel is just so easy to work with; he always gives clear advice and responds really quickly.” Shem practises across all areas of administrative and public law, with a particular specialism in planning, local government, licensing and regulatory law. He acts for both developers and local authorities. He has acted in a range of public inquiries and hearings, judicial review proceedings, enforcement appeals and local authority prosecutions. He has experience in a variety of areas from planning applications and appeals (including nationally significant infrastructure projects, major applications, permitted development rights approvals, amendment applications, changes of use, discharge of conditions, s.106 agreements and listed buildings) to town and village green applications and development consent orders. With prior experience assisting NGOs he is also well placed and regularly acts in cases involving human rights matters, especially in relation to the exercise of local authority powers and governance including emergency powers and obtaining injunctions. Shem also regularly acts in licensing appeals, both for applicants and licensing authorities. Shem is on the Attorney General’s Regional C Panel as Junior Counsel to the Crown and is also direct accss qualified. Before joining Chambers, Shem specialised in judicial review at masters level.

Andrew Singer KC

Practiced since 1990 (silk 2018) almost exclusively in Construction Law and related Professional Negligence claims, appearing regularly in TCC in England and Wales , has appeared in large number of reported decisions on adjudication and generally in Appellate Courts at all levels, including House of Lords case of Reinwood v Brown. Acts as Counsel in mediations and as Mediator, he is an Accredited Mediator. Appears in Commercial Court and Court of Appeal in Northern Ireland . Also has been appointed as Arbitrator and Adjudicator of several disputes. Authorised to sit as a Recorder in the TCC. As of 2022, Andrew is the Head of Chambers of Kings Chambers.

Jasmine Skander

Jasmine Skander brings experience and expertise to clinical negligence matters, high value and complex CICA matters, claims arising from service in the armed forces and claims arising from abuse. Jasmine also accepts work on more general personal injury cases. By virtue of the work that Jasmine undertakes she is highly sensitive and client-focussed.

Andrew Small accepts work in most areas within Business and Property including commercial, property and probate. Andrew has represented clients in both the High and County Courts and assisted Louis Doyle KC during the first six of his pupillage in the case of Aston Risk Management v Lee Jones and others [2023] EWHC 603 (Ch) that involved consideration of directors’ duties and the creditors’ interests. With a particularly strong academic background, Andrew understands the need to provide lucid and comprehensive advice for clients. His other non-legal interests include Heart of Midlothian FC, bagpiping and medieval history.

Matthew Smith is able to deal with any civil costs dispute, and is one of only three counsel to also be a qualified costs draftsman. Moreover, his knowledge of the law outside costs makes him particularly adept at dealing with the more unusual topics that may arise in costs litigation, such as novel points of principle, costs in tribunals, children and costs etc. Matthew has a niche practice in dealing with issues concerning contracts of retainer, including advising the steps which are required to mend (or undermine) ‘broken retainers’. This goes hand-in-hand with his specialism in non-contentious costs. He has drafted a number of retainers (both conditional and non-conditional), and is adept at giving advice which is aimed at maximising profit (both for defendant firms and claimant firms) and minimising risk. Matthew also has wide experience of group litigation, applications for security for costs, issues concerning success fees, after the event insurance, costs concerning patients, costs concerning children, and fixed costs. Matthew is an experienced costs mediator and CADR Panel member.

Nathan joined chambers in April 2008 and practices in all areas of commercial dispute resolution and business and property law, with a particular emphasis on real estate, insolvency, professional negligence, shareholder disputes and probate. Nathan regularly appears in the Business and Property Courts and the County Court for banks, institutional clients, companies of all sizes and individuals. Nathan also frequently appears in the First Tier Tribunal, Property Chamber. Nathan approaches every instruction with the of the aims and objectives of his clients in mind and understands the need to provide clear and comprehensive advice to enable his clients to effectively navigate through litigation.

