Set Profile > Hailsham Chambers > London, England

Hailsham Chambers Offices

Hailsham Chambers
Hailsham Chambers
4 PAPER BUILDINGS, TEMPLE
LONDON
EC4Y 7EX
England
Visit website 020 7643 5000 020 7353 5778

Hailsham Chambers > The Legal 500 Rankings

Clinical negligence Tier 1

Hailsham Chambers offers clients 'a strong advocate for a wide range of cases' alongside clerks who 'go out of their way to be as accommodating and as helpful as possible', making it a 'leading set for clinical negligence litigation, both for claimants and defendants'. Dominic Nolan QC acted for the defendant in a highly complex and emotive case arising from alleged failure in the genetic screening of embryos by an assisted reproduction clinic. Andrew Post QC defended Barts Healthcare NHS Trust in a paediatric neurosurgery case which was settled for £2.5m, after an initial pleading of £11.5m. Julian Picton QC is 'not afraid to provide advice which may be unpalatable to clients' and is also 'a formidable opponent and definitely not a pushover'. Being dual-qualified, Dr Tejina Mangat 'possesses an encyclopaedic knowledge of both law and medicine'. The newly ranked Henry Banke-Jones ('a confident and unflappable advocate') and Clementine Coram James ('versatile and attentive') are also worthy of note at the junior end.

Leading Silks

Dominic Nolan QC - Hailsham Chambers ‘Represents a supreme choice who is at the top of his game.’
Ranked: Tier 1
Alexander Hutton QC - Hailsham Chambers ‘Has an ability to cut through detail to the crux of a case with unerring accuracy and confidence.’
Ranked: Tier 2
Julian Picton QC - Hailsham Chambers ‘A formidable opponent who offers extremely thorough and sensible advice.’
Ranked: Tier 2
David Pittaway QC - Hailsham Chambers ‘Engenders respect in witnesses and experts alike and has a wealth of experience.’
Ranked: Tier 2
Andrew Post QC - Hailsham Chambers ‘A great barrister who always goes the extra mile and puts clients at ease.’
Ranked: Tier 3

Leading Juniors

Peter Ellis - Hailsham Chambers ‘He gives thorough, well considered advice born of many years experience.’
Ranked: Tier 1
Jane Tracy Forster - Hailsham Chambers ‘Jane is excellent with clients as she is down to earth and sympathetic yet remains very professional. She grasps and explains complex legal and medical issues with ease. Jane gets to key issues quickly in conference and in pleadings. She is always reliable and is realistic.’
Ranked: Tier 1
Matthew Jackson - Hailsham Chambers ‘Extremely bright and absolutely fearless when dealing with opponents.’
Ranked: Tier 1
Dr Tejina Mangat - Hailsham Chambers ‘As one might imagine from her medical background, Tejina is phenomenally bright and has been of enormous benefit to my clients in her formidable ability to get to the nub of the medical issues and to explain even complex situations in a way that is meaningful to the client.’
Ranked: Tier 1
Fiona Neale - Hailsham Chambers ‘Immeasurably intelligent, tactically brilliant and a pleasure to work with. She is very experienced and clever and I trust her instincts absolutely. She is pragmatic and sensible.’
Ranked: Tier 1
Jane Mishcon - Hailsham Chambers ‘A much respected practitioner with a firm approach to negotiations.’
Ranked: Tier 2
Nicholas Peacock - Hailsham Chambers ‘Brings a calmness and balance to cases.’
Ranked: Tier 2
Catherine Ewins - Hailsham Chambers ‘Shows a determined and unrivalled drive to achieve the best for the client.’
Ranked: Tier 3
James Gilberthorpe - Hailsham Chambers ‘Very supportive of clients and provides a down-to-earth approach.’
Ranked: Tier 3
Henry Bankes-Jones - Hailsham Chambers ‘A confident advocate who is able to think on his feet and switch tactics at the last minute.’
Ranked: Tier 4
Nicola Campbell-Clause - Hailsham Chambers ‘A great counsel to have on your side - brings a very considered approach. She can pick out the smallest things that could turn a case around.’
Ranked: Tier 4
Eva Ferguson - Hailsham Chambers ‘Has courage of her convictions. A forensic analyst when it comes to the medicine, an astute tactician, and brilliant at getting the most out of expert witnesses.’
Ranked: Tier 4
Clementine Coram James - Hailsham Chambers ‘Thorough with experts, robust with defendants, and someone that clients trust in mediation.’
Ranked: Tier 4

