No5 Barristers' Chambers

No5 Barristers' Chambers

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Adam Farrer
Adam Farrer
Adam has over 25 years’ experience at the Bar of personal injury work, inquests and regulatory crime.   Adam is a specialist Inquest practitioner. He regularly appears in cases involving deaths in prisons, military deaths, road accidents, care homes and work related factory and farming fatalities. Adam frequently acts in Article 2 jury inquests for organisations and public bodies, such as the MoJ, MoD and the HSE.   Adam acts for defendant’s and the prosecution/HSE in regulatory criminal cases, involving serious injuries and fatalities.   Personal injury work includes very high value brain injury cases, including for the CICA, with cases frequently between £3m and £10m.   Directory rankings have stated Adam is a “Leader in their field” for Health and Safety work and a Leading Junior for Regulatory/Health & Safety Work and Inquests & Inquiries.   Reported cases include: R v Martyn Crute (2011) EWCA Crim 3233; LHS v First Tier tribunal (CICA) (2017) EWCA Civ 2138.    
Adrian Keeling KC
Adrian Keeling KC
Adrian is Head of No5 Barristers’ Chambers. He practises in all aspects of dispute including regulatory misfeasance, fraud, money laundering, and professional discipline. His practice is at the highest level nationally. He specialises in complex, difficult and sensitive cases. He can understand intricate facts, marshal them, and convey them with the strong advocacy of an established silk. His tactical analysis and judgment are praised as “an excellent tactician, charming with juries and offering brilliant client care”. He has good financial sense, and a strong intellectual ability. He prides himself on building strong relationship with those who instruct him, and the client. His recent work includes; Operation Elveden, Plebgate, Undercover Policing, numerous high value frauds and financial disputes, gross negligence manslaughter, misconduct in public office, and International advisory work. He has particular experience in Professional Regulatory work and has been instructed in some of the highest profile Inquests of recent times. He has strong links with Asia.
Alexander Mellis
Alexander Mellis
Acts in all areas of personal injury law for both claimants and defendants at fast-track and multi-track level. Experience of complex cases with experts in multiple specialisms. Alexander has written a book on fixed costs in personal injury claims: “A Practical Guide to Personal Injury Fixed Costs in Portal and Ex-Portal Cases” with Law Brief Publishing. Acts in all areas of employment law for both claimants and respondents including in the EAT. A particular area of experience is dealing with employment related matters in the County Court.
Alexander Heylin
Alexander Heylin
Commercial / Chancery / Insolvency / Civil Fraud   Alexander has broad commercial and insolvency litigation experience covering a wide range of contractual, property and regulatory disputes.   His work includes an emphasis on civil fraud, white collar fraud, company, insolvency and regulatory matters, as well as complex commercial disputes generally.  Alexander regularly advises shareholders in joint venture disputes and acts in contentious matters involving trusts and involuntary liquidation. He has been the lead counsel in several long, complex, document heavy cases.   Alexander has conducted a considerable amount of complex contested trials and hearings and therefore is an experienced advocate and cross examiner in highly contentious and hard-fought cases in England and overseas.  Alexander has appeared numerous times in the highest courts and appellate courts of multiple jurisdictions.   Alexander has substantial experience of witness actions and in cross-examination and is well used to coping with the challenges presented by trials and major applications.   Alexander has not only practised at the Bar but also as a partner in an offshore law firm and as a Principal in a New York Law firm. Alexander is therefore used to taking a client friendly and pragmatic approach to cases with an emphasis on providing optimal solutions to client’s problems. Alexander’s international experience makes him particularly well suited to cases involved cross border issues and has much experience working with other legal teams in multiple jurisdictions on the same case.  
Ami Bartholomew
Ami is a children law specialist instructed in both private and public law cases. She has a broad client base - representing local authorities, parents, wider family members and the child/children’s guardian. Ami is highly experienced in challenging cases involving: • serious allegations including of physical, sexual and emotional abuse, domestic abuse and coercive control and implacable hostility; • complex medical evidence and serious injuries to young children; • forced marriage. She specialises in cases with a forensic fact-finding element, particularly concerning very significant harm to adults and children. She is highly experienced in supporting vulnerable clients. Ami receives instructions in the most complex of children cases. In. 2023 she has been led by King’s Counsel in 3 cases. Ami also continues to be instructed as lead junior counsel and has led in 2 cases over the last 12 months. Leading counsel, juniors Ami has led, professional clients and direct access clients praise her judgment, meticulous preparation, skilled advocacy and dedicated client care.
Andrew Rhodes
Andrew Rhodes
Employment, Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence.
Andrew McGrath
Andrew McGrath
Has an extensive practice background in the field of employment, involving claimant and respondent representation before employment tribunals and the Employment Appeal Tribunal in cases of unfair dismissal, discrimination, unlawful deduction and equal pay claims; his practice includes claimant and defendant litigation before the civil courts in wrongful dismissal, restraint of trade and breach of contract cases, including injunctive relief; has experience in representation before domestic disciplinary tribunals; as a former barrister in local government, he has a particular understanding of its employment law requirements.
Andrew Baker
Andrew Baker
Has wide experience of serious criminal matters including homicide, fraud and offences relating to drugs; has undertaken matters in connection with professional disciplinary tribunals and police misconduct.
Andrew Wallace
Andrew Wallace
Specialises exclusively in crime but has a strong background in public care family work, which often involves serious allegations made against parents of the neglect, sexual or physical abuse of their children; extensive experience of all types of criminal work including: serious violence, including attempted murder, sexual offences, including rape; drugs offences, including substantial importation firearms; regulatory crime – both health and safety and trading standards, including prosecuting a case involving a fatality when an employee was electrocuted at a building site; junior in several murder and fraud cases; regularly appeared in the Court of Appeal and the Divisional Court.
Angus Burden
Angus Burden
All aspects of contentious wills and trusts work in particular challenges to the validity of wills, construction and rectification claims, and professional negligence actions arising in the context of will drafting and tax planning. He also deals with applications for the removal of personal representatives/trustees, breach of trust claims, proceedings for reasonable financial provision under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975, and claims based on proprietary estoppel or constructive trust. His non-contentious work encompasses advising in respect of general issues arising in the administration of estates and trusts, including construction queries, the proper exercise of trustees’ powers, and tax. He is also a mediator specialising in contentious will and trust disputes.  
Anne Smallwood
Anne Smallwood
Extensive experience in: divorce and financial provision (including cases where the assets are substantial and involve companies, land or farming matters); Schedule 1 financial claims; co-habitation and family provision; claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975; property disputes involving unmarried couples.
Anthony Bell
Anthony Bell
Anthony has a criminal defence practice including serious fraud of all descriptions, drugs conspiracies, firearms, money laundering, murder, rape and large scale disorder.  He is familiar with the forfeiture, confiscation and civil recovery provisions of POCA.  His cases are prosecuted by all the principle prosecuting authorities.  He acts as a Junior and as a Leading Junior.  He works mainly in London and the Midlands.  He is also a member of the regulatory group. He is married with three children but still finds the time occasionally to watch Portsmouth FCSome of the more serious cases in which Anthony has appeared in the recent past have included: B (2009 Reading Crown Court) Murder by stabbing in Reading town centre.  Unled and without a Junior J (2010 Southwark Crown Court) Prosecution by HSE after a worker drowned in River Thames.  Case stopped at half-time, and prosecution appeal against ruling not proceeded with   H & ots (2011 Birmingham Crown Court) Laundering the proceeds of a very large construction industry tax fraud   M (2011 Isleworth Crown Court) Conspiracy to import £50m of cannabis   B (2012 CCC) Murder and subsequent hiding of body.  Leading Junior   K (2013 Birmingham) Rape allegations against Defendant previously found unfit to stand trial   B (2013-2015 Mold) Drugs conspiracy.  Issues of A-G’s consent to prosecute   C (2014-2017 Southwark) Insider Trading   S (2015 Birmingham) Conspiracy to supply firearms   R (2016 Warwick) Murder   N (2016 Court of Appeal) CCRC confiscation reference   A (2016 – 2018 CCC) Computer hacking   P (2016-2017 Worcester) Fraudulent variation of will   R (2017 Woolwich) Duty fraud (tobacco and cigarettes)   B (2017 Wolverhampton) Allegation of supply of drugs by soldier to friend who died   B (2017-2018 Warwick) Conspiracy to import firearms   S (2017 Wolverhampton) Allegation of rape against serving soldier   T (2018-2019 Birmingham) Conspiracy to import cigarettes and tobacco   L (2018-2019 Isleworth) Importing rare birds eggs into UK B (2017-2019 Stafford) County lines drugs conspiracy B (2018-2020 Birmingham) Investment fraud F (2018 Birmingham) Attempted Murder   Reported Cases Choudhury [1996] 2 Cr.App.R 484 (VAT Act 1983 section 39(3) / drafting of Indictment) Sookoo  The Times, April 10, 2002 (Perverting the course of justice) Bianco  [2002] 1 Archbold News 2 (Duress – withdrawing defence from Jury) Eubank [2002] 1 Cr.App.R.(S) 4 (Need for separate count alleging possession of firearm in Robbery Indictment when in issue) Sagoo [2014] 2 W.L.R. 233 (Confiscation – delay, apportionment) Neuberg (Karen) (No 2) [2017] 4 W.L.R. 58 (CCRC reference re pre-Waya confiscation order)  
Anthony Korn
Anthony Korn
All aspects of employment, particularly TUPE, equal pay, discrimination law, whistleblowing and contractual claims including High Court injunction to enforce restrictive covenants. Recent reported cases include: Tansell v Henley College [2013] IRLR 174; Landmark Brickwork Ltd v Sutcliffe [2011] IRLR 976; Nationwide Building Society v Benn and ors [2010] IRLR 922 and Korashi v Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Local Health Board, [2012] IRLR 4.
Ashley Wynne
Ashley Wynne
Specialist in high net worth financial remedy, cohabitation and Inheritance Act cases. Specialist in family law since 1995 and in financial work since 2001. Dealing with: Complex financial remedy cases involving trusts, pensions and third party claims, established via constructive trusts and proprietary estoppel; cohabitation disputes under the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act Claims for provision under the Inheritance Act
Baldip Singh Aulak
Baldip Singh Aulak
Baldip is a leading Junior in Family Law, boasting over a decade of experience it the field of International Family Law. His practice encompasses all aspects of Family Law, including Divorce, Children, and Financial Remedies, with recognised expertise in cases involving International and immigration elements. This includes addressing divorce jurisdiction and forum disputes, international enforcement in financial and children cases, child abduction and relocation, and the protection of vulnerable adults under the inherent jurisdiction and in the Court of Protection. He has notably appeared in several ground-breaking cases in the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal. While Baldip is an exceptionally effective advocate and highly experienced in court disputes, he is equally passionate about alternative methods of Dispute Resolution and is a trained Arbitrator. Fluent in Punjabi and conversational in Hindi and Urdu, Baldip is licensed to accept Direct Public Access work. Family Finance & Property Baldip offers advice and advocacy services across all facets of divorce, encompassing financial remedies. Renowned for his insightful counsel supported by a keen commercial awareness, he brings expertise to cases involving trusts, business assets, overseas assets, pension issues, and scenarios with third-party interests. Regularly engaged in intricate cases, particularly those featuring high net worth individuals, Baldip places emphasis on matters where assets are abroad. He holds a niche interest in cases representing Equestrians and animal disputes. Widely recognized as a formidable negotiator and highly skilled advocate, both in and out of court, he possesses a keen eye for detail. Demonstrating an excellent track record, he has achieved success in interim stages and contested final hearings. Child Arrangement Baldip provides advice and representation on all issues relating to the care and upbringing of children arising from a family breakdown. He represents mothers, fathers, children, and other family members in disputes regarding child custody, arrangements for where the children should live, or the time they should spend with each parent. This includes specific issues such as schooling, medical treatment, religious upbringing, or taking children abroad temporarily or permanently. He possesses a wealth of experience in representing parties in complex and intractable disputes, including parental alienation, abduction, adoption, and urgent cases requiring injunctions, wardship, or involving the inherent jurisdiction of the courts. Baldip is also well-versed in the enforcement of orders related to children's arrangements in instances where a party fails to comply with court orders. Relocation Internal & Abroad International relocation cases are widely regarded as some of the most complex and challenging matters to come before the Family Court. Baldip has a depth of expertise in international relocation, and he is a trusted and safe pair of hands for his clients and his solicitors when such cases arise. He understands that the stakes can be incredibly high for the families involved, and as such, he provides compassionate advice combined with a robust and strategic approach to proceedings from the outset. He acts for both parents and children at first instance and also on appeal. Child Abduction A significant portion of Baldip's work involves an international element, owing to his extensive background in Immigration, Asylum, and Nationality Laws. He possesses a wealth of experience in all aspects of cross-border children cases, encompassing child abduction cases (under the Hague Conventions of 1980 and 1996, as well as under wardship); the recognition and enforcement of foreign orders; jurisdictional disputes; and international contact disputes. He frequently appears in the High Court Family Division to handle such cases.Baldip has a significant international practice and has been instructed to assist in cases involving Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Libya and a number of countries in Asia including India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. Molestation & Occupation Baldip accepts instructions in domestic violence cases. He has undergone extensive training and honed his skills in dealing with vulnerable adults, having previously worked with torture and persecuted victims, trafficked men, women, and children. He represents parties in cases involving allegations of female genital mutilation and forced marriage, as well as non-molestation orders and occupation orders on behalf of applicants and respondents. Currently, he is collaborating with several focus groups and charities, including the Department of Public Prosecution, to develop a better understanding and guidance on Honour-Based Violence cases. He has a reputation for being thorough, persuasive, and highly effective. Care & Supervision Baldip’s Public Law practice encompasses all aspects of care proceedings and adoption. He represents Local Authorities, parents, family members, and Children’s Guardians in the complete range of Part IV proceedings, participating in numerous lengthy fact-finding and final hearings that last weeks, and appearing in appeals at all stages up to the Supreme Court. He has been instructed in cases involving factitious induced illness, sexual abuse, inflicted injury, the death of a child, Wardship proceedings in Public Law, abduction during proceedings, Forced Marriage Protection Orders, and honour-based violence. Additionally, he has successfully contested Care, Placement, and Adoption Orders. Baldip is also a regular appearance in the National Deprivation of Liberty Courts (DOLS Court), known for his robust advice and creative solutions to best protect vulnerable young people in his cases. He provides counsel to authorities on their policies and procedures, as well as on the evidence in individual cases. Immigration & Nationality For many years, Baldip had a mixed Family and Immigration practice, but since 2015 has specialised exclusively in Family Law. However, he continues to make use of this background by advising parents, children and Local Authorities on their rights and remedies where the Family Court is not able to assist.
