Gerard Martin KC
Gerard's knowledge of amputee claims is second to none. He always goes the extra mile. His charming and disarming manner makes it easy to work with him and clients love him.'
Exchange Chambers has an excellent reputation for its ‘strength in depth’ in the personal injury area. The team of ‘expert’ barristers is very well known for representing claimants and defendants in high-value, complex claims; for example, head of chambers William Waldron KC has a solid track record in acting for claimants in cases involving catastrophic injuries, and Gerard Martin KC is highly regarded for his expertise in handling amputation and chronic pain claims. Christopher Barnes KC represented the claimant in Owens v Lewis, a High Court case concerning the approach to take when there are multiple allegations of contributory negligence in personal injury litigation. At the junior end of chambers, Andrew Ward is defending the Ministry of Defence against an ongoing claim relating to 400 cases regarding non-freezing cold injuries sustained by soldiers during their military service. Helen Rutherford is active in cases involving the Animals Act 1971 and brain injuries. In March 2025 Bill Braithwaite KC retired from practice.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
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.
Christopher Barnes KC
He has a brilliant legal mind and an in-depth knowledge of the law. He has the ability to simplify the most complex legal issue to make it easily understood.'
Louis Browne KC
impressive attention to detail, and always has an eye on the commercial realities of high value claims.‘
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.
Matthew Stockwell
Matthew speaks with a wealth of knowledge and experience, and clients respect the advice he gives them. He is realistic in his assessment of what can be proved, and is very approachable and calm in difficult situations. He is particularly good at planning the way forward in complex cases. His advocacy is excellent, clear and concise.'
Andrew Ward
A very personable junior with formidable legal knowledge.'
Chris Gutteridge
Chris is an excellent natural communicator, and can manage everything from challenging negotiations to extremely difficult clients. His attention to detail is second to none. He is thoroughly down to earth.’
Pankaj Madan
Pankaj has a calm intellectual demeanour combined with an abundance of knowledge, particularly in the field of brain injury matters. He is very careful and methodical in his approach.’
Catherine Knowles
'Catherine is very focused. She is highly skilled in dealing with military claims, and is very strong on quantum. She is one of the best barristers to go to for complex and high value claims.'
Sara Sutherland
‘Sara has a brilliant legal mind. Her clinical analysis is outstanding, and she provides excellent client care.'
Christian Taylor
Christian is able to think tactically and adapt to the situation. His preparation is obvious and claimants are well served by his excellent advice and advocacy. Judges appreciate his abilities.'
Alice Dobbie
Alice can analyse the strengths and weaknesses of a case and build a strategy around this. She is a strong trial barrister who thinks on her feet, puts witnesses at ease, and her cross examination is immaculately thought out to ensure the strongest possible case is put forward.’
Stuart McCracken
‘Stuart is a very technical barrister, easy to work with, and particularly good with sensitive clients. He is able to explain complex legal matters in a way they understand.’
Tim Wilkinson
Christopher Allen
Christopher is an extremely able barrister. He is quick on his feet and has a good eye for detail. He is willing to take on difficult cases and make judgement calls where others would sit on the fence.'
Helen Rutherford
Helen is a good communicator and a fantastic advocate in court, with the ability to think on her feet.’
David Sandiford
‘David has an underlying calmness that adds potency to his advocacy.'