Chambers 41 individual rankings across 12 practice areas

08/11/2018

Chambers is ranked in 5 practice areas in Chambers & Partners 2019 – 33 individual barristers are ranked:

Keith Morton KC

Health & Safety

Band 1 – ‘Has extensive experience within this field of law, exclusively acting on behalf of defendants in the most complex of health and safety cases including corporate manslaughter cases. He is also adept at undertaking inquest work and public inquiries.
“A barrister who is authoritative with clients. He has good vision, a good eye for detail and experience of handling big cases.”
Recent work: Represented South West Highways in relation to a case where four employees of the defendant were injured, one fatally, while doing roadworks on a dual carriageway.’

Inquests & Inquiries

Band 1 – ‘A superb choice for handling inquests involving health and safety law, particularly in the context of aviation accidents. He represents regulators, businesses, individuals and bereaved families. “A brilliant barrister who has a lovely manner with clients. He is very knowledgeable and very thoughtful.”  Recent work: Represented the Civil Aviation Authority in the inquest into the death of Matthew Bass, a member of BA cabin crew. The death was alleged to have been caused or contributed to by exposure to toxic air in the cockpit.’

Andrew Prynne KC

Product Liability

Band 3 – ‘Veteran silk with extensive product liability experience. His work in this field sits neatly within his larger common law and commercial practice, which sees him handling insurance, personal injury and health and safety cases among others.
“He is highly analytical and always very responsive to the instructing solicitor’s needs.”’

Robin Tam KC

Administrative and public law

Band 2 – Handles significant public and administrative law challenges relating to immigration and asylum. He is frequently instructed to defend the Home Secretary in judicial review proceedings. He also handles public and administrative law proceedings involving inquests and inquiries. “Measured but very dynamic and effective, when in full flight he is a sight to behold.” “He’s thorough, concise, and someone who makes good points.” “Very dependable, he’s a safe pair of hands for the government.” Recent work: Acted in a challenge to the Home Secretary’s refusal to naturalise three close family members of a person assessed to be involved with al-Qaeda, on the grounds of a family connection.

Inquests & Inquiries

Band 3 – Known for his broad practice, he represents a range of participants and routinely serves as counsel to the inquest or inquiry. He is frequently sought out by the UK government to appear in sensitive proceedings concerning national security. His inquests practice is complemented by strengths in human rights and administrative law.
“He has an amazing, forensic brain.”

Immigration

Band 1 – ‘Leading counsel to the Home Office, he is sought after for his expertise across a range of national security matters, such as control order and deportation cases. He brings his personal injury and public law expertise to bear when acting for vulnerable adults in detention cases. “He is very good strategically and very good on his feet. He gets to the heart of the cases.” Recent work: Acted for the Home Secretary in a Supreme Court case considering whether statutory extension of leave is triggered pending the determination of an application, where the application is in time and is rejected on procedural grounds.’

Jonathan Watt-Pringle KC

Personal Injury

Band 3 – Receives instructions from defendants, insurers and claimants in catastrophic brain and spinal injury cases. His practice includes health and safety, clinical and professional negligence and inquests. Market commentators highlight his grasp of the finer legal points of a case and attention to detail. “He’s very calm and very good at getting the judge on his side.” Recent work: Acted for Tata Steel in a claim brought against the company by an experienced and well-regarded employee who suffered terrible injuries when he became entangled in a milling machine on the factory floor.

Simon Browne KC

Costs

Band 2 – A standout individual who has considerable expertise in costs cases associated with heavy commercial and group litigation. He is experienced at acting before the SCCO, Supreme Court and Court of Appeal.  “A very skilled costs silk who is confident and assertive.” Recent work: Successfully represented the Respondents in a Supreme Court challenge against three national newspapers. The matter concerned an attempt to avoid payment of additional liabilities (success fees and ATE premiums) to privacy and defamation claimants funded by CFAs.

Personal Injury

Band 2 – Noted for expertise in catastrophic brain and spine injuries, which he regularly handles on behalf of major insurers and leading claimant solicitors. Over the course of his celebrated career, he has also developed a strong reputation for aviation accidents, clinical negligence cases and cross-border litigation. His knowledge of costs elicits praise from market sources. “He’s extremely good and very thorough. He knows what he’s doing and is always approachable.” “He’s thorough in his advice and sensible in negotiations.” Recent work: Instructed in Roberts v Fresse, a serious and unusual claim concerning an accident where a man who already had paraplegia due to a previous accident was involved in a head-on collision and sustained further injuries.