Becket Bedford
Becket Bedford
Undertakes Appellate court advocacy, admin law, public law, international law, commercial law, human rights, EU law, discrimination, employment and asylum law.
Benjamin Hawkin
Ben practises in immigration & asylum, mental health, prison law and public law, with a particular emphasis on human rights issues. He has appeared at every level of the tribunal and court system, representing victims of human rights violations, leaders of political groups, high-ranking military officers, diplomats, terrorists, financiers and long term serving prisoners. He is ranked as a Leading Junior in The UK Legal 500, which noted that “He wins near-impossible cases by identifying new arguments“ (2016) and has “specialist knowledge of a range of areas including asylum, deportation and entry clearance” (2015). Ben has been involved in a number of groundbreaking cases in the Higher Courts, including R (Q and Others) v SSHD [2003] EWCA Civ 364 (challenging the controversial withholding of benefits from asylum seekers), R (Iran) and Others v SSHD [2005] EWCA Civ 982 (the leading case on material errors of law) and ZH (Tanzania) v SSHD [2011] UKSC 4 (the landmark Supreme Court ruling on the rights of children and British citizens). He is also a member of Amicus, and took part in its work on the Kenny Richey case.
Bernard Thorogood
Bernard Thorogood
Specialises in the most serious categories of health and safety, environment and other regulatory cases including corporate/gross negligence manslaughter and fire safety – prosecution and defence. Frequently appears at Inquests. Advises large organisations, including national/international businesses, in regulatory matters concerning their present and future practice.   Selected cases of interest – In two separate cases in 2019 (one EA one CQC – fatal case) represented and secured the acquittals of a director and senior manager. In 2020 similar outcome for director charged by Local Authority – the other director fined nominal figure. In 2020 secured superb outcome for large Local Authority charged in relation to work at height issues at school. Likewise for major national employer in relation to Fire Safety at Football League Club. Major International Food Business – Oxford – Defence - concluded June 2021 – Court accepted the problem was of a marketing nature and thus penalty transformed downwards to extremely modest proportions. Low culpability finding secured and significant praise for the Company’s leadership. Cushman and Wakefield Ltd – Wolverhampton C.C. – concluded July 2019 – Prosecution – wooden structure blown off building during Storm Doris, causing death and other injury in the street below. Failure to maintain. Hewitt – Bristol C.C. and Court of Appeal – concluded February 2018 – Defence – the jury acquitted company chairman of the most serious offence, and the Court of Appeal quashed the remaining s.37 conviction – costs recovered; Oxford C.C. – March 2018 – Prosecution – Southern Health NHS Trust (including the tragic death of Connor Sparrowhawk); Stoke C.C. – July 2018 – Defence – successful submissions for major national employer, leading to very low fine; R (HSE) v Martin Baker Aircraft Limited – Prosecution – February 2018 – death of a Red Arrows pilot; R (HSE) v Merlin Attractions – Prosecution – September 2016 – the Alton Towers rollercoaster disaster; R (Natural England) v Day [2014] EWCA Crim 2683; R (HSE) v Balfour Beatty and Enterprise AOL [2014] EWCA Crim 2684; for Fire Service in Hillsborough Inquests; R (HSE) v British Sugar PLC – defence – acquitted in fatal case following legal argument – abuse of process – July 2014. Inquest examples: Current – acting for Local Authority in long-running fatality case, and in separate industrial accidents representing a City Council and a limited company.  June 2021 – represented a Local Authority in relation to multiple fatalities arising from a fire. Focused preparation and submissions to the Court persuaded the Coroner on several key points, including contentious witness testimony. 2021 – instructed for a major NHS Trust in a case featuring multiple deaths. Very early meetings of legal teams and careful presentation of the Trust’s work to improve practices persuaded the Court that the Trust was “well-led” - the fine was very substantially lower than it could have been. February 2017 – acting for St John Ambulance in Inquest arising from music festival death.
Caroline Sumeray
Caroline Sumeray
Caroline specialises in criminal law and her practice has encompassed almost every type of case. Within the last year Caroline has been instructed on various extremely serious matters, including murder, rape, child rape and kidnapping, a case involving bombs being left around central London, a large scale drugs importation worth £20m, counterfeiting Microsoft software, unlawful sexual intercourse with a 12 year-old, a complex forgery involving a 101 year-old victim, serious sexual assaults on children, charities fraud, GBH, armed robbery and arson. She has also defended in video pornography, and cases involving automatic life sentences. She is currently instructed on various cases, a selection of which includes two murders, an IRA case, GBH, robbery, aggravated burglary, importation and conspiracy to supply class A drugs, violent disorder, threats to kill, and a multi-handed controlling prostitution, among other matters. Computer literate – can receive work by fax, e-mail or on CD. Instructed on a large-scale MTIC VHCC Fraud.
Caroline Jennings
Caroline Jennings
Caroline specialises in all aspects of employment law. She is instructed on behalf of both claimants and respondents to advise and represent them in employment tribunals across the country as well as the EAT. Her range of instructions cover high value and complex cases and see her representing some of the largest companies in the country as well as individual claimants. She also has a busy public sector practice, frequently acting for NHS Trusts and local authorities. She has been appointed to the Attorney General’s Panel of Counsel (B Panel). Caroline also undertakes a broad range of advisory work and acts as an independent party in internal investigations and disciplinary matters. Caroline is regularly instructed to advise on compromise agreements and also in judicial mediation. Caroline also represents appellants at the Police Medical Appeals Board. In addition to her employment work, Caroline sits as a Deputy District Judge on the London and South Eastern Circuit.
Changez Khan
Changez Khan
Changez is a specialist in employment and discrimination law. He has the confidence to take on difficult cases – having appeared three times in the Court of Appeal and many more times in the EAT as sole counsel. He acts for employers and employees alike. A non-exhaustive list of his cases is provided below.AdvocacyAs an advocate, Changez is experienced across the spectrum of employment disputes. He acts in cases involving dismissals, alleged discrimination, wages, bonuses and whistleblowing. He appears at preliminary hearings and in multi-day (or multi-week) trials.Cross-over commercial workChangez has a growing niche in cases with a commercial flavour, where the parties have a choice of jurisdiction between the ET and the civil courts. For example, he is currently acting in a long-running shareholder dispute worth several million pounds in the High Court. Other recent cases have involved injunctions to enforce restrictive covenants or to restrain breaches of directors’ duties. For further detail, see his separate profile for the Business and Property group.Advisory workChangez aims to deliver advice that is clear, focussed and decisive. He advises on merits and quantum. He also enjoys guiding clients who face difficult judgement calls. Often, Changez is instructed at the nascent stage of a dispute to help shape the case strategy or to offer a fresh perspective.He is happy to advise in writing or to test matters in conference, including by video-conference. By maintaining a balanced employer/ employee practice, he is able to retain a sharp eye for tactics used on both sides.In appropriate cases Changez accepts instructions on a direct access basis. He is fluent in French, including legal French, and is happy to accept instructions from Francophone clients.OtherELA Briefing, July 2018: “Morris v Metrolink: trade union activity and confidential data”The Times, 7th November 2018: “Luxury goods giant Richemont UK spied on black worker it discriminated against” https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/luxury-goods-giant-richemont-uk-spied-on-black-worker-it-victimised-2htkm9zwmELA Briefing, November 2019: “Lies, damned lies and discrimination: Base Childrenswear Ltd v Otshudi” Notable CasesBase Childrenswear Ltd v Otshudi [2019] EWCA Civ 1648Race discrimination; shifting burden of proof; whether a prima facie case could properly be inferred from marginal evidence; successful in resisting appeal.https://www.bailii.org/ew/cases/EWCA/Civ/2019/1648.htmlMorris v Metrolink RATP Dev Ltd [2018] EWCA Civ 1358Dismissal for trade union activity; s.152 TULRCA 1992; unauthorised leak of sensitive data; whether using such data in a collective grievance was legitimate union activity; successful in overturning EAT’s decision on appeal.https://www.bailii.org/ew/cases/EWCA/Civ/2018/1358.htmlR and R Plant Hire v Bailey [2012] EWCA Civ 410Age discrimination; compulsory retirement at 65; extent of employer’s duties; appeal on a point of interpretation of the Employment Equality (Age) Regulations 2006, Schedule 6https://www.bailii.org/ew/cases/EWCA/Civ/2012/410.htmlSpragg v Richemont (UK) LtdTwo-week race discrimination trial against the owner of the Cartier and Mont Blanc brands; black employee consistently overlooked for promotion; sub-conscious bias proven; employer also shown to have spied on employee using surveillance agency; victimisation claim also proven; reported in The Times.https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/luxury-goods-giant-richemont-uk-spied-on-black-worker-it-victimised-2htkm9zwmDee v Suffolk County Council UKEAT/0180/18/BATwo-week unfair dismissal trial, followed by an appeal; headmaster dismissed for using physical restraint on a disruptive pupil; interplay between gross misconduct and the Department for Education guidelines on the use of reasonable force.Re Solitair Ltd, EWHC 2019Theft of client database by departing director; secured interim injunction to prohibit the use of client lists and sensitive pricing information; breach of director’s duty to avoid conflicts of interest (s.175 CA 2006); on-going damages claim for diversion of business opportunity.Re Icon College of Technology and Management Ltd [2017] EWHC 3177 and [2019] EWHC 1826 (Ch)Joint venture; substantial claim for damages in lieu of a one-third shareholding; issues over share valuation (date of valuation, minority discount) and disguised distributions.AppointmentsAttorney General’s panel of counsel – London B panelAwardsClifford Chance prize for outstanding performance (2nd year, LLB): King’s College, LondonLord Denning scholarship, Hardwick entrance award and Levitt award: Lincoln’s Inn
Charles Crow
Charles Crow
Charles has a growing reputation in the field of employment law having been involved in cases at all levels up to the Court of Appeal, and appearing before the Central Arbitration Committee.  Recent cases include several with values exceeding £1 million.  He is frequently instructed in internal investigatory and decision-making roles (grievance and disciplinary procedures) and is increasingly involved in High Court injunction applications. He has particular experience in the healthcare, social care, education, housing and banking sectors.   He practises, in an advisory capacity, on behalf of both employers and employees.  He is a trained mediator. Charles also specialises in personal injury law, with a focus on the areas of travel litigation, health and safety at work, industrial diseases, and road traffic accident litigation (particularly fraud matters); regularly acting for both claimants and defendants at all stages of the litigation process including drafting and advising. Specialises in costs law, including appellate work.