Professional negligence Tier 1

'Well-regarded as one of the best sets for professional negligence', Hailsham Chambers stands out for its 'spectacular strength in depth' and 'range and breadth of expertise'. The set is 'a leader in solicitors' professional negligence work', with recent highlights including Michael Pooles QC and Matthew Jackson acting for the defendant solicitors' firm in the Supreme Court case of Edwards v Hugh James, which related to the settlement of personal injury litigation. However, members act on claims against a wide range of professionals; in a recent example, William Flenley QC and Francis Bacon appeared in the Court of Appeal in Group Seven v Nasir, which involved accountants' liability.

Rising stars

Jack Steer - Hailsham Chambers ‘He has strong technical ability and is always willing to give a firm and clear view. Very thorough and excellent drafting skills - does not miss anything.’
Ranked: Tier 1

Leading Silks

William Flenley QC - Hailsham Chambers ‘Very willing to listen to the ideas of others and assimilate them as necessary. Very experienced indeed in solicitor negligence and insurance coverage. Gives extremely clear advice. Very good on tactics and thinking through the consequences of strategic decisions.’
Ranked: Tier 1
Michael Pooles QC - Hailsham Chambers ‘Michael is fantastic. He is phenomenally intelligent yet engages with clients in an approachable and down to earth manner. He is trustworthy and dependable, gets to grips with the detail quickly and has a beautiful drafting style. His expertise is second to none.’
Ranked: Tier 1
Nicola Rushton QC - Hailsham Chambers ‘She can help make even the most stressful situations seem manageable. Nicola provides thorough detailed notes that help us and our client understand clearly where we stand. She is one of the most well-organised and tech-savvy QCs that I have encountered. I wish there were more like her.’
Ranked: Tier 4

2020 Silks

Jamie Carpenter QC - Hailsham Chambers ‘Considered, accessible, very bright and highly persuasive.’

Leading Juniors

Francis Bacon - Hailsham Chambers ‘Seriously impressive attention to detail. Very reliable and bright, easy to deal with, extremely accommodating. He turns around work very quickly which is so helpful. Great in conferences with clients and always impressses with his detailed knowledge of cases and case law.’
Ranked: Tier 1
Derek Holwill - Hailsham Chambers ‘ Superb analysis and attention to detail. Excellent knowledge of the law, clear and thorough advice. Really understands how a court will see the issues, and gives robust advice to clients. Excellent and persuasive drafting, and advocacy. Very strong on his feet and on paper.’
Ranked: Tier 1
Simon Howarth - Hailsham Chambers ‘Extremely sharp mind and great at spotting and dealing with tricky legal points. He is extremely able academically but also has an acute tactical grasp of cases. A wonderful turn of phrase; conscientious; personable.’
Ranked: Tier 1
Simon Wilton - Hailsham Chambers ‘Brilliant with the technical detail. Amazing ability to retain knowledge of the huge number of documents in professional negligence cases and apply them when needed. Excellent cross examiner, really drills down to the issues.’
Ranked: Tier 1
Matthew Jackson - Hailsham Chambers ‘He thinks through the commercial consequences to the client.’
Ranked: Tier 3

Joshua Munro - Hailsham Chambers ‘Joshua is collaborative, hardworking and sharply intelligent. An absolute delight to work with, able to establish a firm bond with clients, be they hardened professionals or laypeople. Tactically astute, nimble on his feet and an excellent technical lawyer.’

