Set Profile > Serjeants' Inn Chambers > London, England

Clinical negligence Tier 1

Fielding a 'vast array of gifted advocates with a wealth of experience', 'pre-eminent' set Serjeants' Inn Chambers is known for the 'wide range of experience on offer', as well as 'frequent involvement in seminal cases'. Christopher Johnston QC and Claire Watson appeared for the claimant in the Supreme Court in the ground-breaking case of XX v Whittington Hospital NHS Trust, which changed the law on recovery of damages for surrogacy claims. Angus Moon QC continues to be instructed in a series of ground-breaking cases involving claims by killers against health trusts, following his success in the test case of Henderson v Dorset Healthcare University NHS Foundation Trust. Also of note, 'go-to' silk Michael Mylonas QC is praised for his 'excellent teamwork with solicitors' and top junior Heidi Knight is described as a 'unique combination of exceptional brains combined with exceptional interpersonal skills'.

Leading Silks

Christopher Johnston QC - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘A truly brilliant advocate, always on top of the detail and approachable with a very easy manner.’

Ranked: Tier 1

Angus Moon QC - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘A superb communicator, who engages well with clients and explains fully the advice and tactics of any case.’

Ranked: Tier 1

John de Bono QC - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘An incisive and authoritative barrister who gets directly to the heart of an issue.’

Ranked: Tier 2

Adrian Hopkins QC - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘Has meticulous attention to detail and is tactically astute.’

Ranked: Tier 2

Michael Mylonas QC - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘Intelligent, analytical, and utterly comfortable in all areas of the work.’

Ranked: Tier 2

James Watson QC - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘Always very well prepared with thorough analyses.’

Ranked: Tier 2

Michael Horne QC - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘Very bright and especially good at quantum.’

Ranked: Tier 3

Simon Fox QC - Serjeants' Inn Chambers 'Simon has the advantage of being a medical doctor which gives him the ability to clearly understand complex clinical issues and cut straight to the crux. He is highly intelligent, a skilled advocate and negotiator and clients like him.'

Ranked: Tier 4

Bridget Dolan QC - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘A dedicated advocate with great knowledge.’

Ranked: Tier 5

Debra Powell QC - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘You go to Debra when you want an excellent and bespoke service. Debra's pleadings are water-tight. An excellent and formidable advocate in a quiet, unassuming way.’

Ranked: Tier 5

Leading Juniors

Ranald Davidson - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘Has an in-depth knowledge of the technicalities of medicine, which defendant doctors appreciate.’

Ranked: Tier 1

Heidi Knight - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘Heidi is a tremendous barrister. She’s a truly excellent lawyer with a huge grit and intellect. She will leave no stone unturned for her clients and she will use a fine tooth comb to go through all of the issues in the case.’

Ranked: Tier 1

Richard Partridge - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘Fiercely intelligent with extensive medical knowledge.’

Ranked: Tier 1

Neil Davy - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘Amazingly quick in responding substantively to arguments raised for the first time.’

Ranked: Tier 2

Caroline Hallissey - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘Delivers a perfect balance - a tenacious and robust advocate, but approachable and down to earth when dealing with clients.’

Ranked: Tier 2

Claire Watson - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘She is tenancious, driven and good at dealing with even the most complex cases with challenging clients. Thoughtful, thorough, pragmatic and calm throughout everything. She genuinely cares for clients and that shines in her demeanour and work.’

Ranked: Tier 2

Christopher Hough - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘Marries significant expertise with a practical approach that is refreshing and effective.’

Ranked: Tier 3

Sebastian Naughton - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘An accomplished advocate who demonstrates a broad knowledge of both the legal and medical aspects of clinical negligence claims.’

Ranked: Tier 3

Simon Cridland - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘Leaves no stone unturned and addresses each aspect of the case.’

Ranked: Tier 4

Charles Foster - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘Good with experts, flexible, pragmatic and puts clients at ease.’

