Recognised for its defendant professional negligence practice, CMS has well-established connections with London-based insurers, insurance brokers and surveyors. Led by Zoe Burge and Cheryl Gibson, the Bristol-based practice manage high-value disputes and SSB litigation. Burge covers solicitor, D&O and financial services clients, while Gibson advises on construction claims and insurance policy coverage alongside Robert Jones. Tristan Hall routinely advises professional service firms, directors and their insurers, while Caroline Hall handles financial professional disputes.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- Rob Jones is a very cool customer. Pragmatic and commercial, with impeccable knowledge of the law and great instincts, he is a partner who leads cases with considerable strategic nous. Sophie Balme is a calm and perceptive presence. She works at a voracious rate, is across all of the details, and provides intelligent analysis and sound advice. Adrian Hurlock is an extremely effective lawyer, with a real mastery of the details. He is excellent at mastering high volumes of technical and difficult material at speed. Colin O'Reilly and Charlotte Hendy are both able beyond their years of experience. They are very impressive juniors - ones to watch!
- A superb team, with strength in depth. One of the leading firms in the South West. The quality of their work and the cases they take on is equivalent to the London market. True professionals, who are excellent at what they do, and a pleasure to work with.
- Rob Jones always takes the time to listen carefully, thus avoiding protracted follow-up requests for information. You feel he quickly gets to the nub of an issue.
- The CMS team is pragmatic and helpful. They work well with the business and steer clear of legal jargon. As in-house counsel, this is appreciated as it means less "translation" is needed!
- Standout performers are Tristan Hall (partner): outstandingly versatile with a phenomenal knowledge and experience of all aspects of professional negligence law and insurance coverage. Laura Gould and Darcy Evans (both associates); two really first-rate solicitors.
- This is a first-rate professional negligence team with experience and quality across the board.
Key clients
- Aegis
- Arch
- AXIS
- Canopius
- CNA Hardy
- Liberty
- Markel
- QBE
- W R Berkley Insurance (Europe) Limited
Work highlights
Instructed on a high‑profile regulatory appeal resulting in the overturning of an adverse disciplinary decision and clarification of solicitors’ duties in contentious matters.
Instructed on a high‑profile regulatory appeal overturning a finding of serious misconduct and financial penalty, clarifying solicitors’ duties in contentious, high‑profile matters.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Zoe Burge; Cheryl Gibson
Other key lawyers
Robert Jones; Tristan Hall; Caroline Hall