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Chambers of David Berkley KC
3pb.co.uk 3pb.co.ukBarristers
Henrietta Hughes
- Phone020 7583 8055
- Email[email protected]
- Social
- Profilewww.3pb.co.uk
Work Department
Personal Injury; Clinical Negligence.
Position
Henrietta’s practice is focused on Personal Injury, Clinical Negligence and RTA non PI matters including Credit Hire. She represents both claimants and defendants.
She has been instructed in multi-track and fast track claims. Henrietta frequently appears in court in a range of hearings including trials, CCMCs, applications, disposals and approval hearings. This has enabled her to hone her advocacy skills and expose her to the varying judicial attitudes across the country whilst managing an expanding advisory practice (in writing and in conference). She is also regularly instructed in cases in which alleged fundamental dishonesty and fraud are features.
Henrietta provides a comprehensive and prompt performance ensuring solicitors and lay clients receive an all round exemplary level of service. She is noted for her thorough and client focused approach to cases. In addition, she has the ability to balance sensitivity with the need to be robust in certain circumstances.
Outside of her practice, Henrietta is currently learning Hindi. She also enjoys running (having completed the London marathon for the Spinal Injuries Association and half marathons, including for the Royal British Legion).
Henrietta has more recently been involved in organising 3PB’s virtual quizzes in aid of the Child Brain Injury Trust and chambers’ participation in the London Legal Walks 19/20 to raise support for free legal advice charities in London and the South East.
Personal Injury
Henrietta acts for both claimants and defendants in Personal Injury matters. She appears in court on a daily basis. She has been instructed to attend an array of hearings (non-exhaustive list):
CMC CCMC Application for relief from sanctions Application to rely on expert evidence Application for strike out or summary judgment Application to set aside default judgment Stage 3 hearing Infant and/or Protected Party approval hearing Disposal Trial (liability, causation and/or quantum)In relation to trials, Henrietta largely appears in cases involving road traffic accidents. However, she is also instructed in cases concerning:
Employers’ liability Occupiers’ liability Public liability Accidents abroadHenrietta has successfully argued for and defended findings of fundamental dishonesty. When acting for defendants in such cases she undertakes robust and detailed cross-examination of claimants, with her attention to detail proving extremely useful.
In addition to oral advocacy, Henrietta can draft skeletons, pleadings and opinions (liability and/or quantum).
Prior to moving to the self-employed Bar Henrietta was in house counsel at a leading personal injury firm, which specialises in civil claims brought by serving and non-serving military personnel as well as claims brought under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS).
Her cases of interest include drafting Particulars of Claim in a multi-track case where the claimant suffers Non Freezing Cold Injuries, and appearing at an AFCS appeal securing an increased lump sum thereby triggering a guaranteed income payment.
Furthermore, Henrietta's previous experience includes being legal assistant to a personal injury QC for over 18 months (including during the trial of Nadarajah v Sotnick [2013] EWHC 3389 (QB)) and undertaking paralegal work for other senior members of the Bar who also specialise in the area.
Credit Hire
A significant degree of Henrietta's practice is Credit Hire.
Henrietta has been instructed in many credit hire hearings for both claimants and defendants, regularly appearing in cases involving the UK's largest car hire companies and insurers. She has the advantage of being able to help anticipate the submissions her opponents are likely to make given she acts for both sides.
She has substantial experience in addressing the common issues - enforceability, need, type, impecuniosity, duration and rate - and is very familiar with the key authorities in this area of law. Henrietta prides herself on her detailed approach.
She is also able to advise on tactics and settlement in these cases.
Clinical Negligence
Henrietta accepts instructions in all aspects of Clinical Negligence work (on a Conditional Fee basis where appropriate) including:
Delayed clinical diagnosis Ophthalmic negligence Negligent nursing care Dental negligence Cosmetic NegligenceRecent instructions included drafting Particulars of Claim, conducting conference and advising in a cosmetic negligence claim concerning rhinoplasty. Settlement was secured.
Education
BPTC Scholarship: Received Middle Temple’s Luboshez Award
2011-2012 - BPP: BPTC - Very Competent 2008-2011 - University of Leeds: LLB Law - High 2.1