Charles Price
Charles has enjoyed stints as the employment lawyer at Bristol and Sheffield City Councils and contributes articles on employment law to various publications. An expert in discrimination cases, Charles has been instructed in cases of sex, race and disability discrimination. Further he has extensive experience in unfair dismissal, redundancy, contracts of employment, pregnancy related dismissal, constructive dismissal, minimum wage claims, compromise agreements, post-termination covenants, holiday pay disputes, parental leave, deductions from wages, variation of contractual terms, whistle blowing, business transfers, harassment and breach of contract claims. As well as advocacy work in both Employment Tribunals and the Employment Appeals Tribunal, Charles has considerable experience of advisory and drafting work, preparing pleadings for the County Court and Employment Tribunals. Charles has acted as a disciplinary officer in various tribunals and has appeared in the Employment Appeals Tribunal. Charles has more than 10 years experience of being instructed by individual claimants, local authorities, international/national companies, bodies such as the BMA. Charles writes employment law articles for his own website at www.charlesprice.net, and is the author of a popular employment blog, www.employmentlawuk.blogspot.com. Charles is a public access barrister and can therefore be instructed by members of the public.
Charlotte Robinson-Jones
Charlotte Robinson-Jones
Charlotte completed a personal injury and clinical negligence pupillage in 2010 – 11. Since subsequently joining No5 Barristers’ Chambers, she has continued to build her practice, advising and representing both Claimants and Defendants in a wide range of personal injury matters. Currently she accepts instructions at Multi Track level. Her practice encompasses clinical negligence, and she has acted in cases including claims against dentists, NHS Trusts, GPs and support staff. She regularly advises on liability and quantum, for both adults and minors.
Chris Bright KC
Chris Bright KC
Chris is recognised nationally as a leading PI and Clin Neg Silk and is Head of the Clinical Negligence Group at No5. At any one time he has conduct of multiple catastrophic brain and spinal injury, amputation and CP/neonatal claims to a value of £20m+, often involving complex clinical, causation and CCG/LA funding issues. Recent awards include £4.2m/PPO £285,000, £5.4m/PPO £228,000 and £3.6m/PPO £250,000, equivalent to £12m+, £19m+ and £12m+ respectively. Chris is highly regarded and sought-after for his approachability in screening cases at an early/pre-expert stage, his attention to detail, compassionate client care, calm, user-friendly, logical and sensitive approach and his analytical abilities, tactical expertise and excellent negotiation skills. He regularly speaks/chairs for AvMA, Headway and the SIA and in 2017 spoke on amputation claims to the Pace Rehabilitation Annual Conference and in 2018 on spinal injury litigation at the Robert Jones & Agnes Hunt Hospital. He was involved in the case of Caine Ellis v Paul Kelly & Violet Ellis [2018] EWHC 2031 (QB), an important case on the road safety responsibilities of an 8-year-old child and his mother. Notable awards in 2020 include a CP lump sum of £4.6m with staged PPOs of £225,000 to age 12, £309,000 from ages 12-19 and £360,000 for life from age 19, an above-knee amputation
Christopher Young KC
Christopher Young KC
Barrister, specialising exclusively in town and country planning, highways and environmental law. Practice background includes – s78 planning appeals for most of the major house builders, major property development companies, local planning authorities and a mix of smaller developers. Experienced in all types of housing schemes, including mixed use and affordable housing; employment and industrial development; retail development including FOCs; motorway services areas; major leisure and recreational development; retail development; tall buildings in London and Manchester; medical services; gypsy and showman sites; development in the National Parks, Green Belt, AONB and conservation areas; applications involving listed building consent and enabling development; and applications involving the oversupply of housing. Also s79 ‘Called-in’ inquiries, highway improvement orders and inquiries into village greens. Local Plan and UDP inquiry appearances on behalf of major house builders, major property development companies, smaller developers, local planning authorities, town and parish councils and local action groups. Planning enforcement, including injunctions; enforcement notices; stop notices; purchase notices; completion notices; s215 notices; and prosecution and defence work in the criminal courts. Applications and appeals for certifications of lawful development. Environmental law, including environmental enforcement, Water Act enforcement, waste and landfill enforcement. Section 288 challenges and Judicial Review in the High Court. Has also acted for the Treasury Solicitor in a number of major inquiries on behalf of the Highways Agency.
Christopher Perry
Christopher Perry
Business and PropertyCredit HireImmigrationInquest, Public Inquiries and Coronial LawPersonal Injury
Daniel Oscroft
Daniel Oscroft
Daniel has a diverse and busy Crown Court criminal practice. He has extensive experience defending and prosecuting serious criminal cases all over the country, primarily in the West Midlands. Daniel is regularly instructed in matters involving homicide, serious violence, fraud, drugs, and sexual offences, as a leading junior, junior alone or being led. His recent cases have involved murder, multi-million-pound frauds, “county lines” drug cases, rape, death by dangerous driving, grievous bodily harm with intent, arson, kidnapping and blackmail and revenue and customs offence. Daniel is particularly adept at quickly assimilating vast amounts of evidence and narrowing down the issues in the case. As a result of the variety of serious cases in which he has experience, he will gain the confidence of his client, no matter the person or the nature of the allegation. Daniel is a Grade 4 prosecutor for the CPS and is on the Serious Crime, Fraud, Confiscation and RASSO panels.
Danny Bazini
Danny Bazini
Danny has specialised in all areas of immigration, asylum, human rights, EU free movement and nationality law since 1992. He appears in the Asylum and Immigration Tribunal, High Courts, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court. Judicial review work is a strong part of his practice. Danny is experienced in public and administrative law generally and has undertaken work in the fields of mental health, education, extradition, prison and regulatory law – in particular where there is an immigration slant. In the past Danny has worked, volunteered and acted as a trainer for the Immigration Advisory Service and provides training and seminars to solicitors, law centres and community groups. Danny is ranked as a leading junior in Immigration and Nationality Law in both ‘The Legal 500’ and ‘Chambers and Partners’. Notable Cases include: Ahmed Mahad and others v ECO [2009] UKSC 16; AR and FW, R (on the application of) v SSHD (Rev 1) [2009] EWCA Civ 1310; DA (Columbia) v SSHD [2009] EWCA Civ 682; LL (China) v SSHD [2009] EWCA Civ 617; SSHD v AHK & Ors [2009] EWCA Civ 287; JN (Cameroon) v SSHD [2009] EWCA Civ 307; Jamal v SSHD [2008] EWHC 1854 (Admin); MW (Liberia) v SSHD [2007] EWCA Civ 1376; Ooi & Ors v SSHD [2007] EWHC 3221 (Admin); FD (Zimbabwe) v SSHD [2007] EWCA 1220; MT (Zimbabwe) v SSHD [2007] EWCA Civ 455.
David Taylor
David Taylor
His practice includes all areas of commercial and chancery work, with an emphasis on real property and landlord & tenant law in which he specialises. In the field of real property, David is an expert in disputes concerning title to land (including adverse possession claims and boundary disputes), and disputes concerning rights over land (such as easement claims, and claims concerning restrictive covenants). His landlord & tenant practice includes all forms of dispute arising out of commercial and agricultural tenancies. David also advises in connection with commercial contract disputes, and in professional negligence claims; particularly those involving the professional negligence of property professionals.
David Mason KC
David Mason KC
Experienced practitioner, working for both the prosecution and the defence; represents police officers in a wide range of police disciplinary inquiries in front of various chief constables in the West Midlands; experience in all levels of courts from the magistrates court to the divisional court and the Court of Appeal; instructed in all types of criminal cases, including fraud, murder, rape, armed robbery and child abuse.
David Mitchell
David Mitchell
His practice covers all Chancery areas with an emphasis on wills, trusts and probate matters, including inheritance act claims. A significant part of his practice resolves around real property, including conveyancing and boundary disputes, adverse possession and other disputes relating to title to land, trespass, possessions actions and nuisance neighbour disputes. He also regularly advises in respect of landlord and tenant (commercial and agricultural) and a solid background in soft intellectual property matters. He also undertakes general commercial litigation.
David Iles
David Iles
Has significant experience in serious criminal cases, acting for prosecution and defence; Grade 3 prosecutor, CPS lists on the Midland Circuit and the South Eastern Circuit; experience of inquiries, trade marks, licence applications, DTI investigations, serious fraud, and serious sexual abuse cases.
David Tyack KC
David Tyack KC
Specialist in personal injury and clinical negligence for ten years. Practises in all areas of clinical negligence and personal injury with particular experience of complicated and/or significant value claims. Undertakes work on CFA basis. Member of PIBA and AVMA. Regularly gives talks and lectures and is an invited AVMA speaker.
Denise Owen
Denise Owen
Personal Injury, Fraudulent Insurance Claims, and Credit Hire.
Earl Pinnock
Earl Pinnock
Criminal defence – serious crime; homicide, terrorism, drugs, sex, slavery / trafficking, kidnap/blackmail, firearms, serious public disorder, gang related crime appellate work
Edward Nicholson
Edward Nicholson
Prior to obtaining a tenancy in 2003 Edward worked at the Refugee Legal Centre from 1992, appearing before the Immigration Appellate Authority – predominantly the Immigration Appeal Tribunal for over ten years. He held the position of legal officer at the RLC from 1995. In addition to his practice in the Asylum and Immigration Tribunal, the Administrative Court and the Court of Appeal Edward also provides regular advice and training sessions to staff at solicitors firms. In 2009 he appeared before the Asylum and Immigration Tribunal in what became its first reported determination on the UK Border Agency’s new Points Based System: NA & ors (Tier 1 (Post-Study Work) – funds) [2009] UKAIT 00025. Notable cases include: R (G) v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2004] EWHC 2848 (Admin); R on the application of Yussuf v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2005] EWHC 2847 (Admin); Secretary of State for the Home Department v Abbas [2005] EWCA Civ 992; KR (Iraq) v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2007] EWCA Civ 514; AG (Eritrea) v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2007] EWCA Civ 801 [2007] NLJR 1235, [2007] INLR 407; DL (Democratic Republic of Congo) v. Entry Clearance Officer, Pretoria; ZN (Afghanistan) v. Entry Clearance Officer, Kirachi [2008] EWCA Civ 1420; MQ (Afghanistan) v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2009] EWCA Civ. On 15 February 2010 the UK Supreme Court reversed the Court of Appeal’s judgment in ZN (Afghanistan) v Entry Clearance Officer, Kirachi.
Ekwall Singh Tiwana
Ekwall Singh Tiwana
Specialises in criminal work, and has experience in cases involving murder, manslaughter, armed robbery, drugs and drug trafficking; also has experience in cases involving sexual abuse and rape (TV Link), customs and excise, and VAT; has extensive experience in dealing with the Asian community.
Elizabeth Power
Elizabeth Power
Practises exclusively in crime, focuses on complex drug-related offences, sexual offence such as rape and abuse of children, serious offences of violence, fraud conduct and management of very high-cost cases. Notable cases include: instructed 2nd junior counsel for the defence in a complex multi-million pound investment fraud, to be tried September 2009; R v W &P [2008] – defence junior counsel in a manslaughter involving children defendants; R v Austin and others [2008] – defence junior counsel in a contract murder at the Old Bailey, which raised media coverage for being the first case where a jury were discharged following the House of Lords ruling against the use of anonymous witness testimony; R V Toye [2008] – defence counsel involving multi-counts of blackmail offences; R v Booth and others [2007] – defence junior counsel in a multi-handed drug conspiracy; R V Younis and others [2007] – defence junior counsel involving a large-scale ‘test purchase’ operation in the North East of England; R v Warde [2005] – defence junior counsel in a £21m drug conspiracy, which involved international criminal network; R v Grebby and others [2005] – defence counsel in a multi-handed £1.5m cigarette duty evasion; R v Bannister and others [2003] – defence counsel in a multi-handed drug conspiracy; R v Wilson [2003] – defence counsel in a multi-handed kidnapping and rape; R v F & S [1999], represented both juvenile appellants at the Court of Appeal before the Lord Chief Justice on a point of law involving the detention of young offenders, reported in Archbold 1999 edition.
