Northern Circuit
Exchange Chambers is ‘a strong set, with expert personal injury barristers’. Pankaj Madan has ‘a calm intellectual demeanour combined with an abundance of knowledge, particularly in the field of brain injury’. Simon Ross has an excellent reputation for advising on personal injury claims involving the military, and has been active in cases concerning road traffic accidents. The ‘decisive, persuasive and firm’ Paul Kirtley has expertise in advising on a broad range of complex personal injury claims, including industrial disease, psychiatric injuries, road traffic accidents, brain and spinal injuries and accidents at work.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
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Profile
Work Department
Personal Injury; Clinical Negligence
Position
Called to the Bar in 1997 and with over two and a half decades at the forefront of personal injury law, Pankaj’s career is marked by a deep commitment to catastrophic injury cases. He specialises in severe and catastrophic injury cases, some with a potential value of over £20m. Most involve brain injury in particular. His practice is rooted in a profound understanding of the intricacies of brain injuries, severe pain, FND and amputation cases, ensuring meticulous representation for the side he is instructed for.
His role extends beyond the courtroom as a writer and lecturer, contributing to the body of knowledge with recent publications such as “A Practical Guide to Catastrophic Brain Injury Claims” published in June 2024. He sits as a Deputy District Judge (since 2010) and is the first lawyer ever to sit on the Royal Society of Medicine, Pain Section Council.
He has excellent expertise in costs management of severe and catastrophic injury claims securing budgets in excess of £1m in some cases.
Clients also benefit from his expertise in alternative dispute resolution, honed through rigorous analysis of medical evidence and strategic use of experts. Recognised repeatedly by The Legal 500 and in 2025 again for a “Tier 1” legal service, he is dedicated to securing favorable outcomes for clients on whichever side.
As a member of the Equality and Diversity Committee, he advocates for progressive change, fostering an environment where excellence in legal practice is synonymous with equality and diversity.
Career
Called 1997; Deputy District Judge
Memberships
- Personal Injuries Bar Association (member)
- Senior Associate Member of the Royal Society of Medicine
Education
- Accredited Advocacy Trainer North Eastern Circuit
- Trained by CEDR – “Representing Clients in mediation”
- Harmsworth Scholar of the Middle Temple (1996)
- Astbury Scholar of the Middle Temple (1996)
- Law, Magdalene College, Cambridge University (1993 – 1996) M.A. (2:1)
- Leeds Grammar School (1982 – 1992)
- 4 A-Levels at Grade A
- Theaker Economics Prize
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'The clerking team is excellent. They are always friendly and quick to respond to any queries.'
- 'Clerks are all excellent.'
- 'Very responsive, efficient and friendly.'
- 'Excellent chambers for this area of work. Great strength in depth.'
- 'A modern, flexible and well organised set.'