Ranked: Tier 4

Conrad Hallin - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘Very sound technical and procedural knowledge, and ability to identify key medical issues in a case.’

Ranked: Tier 4

Andrew Hockton - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘A vastly experienced and astute advocate who presents cases in a careful and measured manner.’

Ranked: Tier 4

Court of Protection and community care Tier 1

Leading Silks

Bridget Dolan QC - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘ Is able to assimilate vast quantities of information very quickly and identify the nub of the problem quickly. She notes and discards irrelevancies, concentrating on the things that will matter to the judge. ’

Ranked: Tier 1

Michael Mylonas QC - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘ Is a dream to work with. Creative, dynamic and a fantastic advocate. He can turn his hand to varied interesting areas and really has the ear of the court. If I have a novel point to run or a vulnerable client who needs help – I turn to him. ’

Ranked: Tier 1

Christopher Johnston QC - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘ Has an excellent eye for detail. ’

Ranked: Tier 2

Nageena Khalique QC - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘ Is hardworking and driven by helping the most vulnerable of society. Nageena always acts with integrity. ’

Ranked: Tier 2

Angus Moon QC - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘ A great advocate who is really easy to work with. ’

Ranked: Tier 2

Katie Gollop QC - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘A persuasive advocate.’

Ranked: Tier 3

Michael Horne QC - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘ His approach and manner with the lay client and witnesses is fantastic. Working as part of a team with instructing solicitor is very much appreciated. Knowledge and experience in Court of Protection is great. ’

Ranked: Tier 3

Debra Powell QC - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘ When she speaks, parties and judges listen. She is very calm and clear, and clients love that about her. She is outcome focused and very good at navigating through complex and emotional subjects without getting diverted. And she doesn't miss a single detail. ’

Ranked: Tier 3

Leading Juniors

Rhys Hadden - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘ Not only is he extremely knowledgeable in the field, his drafting is very accurate and his advocacy persuasive. In addition he is very personable and empathetic, and therefore excellent at dealing with sensitive issues, particularly where there are litigants in person involved, or the lay client is in attendance. ’

Ranked: Tier 2

Susanna Rickard - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘ She is practical and able to get to the route of the issue and then look at how it is addressed. ’

Ranked: Tier 2

Sophia Roper - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘She is like the Encyclopaedia Britannica of COP cases. She picks up very difficult matters very quickly. She is very responsive which when you are dealing with urgent, sometimes medical treatment cases, is very welcome. She is a calm and collected advocate and can put family members at ease.’

Ranked: Tier 2

Emma Sutton - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘ Is tenacious, detailed, thorough, confident, an exceptional advocate and argues a point well and, if required, fiercely. Whenever I instruct her I have complete confidence that the case will be handled exceptionally. ’

Ranked: Tier 2

Anna Tkaczynska - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘ Extremely thorough, meticulous attention to detail and excellent drafting skills, tenacious and firm, but calm. ’

Ranked: Tier 2

Conrad Hallin - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘ A strong advocate. ’

Ranked: Tier 3

Amy Street - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘ One of the most thorough and careful barristers I have worked with. She has extremely high standards, and is very diligent and capable. ’

Ranked: Tier 4

David Lawson - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘ Clearly a silk in the making and is head and shoulders above the rest. ’

Ranked: Tier 4

Inquests and inquiries Tier 1

Serjeants' Inn Chambers is 'a go-to chambers for its range of experienced and impressive counsel'. 'The great group of clerks provides top-draw service at all times', while 'senior clerk Lee Johnson is eminently sensible and reasonable, and always willing to discuss brief fees'. In addition to Bridget Dolan QC's extensive inquest practice, she is often appointed as counsel to the judge or coroner in high-profile inquests. Debra Powell QC is acting for the National Police Chiefs Council in the internet strand of the wide-ranging Public Inquiry Into Child Sexual Abuse. Cecily White is acting for the National Police Chiefs’ Council in the undercover policing public inquiry. Also of note, Jamie Mathieson is a rising star of the junior Bar.

