Paul Bleasdale KC
Paul is an understated titan in the clinical negligence field. He knows how to get to the crux of the most complex of cases.'
No5 Barristers’ Chambers is ‘a fantastic set with an incredible strength in depth in the medical negligence field from junior to KC’. Led by the ‘remarkably intelligent’ John Coughlan KC, the team has a solid track record in handling a wide range of complex clinical negligence work. The ‘very thorough’ Chris Bright KC often advises on brain injury cases, while Mamta Gupta is well versed in handling gynaecological, orthopaedic, and birth injury cases, as well as mental health suicide cases. Dental negligence matters are a core area of strength for Louisa Sherlock. Richard Grimshaw was appointed to the circuit bench in October 2024.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Will Theaker runs a extremely slick operation. He is proactive and no task is too difficult.'
- 'Will Theaker and Pete Mottram are first class and always try to help where needed.'
- 'Will Theaker and Tracey Witherford are both very helpful and responsive.'
- 'Pete Mottram and Will Theaker are very polite, helpful and simply brilliant clerks.'
- 'No5 are an excellent set. They cover all aspects of medical negligence and have expertise at all levels.'
- 'No5 offers a range of counsel with a wealth of expertise in the clinical negligence area.'
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.
Chris Bright KC
An excellent negotiator who provides realistic advice. His views on tactics are spot-on.'
John Coughlan KC
He has an easy gravitas and is an utterly unflappable advocate.'
Jonathan Jones KC
Absolutely first-class. He is very approachable and empathetic with clients, with a forensic knowledge of the law and medical issues that enables him to cut to the heart of the case.'
Henry Pitchers KC
A very personable silk who is fantastic with clients.'
David Tyack KC
He is a very talented silk.'
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.
Esther Gamble
Her advocacy skills are admirable. Esther has spectacular attention to detail and a razor sharp grasp of every aspect of the case she works on.'
Jamie Gamble
Jamie has a first class grasp of the medical issues in the case, and identifies key issues immediately. He has a confident and focused manner in conference with experts, ensuring issues are addressed clearly.'
Mamta Gupta
A leading junior in this field. Extremely thorough and analytical, and tenacious in the way she cross-examines experts.'
Gemma Roberts
Gemma builds good rapport with clients and really throws herself into the details of cases.'
Rising stars
Rising stars at the Bar are defined as barristers between four and eight years’ call who are seen as up-and-coming members of the Bar in their respective practice areas by clients and peers alike. They will already be instructed in high-profile, complex, and high-value contentious and non-contentious matters, working with and opposite more experienced leading counsel.