Karim Khan KC

Crime: International Criminal Law

Spotlight Table – ‘A highly regarded silk who has represented clients in international courts across the world. As a prosecutor for the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia and the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, he has vast experience of handling complex matters such as crimes against humanity, war crimes and contempt of court disputes. He also has experience of representing victims before the Cambodia tribunal. “A very highly rated advocate who is a real force to be reckoned with. He fights his case hard but honourably.” Recent work: Represented the Deputy President of Kenya, who was charged with crimes against humanity regarding the post-election violence in Kenya in 2007.

David Barr KC

Inquests and Inquiries

Band 3 – ‘Receives instructions in a wide range of inquests and public inquiries and is particularly experienced at counselling chairs of public inquiries.  “He has a very laconic, understated manner, but he is always hugely well prepared and doesn’t miss anything.”
Recent work: Instructed as lead counsel to the Undercover Policing Inquiry.

Rodney Dixon KC

International crime and extradition

Spotlight Table – ‘A well-regarded barrister who is noted for his representation of individuals, international governments and political leaders. He regularly appears before all international criminal courts, including the ICC, and also handles international criminal law matters before the UK courts. He boasts particular expertise in war crimes and humanitarian issues. “Extremely calm and personable, he gives off an air of confidence and certainty when giving advice. It is always very reassuring to have him involved in a case.” Recent work: Acted for the former President of South Korea in respect of her detention and treatment in Seoul during her trial on charges of bribery and corruption.

Andrew O’Connor KC

Administrative and public law

Band 4 – Recommended for complex cases relating to national security, terrorism and foreign affairs. Recently, he has been active in litigation involving international sanctions and the Terrorism Prevention and Investigation Measures 2011. He is particularly favoured by central government clients to defend controversial decisions in judicial reviews. “Incredibly clever, he’s an advocate who is good at cutting through the dross and getting stuff done.” “Extremely talented.” Recent work: Instructed by the Foreign Secretary in judicial review proceedings in which the claimant sought to challenge decisions taken by the Foreign Secretary relating to the claimant’s listing on the United Nations al-Qaeda and Taleban terrorist sanctions list.

Inquests and Inquiries

Band 1 – Incredibly knowledgeable about inquests and public inquiries. He typically acts on behalf of state agents in highly publicised inquests of national and international significance. He is well versed in matters invoking national security. He is also adept at advising coroners when serving as counsel to the inquest or inquiry. “A very calm, authoritative figure who has the respect of everyone in the field. He’s a very strategic thinker who provides excellent advice and is a natural leader.” Recent work: Appeared in the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse, leading on the historic investigation into the so-called Westminster paedophile ring and also the responses into the allegations against Lord Janner.

Cathryn McGahey KC

Inquests and Inquiries

Band 3 – ‘Routinely instructed as counsel to large public inquiries and also demonstrates great aptitude when appearing on behalf of participants. She is a skilled representative of state agents in inquests and has a particular focus on proceedings involving deaths in custody. She is developing a particular specialism in cases concerning child protection.  “She’s calm, clever and phenomenally hard-working. She really gets into the detail of cases and gives very clear advice.” “She’s a brilliant advocate who is able to pick matters up part-way through and blend in as part of the team.” Recent work: Represented the Home Secretary in the public inquiry into the Grenfell Tower disaster.’

John Bate-Williams

Personal Injury

Senior Statesperson – ‘Veteran catastrophic personal injury and fatal accident practitioner with extensive experience handling maximum severity cases. He is primarily instructed by defendant insurers but has increasingly been sought out by claimant solicitors in relation to a range of injuries, including chronic regional pain syndrome and brain damage. He has recently appeared in cases arising out of aviation accidents. “He’s extremely able, an excellent advocate and always thorough in his preparation.”