Michael Stephens

Michael Stephens is an experienced senior junior who has conducted a broad common law practice from chambers in Birmingham since 1985. His work in recent years has focused particularly on dispute resolution and the use of ADR, leading him to obtain further professional qualifications. Michael is a qualified mediator who has conducted numerous successful mediations covering, in particular, construction, professional negligence, property and business disputes. He abides by the European Code of Conduct for mediators. Michael is also an experienced arbitrator, familiar with both domestic and international rules. He is a member of a number of panels and has spoken frequently on arbitration topics, both in the UK and at international events. With his interest and expertise in construction law, Michael is well placed to act as an adjudicator under the Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996. He also has considerable experience in the preparation of notices of adjudication and referral notices. Michael is able to accept instructions direct from the public to provide advice, draft documents or act as advocate and is happy to do so in all of his areas of practice.

Claire is a clinical negligence specialist. She has extensive experience in all areas of clinical negligence including: delay in diagnosis of cancer, orthopaedics, surgical negligence, ophthalmics, obstetrics and gynaecology, Accident and Emergency and primary health care.

Ruth Stockley KC

Ruth specialises in all aspects of town and country planning, environmental law, compulsory purchase, highways, road traffic regulation, taxi licensing, village greens and judicial review.

Arya Tabrizi is a barrister specialising in clinical negligence, personal injury, and coronial law. Clinical negligence: Arya regularly acts for both claimants and defendants in the full spectrum of clinical negligence matters. He has acted as sole counsel in cases issued in the High Court for both sides, and in cases valued at over £750,000. Arya is happy to accept instructions for complicated cases on a CFA basis. Personal injury: Arya has developed a strong multi-track practice in a broad range of personal injury matters including employer’s liability and occupational/industrial disease. He is currently junior counsel for the claimants in the “Aerotoxicity” group litigation which is being managed by Mrs Justice Yip out of the Royal Courts of Justice. Inquests: Arya acts for both families and other interested persons at inquests. Arya has gained considerable experience in lengthy, jury inquests including those where Article 2 is engaged and the issue of neglect is raised. He is willing to accept instructions on both a legal aid and CFA basis. Arya often advises on potential civil and human rights claims following the conclusion of evidence. Arya joined chambers having successfully completed pupillage under Richard Livingston and Claire Steward.

Omar has a busy commercial and chancery practice and is regularly instructed in a broad range of matters where he acts for both Claimants and Defendants in High Court and County Court Business and Property disputes, from advisory work to interim hearings and trials. Omar is routinely instructed as sole Counsel and as a junior led by senior barristers and KCs in an array of complex disputes, spanning: company and shareholder litigation, personal and corporate insolvency, general commercial litigation, banking and finance disputes, sports litigation, insurance and officeholder litigation. With business nous, Omar is comfortable navigating different commercial disciplines and dispute forums, including cases with in an international dimension and a multi-jurisdictional complex. At the chancery end, Omar has experience in commercial and residential property litigation, appearing in matters for both landlords and tenants. Omar’s property practice includes residential possession hearings and trials, mortgage possession claims, orders for sale, receivership and security disputes, constructive trusts and TOLATA claims and forfeiture of leases. With a growing international disputes practice, Omar has experience advising in complex international disputes across a range of different jurisdictions and arbitral institutions in matters concerning the recognition and enforcement of arbitral awards and challenging the jurisdiction of tribunals. Omar is on the panel of arbitrators at the Russian Arbitration Center (RAC) and the Delos Dispute Resolution Center and is conversant with a number of institutional rules and treaties in the commercial and investor-state arbitration arena. Omar has authored a thesis on contemporary issues relating to assignment in investment treaty arbitration and contributes to a number of key academic texts in this area. Before his career at the Bar, Omar gained experience in the banking and finance team at Norton Rose Fulbright, Frankfurt and in the European Central Bank where he worked alongside large financial institutions advising on intricate post-Brexit strategy and dispute resolution. Prior to joining Chambers, Omar spent eighteen months at a leading boutique commercial litigation firm in London. During this period, he gained extensive experience in complex High Court litigation, international arbitration and shareholder disputes, including some high profile cases before the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court. Omar is qualified to take instructions on a Public Access basis.

