12 King’s Bench Walk is ‘a leading personal injury set’, predominantly handling high-value catastrophic injury, fatal accident and sport injury claims. Additionally, the set garners praise as ‘a heavyweight in claimant asbestos disease work’. The ‘formidable’ William Audland KC is ‘at the absolute top of his game’. Michael Rawlinson KC is highly regarded for his expertise in industrial disease claims. Turning to the juniors, Spencer Turner is well versed in advising on high-profile fatal accident claims, disputes concerning serious injuries in the military and professional sport areas, and asbestos claims. Recent developments at the set include John-Paul Swoboda KC taking silk in March 2025 and Simon Browne KC joining the team in April 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
- Profile
Profile
Position
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.
Career
University: Manchester LLB (Harry Street Tort Prize, Lawson Prize and Dauntsey Scholarship). Inner Temple (Major scholarship). Called in 1991 and took silk in 2009
Memberships
Northern Circuit Medical Law Association. PIBA.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Oliver Parkhouse is a real star.'
- 'Oliver Parkhouse, Rob Palumbo, George Boggis and Isaac Ayliffe are outstanding.'
- 'Rob Palumbo is really on the ball and dependable. Knows his stuff.'
- 'George Boggis and Rob Palumbo are swift and well organised.'
- 'Oliver Parkhouse is excellent as Director of Clerking, overseeing a great team. I have most dealings with Tristan Whigham who without fail finds a way to address my requests and he does this very promptly, going the extra mile to find a solution. I also regularly deal with Daniella Evans and Lily Baker, who are also both excellent in their roles with a very friendly approachable manner. Client care and service are obviously top priorities for all the clerks.'
- 'The Clerks regularly allocate counsel without difficulty and at short notice. Matthew Dowdall is always helpful.'
- '12KBW is a brilliant set, with significant depth in all areas.'
- 'A great PI set.'
- 'The wealth of expertise and number of barristers specialising in industrial disease is unmatched.'
- '12KBW boasts a dedicated team of barristers specialising in disease-related matters.'