Paul Kilcoyne

Personal Injury

Band 3 – ‘Provides skilful representation of claimants and insurers in litigation concerning catastrophic injuries. He is a leading choice for members of the armed forces bringing claims against the MoD and has expertise in that area relating to non-freezing cold injuries, harassment and training accidents, among other things. He is also noted for his expertise in inquests concerning military deaths. “He has a very good understanding of this area of work and very good knowledge of cases with a military spin.” “He’s an effective negotiator in settlement meetings, and is a practical, determined and calm advocate.”
Recent work: Represented an RAF policeman in a claim against the MoD. The claimant was injured during pre-deployment training and sustained a significant left ankle injury after falling 15 feet onto a concrete surface during a ‘risk assessed’ exercise.

James Bell

Personal Injury

Band 2 – Has a highly reputable, mixed claimant and defendant personal injury and clinical negligence practice, with a focus on catastrophic injuries including brain damage, chronic pain and amputations. He is noted for his experience in cross-border matters and EL/PL cases. He also regularly acts in industrial disease claims. “His ability to cut through the issues in a tough case is very impressive. He is a go-to senior junior.”

Mark James

Costs

Band 3 – ‘Undertakes a wide range of costs litigation including cases concerning champerty, solicitors’ retainers and cost budgeting. He also regularly appears in applications for wasted and non-party costs. James has gained notable experience in claims against solicitors and barristers involving professional negligence. “Advises very thoroughly and clearly, and is very much on top of all areas of costs law.” Recent work: Acted in Shulman v Shulman, a dispute over whether a solicitor client was under any obligation to pay his own LLP firm for work carried out by it.

James Laughland

Costs

Band 3 – ‘Experienced costs counsel who is regularly instructed in cases concerning ATE insurer costs issues and CFAs. He routinely acts on behalf of solicitors, clients and legal expense insurers. Recently he has handled matters concerning proportionality and additional liability issues. “Shows really good attention to detail and his advice is spot-on.” “James is knowledgeable, unflappable and as good in person as he is on paper.” Recent work: Instructed in Miller v Associated Newspapers Limited before the Supreme Court. The issue raised was whether recovery of additional liabilities (success fees and ATE premium) was incompatible with newspapers’ Article 10 rights.

Motor Insurance Fraud

Band 2 – ‘Has a practice that focuses on personal injury and costs litigation alongside motor insurance fraud. He demonstrates a notable talent for cases that rely on the exposure of wider fraud networks, and acts for a range of insurance clients. “A very powerful and persuasive advocate who is very good on his feet.” Recent work: Acted in a court hearing in which Liverpool Victoria Insurance successfully established that nine defendants were in contempt of court for advancing fraudulent personal injury claims for RTAs that the judge ruled had never happened.

Personal Injury

Band 3 – Has a multidisciplinary practice focusing on personal injury and costs litigation. He is instructed by claimants and insurers alike, often in cases involving allegations of fraud or dishonesty. His ability to assess costs is valued by clients. He is equally effective appearing for his clients in trial and settlement meetings. “He’s very approachable and very strong tactically. You know you’re in good hands with him.” Recent work: Acted for the defendant in London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games v Sinfield, the first High Court consideration of the proper approach to determining ‘fundamental dishonesty’ in personal injury cases.

Richard Wilkinson

Costs

Band 4 – ‘Works with clients on a litigious and advisory basis, representing them in costs disputes in the SCCO and appellate courts. His areas of focus include commercial law, privacy, clinical negligence and personal injury disputes. Wilkinson is also a qualified mediator. “One of the most thorough people I’ve ever come across; he will always take extra time to make sure he’s considered everything and will cut through incredibly complex issues with ease.” Recent work: Instructed by the claimant in the appeal of Rickson v Bhakar, successfully compromising the matter on favourable terms for the claimant, including payment by the defendant of the costs of the appeal.

Personal Injury

Band 2 – ‘Consummate professional who is mainly instructed by large insurers in catastrophic injury, fatal accident and costs cases. He is also recognised for his impressive claimant-side practice. His experience in chronic pain litigation is particularly noteworthy, as is his expert handling of employers’ liability disputes. He has further strength in RTA claims. “He has a great eye for detail and is very analytical. He always thinks outside the box.” “He has an excellent understanding of the medical issues surrounding chronic pain and has very good client care skills.” Recent work: Instructed on behalf of the defendant in a pedestrian RTA claim. The claimant stepped out from in front of a stationary bus into the path of an overtaking motorcycle.