Frances Shaw
Frances Shaw
Practice Groups: Immigration, Asylum and Nationality International Human Rights Public Law Direct Access Qualified Frances is an experienced advocate specialising in all areas of immigration law, international human rights, asylum, nationality, and administrative law, with a particular focus on deportation and human rights family and private life claims. Frances represents private and publicly funded clients in the Immigration and Asylum Chamber of the First Tier and Upper Tribunals, the High Court and the Court of Appeal. Frances is highly regarded for her ability to engage vulnerable clients and she acts as a Litigation Friend on behalf of adults who lack capacity in the immigration system. More specifically, Frances’ practice encompasses appeals and judicial review challenges against the refusal and/or decision-making process in the following areas: adult dependent relatives, asylum, bail, business immigration, Civil Penalty Notices (issued for the alleged employment of illegal workers), Turkish business persons, deportation, deprivation of nationality, domestic violence, ETS/TOEIC deception allegations, EEA rights of residence, EEA marriage of convenience allegations, entry clearance, fresh claims, family reunion, long residence, the points based system, right of abode, revocation of indefinite leave to remain, unlawful detention, unaccompanied children and victims of trafficking.  Additionally, Frances undertakes judicial review challenges to age-assessments of unaccompanied asylum seeking children and the non-provision of housing etc. As well as providing written and oral advice, representation and advocacy in all areas of immigration, international human rights, asylum and nationality law, Frances drafts pleadings, further representations, grounds of appeal to the First Tier, Upper Tribunal and Court of Appeal, and judicial review challenges, including grounds and letters before claim, often on an urgent basis. Frances is also regularly instructed to provide expert oral and/or written immigration advice to family law solicitors, local authorities, courts and the judiciary for use in family court proceedings. As Frances previously specialised in family law, this work particularly encompasses her cross-discipline expertise.   Frances is direct access qualified and accepts instructions on this basis in all her specialist areas. Notable Cases:  SSHD v Barry [2018] EWCA Civ 790; Led by Manjit Gill Q.C. - Indemnity costs awarded against the Home Secretary after she failed to ‘make good’ her allegation of ‘systemic failure’ by the IAC Tribunals to properly apply IR’s 398 and 399 in foreign criminal deportation cases. http://www.bailii.org/ew/cases/EWCA/Civ/2018/790.html   MA (Pakistan) & Ors v SSHD [2016] EWCA Civ 705; Linked appeals in which the COA considered when it’s reasonable to remove a non-British child with seven continuous years residence within Paragraphs 276ADE(1)(iv) and EX.1 of the Immigration Rules and s.117B(6) of the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002. http://www.bailii.org/ew/cases/EWCA/Civ/2016/705.html   Rodriguez, Mandalia and Patel v SSHD [2014] EWCA Civ 2; Linked appeals in which the COA determined the ambit of the SSHD's Evidential Flexibility Policy. http://www.bailii.org/ew/cases/EWCA/Civ/2014/2.html   Barry (conduct of hearing) [2015] UKUT 00541 (IAC); The President concluded that appeals may be determined without hearing from the Respondent’s representative where the grounds and arguments involve an unmeritorious challenge. http://www.bailii.org/uk/cases/UKUT/IAC/2015/541.html   R (on the application of Singh and another) v SSHD [2015] UKUT 134 (IAC); Challenge against certification of a long-residence application. http://www.bailii.org/uk/cases/UKUT/IAC/2015/134.html
Francesca Martin
Francesca Martin
Inquests, Public Inqueries and Coronial Law Personal InjuryClinical Negligence
Gareth Compton
Gareth Compton
Practises exclusively in personal injury law, including all aspects of industrial disease work. Recent cases have included those arising from mesothelioma, noise-induced deafness, occupational asthma and VWF; involved in all aspects of a case from the drafting of an initial advice, interlocutory applications, round table conferences and final hearings; particular interest in the Limitation Act, which is so often a central issue in cases of industrial disease and is a subject upon which he has presented seminars; undertakes work on the basis of CFAs; practices all areas of PI work, particularly road traffic accidents, accidents at work, tripping and slipping cases, occupiers’ liability and CICA; acts for both claimants and defendants.
Gary Bell KC
Gary Bell KC
Specialises in the most complex areas of criminal law, particularly serious fraud and drug offences where issues of confiscation arise; also has extensive experience in murder and attempted murder.
Geraldine More O’Ferrall
Adoption Care & Supervision Child Abduction Child Arrangement Divorce Family Family Finance & Property Financial Provision Forced Marriage Molestation & Occupation Property Co-Ownership Relocation Internal and Abroad Wills, Trusts & Estates Geraldine is a specialist family practitioner who has over 30 years experience dealing with all aspects of family work. She is known not only for professional standards but also her ability to listen with compassion and to work with clients including those who are vulnerable and have special difficulties and challenges. Geraldine has in-depth experience representing parties in complex public law cases which include fabricated illness, sexual abuse (including multi-generational abuse)  violence, disputed medical and psychiatric evidence as well as chronic neglect. She regularly appears in cases with a foreign element. Geraldine is known for a variety of cases relating to disputed medical treatment of children where parents have not been able to agree a course of action or where medical views differ from those of the parents. She is known for the detail of her preparation and ability to work with clients both lay and professional to achieve best outcomes in challenging circumstances. Geraldine has an impressive track record of success in the Court of Appeal dealing with cases that have addressed fundamental issues relating to Child Abduction (Hague and non Hague), relocation both internal and international, European enforcement including Brussels II and placements abroad. Geraldine is also experienced in cases relating to family finance following relationship breakdown including married couples, unmarried co-habitants and provision for children. Geraldine is available to assist with mediation and other forms of dispute resolution. In addition to her work in the area of children and relationship breakdown Geraldine is committed to the human rights issues that arise in the family context including claims for damages. Geraldine is known as an experienced advocacy trainer including the training of psychiatrists and social workers and guardians in how to provide evidence effectively.   Geraldine participates in 33 Bedford Rows Annual Family Law Update lectures and is a keen member of the Family Law Practice Team. A selection of Geraldine’s reported cases gives an indication of the depth and breadth of her professional experience. For a more comprehensive list see “Notable cases”. NIB v TS &ES [2016] EWHC 3213 (Fam) Application to discharge wardship when child found to have been wrongfully removed from jurisdiction had lived in Egypt for five years PH v AH [2016] EWHC 1131 (Fam) Circumstances in which oral examination of a CAFCASS officer in a final Hague Convention hearing may be dispensed with MD v CT [2014] EWHC 871 (Fam) Acted for appellant mother against registration and enforcement of a French order granting sole residence to father.  First case on consideration of the effect of Article 23(c), Brussels II a when French service complied with Annex II  and a certificate had been granted but actual service had not been effected.  Appeal allowed. X v Y & Z Police Force,  A, B and C [2013] 1 FLR 1277 Police joined as parties in child abduction case where client was an undercover police officer. Re S (A Child) [2012] UKSC 10 Further consideration of Art 13(b) of the Hague Convention 1980 in case where client resisting return of a toddler to Australia and had a pre-existing anxiety condition and applicant had admitted domestic abuse. Re W [2012] 2 FLR 133 First case where successive orders for committal were made against abducting father.  Acted for mother whose three year old daughter was abducted to father’s family in Pakistan.  Child eventually returned to Mother’s care. Direct Access Geraldine is accredited to accept work under Direct access, also known as Public access, in suitable cases.   Notable Cases Geraldine’s reported cases include: NIB v TS & ES [2016] EWHC 3213 (Fam) Application to discharge wardship when child found to have been wrongfully removed from jurisdiction had lived in Egypt for five years PH v AH [2016] EWHC 1131 (Fam) Circumstances in which oral examination of a CAFCASS officer in a final Hague Convention hearing may be dispensed with MD v CT [2014] EWHC 871 (Fam) Acted for appellant mother against registration and enforcement of a French order granting sole residence to father.  First case on consideration of the effect of Article 23(c), Brussels II a when French service rules complied with Annex II certificated granted but actual service had not been effected.  Appeal allowed. X v Y & Z Police Force,  A, B and C [2013] 1 FLR 1277 Police joined as parties in child abduction case where client was an undercover police officer. Re S (A Child) [2012] UKSC 10 Further consideration of Art 13(b) of the Hague Convention 1980 in case where client resisting return of a toddler to Australia and had a pre-existing anxiety condition and applicant had admitted domestic abuse. Re W [2012] 2 FLR 133 First case where successive orders for committal were made against abducting father.  Acted for mother whose three year old daughter was abducted to father’s family in Pakistan.  The daughter was finally returned to the Mother’s care. Re D (Abduction: Child’s Objections) [2012] 2 FLR 266 CA Consideration by Court of Appeal of its discretion to return when child’s objections defence is made out. DT v LBT (Abduction: Domestic Abuse [2011] 1 FLR 1215 Junior Counsel in case where client raised Art 13(b) defences to Hague Convention return order.  Unusually evidence was heard at length and court made findings in respect of serious and sustained domestic abuse including sexual violence.  Consideration of ECJ decision of Neulinger in respect of Art 13(b) and compliance with Article 8 of the Human Rights Act 1998. Re B (Care Proceedings:  Withdrawal [2010] AllER (D) 190 Acted for Local Authority  in case of child with severe physical disabilities.  Parents would not agree recommended radical treatment plan resulting in treating hospital referring case to Local Authority.  At final hearing hospital indicated it would not seek court authority for recommended treatment if parents did not agree.  Care proceedings withdrawn. Other Reported Cases include: Camden LBC v Goldenberg [1997] 1FLR 556 Court of Appeal Re E (Child Abduction: Non Convention Country) [1999] 2 FLR 642 CA Re RC and BC (Child Abduction) (Brussels II Revised:  Art 11(7) 2009 1 FLR 574
Glenn Willetts
Glenn Willetts
Has advised in connection with many areas of commercial and chancery practice; has appeared in court and tribunals on an almost daily basis both at first instance and appellate level; has also appeared before the Office of Fair Trading.
Graham Henson
Graham Henson
Has a longstanding practice of defence work in major criminal cases of all types; has conducted numerous cases as a leading junior; has also prosecuted for the Fraud Investigation Group; most recent reported case was his victory over the UK government in the European Court of Human Rights, Sander v the UK government, involving a very significant decision on racial prejudice.
Harpreet Sandhu KC
Harpreet Sandhu KC
Harpreet took silk in his fifteenth year of practice. He became Leader of the Midland Circuit in 2024. He prosecutes and defends in grave and complex cases. His busy practice covers the full range of criminal offences. He is instructed regularly to lead in cases of alleged homicide, serious sexual offences, drugs conspiracies and terrorism offences. He is instructed by the CPS’ Complex Casework Units, Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division and London Homicide Unit. He is recognised nationally for his work in representing police officers in the criminal courts, in disciplinary proceedings and before the Police Appeals Tribunal. He acts for professionals, including teachers and members of the medical and legal professions, who find themselves before the criminal courts.  Harpreet receives instructions to represent those who are particularly vulnerable and those with mental health difficulties. Harpreet has an innate ability to secure the confidence of those he represents. He combines his natural and highly-effective advocacy skills with real industry.
Harrison Burroughs
Harrison Burroughs
Harrison is a member of the Business and Property group at No5 and accepts instructions in all areas of commercial, property and chancery law. He represents companies, individuals, and partnerships across the full spectrum of business and property disputes.
Heather Popley
Heather Popley
Heather regularly appears in the Family Court and High Court. Her family law practice includes the following work:- Public and Private law Children: Heather represents local authorities, parents, other relatives and children's guardians in care proceedings, including Special Guardianship applications, placement applications and secure accommodation order applications. Heather has experience of cases involving serious allegations of sexual abuse (including CSE), non-accidental injury, chronic neglect and domestic violence. Heather has extensive experience of private law children cases involving complex issues, including: parental alienation and implacable hostility cases; fact findings, such as those involving allegations of domestic violence and sexual abuse; removal out of the jurisdiction; and internal relocation. Financial provision: Heather’s financial remedy practice includes representing parties in FDAs, FDRs, final hearings, maintenance pending suit applications, Matrimonial Causes Act 1973 section 37 applications, cases involving third party interveners and Schedule 1 Children Act 1989 applications. She also represents clients in co-habitee cases pursuant to the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996. Heather volunteers as an editor for the Leicester and Leicestershire Family Justice Board website providing up to date family justice news and case law: www.llfjb.com  NOTABLE CASES BCC v Riaz et al [2014] EWHC 4247 (Fam) before Keehan J  
Helen Barney
Helen Barney
Practices exclusively in the field of employment law. She has comprehensive experience of all areas of employment law to include complex discrimination complaints, TUPE and contractual disputes. Her practice covers both claimant and respondent work, in the public and private sector. Clients include local authorities, NHS Trusts, police, multi-national companies, union and insurance supported claimants. She regularly appears before the ET in multi-day cases and in lengthy discrimination complaints. She has also appeared before the EAT in a variety of disputes and provides practical and pragmatic advice on employment matters.