Rising stars

Jamie Mathieson - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘Approachable and knowledgeable. I trust Jamie to put clients at ease and get the best possible outcome for the client.’

Ranked: Tier 1

Leading Silks

John Beggs QC - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘Highly respected and his commitment to clients is unwavering. He is an excellent tactician who gives his client pragmatic and careful advice, and is supportive of instructing solicitors.’

Ranked: Tier 1

Bridget Dolan QC - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘One of the best in her field. She offers sensible, clear, professional advice, and is available at very short notice.’

Ranked: Tier 2

Sarah Clarke QC - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘Her varied background in law brings strength, and she is totally reliable and practical.’

Ranked: Tier 3

Sir Robert Francis QC - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘A senior inquiries practitioner with a deep understanding of how government works. He has excellent analytical abilities, and he is responsive, insightful and collaborative.’

Ranked: Tier 3

Katie Gollop QC - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘Unshakeable in all cases and will fight for the client to the last - seemingly fearless as an advocate and in conference, she has the perfect manner for clients and experts.’

Ranked: Tier 3

Debra Powell QC - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘Helpful and responsive with good technical knowledge, and a persistent advocate.’

Ranked: Tier 3

Gerard Boyle QC - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘An exceptional advocate, who is eloquent and self-possessed. He inspires complete confidence.’

Ranked: Tier 3

Leading Juniors

Briony Ballard - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘Knows the law very well, is methodical and cuts to the chase. In respect of inquest work, she is just excellent - she instils confidence and has excellent advocacy.’

Ranked: Tier 2

Paul Spencer - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘Paul is great - a really safe pair of hands and very sharp.’

Ranked: Tier 2

James Berry - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘Able to absorb issues with impressive speed and is skilled in providing precise direction to clients. His drafting is also exemplary and his advocacy exceptional.’

Ranked: Tier 3

Sebastian Naughton - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘Compassionate, responsive and puts clinicians at ease.’

Ranked: Tier 3

Edward Pleeth - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘Highly knowledgeable, and great with both witnesses and clients.’

Ranked: Tier 3

Aaron Rathmell - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘Good client manner and confidence in his own ability - he doesn't back down when he knows he is right.’

Ranked: Tier 3

Sarah Simcock - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘Hardworking, pays very close attention to detail and quickly identifies any issues for the client, working collaboratively to resolve them.’

Ranked: Tier 3

Michael Walsh - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘A confident and very well-prepared advocate, who represents clients with calm authority and precision. He provides first class written submissions and his advocacy is focused, steady and persuasive.’

Ranked: Tier 3

Claire Watson - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘Accurate, articulate, highly accessible, and able to respond to queries and concerns quickly and effectively. She is also good with clients.’

Ranked: Tier 3

Cecily White - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘Cecily is a gem. She is a very bright and articulate barrister, who I have no doubt will reach the top of her game.’

Ranked: Tier 3

Matthew Holdcroft - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘Approaches work in an efficient and authoritative manner, is never ruffled, uses information technology to good effect, and never disappoints.’

Ranked: Tier 4

Oliver Williamson - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘Very fair and measured, knows his papers, and is persistent but polite to witnesses.’

Ranked: Tier 4

Police law (defendant) Tier 1

The 'excellent' Serjeants' Inn Chambers is viewed as 'a first-class set' for police law, housing 'highly respected experts in this field'. Noteworthy instructions include Dijen Basu QC representing the Chief Constable of Leicestershire Police before the Court of Appeal in a successful challenge to an appeal, brought by parents in care proceedings, against an order for disclosure to police of their witness statements given under compulsion in those proceedings; the parents were returning from Syria to the UK with their children.

Leading Silks

John Beggs QC - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘A highly respected barrister, whose commitment to his clients is unwavering.’

Ranked: Tier 1

Dijen Basu QC - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘A conscientious and extremely focused silk.’

Ranked: Tier 2

Gerard Boyle QC - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘An exceptional advocate.’