Nick Taylor practises across all areas of work in the Business and Property team, with a particular interest in commercial, insolvency, and corporate disputes. Nick is regularly lead by KCs in substantial disputes (including arbitrations and High Court litigation) alongside a busy sole practice. Prior to coming to the bar Nick qualified as a chartered accountant in the corporate tax team at one of the ‘Big 4’ firms, which provides a useful background when dealing with matters with an accounting, financial, or tax aspect.

Eleanor Temple KC

Eleanor Temple's practice focuses on commercial litigation for domestic and international clients with a particular emphasis on insolvency and company (predominantly shareholder) law disputes, partnership actions, banking and finance, guarantees, civil fraud, contract disputes, breach of trust and fiduciary duties, including asset tracing claims, and directors' disqualification. One commentator recently described Eleanor as "simply excellent". Eleanor is the Chair of R3 for the Yorkshire Region, the Chair of the NECCBA and sits regularly as a Recorder and Deputy District Judge on the North Eastern Circuit.

Nicholas Truelove

Nicholas is a full member of the Clinical Negligence & Personal Injury team at Kings Chambers and is regularly instructed to act for both Claimants and Defendants on a range of different matters in both the County Court and those claims issued in the High Court. Nicholas is happy to accept cases on a CFA basis and is often instructed to represent claims involving road traffic accidents including credit hire agreements, and is equally comfortable with public and employer liability matters. Nicholas also has experience in fatal accident claims often appearing on behalf of families at inquests and managing subsequent claims thereafter. Nicholas also represents both claimants and defendants in clinical negligence cases and has a particular expertise in representing clients in respect of missed or delayed diagnoses cases.

Paul G. Tucker KC

Paul Tucker KC practices in the fields of planning, local government, environmental, CPO, CIL, logistics, infrastructure and highways.

Steven Turner has over 25 years’ experience of dealing with multi-track personal injury, credit hire, costs, counter-fraud, consumer credit and general contractual disputes. Steven excels in all areas but has particularly made his mark in credit hire, where he has been involved in most of the leading cases over the past 20 years. It is no exaggeration to say that arguments developed and promoted by Steven have well and truly shaped this area of the law. In personal injury and costs work, Steven represents both Claimants and Defendants and will accept suitable cases on a no-win, no-fee basis. The Legal 500 describes Steven as the ‘best in the northeast on costs and procedural issues’ and the Chambers & Partners Guide rates him as a Top Tier practitioner, praising his ‘intelligence and encyclopaedic knowledge of the law’. As well as providing sound and commercially sensible advice at the individual case level, Steven also has extensive experience of advising in relation to broader strategic issues. He is regularly instructed to provide high-level advice and guidance to insurers and other commercial organisations who wish to improve their procedures or market performance in relation to a particular type of claim. Steven has twice been short-listed as a finalist for Lawyer of the Year at the Northern Law Awards and many of his cases such as Dimond v Lovell, Stevens v Equity, McBride v UK Insurance have made national headlines over the years. Steven has secured victories at all court levels, with particular success over the years in Court of Appeal test-case litigation. Steven travels nationwide for hearings and conferences, is adept at working remotely and is direct access qualified.