Henry Pitchers KC
Henry Pitchers KC
Henry was appointed Queen’s Counsel in March 2020, after two decades as an extremely busy junior. He has for many years been recognised by the directories and his peers as a leading barrister specialising in complex and high value claims arising out of both clinical negligence and personal injury. His caseload is dominated by acquired brain injuries, spinal cord damage, amputations, complex polytrauma, psychiatric disorder and fatalities. Even prior to his appointment to silk, he was instructed in some of the highest value claims, such as a child brain injury matter which concluded at a joint settlement meeting for the capitalised equivalent of approximately £28M.   Henry led  the team at the Fishmongers Hall terror attack inquests, on behalf of the family  of one of the young victims, Saskia Jones., helping to identify multiple failings of the state and others.  He also is lead counsel in the case of Polmear v Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust.  [2021] EWHC 196 (QB), one of three landmark appeals before the Court of Appeal, considering issues of recoverability for secondary victims (nervous shock).   Clinical negligence work covers the full   range, but with a focus upon obstetrics (baby and mother) and neurosurgery (including strokes and intracranial infections, but also cauda equina). Henry is very experienced in liability disputes in personal injury claims, from RTCs (including MIB issues) to accidents in the workplace (including construction sites). He has been instructed in significant matters with an international element. As well l  as having huge trial experience, Henry regularly is instructed to appear at inquests. Henry’s cases routinely involve periodical payments and the Court of Protection.   He is a contributing editor to Butterworth’s Personal Injury Litigation Service.  
Hugh Richards
Hugh Richards
Specialises in planning and environmental law; his town and country planning practice includes regular appearances at public inquiry (development control, enforcement and development plans) for local authorities, regulatory bodies, landowners and developers and on appeal in the High Court; also has wide experience in the lower courts in enforcement proceedings (prosecutions and injunctions) in planning/listed building matters and environmental protection/pollution control; his practice includes particular experience of matters relating to the regulation of the use of land by the Fire Services; other experience includes cases involving gypsies, the transport haulage industry, taxis/mini cabs, the regulation of the mobile phone industry, video classification by the BBFC, admission to and exclusion from school. Other specialist areas include: judicial review, roads, compulsory purchase, fire precautions in buildings, public rights of way including Definitive Map Modification; Town and Village Green registration; local government procedure; transport operators licences; statutory nuisance; liquor and entertainment licensing; registered homes; human rights implications of all the above.
Ian Bridge
Ian Bridge
Defends in regulatory crime especially health and safety and environment, corporate crime, serious financial crime, tax fraud; Attorney General’s regulatory ‘A list’. Defends in serious injury and fatal RTA and other accident and disease cases – regularly appearing in linked inquests and undertaking linked personal injury. Specialist in VAT and excise duty appearing on behalf of appellants in the tax tribunals – instructed by national firms of solicitors and accountants. Instructed in statutory and private professional disciplinary tribunals. Leading junior based in London – works throughout the UK. Please refer to No5’s website for more information.
Irvine Maccabe
Irvine Maccabe
Combines court room presence, pugnacious advocacy, straight-forward advice with sound commercial judgment as befits 30 years litigation experience; regularly in the Employment Tribunal in all manner of cases and in the Employment Appeal Tribunal; advises and appears in the High Court and county court in cases involving restrictive covenants and injunctions; acted for senior and highly remunerated executives in the City of London in sex discrimination and race discrimination and wrongful dismissal; acted in cases involving local authorities, a children’s nursery, state primary and public schools, a government quango, charities, manufacturing companies, franchise car dealers, a railway company, the Ministry of Defence (forced pregnancies), senior employees of state corporations, senior employees of numerous major public and private limited companies; instructed by all levels of employee or worker (shop workers, bar steward, a chauffeur, a chef etc) and by professionals such as GP’s, hospital consultants, solicitors, solicitors’ firms, accountants, university lecturers, teachers (including a headteacher), etc; acted for a Formula 1 grand prix team, an international airline, a Jersey-based Trust Company, two major organised religious institutions, an Olympic athlete, ex-premiership footballers, an ex-premiership manager, a golf professional, and is currently instructed on behalf of a major figure in the League Championship; regularly instructed by a number of London bus companies in all manner of employment disputes. Notable cases in the last year include Arriva London North Ltd v Eleftheriou UKEAT/0272/12/12- reinstatement and Polkey. Licensed for Direct Access.
Jack Feeny
Jack Feeny
Jack is a specialist employment practitioner and acts on behalf of claimants and respondents. He has a broad practice encompassing unfair dismissal, constructive dismissal and breach of contract claims and he specialises in complex claims involving discrimination, whistleblowing, TUPE, and trade union disputes. He also acts in professional discipline proceedings. Jack is regularly instructed to act on behalf of FTSE-100 companies and international corporations in retail, manufacturing, logisitcs, hospitality, sport, leisure and energy. He also has a busy public sector practice, acting on behalf of local authorities and NHS Trusts. Jack has significant experience in industrial disease claims, including: asbestos litigation, noise-induced hearing loss; vibration white finger; COSHH claims; carbon monoxide poisoning; and repetitive strain injuries. Jack is a specialist practitioner in respect of noise-induced hearing loss. He is frequently instructed to advise and appear in such claims and has a detailed knowledge of the common issues that arise, particularly in respect of limitation and causation. He is happy to accept instructions on a CFA where appropriate. Jack is also regularly involved in asbestos litigation and is instructed to advise, draft statements of case and appear at hearings in such claims. He often appears in the specialist mesothelioma list in the High Court. He has acted in multi-track trials, taken evidence on commision in living claims and represented parties at coroner’s inquests. He has acted in a number of cases for defendants where exposure and causation has been challenged in asbestosis and asbestos-induced lung cancer claims based on histology evidence.
James Corbet Burcher
James Corbet Burcher
Special areas of practice: Planning/Environmental law; Public law, European Union law
James Stoll
James specialises in personal injury and undertakes work at all levels including those of the utmost severity. Having previously been in independent practice and having held a senior position in the advocacy department of a national firm of solicitors he has a friendly and approachable style with instructing solicitors. James deals with: road traffic accident claims (including low velocity impact claims), employer’s liability claims, occupier’s liability claims, fatal accident claims, claims involving the MIB, credit hire litigation. In the course of his practice, James undertakes: multi-track hearings, fast track hearings, disposals (including Stage 3 hearings under the RTA protocol), inquests, applications, case management conferences. James has delivered training on: drafting schedules of loss (with particular reference to calculation using the 6th edition ogden tables), quantum valuation, case management and application hearings. James is also happy to conduct file ‘surgeries’ on request. James has been dealing with credit hire claims since 1998, formerly in a case-handling role and then in the past 6-7 years in an advocates role. He has also assisted training others in how to deal with credit hire litigation and in how to present credit hire cases in the past.
Jamie Gamble
Jamie Gamble
Jamie is consistently ranked as a leading barrister for personal injury and clinical negligence work in Chambers UK and the Legal 500, having been described therein as “a silk in waiting” who is “very good with clients and is approachable and dependable with a sharp mind”. He is particularly known for his expertise in serious brain and spinal injury cases, having been recognised as displaying an “impressive aptitude in tacking difficult causation and quantum issues in claims involving spinal and brain injuries” (Chambers UK) and has particular experience of cases involving cerebral palsy, wrongful birth, serious spinal cord injury leading to paraplegia, and amputation.
Jessica Smeaton
Jessica Smeaton
Barrister specialising in all aspects of employment and immigration law. Jessica is a specialist in employment litigation and regularly acts in multi-day trials. She has particular experience in representing respondent public authorities, often acting for the NHS. She has an increasing appellate practice in the EAT. In addition to court representation at first instance and appeals, Jessica advises on all aspects of employment litigation, including unfair dismissal, equal pay and discrimination and provides day-to-day advice on employment issues and employee relations. Jessica is also an experienced immigration practitioner, undertaking work on a private and publicly-funded basis. She frequently appears in the first-tier and upper tribunals in both immigration and asylum cases and is regularly led in cases of significant legal value at the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court. Her Business Immigration practice centres on JR challenges to sponsor licence revocations and appeals against civil penalties imposed on businesses found to have been employing illegal workers. She regularly advise business on day-to-day immigration issues, including navigating the Resident Labour Market Test. Jessica is well-placed to undertake matters involving an overlap between employment and immigration issues including unfair dismissal and discrimination claims concerning the right to work. Jessica has considerable experience in working with vulnerable clients, including clients who lack capacity to give evidence or conduct proceedings. Prior to joining the Bar Jessica worked in the pro bono department at Hogan Lovells LLP, advising and representing clients in a range of matters including corporate law, employment, immigration, landlord and tenant, and a broad range of human rights work. She is experienced in advising charities and start-up social enterprises on employment rights. Jessica continues to undertake pro bono employment work for charities and social enterprises.  
Joanna Chadwick
Joanna Chadwick
Specialises in family law and has extensive experience in the following areas of practice: Children Act applications, both public and private law including care and supervision proceedings, adoption, wardship, secure accommodation applications, child abduction, applications for child arrangements orders; child abduction and international movement of children; financial provision for children; divorce and nullity proceedings; applications for financial remedy; applications under Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1986; financial provision on death; financial disputes between cohabitees and unmarried couples; and injunctions and domestic violence.
Joanne Rothwell
Joanne Rothwell
Joanne has recently been appointment head of the immigration group in chambers and has expertise in all areas of immigration and nationality law and European law at all levels including the Asylum and Immigration Tribunal, Administrative Court, House of Lords and European Court of Justice. She has a varied practice within her field and is instructed by local authorities, NGOs, law centres and private law firms. Joanne has a special interest in the crossover of immigration law with family law and prepares opinions for local authorities and law firms for use in the family division. She undertakes seminars at solicitors firms and is an assessor at Central Law Training. Joanne has experience of instructing clients under the public access scheme. She practises immigration and nationality law and European law relating to free movement of people, business immigration and deportation issues. From a nursing and counselling background with emphasis on mental and women’s health, Joanne’s dissertation in her LLB (Hons) focused on judicial review within the area of mental health. Notable cases: R v SSHD ex parte Boybeyi [1997] INLR 130 CA; Zeqiri v SSHD [2001] 1 All ER (D) 120; R v SSHD ex parte Zeqiri [2002] UKHL 3; R (on the application of Tum and Dari) v SSHD [2004]1 CMLR 1091; R (on the application of Tum and Dari) v SSHD [2004] 2 CMLR 1131; DK (Serbia) v SSHD [2006] All ER (D) 312 (Dec); R (on the application of Tum and Dari) v SSHD (Case C-16/05) [2008] 1 CMLR 18 [2007], [2007] All ER (D) 115 (Sep) ECJ; SSHD v TB (Jamaica) [2008] All ER (D) 90 Aug; SM & TD & JD & others v SSHD [2013] EWHC 1144 (Admin). Since the changes to Appendix FM and Adult Dependent Relatives, Joanne has won several cases relating to elderly relatives under these new draconian rules.
John Coughlan KC
John Coughlan KC
Deputy Head of the Clinical Negligence Group Director, No5 Chambers Ltd Director of Education, Midland Circuit
Jonas Hankin KC
Jonas Hankin KC
Described in Chambers UK as “a class act” and in the Legal 500 as “a wonderful advocate with a fantastic grasp of pathology”, Jonas Hankin QC is established as one of the country’s leading silks in the field of child homicide. Notable cases include the murders of Daniel Pelka, Evelyn-Rose Muggleton and Dylan Tiffin-Brown, and the manslaughter of Rebecca Kandare. He is a contributing author to the leading textbook, ‘Paediatric Forensic Medicine Pathology’ (CRC Press, 3rd edition).