Ranked: Tier 3
Dan Stacey - Hailsham Chambers ‘He is an exceptional advocate, with a measured approach to cross-examination. Dan is an academic and thorough lawyer, and is able to identify the key issues in a case and is also good at dealing with clients in conference.’
Ranked: Tier 3
Imran Benson - Hailsham Chambers ‘Imran is exceptionally bright, attentive and very commercial; ensuring the legal position and the client's commercial objectives are considered in tandem. A very strong junior who provides forthright and clear advice.’
Ranked: Tier 4
Henry Bankes-Jones - Hailsham Chambers ‘Henry is fantastic. He always delivers his work on time and without fuss. The advice is always very clear. He is also a fantastic advocate and has delivered some excellent results at trial.’
Ranked: Tier 5
Niamh O’Reilly - Hailsham Chambers ‘She has a no-nonsense approach to advocacy and is excellent on her feet. I have every confidence that she will achieve what she sets out to achieve. She is very bright and forward thinking. Very commercial.’
Ranked: Tier 5
Nicholas Pilsbury - Hailsham Chambers ‘Nick is very good at dealing with the clients, and is down to earth and commercial in his advice. Nick's specialist knowledge of accountancy and financial claims is invaluable. Nick is effective and easy to deal with.’
Ranked: Tier 5

Heather McMahon - Hailsham Chambers ‘A very strong junior who works well in a team. She has an extraordinary ability to distil key relevant facts from vast amounts of material.’

Ranked: Tier 6
Richard Anderton - Hailsham Chambers ‘He has fantastic attention to detail and is extremely thorough. Incredibly user-friendly. Pragmatic advisor.’
Ranked: Tier 6
Stephen Bailey - Hailsham Chambers ‘Although he is relatively junior, Stephen already has an in-depth knowledge of solicitors' negligence issues. He is able to analyse significant levels of documents and draw out the main points. He inspires confidence in the clients.’
Ranked: Tier 6

Costs Tier 2

Hailsham Chambers is an 'established and highly reputable' set whose strong members are often specifically hired for dealing with technical and complex issues arising from high-value clinical negligence costs disputes. Mark Friston has 'encyclopedic knowledge of litigation funding' and is a leading contributor to the costs law literature. Alexander Hutton QC advised a group of Lloyds’ shareholders on funding and cost management issues of a claim for losses brought against Lloyd’s Bank following its acquisition of Halifax Bank of Scotland (Sharp v Blank.) Jamie Carpenter QC, who was appointed silk in March 2020, is involved in several solicitor-client disputes. Clients of the set also note that its summer training course 'is a must for anyone in costs'.

Leading Silks

Alexander Hutton QC - Hailsham Chambers ‘Commended for his knowledge of the law, process, and procedure, his attention to detail, and strategic advice.’
Ranked: Tier 1
Andrew Post QC - Hailsham Chambers ‘Meticulous analysis and calm delivery. An impressive performer in court.’
Ranked: Tier 2

2020 Silks

Jamie Carpenter - Hailsham Chambers ‘Attention to detail and engaging advocacy of the highest order. Paramount costs knowledge. Unfazed on his feet. Just superb.’

Leading Juniors

Dr Mark Friston - Hailsham Chambers ‘Has an encyclopaedic knowledge of the law and the costs judges respect him. He has a gentle manner and style but is not afraid to be persistent.’
Ranked: Tier 1
Dan Stacey - Hailsham Chambers ‘Unabashed in setting the court straight and delivering time after time on his feet.’
Ranked: Tier 1
Joshua Munro - Hailsham Chambers ‘Very analytical and patient, he provides brilliant, sensible advice.’
Ranked: Tier 2
Imran Benson - Hailsham Chambers ‘An engaging litigator, good client-focus, quick thinking, and erudite.’
Ranked: Tier 3

Professional disciplinary and regulatory law

Leading Juniors

Nicholas Peacock - Hailsham Chambers ‘Nick is analytic, strategic and a robust advocate. He is extremely hard working and meticulous.’
Ranked: Tier 2
Fiona Neale - Hailsham Chambers ‘Fiona has great experience in representing healthcare professionals, particularly before their professional regulators. She has a punchy style combined with a very caring approach to her client.’
Ranked: Tier 3
Justin Meiland - Hailsham Chambers ‘He is able to digest large amounts of information and pull out key points extremely well.’
Ranked: Tier 4

Personal injury, industrial disease and insurance fraud

Personal injury - Leading Silks

Dominic Nolan QC - Hailsham Chambers ‘Has a calm and confident approach which is often disarming to an opponent, but is tenacious and steadfast when under attack.’
Ranked: Tier 2
Julian Picton QC - Hailsham Chambers ‘An excellent and very forensic advocate in the catastrophic injury field.’
Ranked: Tier 2