Lisa is an experienced commercial Barrister having spent over 5 years in the BVI as a Partner within leading law firms and over 18 years at the independent Bar in England and Wales. Lisa’s practice includes regular instruction in commercial fraud and all company actions including shareholder and commercial contracts disputes. She has extensive experience in insolvency matters and was recommended in both Chambers and Partners and Legal 500 as an expert in her field throughout her successful career. During her time in the BVI, Lisa continued to concentrate on high value complex commercial matters. She has led the team in a multi handed, multi-billion dollar claim for breach of trust against a firm of professional trustees and directors. She has navigated a complex multi-jurisdictional claim relating to the forgery of share charges, exercise of shareholder rights and cross border disputes on jurisdiction. Lisa has advised regularly on all aspects of company law including claims to the ownership of shares, exclusion from management and loss of substratum as the basis for the appointment of Liquidators on the just and equitable ground. Leading her team, Lisa was involved in various claims relating to the validity of the appointment of Receivers of Shares, advising on all aspects of the appointment of liquidators -voluntary and by the Court- and the conduct of the liquidation thereafter. Other insolvency matters have included a complex dispute over the ownership of shares, consideration of a very large claim by the director of the company and pursuing recovery of property in the United Kingdom. Continuing her experience at the independent Bar, Lisa has regularly made applications for injunctions including applications for Norwich Pharmacal Orders. Lisa has considerable experience of managing multi jurisdiction proceedings and was most notably involved in pursuing the recovery of crypto assets fraudulently diverted from a company and from one of the founder members of the company. This included appearing in the Court of Appeal.

Jonathan Ward’s practice encompasses technology and construction disputes, as well as general commercial matters, particularly those with a technical or scientific aspect. He has appeared as sole counsel in multi-day trials and heavy applications in the High Court; has regularly appeared in arbitrations and adjudications and upon the enforcement of resulting awards, both at home and abroad; and has served as part of a counsel team in several multi-week trials, both in the English High Court and in the Commercial Court of the British Virgin Islands.

Adam joined chambers as a tenant in September 2025 following the successful completion of his pupillage. He currently accepts instruction across a range of Court of Protection matters, including section 21A challenges and section 16 health and welfare proceedings. He acts for ‘P’, local authorities, family members NHS Trusts, and ICBs. During pupillage, Adam gained experience on a broad range of public and administrative law cases, including public inquiries, human rights claims, and inquests. Prior to commencing pupillage, Adam worked as a paralegal for a national legal aid law firm in their public law department. In this role, Adam obtained experience of conducting strategic judicial review challenges. Prior to this, Adam spent many years working in the charity sector.

Geraint Wheatley

Geraint is an experienced chancery and commercial practitioner, combining an outstanding academic background with tactical awareness and an eye for detail.

A specialist in Employment and Regulatory Law (with a particular focus on Disciplinary, Environmental and Licensing work). In respect of Ben’s employment law practice, he has vast experience in the healthcare, retail and education sectors. He appears regularly in Tribunals and has an extensive client base, representing a large number of NHS Trusts throughout the country as well as some well-known retailers. He has extensive experience in associated High Court litigation in all aspects of his work. He is particularly well regarded in respect of his taxi licensing work where he appears for both local authorities and appellants involving hackney carriage and private hire vehicles. He has advised extensively on the formulation and implementation of local authority taxi licensing policy with a keen emphasis on safeguarding. He has advised extensively on the implementation of CCTV into licensed vehicles throughout the country, as well as licensing fees and cross-border hiring. In the context of entertainment licensing, he acts for the industry (nightclubs, bars, pubs, festivals and restaurants), Local Authorities, interested parties and the police, both in terms of representation at licensing hearings (including appeals) and in an advisory capacity. Has considerable experience in respect of zoo licensing and in hearings before the Traffic Commissioner. He acts for defendants and Regulators in Health and Safety, Environmental and Consumer law regulatory prosecutions. His Environmental practice means he advises a number of private clients in respect of noise nuisance matters which has particular importance with his associated licensing work. He regularly acts in appeals against abatement notices and is currently acting a number of cases involving animal nuisance. Has appeared in a number of high profile cases including; Rehman v Wakefield (2018); Hull CC v Greggs and others (2016) and Leeds CC v Shell UK (2013). Ben sits on the recruitment committee and was the ED&I officer for a number of years.

