2 Hare Court is well versed in advising across a wide range of health and safety work. David Whittaker KC, who heads the set's health and safety group, is very experienced in advising on cases involving fatal and non-fatal accidents. Jonathan Laidlaw KC is 'calm and reassuring'; he is acting for crowd management, venue and event security company Showsec in ongoing proceedings concerning alleged HSWA breaches on behalf of the company's workforce who provided security on the night of the Manchester Arena bombing in 2017. James Buchanan has extensive expertise in handling gross negligence manslaughter cases.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Profile
Position
James Buchanan is recognised as a leading criminal regulatory practitioner, specialising in health and safety, environmental law and inquests. He acts for corporates, directors and employees and is instructed regularly in prosecutions arising from fatal and other serious accidents.
James works across a number of industry sectors, including construction, transport, manufacturing, waste management, policing and healthcare. He has particular expertise in representing individuals charged with gross negligence manslaughter.
Shortlisted for Chambers UK 2023 – Health and Safety Junior of the Year.
Career
Called 1993; Gray’s Inn.
Memberships
Association of Regulatory & Disciplinary Lawyers; Criminal Bar Association; Health & Safety Lawyers' Association.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Julian Campbell will do all that is possible to assist.'
- 'Julian knows this sector incredibly well.'
- 'A fantastic chambers with excellent barristers and clerks.'
- 'An excellent chambers providing support at all levels. One of the best health and safety sets in the country with a strong and professional approach.'
- 'A strong set in health and safety with talented operators.'
- 'An excellent set with a range of excellent barristers in this area.'
- 'Commercial, approachable, proactive.'