St John’s Chambers is ‘a “go to” set in the Western circuit for good quality clinical negligence work’ with ‘strength and depth at both the junior and senior junior end’. Justin Valentine, who heads the team, is ‘a passionate and effective advocate’ with considerable experience in cases involving cauda equina and neonatal claims, delayed cancer diagnosis and diabetes claims. Lauren Karmel is ‘a powerful advocate’, and is often instructed on behalf of NHS Trusts and health boards in claims. James Marwick is well versed in handling major spinal and birth injury claims and cases concerning negligent obstetric and gynaecological care. Beatrice Baskett is ‘extremely confident’ and ‘an absolute asset’.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'Hugh Maguire and Adam Marston are both very experienced clerks, with strong organisational and people skills.'
  • 'Hugh Maguire is very approachable.'
  • 'Jordan Yandell is very personable and friendly.'
  • 'The clerks in the clinical negligence team are brilliant, always friendly and always very accommodating.'
  • 'St John's Chambers has a brilliant clinical negligence team.'
  • 'A leading set in the South West for clinical negligence.'

Lawyers

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.