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England - London Bar
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Professional disciplinary and regulatory law

Lydia Barnfather

Lydia Barnfather

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QEB Hollis Whiteman logo

QEB Hollis Whiteman

With a reputation for being 'a genuine powerhouse in relation to regulatory and professional discipline cases', QEB Hollis Whiteman houses a team with solid expertise in advising on matters in the education and legal sectors, as well as prosecuting and defending in fitness to practise proceedings involving the GMC and GDC. Selva Ramasamy KC appeared for the defence in SRA v JG, a case concerning allegations of sexual misconduct in the workplace being brought against a senior solicitor; the solicitor received a 24-month suspension. Lydia Barnfather is 'a top class barrister who always presents things clearly and methodically and has a calm and incisive style of advocacy'. Rebecca Harris KC took silk in March 2025.
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Phone
020 7933 8855
Email
[email protected]
Profile
qebholliswhiteman.co.uk

Profile

Position

Lydia is an exceptionally experienced practitioner specialising to a high level in regulatory law and professional discipline. She advises, presents and defends in some of the most complex and high profile and sensitive cases brought on behalf of a wide range of regulatory bodies including all the major healthcare regulators and is repeatedly instructed on matters involving a range of issues including conduct, performance, health as well as procedure. Lydia routinely advises and appears on cases involving the GMC, GDC, GOC, GCC, HCPC, GPhC, and NMC amongst others. She appears before a range of tribunals and before the High Court. Her advisory and appellate work extends to cases for the Professional Standards Authority. She also undertakes work for NHS England, police disciplinary hearings, inquests, and parallel proceedings in the criminal courts representing healthcare and other professionals. She has also advised and appeared in cases involving university disciplinary proceedings, various international healthcare associations and the RCVS.

Career

Called Middle Temple 1992. Since 2004 recommended as Leading Junior in professional discipline by Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners.

Memberships

Association of Regulatory and Disciplinary Lawyers and ex Committee Member, Criminal Bar Association, South Eastern Circuit.

Education

St Hilda’s College, Oxford (MA Hons English literature); University of Westminster (CPE).

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Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'Chris Emmings is one of the best clerks in the business. He has an exceptional knowledge of the market place.'
  • 'Chris Emmings is well supported by Faye Stimpson and David O’Sullivan.'
  • 'Chris Emmings is personable and finds solutions.'
  • 'The clerking team is knowledgeable and proactive. They really know the expertise of their barristers, and can assist you swiftly and efficiently.'
  • 'One of the longest-established, leading sets in the field of professional discipline.'
  • 'QEB is full of talent.'
  • 'The barristers from this chambers are highly skilled in the field of professional regulation - well prepared, and fully versed in current case law.'
  • 'Very sound set..'