Ranked: Tier 2

Chris Daw QC - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘He is in his element on his feet before the court.’

Ranked: Tier 2

Leading Juniors

Elliot Gold - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘He has an encyclopaedic grasp of the law.’

Ranked: Tier 1

Mark Ley-Morgan - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘An excellent jury advocate.’

Ranked: Tier 1

James Berry - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘Diligent, pragmatic, dedicated, and quickly gains the client's confidence.’

Ranked: Tier 2

George Thomas - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘A superb advocate with excellent attention to detail.’

Ranked: Tier 2

Claire Watson - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘Highly regarded for her astute tactical approach to cases.’

Ranked: Tier 2

Cecily White - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘A very bright junior with great potential.’

Ranked: Tier 2

Matthew Holdcroft - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘A very accomplished advocate.’

Ranked: Tier 3

Frances McClenaghan - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘A very thorough and self-possessed advocate.’

Ranked: Tier 3

Stephen Morley - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘His expertise spans inquests, misconduct hearings and judicial reviews.’

Ranked: Tier 3

Edward Pleeth - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘Clients appreciate his approachable manner.’

Ranked: Tier 3

Aaron Rathmell - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘Tactically very astute, and has a great manner with clients.’

Ranked: Tier 3

Sarah Simcock - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘Her work includes Article 2 inquests and misconduct cases.’

Ranked: Tier 3

Ian Skelt - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘An excellent negotiator, personable and very good with clients.’

Ranked: Tier 3

Oliver Williamson - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘Very diligent, and provides clear advice.’

Ranked: Tier 3

Professional disciplinary and regulatory law Tier 1

'A very strong and reputable set', Serjeants' Inn Chambers is 'one of the premier sets for healthcare law and especially defence regulatory work'. Jon Holl-Allen QC represented an orthopaedic surgeon who was suspended for 12 months after performing the wrong kind of knee replacement on a patient and then lying to her as to why revision surgery was required. Angus Moon QC represented a dentist in an appeal against proposed imposed conditions including surprise blood and hair tests. Among the set's juniors, Ranald Davidson represented an anaesthetist who was suspended by the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) after claiming sick leave to carry out locum work. While most work comes from the context of health, John Beggs QC is active in Bar Standards Board (BSB) cases.

Leading Silks

John Beggs QC - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘ The stand-out barrister in this field - he has seen it all and knows it all. He earns the immediate confidence of clients and is as impressive on his feet as he is with his written work. ’

Ranked: Tier 2

Angus Moon QC - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘ Smart, accessible, he works collaboratively and is a pleasure to work with. Crisp and effective written advocacy. ’

Ranked: Tier 2

Sarah Clarke QC - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘ Sarah is highly knowledgeable and experienced. She can make the complicated sound simple and has great rapport with clients. ’

Ranked: Tier 3

Jonathan Holl-Allen QC - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘ Thoroughly pleasant and very easy to work with: extremely sure-footed, very analytical, straight as an arrow, he pulls no punches and can gains the trust of opponents and decision-makers through his charm and thorough knowledge of the authorities. ’

Ranked: Tier 3

Gerard Boyle QC - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘ He shows an impressive attention to detail and his ability to retain and recall information is incredible. He is a reliable and sensible barrister whom I have no hesitation in recommending to clients. ’

Ranked: Tier 4

Leading Juniors

Alan Jenkins - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘ He puts clients at ease and provides clear advice which is sensible and practical but also does not shy away from giving them the difficult advice which they may not want to hear. ’

Ranked: Tier 1

Anthony Haycroft - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘ Particularly experienced where there is a crossover between crime and professional discipline. Strategically excellent, a calm, reassuring presence for the client and an excellent, persuasive advocate unencumbered by pomposity. ’

Ranked: Tier 2

David Morris - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘ He is measured and reflective, but tough when needed yet with a gentle demeanour - a brilliant combination for a particularly difficult case. ’