Peter Freeman

Personal Injury

Band 1 – ‘Top-performing counsel for claimant and defendant solicitors seeking detailed advice and robust advocacy in catastrophic injury cases, particularly RTAs. He is frequently instructed in cases involving aviation and sporting accidents. He also handles third party claims against the railway sector. He is noted for his specialist expertise surrounding causation and complex liability issues. “He’s very approachable and good on his feet.” “He’s always extremely smooth and polished in his advocacy.” Recent work: Instructed in Radley v Arriva Buses, an RTA case involving a bus which turned right across the path of the claimant’s car. The claimant sustained a serious brain injury and life-changing physical injuries.

James Arney

Personal Injury

Band 3 – ‘Dual expert in personal injury and costs litigation with a hefty caseload relating to serious injuries and fatal accidents. He acts for both claimants and defendants and has notable experience in RTA cases. The pragmatic advice that he is able to provide in relation to quantum is much appreciated by sources. He is frequently involved in high-value litigation, often acting in cases valued at over £1 million. “He’s robust in fundamental dishonesty cases.” “Charming, clever and really meticulous.”

Marcus Grant

Motor Insurance Fraud

Band 1 – ‘Leading junior for motor insurance fraud cases, particularly those that involve contempt of court. He is knowledgeable when it comes to fraud ring and fundamental dishonesty issues. “Thoroughly professional and an outstanding counsel.” “He is absolutely superb at committals.” Recent work: Acted in Liverpool Victoria v Yavuz et al, committal proceedings against nine individuals who brought injury claims arising from three alleged accidents.

Personal Injury

Star Individual – A pioneer in the areas of complex subtle brain injury and chronic pain syndrome. He has been at the cutting edge of fibromyalgia litigation for many years, and is a vigorous advocate for its recognition by courts and insurers. He is also instructed by insurers for committal proceedings for dishonest litigants. “He’s great on the detail and his written work is fantastic.” “He’s the master of subtle brain injury litigation. He’s like a conductor with an orchestra in conference.” “He’s incredibly hard-working, thorough and does a very good job for his clients.” Recent work: Instructed in Brown v Gray, a brain injury case in which a 54 year old builder recovered over £1 million after sustaining a closed head injury in a fall.

Tariq Sadiq

Employment (Midlands Bar)

Band 1 – ‘Operates a wide employment law practice, and has extensive experience of handling matters involving restrictive covenants, whistle-blowing claims and complex discrimination allegations. He has also established a niche expertise in national security employment disputes. Sadiq regularly acts for large public and governmental bodies. “Very good all round.” “A determined advocate who works hard for his clients. He has a good knowledge of the procedures used in national security cases and of discrimination law. He deals with cases in a practical and sensible manner.” Recent work: Acted in Howells v Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council, an unfair dismissal and whistle-blowing claim involving a senior manager accused of fraud.

Immigration (Midlands Bar)

Band 2 – Recognised for his representation of the government in immigration proceedings with national security and terrorism aspects. He is also noted for his handling of Special Immigration Appeals Commission cases and judicial reviews involving matters such as human rights, discrimination and EEA free movement. He is also experienced in handling unlawful detention claims for the Home Office. “He was extremely pleasant to work with and a decent opponent.” Recent work: Acted for the Secretary of State in a claim involving unaccompanied Syrian children living in ‘The Jungle’ in Calais who sought asylum in the UK without having claimed asylum in France, in breach of the Dublin Regulation.

Alexander Glassbrook

Motor Insurance Fraud

Band 2 – His work in the motor insurance field features a strong emphasis on handling dishonest claims on behalf of insurance companies. He is skilled in handling digital evidence and technology development issues. “He’s very well-known and his pleadings are excellent.” Recent work: Secured the dismissal of claims brought against two insurance companies following an alleged accident.

Nicholas Moss

Inquests and inquiries

Band 1 – ‘Often instructed as lead counsel on behalf of state agents in complex Article 2 inquests and public inquiries. He is particularly strong in inquests arising out of military and prison deaths. “He is extremely well prepared, hard-working and always on top of his papers. He is extremely bright and knowledgeable.” “He is just superb. There is nothing about inquest law that he doesn’t know.” Recent work: Represented the Ministry of Justice in the inquest into the death of Ryan Harvey, who died at Category A prison HMP Woodhill.

Julia Smyth

European law

Band 2 – ‘Frequently acts for government departments in right to reside, right to work, family rights and deportation mandates under EU law. “She has a real feel for EU law, and an intuitive feeling for how the law will move.” Recent work: Represented the Secretary of State for the Home Department in two cases concerning the Zambrano principle.