Jonathan Derrington
Jonathan Derrington
Jonathan has a wide-ranging practice in the areas of clinical negligence and personal injury. His clinical negligence practice has included cases involving: general medical practice; nursing practice (including fatal pressure sore injury and malnutrition cases); negligently performed operations (including general surgical error, abdominal surgery, urological surgery, orthopaedic surgery (including hip replacement surgery)); delays in treatment and diagnosis including cancer cases and failure to diagnose malaria; failed cosmetic surgery (including breast surgery and abdominoplasty); GP negligence; orthopaedic mismanagement; failure to give informed consent and negligent dental treatment. Jonathan’s practice in this area is exclusively claimant based. He is praised for his careful yet effective handling of sensitive issues with clients and for his proficiency in extracting the best from medical experts. His personal injury practice includes claims involving allegations of fraud (principally for defendant insurers, including complex ring fraud), road traffic accidents (including claims against the Motor Insurers’ Bureau), accidents at work, industrial disease, occupiers’ liability claims, highway ‘tripping’ claims, and coroner’s inquests and fatal accident claims (dealing with complex loss of earnings points). Jonathan is often instructed at a very early stage in cases, giving clear, practical advice, both in conference and in writing. His defendant insurance fraud practice makes him a robust crossexaminer, with a careful eye for detail and inference.
Jonathan Jones KC
Jonathan Jones KC
Specialises in personal injury and clinical negligence; has extensive experience in the following areas: cerebral palsy claims; obstetrics and paediatrics; claims involving profound neurological damage, including quadriplegia and paraplegia; cosmetic surgery errors, including breast implants and reconstruction surgery; claims arising from negligently performed operations, including vasectomies and sterilisation procedures, endoscopies, neurological surgery, hip and knee replacements etc; optical negligence, including failing to diagnose glaucoma; dental negligence; oncology, including errors in diagnosis and treatment; errors occurring during attendance at accident and emergency departments, including failing to diagnose fractures, failing to diagnose and/or treat myocardial infarction; errors by general practitioners, including failing to treat diabetes, failing to refer following symptoms of arterial blockage etc; nursing practice, including rehabilitation procedures; human rights, including the disclosure of confidential information and inhuman and degrading treatment. Also practises in: general personal injury, including claims under the Fatal Accidents Act 1976 and Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1934; catastrophic injuries; limitation; industrial disease and accidents at work, including claims for RSI, asthma, asbestosis, and noise-induced deafness; claims arising from the use of the highways; education, including claims arising from the failure to diagnose and/or treat dyslexia and other learning difficulties. Reported cases include: Lawrence v Chief Constable of Staffordshire [2000] TLR 25/07/00; [2000] PIQR Q349; Mugweni v NHS London (formerly South West London SHA) (CA) [2012] EWCA Civ 20 , [2012] All ER (D) 145 (Jan).
Jorren Knibbe
Business and Property, Commercial Litigation, Intellectual Property and IT, Technology and Construction, Public Law.
Kathryn Taylor
Kathryn Taylor
All areas of family law including public and private law; Children Act Proceedings, for parents; local authority and children; County Court and High Court; ancillary relief: advisory and throughout proceedings; all types of injunctive relief.
Kawsar Zaman
Kawsar Zaman
Kawsar Zaman is a UK qualified Barrister, Mediator and Solicitor (non-practising). He enjoys a diverse practice with particular expertise in Employment, Regulatory and Public Law. He has appeared before a range of courts and specialist tribunals. He is regularly instructed in complex matters - beyond his level of call – both as an advocate as well as in an advisory and investigatory capacity. Kawsar graduated with a First-Class law degree from the London School of Economics, before reading for the BCL at Oxford University as an OCIS Scholar, and then the LLM at Harvard Law School, where he was Fulbright Scholar. Kawsar is accredited to accept direct instructions from members of the public where appropriate. Kawsar is also a CEDR Accredited Mediator, internationally recognised as the standard of excellence for mediators. He accepts instructions to act as a Mediator or as a Mediation Advocate, from both professional clients and on a direct access basis.
Kirsty Gallacher
Kirsty Gallacher
Kirsty practices exclusively in family law and undertakes a full range of public law cases, private children work and applications for financial remedy. Public law Kirsty is regularly instructed in cases of a complex nature and has extensive experience in fact finding hearings involving allegations of the utmost severity. Kirsty represents local authorities, parents, interveners and children in cases involving: ·         Death of a child ·         Suspected inflicted injury ·         sexual abuse ·         the death of a parent ·         fabricated and induced illness cases ·         terrorism ·         placement of children abroad, relocation and child abduction ·         committal proceedings   Kirsty has experience of cases involving issues on the Restriction and Deprivation of Liberty. Kirsty has been led and undertakes cases in which she appears against Queen’s Counsel in her own right. Private law children In private law Kirsty is instructed in all aspects of disputes including enforcement and is accustomed to dealing with relocation cases and complicated cases of parental alienation.  Kirsty is often instructed in the most complex cases where the child is separately represented.  Ancillary Relief: In matrimonial proceedings Kirsty is regularly instructed in high net worth cases including those involving substantial business assets, inherited wealth and trusts.  
Kristina Brown
Kristina Brown
Kristina specialises in Children Act cases, appearing at all levels of the family court including the Court of Appeal. She undertakes first instance hearings and appeals and regularly appears in the High Court. Kristina has a particular interest in Public Law cases and represents Local Authorities, parents, extended family members and children acting either through their Guardian or who have separate representation by their own solicitor. She has significant experience in care cases including child death, inflicted injuries, sexual abuse, surrogacy, child trafficking, chronic neglect and in representing parents and children with serious psychological difficulties, including a history of self harming and acting for parents with compromised functioning, including where the Official Solicitor is involved. Kristina’s practice also includes private law cases which move into the public law arena, such as in a situation of alleged parental alienation. Kristina's experience also covers the full range of Private Law applications, with a particular interest in intractable disputes, involving the appointment of Rule 16.4 Guardians. She deals with complex child arrangements applications including cases involving serious domestic abuse, complicated psychological evidence internal relocation of children and applications to remove children from the jurisdiction. Kristina has an established reputation for tactical preparation, forensic analysis of complex medical evidence and excellent client care. She is known for her sensitive, down-to-earth yet robust attitude. Other aspects of Kristina's practice include presenting lectures and training seminars to solicitors, local authorities and other child protection professionals. Kristina has been appointed a Member of the Development Board of the Institute of Advanced Study at Durham University. Since 2017, Kristina has been an Honorary Professor of Law at the University of Winchester. Notable Cases: Birmingham City Council v Mother & Ors [2022] EWFC 125 (10 August 2022) Re ABC (Children: Overlaying Child) [2020] EWFC 57 Re CTD (A Child: Rehearing) [2020] EWCA Civ 1316 A Local Authority v AB and Others [2019] EWFC 75 RE (1) K (2) T (3) U (Placement of children with kinship carers abroad) sub nom Birmingham City Council v (1) W (2) Q (3) K, T and U (by their children’s guardian) (2019) EWFC 59 Re P (Sexual Abuse: Finding of Fact Hearing) [2019] EWFC 27 Re Leicestershire CC v AB & Ors [2018] EWCF 58 (31 August 2018) Re X (A child) No. 2 [2016] EWFC 55 (11 November 2016) Re X (A child) [2016] EWFC 54 (8 November 2016) T (A Child: fact finding) [2014] EWFC B115 (12 September) W (A Child) [2014] EWCA Civ 772 RE B (A Child) (Medical Treatment) [2008] EWHC 1996 (Fam) [2009] 1 F.L.R. 1264 | [2009] LS Law Medical 214, [2009] Fam. Law 397 Re: B (A Minor) [2009] 1 FLR 1264; [2009] LS Law Medical 214  
Laura Davidson
Laura Davidson
Laura specialises in all aspects of medical law and is well known for her particular expertise in mental health law and ‘best interests’ cases. The bulk of her work is in the public law arena, and she is instructed in many judicial review applications in healthcare law, representing hospital trusts, local authorities, the Official Solicitor and patients. She also has vast experience of complex Mental Health Review Tribunal hearings (usually involving restricted patients), contentious nearest relative displacement applications, and habeas corpus applications brought by those detained under the Mental Health Act 1983 (as amended). Laura appears regularly for various parties in applications under the Mental Capacity Act 2005 for declarations of incapacity and best interests, including the Official Solicitor (such as a hunger-striking prisoner case, and one where a child Jehovah’s Witness urgently requiring a blood transfusion and blood products refused treatment). Her expansive experience in this area has included: two PVS cases in declaratory proceedings seeking the withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment measures; permission to withdraw artificial ventilation from a premature baby suffering from severe myotonic dystrophy; and an application for the termination of a catatonic patient’s pregnancy. She also appears in cases brought by local authorities concerning the residence of incapacitated persons. Much of Laura’s work involves human rights, which was the focus of her doctoral studies at Cambridge, including cases challenging refusals to fund specific treatment. Laura undertakes inquest work involving psychiatric patients (such as an inquest into the death of a psychiatric patient against the Ministry of Defence in a week-long jury inquest into the death of a young learning disabled soldier). She also has expertise in cases resisting the disclosure of medical records and Data Protection Act cases. Recent cases include: R v South Region MHRT, ex parte B [2008] EWHC 2356 (Admin) (2008) ACD 91); R v East London & City NHS Trust, ex parte M (2009) (to be reported); R v Cygnet Healthcare & Another, ex parte BB [2008] EWHC 1259 (Admin); Sutcliffe v BMI Healthcare Limited [2007] EWCA Civ 476, CA.
Leanne Buckley-Thomson
Leanne Buckley-Thomson
Leanne is a specialist Housing and Planning Law practitioner.  In planning law, Leanne regularly advises and represents developers, local planning authorities and Rule 6 parties on a broad range of planning matters representing clients in all stages of the process.  She is an experienced inquiry advocate both in respect of section 78 appeals and planning enforcement matters.  She has a particular interest in judicial and statutory review and her experience dealing with housing injunctive proceedings gives her an advantage when instructed to obtain and enforce injunctions in a planning context. In her housing practice, she is a busy and experienced junior frequently instructed to act across a spectrum of housing and land law matters, with a particular focus on social housing.  She deals with all manner of security of tenure welcoming interesting and more complex points of law.  Her practice sees her routinely dealing with possession proceedings and related stay applications and appeals, applying her wide experience in Equality Act 2010, Children Act 2004, anti-social behaviour, disrepair, tenancy deposit and technical defences.  Leanne also deals with cases concerning unlawful eviction, harassment, trespass, nuisance, demotion, succession (including only or principal home arguments and concerning minors) and injunctive proceedings including committals. Leanne has a particular interest in advising and representing clients in homelessness appeals pursuant to Part VII of the Housing Act 1996 and Judicial Review claims.  She most recently acted in Rother D.C. v Freeman-Roach [2018] EWCA Civ 368 concerning vulnerability in light of Hotak and Panayiotou.    
Lorna Meyer KC
Lorna Meyer KC
Specialises in family law, with a particular emphasis on children’s cases. Regular appearances in complex and sensitive cases in both public law (care/adoption) and private law (residence/contract/PR) spheres at County Court, High Court and appeal levels. In addition International Movement of Children and Child Abduction. Experience of representing local authorities, parents, alleged perpetrators, children as litigants and children’s guardians; has also acted as an advocate to the Court. Areas of work cover all aspects of physical, emotional and sexual abuse (including those which are the subject of medical dispute/controversy such as brain injury, sudden death in infancy and FII). Inherent jurisdiction work has included adult children under a disability and withdrawal of medical treatment from children.
Louisa Denning
Louisa Denning
Specialising in personal injury; has wide experience of litigation on behalf of both claimants and defendants involving road traffic accidents, factory and industrial accidents, industrial disease, employers’ liability and occupiers’ liability; regularly undertakes advisory work in these areas; also appears before the Criminal Injuries Authority and attends coroner’s inquests on behalf of potential claimants and defendants to civil claims.
Louise Corfield
Louise Corfield
Louise specialises in traditional chancery matters, with a strong focus on contentious probate and 1975 Inheritance Act cases. She also has considerable experience in a wide range of trusts and property matters, in particular, ownership of real property and TOLATA disputes. Louise is a qualified and CMC registered mediator, and regularly mediates cases in herareas of specialism. Louise is experienced at conducting trials and applications in the Property, Trusts and Probate List in the Chancery Division of the High Court. She is a strong cross-examiner and is also highly successful at negotiating settlements, whether by mediation, FDR hearing or at the door of Court. She prides herself on giving practical advice and having exceptional client handling skills.