Ranked: Tier 2

Andrew Hockton - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘ He is highly recommended as an experienced advocate who brings a calm presence and achieves outstanding results. ’

Ranked: Tier 3

Claire Watson - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘ Her advocacy is crisp, polished and intelligent, her written advice impeccable and in any given situation, you are likely to consider Claire to be the smartest person in the room. ’

Ranked: Tier 3

Simon Cridland - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘ He has a calm and measured approach to emotionally charged cases, builds excellent rapport with clients and very effective tribunal advocate. Achieves very good results. ’

Ranked: Tier 3

Ranald Davidson - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘ Very thorough presentation combined with an easy yet authoritative style. ’

Ranked: Tier 3

Malcolm Fortune - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘ He provides robust advice and advocacy, seeing the wood for the trees on cases for NHS trusts. ’

Ranked: Tier 4

Clare Hennessey - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘ A punchy, sharp and highly effective advocate. She has a real knack for getting to the heart of the matter, delivering her arguments forcefully but sensibly, a combination which invariably wins over tribunals. ’

Ranked: Tier 4

Richard Partridge - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘ He is very clever, tenacious, personable, and user-friendly. ’

Ranked: Tier 4

Alexander dos Santos - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘ He cross-examines opposing witnesses effectively, and develops a good rapport with co-defendants, which is important in multi-handed cases. ’

Ranked: Tier 4

Oliver Williamson - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘ He is an excellent, hard-working barrister who is careful and precise in his work. He has excellent attention to detail and is very patient with clients. He has a fantastic ability to support clients through difficult circumstances. ’

Ranked: Tier 4

Education

International crime and extradition

Business and regulatory crime (including global investigations)

Financial services regulation

Health and safety

Crime

Social housing

Employment

Leading Silks

Angus Moon QC - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘Dedicated to his cases and has a great eye for the detail.’

Ranked: Tier 4

Civil liberties and human rights (including actions against the police)

Product liability Tier 4

The 'very well resourced and organised' Serjeants' Inn Chambers is instructed in class actions – predominantly in the medical devices and pharmaceutical field – primarily on the claimants' side. Christopher Johnston QC and Heidi Knight have been kept busy being instructed in various litigation proceedings in connection with metal-on-metal hips claims. Furthermore, Eloise Power is acting for claimants in the Oculentis litigation.

Leading Silks

Christopher Johnston QC - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘Tremendous preparation and attention to detail. Very good strategic mind. Chris has a great ability to focus on the key issues you need to be successful and win your case.’

Ranked: Tier 2

Leading Juniors

Heidi Knight - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘She is very knowledgeable about her subject, anticipates the opponents arguments and instantly puts the client at ease. She has an excellent manner with clients and the ability to reassure them even in the most challenging circumstances. Her written and advocacy skills are first-class.’

Ranked: Tier 1

Eloise Power - Serjeants' Inn Chambers ‘Stands out as a visible and strong practitioner. Very well prepared with a sensible and pragmatic approach.’

Ranked: Tier 2

Administrative and public law (including civil liberties and human rights)

Emma Sutton of Serjeants' Inn Chambers (Serjeants' Inn Chambers) regularly advises public bodies and local authorities, particularly in the fields of health and social care, mental health and education.

Court of Protection and community care

Inquests and inquiries

Nageena Khalique QC and Emma Sutton retain their reputation in central England after their move to London set Serjeants' Inn Chambers, continuing to handle complex cases for Midlands councils and people.

Regional Bar > Wales and Chester Circuit > Administrative and public law (including civil liberties and human rights)

Emma Sutton of Serjeants' Inn Chambers (Serjeants' Inn Chambers) regularly advises public bodies and local authorities, particularly in the fields of health and social care, mental health and education.

Regional Bar > Midland Circuit > Court of Protection and community care

Regional Bar > Midland Circuit > Inquests and inquiries

Nageena Khalique QC and Emma Sutton retain their reputation in central England after their move to London set Serjeants' Inn Chambers, continuing to handle complex cases for Midlands councils and people.