Paul McGrath

Motor Insurance Fraud

Band 1 – ‘Demonstrates considerable expertise in a range of motor fraud cases, including those related to exaggerated claims, fundamental dishonesty and staged accidents. He is also noted for his strength in handling fraud ring matters. “A persuasive advocate who is effective in his interaction with judges.” “A well-respected practitioner.” Recent work: Acted in Hamid v Khalid and Co-operative Insurance, a Court of Appeal case concerning when to draw adverse inferences from absent witnesses, when findings in fraud cases may be overturned, the correct approach to balancing expert and lay evidence, and the necessity to give full reasons.

Dominic Adamson

Health & Safety

Band 2 – A leading junior who represents individuals and companies across a wide range of sectors including the construction, healthcare and rail industries. He has acted in landmark public disaster cases such as Hillsborough and the Ladbroke Grove rail crash. Adamson has a strong track record in handling cases involving fires and explosions. “A very thorough barrister with a nice manner, who is very good with clients. He’s a very persuasive advocate.” Recent work: Defended Whirlpool UK Appliances Ltd in an HSE prosecution where a contractor had died as a result of a fatal accident at the defendant’s production site.

George Davies

Motor Insurance Fraud

Band 2 – A junior whose experience at the Bar is bolstered by his former career as a City solicitor handling international fraud litigation. He has a range of motor fraud expertise that he applies to cases involving staged accidents, bogus passengers and fraud rings. He is also an expert in personal injury. “His pleadings are excellent.” Recent work: Successfully dismissed a claim for personal injury and consequential loss brought against an insurer following a supposed road traffic collision.

Shaman Kapoor

Costs

Band 3 – Handles costs matters, representing clients in both the SCCO and High Court. He has notable experience in international arbitration proceedings and is also a qualified costs mediator. His areas of expertise cover cases concerning detailed assessments, solicitor-client disputes and inter-partes costs in group litigation. “Has the right mindset to be able to compromise with the other side on commercial terms; if not able to settle, he is, however, a robust advocate who stands up for the cause.” “He is concise and easily understandable.” Recent work: Successfully acted for EMW Law in Robinson v EMW Law LLP, a strongly contested detailed assessment involving the preliminary points of the enforceability and scope of the retainer, and the recoverability of consultancy fees for a solicitor who was a party in the substantive litigation.

Fiona Canby

Health & Safety

Band 2 – An established health and safety lawyer who specialises in high-profile inquest work. She has been instructed in a list of high-profile inquests including the Vauxhall helicopter inquest and the Shoreham inquest. She exclusively represents defendants in criminal regulatory proceedings, and is routinely instructed to act for employers. “User-friendly and liked by clients, she has got very good inquest experience.” Recent work: Involved in the inquest into the deaths of two young people who died after their car hit a pool of water on an A-road. The case concerned issues as to whether the laying of cabling in the area over ten years prior to the accident had damaged the drainage.

Tim Sharpe

Motor Insurance Fraud

Band 2 – Acts for claimants and defendants in motor insurance fraud cases, including those concerning induced and staged collisions, fraud rings and contempt of court. He also offers experience in credit hire and is well versed in the costs aspects of cases. Acted in Advantage Insurance v Egner, a contempt of court case involving an individual who had falsely claimed to have been in an RTA.

Myles Grandison

Extradition

Band 2 – A highly regarded junior noted for his experience of handling interesting and high-profile extradition cases. He regularly defends individuals facing complex extradition proceedings, most often involving European governments. “He is a very thorough barrister whose research skills are second to none.” Recent work: Acted in BS v Court of First Instance Brussels, which concerned whether a requesting state had an ongoing duty to consider proportionality throughout the extradition process.

Benjamin Seifert

Extradition

Band 3 – Respected practitioner who is highlighted for his experience of handling leading prison conditions cases and difficult extradition matters. He represents foreign states, judicial authorities and individuals in extradition proceedings. “Extremely passionate and comes across very well in court; he presents in a very succinct way.” “He is a pleasure to work with as he’s very helpful and always on top of the law.” Recent work: Represented two individuals whose extradition was sought by Spain. Spain was seeking to prosecute them for a number of money laundering offences.