Lucy Coulson
Lucy Coulson
Barrister: Personal Injury; Regulatory. Lucy Coulson specialises in all aspects of personal injury and civil law, with a particular emphasis on employers’ liability and public liability cases. Lucy was appointed to the Attorney General’s Civil Regional C Panel in 2020 and is regularly instructed by government departments. Lucy also has a burgeoning practice in regulatory proceedings. She has a particular specialism in misconduct proceedings before the Teaching Regulation Agency (formerly the NCTL/GTC).
Malcolm Duthie
Malcolm Duthie
Recognised as a leading senior junior, Malcolm specialises in all aspects of high-value personal injury and clinical negligence litigation involving catastrophic and serious injuries. Cases in which he has appeared are reported and referred to in textbooks (examples appear in brackets below). He represents both Claimants and Defendants nationally in cases involving employer’s (Milroy v BT [2015]) and public liability (Pace v Swansea CCC [2007]); road traffic accidents (single or multiple collision and claims involving the MIB) (Powell v Auden [2009]); Deighton v Collett [2016]), accidents abroad, fatal accident claims, product liability (Baker v KTM [2017] CA); animals (Cooke v Jackson [1999]) and sporting accidents (Wattleworth v Goodwood [2004]; Green v Sunset & Vine [2009]; Corbett v Cumbria Kart [2013]). Inquests (R. (on the application of Patton) v HM Assistant Coroner for Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire [2023]) and CICA appeals. Claims involving brain and spinal injuries including paraplegia and tetraplegia; severe orthopaedic injuries (fractures and soft tissue injuries); internal organ injuries; amputations; scarring, burns and gross disfigurement; and psychiatric injury (both primary and secondary victim claims). Cases also include rare but recognised conditions including fibromyalgia, pain amplification and chronic fatigue syndromes, Munchausen’s, conversion and functional neurological disorders. Substantial experience in clinical negligence e.g. recent settlements in excess of £1m (epidural abscess/paraplegia).
Mamta Gupta
Mamta Gupta
Mamta has extensive experience in the full range of medical negligence cases, working on all stages of a case, from the inquest and initial risk assessment to round table negotiations and trial. Mamta is a clinical negligence specialist acting mainly on behalf of claimants, although she does accept instructions from all defendant bodies. Mamta specialises in (uro)gynaecological/obstetric cases and is noted in Chambers UK 2014 for her work with female claimants on complex and sensitive cases and having ‘a really good eye for detail’. Mamta also acts in the full range of personal injury cases including road traffic accident fraud work.
Manjit Singh Gill KC
Manjit Singh Gill KC
Head of international human rights law. Specialist in public law, human rights, immigration, and public/private international law, discrimination, regulatory law, international crime, and international commercial and arbitration law. He has dealt with cases on the return of terror suspects to foreign regimes where torture is feared, the use human rights in bilateral investment treaties, international family law involving the adoption and movement of children, extradition, consular law, internal armed conflict, the arrest abroad of war crimes suspects, advising corporations on large scale international movement of labour. He has argued many of the leading immigration cases over the last 16 years and also represented various interveners. Also works in property, employment, privacy and media, prison law, sports law. He has conducted numerous cases in the House of Lords and Supreme Court and represented clients abroad and in international courts. His leading cases include: Bibi and Ali, UKSC (2015), discriminatory requirement on foreign spouses to learn English; MM (Lebanon), CA (2014), minimum income requirements and family life; Re A (Children), UKSC (2013), child abduction and conflict of laws; New London College, UKSC (2013), administrative powers in support of legislative powers; AA (Somalia), UKSC (2013), adoption of refugee children; HH v Italy, UKSC (2012), children’s best interests in extradition; Stopyrah and Debreceni (2012) extradition, legality of legal aid system in extradition; McAuley v Coventry Crown Court, [2012] 1 WLR 2766, custody time limits; Cart and MR (Pakistan), UKSC (2011), limitation of judicial review of Upper Tribunal; ZH (Tanzania), UKSC (2011), landmark decision on domestic implementation of art 3 of UN Convention on Rights of the Child; ZN (Afghanistan) UKSC (2010) refugee family reunion; Mahad, UKSC (2009), third party support; Mucelli and Moulai, HL (2009), extradition appeal time limits; O’Donoghue v UK (ECtHR 2010) Acted for Equality and Human Rights Commission on UK’s sham marriage laws contravening the right to marry; TB (Jamaica), CA (2009), on abuse of process; EN (Serbia), [2010] QB 633, quashing of Particularly Serious Crimes Order; Baiai, HL (2008), first case on art 12 ECHR right to marry in UK; JJ v SSHD, HL (2007), first case on control orders; Secretary of State v S, CA (2007), effect of delay and fettering of discretion and conspicuous unfairness; NH (India), CA (2007), East African Asians and righting historical wrongs; Januzi, Hamid et al, HL (2006) internal relocation; Carson and Reynolds, HL, (2005) discrimination in awards of benefits; Hoxha and B v SSHD, HL, (2005) rape as a weapon of war; the Belmarsh indefinite detention case, HL (2004); Sritharan v Law Society, CA (2005), human rights in interventions; E and R v SSHD, (2004) QB 1044 CA, distinction between errors of fact and errors of law; Ullah and Do, HL (2004), leading case on extra-territoriality and human rights; Krotov, CA (2004), internal armed conflict and conscientious objection; Anufrijeva, CA (2002), notice of decisions; Manjit Kaur, ECJ (2001) effect in international law of UK’s declarations on nationality; Butt v Foreign Secretary (1999) International Law Reports, consular protection of British nationals abroad.
Marc Wilkinson
Marc Wilkinson
Specialises in all forms of property litigation, but also has extensive experience in dealing with contract disputes, banking and securities, professional negligence claims, insolvency, insurance law, and sale of goods.
Mark Anderson KC
Mark Anderson KC
Mark Anderson KC has a wide-ranging practice covering business and property disputes of all kinds. He specialises in particular in company and partnership disputes (including share and business sale agreements) and in the professional negligence of lawyers, accountants and valuers. He also has expertise in a wide range of fields from commercial property, financial services, intellectual property, defamation in the business arena and competition law. Mark sits as a Judge of the High Court (Chancery Division) having been authorised by the Chancellor under section 9(1) of the Senior Courts Act 1981. Cases include Barking & Dagenham LB v Persons Unknown [2021] EWHC 1201 (QB); Gracie v Rose [2019] EWHC 1176 (Ch); Angola v Perfectbit Limited [2018] EWHC 965 (Comm); Bruce v TTA Management [2018] EWHC 2718 (Ch); Fundo Soberano de Angola v Dos Santos [2018] EWHC 2199 (Comm); West Bromwich Commercial Ltd v Unadkat [2018] EWHC 469 (Comm); O’Connor v BSB [2017] UKSC 78; Barratt v Treatt plc [2015] EWCA Civ 116; Ghura v Dalal [2015]EWHC 605 (Ch); Palmer v Muir [2014] EWCA Civ 309; Adams v Allen & Overy [2014] EWHC 53 (Ch); Coppage v Freedom Security Solutions [2013] EWCA Civ 1176; Ramzan v Brookwide Ltd [2011] EWCA Civ 985; [2012] 1 All E.R. 903; [2011] 2 P. & C.R. 22; [2011] N.P.C. 95; Summers v Havard [2011] EWCA Civ 764; [2011] 2 Lloyd’s Rep. 283; Delaney v Chen [2010] EWCA Civ 1455; [2011] B.P.I.R. 39; Bailey v Wood [2009] EWHC 363 (Ch); Finning UK Limited v Inveresk [2007] EWCA Civ 1563; Chater v Mortgage Agency Services Limited [2003] HLR 61; [2004] 1 P & CR 4; [2003] 15 EG 138 (CS); (2003) 147 SJLB 417; [2003] NPC 48; [2003] 2 P & CR DG9; Lowe v Guise [2002] QB 136; [2002] 3 All ER 454; Sutherland v Hatton [2002] 2 All ER 1; [2002] ICR 613; [2002] IRLR 263; [2002] Emp LR 288; [2002] PIQR P21; Lawrence v Chief Constable [2000] PIQR Q349; Birmingham Joinery Ltd v Phillips (1999, CA); Monnington v Bonnells Elecrical Contractors Ltd (1999, CA); Mansfield v Weetabix [1998] 1 WLR 1263; [1998] RTR 390; [1997] PIQR P526; Friend & Co v Lee & Jackson (1998, CA); PSM International v Whitehouse [1993] IRLR 279; Mills v Silver [1991] Ch 271.
Mark Radburn
Mark Radburn
Mark practises exclusively in the fields of personal injury and clinical negligence, acting for both claimants and defendants. He has extensive experience of claims involving injuries of the utmost severity, both on his own and as junior to leading counsel. His employers liability practice includes work related upper limb disorders, exposure to hazardous substances, vibration white finger, industrial deafness, asbestos related and other respiratory disease and industrial accidents. Mark has been nominated as a leading junior in personal injuries in the Chambers & Partners Guide to the Legal Profession, having been described as ‘a highly thought of and up and coming junior’; ‘quite the terrier, the one to use for a case that requires a fight’; ‘combines a pragmatic view of cases with a good client manner’; ‘a quick brain and “client friendly”’; ‘has cemented a practice in both catastrophic personal injury work and clinical negligence’; ‘Mark Radburn has proved himself as a “very impressive advocate indeed”. He is equally lauded for his skills as a negotiator, as a result of his negotiations many of his clients have been saved a lot of money’; ‘Mark Radburn was the recipient of high praise. Interviewees explained that Radburn is “a technically excellent Barrister and an astute strategist”’; ‘Mark Radburn, a favourite with many solicitors and fellow barristers’.
Mark Heywood KC
Mark Heywood KC
Described as a silk clients ‘would instruct without hesitation’, Mark Heywood is highly experienced in presenting the most complex and demanding cases. He prosecutes and defends, being instructed by CPS Special Crime, Central Fraud Group and regional Complex Casework Units as well as defence firms across the country. Notable cases include: commercial fraud: Operation Foamy – multi-million pound ‘boiler room’ fraud investigated by FSA; R v Al Haq & others – alteration of title deeds at Land Registry allowing fraudsters to use victims’ homes as collateral for loans; Operation Fraxwood – multi-million pound tax and VAT fraud; Operation Acumen – contract pricing fraud on a police authority; Operations Ply & Destiny – multi-million pound mortgage fraud joined with conspiracy to present false evidence to pervert the trial. Corruption, misconduct in public office: Operations Wasp & Spoke – lengthy undercover investigation and prosecution of corrupt police officer supplying operational intelligence to criminals; R v Morgan – police officer soliciting corrupt payment to end a prosecution; R v ‘D’ – prosecution of a member of Special Forces; R v Lee & others – corruption and theft of tank and other armoured vehicle equipment from MoD. Homicide, firearms: R v L – murder, extensive expert evidence on provocation and causation; Operation Precept – drug gang ‘turf’ shooting; R v Grant & Wheeler – machine gun at hang violent disorder. Sexual offences: R v Kaci & others – human trafficking from Easter Europe; R v Ali & others, R v Khan – rapes of young and vulnerable victims groomed by gangs; R v H & S – ‘punishment rape’ of Muslim woman. Regulatory offences: health and safety fatalities; pollution (noise and toxic substances); planning enforcement.
Mark Kelly KC
Mark Kelly KC
Specialises in serious fraud and money laundering and regulatory crime. Has particular interest in all aspects of criminal work where EU and/or human rights law may be directly or indirectly applicable, or where there is an international dimension to the case. Extensive experience in dealing with disciplinary tribunals.
Mark Bradshaw
Mark Bradshaw
Immigration and Court of Protection specialist. Considerable experience in asylum matters, including appearing for the appellant in the Iraqi country guidance case – AAH (Iraqi Kurds – internal relocation) Iraq CG UKUT [2018] UKUT 00212 (IAC). Particularly skilled in representing children and vulnerable appellants. Regularly instructed in family and corporate immigration matters and has substantial knowledge and expertise of EEA cases, including the EU settlement scheme. Proficient in both substantive appeals and judicial review. Also specialising in all aspects of Court of Protection work. Instructed regularly across England and Wales by the Official Solicitor, accredited legal representatives, local authorities and NHS bodies. Experienced in a wide variety of health and welfare and property and financial affairs matters. Appears in forced marriage cases, such as Coventry City Council v MK & Ors [2023] EWHC 249 (Fam). Instructions also welcomed in data protection and freedom of information matters, with experience appearing before the General Regulatory Chamber of the First-tier Tribunal.
