Market leaders with a focus on professional negligence, Hailsham Chambers has extensive experience in an impressive range of cases across a variety of sectors. Simon Wilton KC was successful in defeating a claim concerning limitation and solicitor conduct in Kay v Martineau Johnson, a claim brought against solicitors in which the claimant, who has sat as a magistrate, alleged that she received negligent advice on a divorce settlement. Nicholas Pilsbury acted for the defendant in Riedweg v HCC International Insurance Plc and Forsters and Victoria Johns, Joshua Munro represented the claimant. The case concerned the law of contribution, establishing that an insurer’s liability under its policy is distinct from an insured’s liability to a claimant. Nicola Rushton KC acts for the claimants Manolete Partners Plc v MSR Partners LLP, an audit negligence claim which covers issues on scope of duty and fraud. Michael Pooles KC and Derek Holwill retired in 2025.
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Profile
Position
Nicholas specialises in professional and clinical negligence. He also acts in commercial matters, often involving insurance disputes. He offers clients rigorous legal analysis together with pragmatic, commercial advice.
Nicholas has acted in a wide range of cases against IFAs, accountants, insolvency practitioners, surveyors, planners and auctioneers. He has particular expertise in claims against lawyers, arising out of almost all areas of legal practice.
Nicholas also has a busy clinical negligence practice with recent cases ranging from birth injuries to fatal accidents. He is also instructed to appear at inquests where there is the potential for claims later to be brought against treating clinicians.
Career
Called 2008, Inner Temple; pupillage, Pump Court Tax Chambers; barrister, professional negligence team, DAC Beachcroft.
Education
University of Oxford (2002-05 BA); College of Law (2006-07 Graduate Diploma in Law; 2007-08 Bar Vocational Course).
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'The clerks room is very helpful and promptly responds to queries. James Defries in particular is a reliable contact.'
- 'Stephen Smith leads an excellent group of clerks. The culture of chambers to problem solve runs through and the clerks are always looking for ways to assist and make life easier.'
- 'Stephen Smith leads from the front and is one of the most experienced (if not the most experienced) clerks in this field.'
- 'The clerks provide an outstanding service. They are commercial, down to earth and always there to provide a solution when it is needed the most.'
- 'Hailsham Chambers are an excellent set with a wide range of reliable counsel.'
- 'One of the go-to sets. Competitively priced, good clerking team and a high-quality selection of advocates.'
- 'Excellent from the clerking, which is the best, to the strength in depth throughout. They are the first choice chambers for professional negligence work.'
- 'Top notch set for claims against lawyers and coverage. They are bringing through new talent all the time.'