Keating Chambers is well-regarded for its expertise in technology and construction-related professional negligence cases. Leading Paul Bury, Alexander Nissen KC acts in Kier Construction Ltd v Alumet and O’Connell East Ltd in a claim against architects responsible for the initial design and specification of cladding used on the external face of three tower blocks. Jonathan Selby KC led Emma Healiss and Richard Coplin KC in a claim against a design and build contractor, a specialist timber frame designer, an architect and various insurers in respect of a care home deemed so defective it required demolition. Acting for the claimant, Lucy Garrett KC led David Sheard in proceedings against an independent tester for damages for breach of contract arising out of the termination of a PFI agreement. Sheard was also led by Simon Hargreaves KC in a 4-day Supreme Court hearing arising out of defective structural engineering by professional designers in numerous multi-tower residential developments.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- Keating Chambers is our "go to" Chambers for professional negligence claims against construction professionals. The barristers at Keating Chambers have significant experience in professional negligence construction matters and are also able to deal with commercial aspects of a claim, including tricky insurance issues arising under professional indemnity policies.
- A real strength - great to work with. James Luxmoore is superb.
- First rate. Very capable across the board and good to work with.
- It is the best set in its practice area.
- Keating Chambers is a leading set for construction professional negligence claims.
Lawyers
Leading Silks
KCs at the very top of their field, with a long-established record of market-defining cases, and widespread endorsement from clients and peers. All silks appointed in the last two rounds are listed further below.
Jonathan Selby KC
Krista Lee KC
Lucy Garrett KC
An authoritative barrister who attracts the respect and attention of her opponents and the tribunal. Very calm in the room and thinks on her feet. Clients love Lucy. Very approachable and personable. She brings personality and the human element to strategy alongside very robust knowledge of the merits.
Vincent Moran KC
Calum Lamont KC
Calum comes highly recommended and lives up to it. He really clearly wants to win the case. He manages to get into the detail while retaining a view of the overall strategy. He is excellent at understanding merits and formulating arguments. He is someone we love to have on our side and becomes a true part of the solicitor and client team.
Samuel Townend KC
Excellent leader.
Tom Owen KC
Tom was very hard-working when time was tight and happy to roll his sleeves up and get stuck in at critical moments. He has a good feel for which way a judge is leaning and can alter strategy to adjust accordingly.
2025 Silks
KCs at the very top of their field, with a long-established record of market-defining cases, and widespread endorsement from clients and peers. All silks appointed in the last two rounds are listed further below.
Leading Juniors
Leading juniors are those with significant experience of key cases, strong market recognition from both peers and clients, and are seen as future candidates for silk.
David Sheard
David Sheard is a standout junior in professional negligence disputes. He combines exceptional technical ability with outstanding judgment and a deep understanding of complex factual and expert issues. His analysis is incisive, his advocacy is highly effective, and he is one of the most impressive barristers I have worked with. A future leader in the field.
Brenna Conroy
Very confident and capable in the technical and strategic aspects of the case. Brenna is very good at getting the client on board with her approach to the analysis and case strategy. She has a pragmatic and practical approach to evidence.
James Frampton
James is incredibly easy to work with. His drafting is clear and precise, and he is incredibly responsive. James grapples with complex legal, factual, and technical issues quickly. I am always very impressed.
Alexandra Bodnar
Alex is an impressive barrister who combines sharp legal thinking with a genuinely approachable manner. She brings a real sense of partnership to every matter, making her a pleasure to work alongside. What sets Alex apart is her ability to get to grips with technical detail quickly and translate complex issues into clear, accessible advice. She has a real knack for making the difficult seem straightforward, which clients and tribunals appreciate in equal measure. Her written submissions are consistently well-structured, clearly reasoned, and persuasive. She writes with a confidence and precision that strengthens any case. In short, Alex is a strong advocate and a real asset to any team. She is well worth instructing.
Emma Healiss
Emma settled the pleadings and did a great job of explaining a number of complex engineering issues. Emma is a pleasure to work with.
Gideon Scott Holland
Gideon is unflappable. He takes everything in his stride and delivers the end product in a measured but effective way.
Rachael O’Hagan
Tom Coulson
Incredibly sharp, knowledgeable, and detail-focused. Great writing and reassuring for clients. Keeps to budget. 10/10! An absolute star that we will use wherever possible.
Charlie Thompson
Charlie is extremely responsive and provides clear and commercially oriented advice. He provides experience, leadership, and considerable talent with value for money. In short, a great asset.
Harry Smith
Harry is an excellent advocate. Clear and concise, and sharp on his feet.
Jennie Wild
Thomas Saunders
Callum Monro Morrison
Callum has been advising on a factually complex professional negligence claim. He is able to assimilate a significant amount of technical information in a short period of time and works well under pressure. His abilities are beyond his level of call, and he has particular expertise in claims concerning contract administration.