7BR is recommended for its strength in handling group litigation claims involving clinical negligence, personal injury and product liability law. The team is well known for representing claimants, however the practice is equally adept at assisting defendants. Simeon Maskrey KC is 'the kingpin of group actions', and Hugh Preston KC is active in consumer, product liability and clinical negligence claims. At the junior end of chambers, James MacDonald continues to act for the claimants, a group of Brazilian orange growers, in an ongoing cartel claim brought in England under Brazilian competition laws. Adam Korn is 'a heavyweight barrister and an extremely capable and charming advocate'.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Mentions
Profile
Position
James is a leading junior barrister specialising in clinical negligence, group litigation and other claims arising out of serious and catastrophic injuries and fatalities.
James is ranked as a Leading Junior by the Legal 500 in the areas of clinical negligence and group litigation and was named Group Litigation Junior of the Year at the Legal 500 Bar Awards 2025. He is instructed by both claimants and defendants, regularly appearing in the High Court, County Court and at coroners’ inquests across the country.
James’ work focuses on serious medical negligence and personal injury claims, claims of historic abuse, as well as cases involving corporate liability, breaches of the Human Rights Act, and defective and dangerous consumer products.
He is also qualified to accept instructions directly from clients and is registered under the Bar Council’s Public Access Scheme, meaning that members of the public who seek specialist advice can come directly to him. In addition, he welcomes instructions from solicitors, in-house law departments, qualified foreign lawyers, and clients licensed by the Bar Council to give instructions direct to barristers under the Bar Council’s Licensed Access Scheme.
Career
Called 2010, Inner Temple. Pupillage completed at 7 Bedford Row Chambers 2010-11, supervised by Richard Baker and Gareth Weetman.
Languages
French (intermediate).
Memberships
Personal Injuries Bar Association; Employment Lawyers’ Association; Young Fraud Lawyers’ Association; Criminal Bar Association; International Bar Association.
Education
Merchant Taylors’ School, Crosby; University of Cambridge (BA (Hons) Philosophy, 2005; MPhil Philosophy, 2006); Manchester Metropolitan University (GDipL 2009; BVC 2010).
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Albie Barton is great.'
- 'The clerks are very helpful and respond to enquires promptly.'
- 'Excellent set.'
- '7 Bedford Row is great.'
- '7 Bedford Row is front of the pack when it comes to claimant product liability, personal injury and clinical negligence.'