Personal injury - Leading Juniors

Thomas Crockett - Hailsham Chambers ‘A brilliant technical expert and an innovative strategist.’
Ranked: Tier 5

Inquests and inquiries

Leading Silks

David Pittaway QC - Hailsham Chambers ‘His calm, intelligent and thorough approach was exactly right, as was his calm and considerate approach with the client. He carries natural authority and inspires confidence, which is bolstered by his excellent attention to detail and anticipation of the challenges of the case. His construction of the roadmap for the case was superb.’
Ranked: Tier 3

Set overviews: England and Wales

Hailsham Chambers is well known for its specialisation in clinical and professional negligence cases, as well as costs. Strengthening chambers with its ninth silk, Jamie Carpenter QC was appointed Queen’s Counsel in March 2020.

Clerks:

Stephen Smith (Senior Clerk); Michael Kilbey (Deputy Senior Clerk); Stuart Paley (First Junior Clerk);  Jack Crowhurst(Second Junior Clerk); Sam Burton (Third Junior Clerk)

Testimonials

Clearly a leader in the field – Alex Hutton has pretty much written the book on costs as well as clinical negligence and is a complete pleasure to work with. Dan Stacey always gets his tactics right and is interactive, makes himself available and turns the work around well – whilst securing results.

I have used several barristers within the set and all seem very proficient.

I have worked with Hailsham in this field for over 25 years – they have spectacular strength in depth across the team.

I love Hailsham chambers. A big fan.

Strong support both senior and junior to Mr Peacock. There is always good quality cover if needed.

They are an excellent set, with a good range of depth and breadth of barristers. They may not be as big as one or two other sets, but they make up for that with quality. I also find them more personable than some of the other sets and the clerks go out of their way to be as accommodating and as helpful as possible.

Very experienced helpful chambers, always friendly and willing to assist.

Very strong set for clinical negligence and costs. Alex Hutton QC and Andrew Post QC are phenomenal.

Hailsham Chambers > Set Profile

Hailsham Chambers strives to provide clients with excellent service. The multi-award winning set is frequently praised for its friendly and helpful clerking, the quality of its members’ work and for its reliability.

The set: Established more than 100 years ago and today offering 50 barristers, eight of whom are silks, Hailsham Chambers contains many of the most sought-after barristers at the London Bar. The set’s progressive thinking and use of modern technologies help Chambers to run efficiently and to offer clients choice and flexibility.

Types of work undertaken: Chambers acts for claimants and defendants, providing advice and representation before all levels of courts and tribunals throughout the world, in the specialist areas of:

Professional negligence: in cases involving lawyers, accountants, auditors, surveyors, valuers, financial professionals and trustees, as well as advising about professional indemnity insurance coverage points.

Clinical negligence: acting for patients and their relatives and dependants, trusts, doctors, dentists, healthcare professionals, health authorities, private hospitals and clinics in civil litigation, at inquests and in the Court of Protection.

Costs litigation: involving points of principle and advising in disputes between solicitor and client, retainers, funding arrangements, DBAs, CFAs and costs budgets.

Professional discipline: advice and advocacy before tribunals and regulatory bodies, both medical and non-medical.

Personal injury: acting for claimants and defendants and their insurers in RTA claims and claims based upon employer’s, occupier’€™s, public and product liability, with an emphasis on cases of high value and complexity.

Commercial litigation: acting in general commercial matters, such as insurance claims, fraud and partnership disputes.

To find out about the availability of counsel, please contact Hailsham’s clerking team by telephone (0)20 7643 5000 or email clerks@hailshamchambers.com.