Thomas Williams

Thomas specialises in commercial and chancery litigation, and international arbitration. He is an experienced advocate before courts and arbitral tribunals. He appears frequently in the High Court and the Court of Appeal. He has been lead counsel in arbitrations governed by the major institutional rules, and in ad hoc arbitrations under the Arbitration Act 1996. He often appears with and against King’s Counsel. He acts in all areas covered by the Business and Property Team. His litigation practice involves a wide range of commercial, corporate, insolvency and regulatory matters, often with an international element. He has considerable experience of the enforcement of judgments and arbitral awards, and frequently works with lawyers in other jurisdictions. He has significant experience of cases in the Qatar International Court (both at first instance and on appeal), and the Qatar Financial Centre Regulatory Tribunal. The focus of his arbitration practice is on complex commercial and construction disputes. Thomas sits regularly as an arbitrator. He is a member of the panel of arbitrators of the ICC, the LCIA, the SCC, the Shanghai Arbitration Commission, the China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission, the Qatar International Centre for Conciliation and Arbitration, the Mumbai Centre for International Arbitration, and the Madras Chamber of Commerce. He has also undertaken an expert determination in the context of a major construction project in Qatar. From 2017 to 2023, Thomas was a member of the Disciplinary Panel of the Bar Tribunals and Adjudication Service, in which capacity he served on tribunals to determine disciplinary charges against member of the Bar, both at first instance and on appeal. In January 2025, he was appointed a Chair of the Employment & Discrimination Tribunal in Guernsey, for a 3-year term.

Lucy Wilson-Barnes

Lucy Wilson-Barnes joined Kings Chambers from Cobden House in 2021. Lucy practises in most areas of Chancery and commercial litigation, with a particular focus on company and insolvency. She has considerable experience of directors’ disqualification, shareholders’ petitions, office holders’ applications for directions and for substantive relief including preferences and transactions at undervalue, shareholder disputes and issues arising in CVAs and IVAs and from creditors’ meetings. Lucy regularly appears on interim applications and has considerable experience of lengthy trials and hearings. Lucy also advises and acts in relation to other property, company and commercial cases. Her property practice includes all aspects of traditional Chancery work, including securities, restrictive covenants, overage, commercial developments, rectification, Land Registry adjudications, easements, commercial landlord and tenant and partnership disputes. Lucy also acts in cases involving franchising, restraint of trade and professional negligence. As well as regularly appearing in the Chancery division and Companies Court, Lucy has much experience of First-tier Tax Tribunal hearings and has also appeared in the Upper Tribunal. She is regularly instructed by HMRC and her tribunal work includes Missing Trader Intra Community appeals and other VAT appeals, concerning penalties, zero rating and invalid invoices. In recent months Lucy has advised or represented clients in cases in the following areas:- Company board dispute and members’ requisition of a general meeting; Pre-emption rights for shares, involving issues of personal insolvency, compromise and the identification and construction of competing articles; Problems with a management company of flats, involving issues of board deadlock, enforceability of covenants and minority shareholder rights; Issues of the renewal of a franchise agreement involving issues of a guarantor’s obligations, the right to refuse renewal, implied continuation and the enforcement of covenants of restraint of trade; The construction of an agreement for licence/lease and occupation by a telecommunications company;Section 236 IA 1986 application;Bankruptcy Restrictions Order application; Director’s disqualification involving MTIC fraud; Section 17 CDDA applications for permission to act as a director; Public interest winding up; Zero rating of goods/issue of despatch; Overage and restrictive covenants in relation to a residential development plot; Lucy was appointed to the Attorney General’s Regional Panel in 2000 and is regularly instructed to act and advise by government departments.

Simon Young is an experienced personal injury practitioner with expertise in all aspects of civil litigation and personal injury work, including road traffic accidents, accidents at work, public liability and occupational disease for both Claimants and Defendants. He joined Chambers in 2002 having completed pupillage and practised as a junior tenant at Hailsham Chambers, London. Simon lives in Yorkshire and practices from Kings Chambers in Leeds.