Main Contacts

Department Name Email Telephone
Senior clerk Stephen Smith 0207 643 5000
Deputy senior clerk Michael Kilbey 0207 643 5000
Head of Chambers PITTAWAY QC, David (1977) 0207 643 5000
Members of Chambers POOLES QC, Michael (1978) 0207 643 5000
Members of Chambers NOLAN QC, Dominic (1985) 0207 643 5000
Members of Chambers PICTON QC, Julian (1988) 0207 643 5000
Members of Chambers FLENLEY QC, William (1988) 0207 643 5000
Members of Chambers POST QC, Andrew (1988) 0207 643 5000
Members of Chambers HUTTON QC, Alexander (1992) 0207 643 5000
Members of Chambers RUSHTON QC, Nicola (1993) 0207 643 5000
Members of Chambers TRACY FORSTER, Jane (1975) 0207 643 5000
Members of Chambers MISHCON, Jane (1979) 0207 643 5000
Members of Chambers NEALE, Fiona (1981) 0207 643 5000
Members of Chambers HOLWILL, Derek (1982) 0207 643 5000
Members of Chambers JACKSON, Matthew (1986) 0207 643 5000
Members of Chambers BACON, Francis (1988) 0207 643 5000
Members of Chambers MANGAT, Dr Tejina (1990) 0207 643 5000
Members of Chambers HOWARTH, Simon (1991) 0207 643 5000
Members of Chambers WILTON, Simon (1993) 0207 643 5000
Members of Chambers PEACOCK, Nicholas (1992) 0207 643 5000
Members of Chambers CHRISTIE-BROWN, Sarah (1994) 0207 643 5000
Members of Chambers CHARLWOOD, Spike (1994) 0207 643 5000
Members of Chambers EWINS, Catherine (1995) 0207 643 5000
Members of Chambers STACEY, Dan (1996) 0207 643 5000
Members of Chambers FRISTON, Mark (1997) 0207 643 5000
Members of Chambers ELLIS, Peter (1997) 0207 643 5000
Members of Chambers FERGUSON, Eva (1999) 0207 643 5000
Members of Chambers CARPENTER, Jamie (2000) 0207 643 5000
Members of Chambers MUNRO, Joshua (2001) 0207 643 5000
Members of Chambers GILBERTHORPE, James (2002) 0207 643 5000
Members of Chambers MACKINNON, Lucy (2003) 0207 643 5000
Members of Chambers BENSON, Imran (2005) 0207 643 5000
Members of Chambers BENNETT, David (2005) 0207 643 5000
Members of Chambers NASH, Alice (2006) 0207 643 5000
Members of Chambers BANKES-JONES, Henry (2004) 0207 643 5000
Members of Chambers O'REILLY, Niamh (2007) 0207 643 5000
Members of Chambers McMAHON, Heather (1999) 0207 643 5000
Members of Chambers BAILEY, Stephen (2006) 0207 643 5000
Members of Chambers JUCKES, David (2008) 0207 643 5000
Members of Chambers MEILAND, Justin (2010) 0207 643 5000
Members of Chambers PILSBURY, Nicholas (2008) 0207 643 5000
Members of Chambers CAMPBELL-CLAUSE, Nicola (2010) 0207 643 5000
Members of Chambers ANDERTON, Richard (2010) 0207 643 5000
Members of Chambers TEW, Alicia (2012) 0207 643 5000
Members of Chambers CORAM JAMES, Clementine (2012) 0207 643 5000
Members of Chambers BARCLAY, Theo (2013) 0207 643 5000
Members of Chambers STORY, David (2012) 0207 643 5000
Members of Chambers STEER, Jack (2013) 0207 643 5000
Members of Chambers COLEMAN, Jake (2013) 0207 643 5000
Members of Chambers PATRICK, Michael (2014) 0207 643 5000
Members of Chambers ELLIOTT, Clare (2015) 0207 643 5000
Members of Chambers ECHLIN, Alexander (2017) 0207 643 5000

Barrister Profiles

Photo Name Position Profile
Richard Anderton photo Richard Anderton During pupillage Richard gained extensive experience in claims against solicitors, particularly claims… View Profile
Francis Bacon photo Francis Bacon Francis specialises in professional negligence, commercial insurance and commercial litigation. He has… View Profile
Stephen Bailey photo Stephen Bailey Stephen specialises in professional liability, medical law, commercial disputes and costs. He… View Profile
Henry Bankes-Jones photo Henry Bankes-Jones Described by Legal 500, 2021 as “fantastic. He always delivers his work on… View Profile
Imran Benson photo Imran Benson Imran is an experienced litigator who is well known for a robust… View Profile
Nicola Campbell-Clause photo Nicola Campbell-Clause Nicola has a busy practice and specialises in claims arising out of… View Profile
Jamie Carpenter photo Jamie Carpenter Jamie specialises in costs and professional and clinical negligence. Leading firms of… View Profile
Spike Charlwood photo Spike Charlwood Spike specialises in professional negligence and insurance law. He was named 2010… View Profile
Sarah Christie-Brown photo Sarah Christie-Brown Sarah specialises in medical law, clinical negligence, inquests and disciplinary work. She… View Profile
Catherine Ewins photo Catherine Ewins Catherine acts on behalf of both claimants and defendants in clinical negligence… View Profile
Eva Ferguson photo Eva Ferguson Eva is a determined and meticulous advocate who wants to win and… View Profile
William Flenley QC photo William Flenley QC William Flenley QC practises in the fields of professional liability, insurance, regulatory… View Profile
James Gilberthorpe photo James Gilberthorpe James gravitated from a general common law practice towards a practice in… View Profile
Derek Holwill photo Derek Holwill Derek Holwill specialises in professional negligence and clinical negligence claims. He is… View Profile
Simon Howarth photo Simon Howarth Simon concentrates on professional negligence. His work principally involves lawyers, accountants, and… View Profile
Alexander Hutton QC photo Alexander Hutton QC Alexander’s practice is focused in two fields: clinical negligence, for claimants and… View Profile
Matthew Jackson photo Matthew Jackson Matthew specialises in clinical negligence, professional negligence, personal injury and general insurance… View Profile
David Juckes photo David Juckes David has a broad practice including clinical and professional negligence, professional discipline,… View Profile
Lucy MacKinnon photo Lucy MacKinnon Lucy specialises in all aspects of medical law including clinical negligence claims… View Profile
Heather McMahon photo Heather McMahon Heather’s areas of practice are professional liability, commercial law, professional discipline and… View Profile
Justin Meiland photo Justin Meiland Justin specialises in medical law, professional liability, and professional discipline. He offers… View Profile
Jane Malca Mishcon photo Jane Malca Mishcon Jane’s principal areas of practice are medical law (specialising in clinical negligence… View Profile
Joshua Munro photo Joshua Munro Joshua is a leading junior in costs, professional negligence, construction, commercial litigation… View Profile
Alice Nash photo Alice Nash Alice’s practice is primarily focused on professional liability, medical law, costs and… View Profile
Fiona Neale photo Fiona Neale Fiona’s extensive clinical negligence experience includes acting for claimants and defendants in… View Profile
Dominic Nolan QC photo Dominic Nolan QC Dominic’s practice principally comprises complex clinical negligence and high-value, catastrophic personal injury… View Profile
Niamh O’Reilly photo Niamh O’Reilly Niamh specialises in professional liability matters with particular experience in claims against… View Profile
Nicholas Peacock photo Nicholas Peacock Nick specialises in clinical negligence work, regulatory and disciplinary work (particularly GDC,… View Profile
Julian Picton QC photo Julian Picton QC Julian specialises in professional indemnity, clinical negligence and personal injury claims. He frequently… View Profile
Nicholas Pilsbury photo Nicholas Pilsbury Nicholas specialises in professional and clinical negligence. He also acts in commercial… View Profile
David Pittaway QC photo David Pittaway QC David Pittaway QC is Head of Chambers and was Treasurer of the… View Profile
Michael Pooles QC photo Michael Pooles QC Michael Pooles QC’s principal area of practice is that of professional indemnity… View Profile
Andrew Post QC photo Andrew Post QC Andrew undertakes clinical negligence, healthcare and disciplinary cases, and has particular expertise in dealing… View Profile
Nicola Rushton QC photo Nicola Rushton QC Nicola specialises in professional negligence and commercial claims, especially those with a… View Profile
Dan Stacey photo Dan Stacey Dan Stacey is a senior junior barrister who specialises in professional indemnity… View Profile
Alicia Tew photo Alicia Tew Alicia’s practice spans professional negligence, commercial, insurance, regulatory, medical law, public law… View Profile
Jane Tracy Forster photo Jane Tracy Forster Jane specialises in medical law including clinical negligence claims and applications in… View Profile
Simon Wilton photo Simon Wilton Simon is a highly experienced junior barrister specialising in professional negligence, professional… View Profile

Staff Figures

Clerks : 7
Support team : 6

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