Martin Liddiard
Martin Liddiard
Specialises in all areas of criminal law, both prosecution and defence; has extensive experience in the most serious categories of offences against the person, murders, rape, substantial drug conspiracies and very high-value commercial fraud with numerous instructions in VHCC work; has very extensive experience of Video Link trials; Court of Appeal, including judicial review, trading standards, health and safety at work, and serious road traffic offences, for example death by dangerous driving. Has appeared in police disciplinary tribunals, Courts Martial and injunctive relief associated with pending criminal proceedings, as well as inquests. Experienced in regulatory work, both planning and environmental issues.
Michael Burrows KC
Michael Burrows KC
Very experienced criminal practitioner; works for both prosecution and defence; practises mainly in the Crown Court; experienced in dealing with cases in the Divisional Court and the Court of Appeal; frequently instructed in very serious and complex cases, including murder, grave violent and sexual offences, drug trafficking offences and frauds; practice also includes police disciplinary and health and safety cases; extensive experience of dealing with sensitive material and public interest applications; gives careful attention to detail and maintains a sound grasp of the issues. Notable cases include: R v Anslow and others 2013 (prosecuted major conspiracy to escape from prison van); R v Taylor 2013 (prosecuted husband who murdered wife, body was never found); R v Harrison and Dickens 2012 (murder of a man shot in bed at home); R v X 2011 (represented young defendant with learning difficulties, ADHD and autism charged with manslaughters and arson); R v Gordon 2010 (represented mother charged with murder of Khyra Ishaq and cruelty to other children); R v Garmson 2009 (instructed on appeal in a leading DNA case); R v Ramnath 2009 (prosecuted doctor for gross negligence manslaughter of patient in hospital).
Michael Wingrave
Michael Wingrave
Currently practising from the Cayman Islands, Michael splits his time between complex cross-border commercial disputes, civil fraud, general insurance and insolvency actions and professional negligenceclaims. Michael maintains his UK practice, continues to accept instructions through chambers and is particularly interested in work with an international dimension, including conflict of law issues and recognition and enforcement of foreign judgements. Michael has a special interest in actions touching the Cayman Islands and/or the USA, having spent considerable time studying in Los Angeles. More generally, Michael is a very experienced advocate who regularly appears at first instance and appelate level in a wide range of matters.
Michael Duck KC
Michael Duck KC
Head of Crime Group (2024- current) Leader of the Midland Circuit (2017-2021) Bencher of Gray’s Inn Areas of speciality: very highly regarded national specialist in serious/serious organised crime, serious gang related crime (especially homicide involving young defendants and vulnerable witnesses), cybercrime, serious complex fraud and regulatory work. Particular expertise in cell site and technical evidence resulting in instructions on many large-scale multi-handed conspiracies to commit fraud and conspiracies to murder. Michael has worked in this field for thirty-five years having been made the youngest grade 4 prosecutor  in the Midlands at the time, aged thirty at seven years call. Michael both defends and prosecutes cases in the UK and Commonwealth jurisdictions (private and legally aided). He is instructed by the CPS, Complex Casework Units and solicitors from around the country as well as locally in Birmingham and the Midlands. Michael has appeared in some of the country’s most well-known/ infamous cases throughout his career including the re-trial of Sara Thornton 1996 -the case established the legal existence of “battered woman’s syndrome” appeal of Jeremy Bamber (2002-“The White House Farm Murders”)  convicted of the murder of five family members (the appeal was the largest single appellant appeal to be heard in the UK at the time) ; as a leading junior the successful prosecution of Burger bar gang members for the killing of Charlene Ellis and Letisha Shakespeare (the “New Year's Day Shootings” in 2004-2005 Operation Stanstead); representation of one of the “M40 Bikers” for murder (2008-R v Garside);  the successful representation of men alleged to have been involved in murders during the Birmingham riots in both  2007( as a junior) R v Waqar Ahmed  and 2011 R v Ruiz- Gaviria as a Silk;  R v Reynolds (2013 )Michael was involved in defending a 22 year old man charged with the planned murder of a serving police officer’s 17 year old daughter  following a national manhunt by the police, in R v Harry Street (2015) the prosecution of a 71 year old man for possessing bomb making equipment and firearms (having been convicted of counts of homicide with firearms in 1978) . R v Hagan (2015) Involved representation of a security officer at Ashworth Hospital accused of selling photographs of serial killer Ian Brady ( Moors Murderer) to the News of The World as part of Operation Elvedon ; R v Bramhall (2017) private representation of  a world renowned liver surgeon being prosecuted for the assault of two of his patients by marking his initials on their transplanted livers( the case attracted international publicity); R v Dhaliwhal ( Jan – March 2018) the only Silk  in the first of three trials ,representing a client accused of being the head of a large scale “grooming”‘/trafficking gang in Huddersfield -reporting restrictions were imposed throughout all three trials and were lifted Oct 2018. More recently the successful prosecution in R v Carpenter et al (January – March 2024) the so-called Cube Night Club murder prosecuting the fatal stabbing of a young footballer, Cody Fisher, which attracted much media attention. Many of these cases continue to attract significant media interest both nationally and around the world. EXCELLENT TRACK RECORD Excellent track record in achieving successful murder prosecutions which include:- body in the flat murder R v Barnes –( 2019): murder of a homeless man by beating and kicking; R v Olczyk – (2019); 3 handed knife murder and robbery of two young victims - complex CCTV and cell site investigation: R v Innis et al – (August 2019). R v Tampwo et al ( 2020- 2021) four-handed fatal stabbing in May 2018 involving a 15-year-old victim and four young defendants; R v Haines and Widget (2022) instructed by York Casework Directorate both defendants convicted of the kicking to death of a man in the street; R v Edwards et al (2022)gang shooting of a 14-year-old child rendering him paraplegic and a subsequent trial of a fourth defendant R v Clarke ( 2023): R v Willington (2022) stabbed his friend/ associate multiple times on a supermarket car park. R v Naysmith (2023) murder of defendant’s associate involving significant mental health matters.  R v Carpenter et al (2024) murder of footballer Cody Fisher in the Cube Nightclub Defence murder/manslaughter acquittals include:- R v SM (Dec 2021) a man accused of conspiracy to murder a 15-year-old boy with a firearm: R v CB (Feb 2022) successful representation of a young offender/vulnerable witness requiring an intermediary jointly accused with two adults and two other young defendants with a knife murder of another child; (R v G July 2019) a young man accused of murder in a multi-handed drive-by, gang-related, shooting in Nottingham - the defendant was acquitted of murder but found guilty of manslaughter - two of the co-defendants were convicted of the murder; a man accused of the manslaughter of an elderly neighbour (R v Johnson – Aug 2018), a man accused of fatal petrol station stabbing in Coventry (R v Vastaki – Barsby – Dec 2017),  the Shepherds Bush murder trial at the Old Bailey(R v Yousef Mohamud – Aug 2017). SERIOUS GANG RELATED CRIME Michael specialises in cases involving serious gang crime and has done so for over thirty years. The Burger Bar and Johnson Crew - Birmingham based gangs formed in the 1990s -were cemented as the major gangs of Birmingham by the millennium. Michael was involved as a junior in the prosecution of Operation Asia / Laura (1997) a murder of a man shot dead in his car, through Operation Stanstead as a leading junior (2004-2005)– the “New Year’s Eve Murders” where Charlene Ellis and Letitia Shakespeare were caught in the crossfire of a gang-related shooting right up to the more recent gang-related cases of today R v Tampwo et al 2020 four handed fatal stabbing involving a fifteen-year-old victim and four young defendants 2020 R v Edwards (2022) and R v Clarke ( 2023) two trials involving a gang-related shooting of a fourteen-year-old child rendering him paraplegic. Michael’s career-long experience with gang-related crime means he is regularly instructed, both to prosecute and defend, very serious gang-related crimes due to the breadth and depth of his knowledge and skill in this area. Michael was called to the Cayman Island Bar twice to successfully defend two gang-related murders in two separate trials. Gang-related crime is increasingly involving young offenders as is constantly highlighted in the national media. VULNERABLE WITNESSES/ YOUNG DEFENDANTS Michael has developed a reputation as an expert in cases involving young and or vulnerable witnesses and or defendants. He has a courtroom manner which allows him to adduce evidence from vulnerable/young witnesses and defendants in an effective but non-confrontational manner. Michael is regularly instructed in cases involving vulnerable witnesses and young defendants this includes serious gang-related crime, human trafficking and rape /sex cases. Vulnerable witness/young defendants  cases:- R v Ashraf M ( Sheffield Crown Court April- June 2023) representation of a vulnerable  18 year old man in a drug related torture murder; R v T et al ( 2022) advice given from the pre-charge stage, multi-handed case involving sexual grooming and exploitation of young female complainants; R v Edwards et al (2022) multi- handed  prosecution of gang shooting of a 14 year old child rendering him paraplegic ( 2022 and a subsequent trial of  a fourth defendant R v Clarke in 2023) ;R v Ugochukwu (October – November 2021) representation of an 18 year old at the time of trial jointly accused with two other 18 year olds, a 14 year old and a 16 year old of the knife and firearm murder of a 15 year old boy; R v Tampwo (Oct 2020 - Jan 2021) successful prosecution of a four handed fatal stabbing with a 15 year old victim and four young defendants; representation of a young offender who was jointly accused of stabbing a man to death in a fight along with four others (R v W - April 2019); prosecution of a young offender (17) and another jointly charged with murder of a 16 year old stabbed outside Sutton Coldfield McDonalds, both were convicted (R v Ingram and Hussain - Nov 18); representation of the first defendant in a multi- handed historic trafficking trial (R v Dhaliwal  Leeds Crown Court 2018) involving cross-examination of all thirteen  vulnerable witnesses on behalf of all eighteen  defendants. A number of these vulnerable witnesses required an initial Ground Rules hearing and/ or the services of an intermediary SERIOUS ORGANISED CRIME Michael’s ability to consider vast volumes of paperwork /digital material and assess that which is relevant to the client’s case has served him particularly well in large-scale organised crime and fraud matters. Recent serious organised crime cases:- R v Nguyen et al (Bristol Crown Court October- December  2023) instructed by Wessex CCU successful prosecution of a multi- million pound organised crime importation of drugs;  R v Shaw (November 2022- July 2023) nine month trial representing a financial adviser accused of involvement in a "Ponzi" type financial services scheme;  R v Malochleb et al instructed by the  Serious Economic Organised Crime and International Directorate of the CPS(Southwark Crown Court, main trial January-March 2022 , May-June 2022, September 2022, ongoing trials in 2023) successful prosecution of large scale cigarette importation using evidence from outside the jurisdiction: R v Moore et al (June 2021 - October 2021 main trial, and several sub trials into 2022 ) ten-handed conspiracy to possess firearms and large scale supply of drugs - complications arose from Covid19 restrictions during and affecting the running of the trial:     R v Rothero et al (October 2019) successful prosecution in a multi-handed trial - defendants charged with robbery of exclusive homes and commercial premises using firearms and knives. ) and successful defence of an accountant accused of a large-scale GBP 5 million HMRC gateway tax website fraud  R v Hough (Middlesbrough Crown Court  Sept – Nov 2017). Recent instructions include; - R v Frow et  multi- handed murder prosecution (2024 )R v Wade  (Jan – April 2025 ) representation of a client involved in a large-scale money laundering conspiracy;  R v Hardy and Knowles ( 2025) multi-handed prosecution of a nationwide supplier of firearms by an organised crime gang; R v Ashirie( 2025) representation of an 18-year-old inmate jointly charged with the murder of another inmate at HMP Fosse Way and R v Sykes ( 2025) prosecution of a man accused of murdering his father. PRIVATE WORK Michael takes on a variety of private work including rape, sexual assault, assault, driving offences and is regularly instructed by solicitor’s firms nationwide. Clients have recognised the potential advantage of instructing a highly experienced criminal Silk on a private basis for a variety of offences. Recent successes include: R v W (2023) acquittal of a  student accused of rape by a fellow student at Nottingham University in the halls of residence ; Rv K (2024) a private client accused of wounding with intent by use of a knife- prosecution persuaded on the first day of  trial not to proceed with the case against the defendant due to lack of evidence  R v F (2024) a successful representation of a middle – aged man accused of sexual assault of his adult daughter’s friend whilst staying over at his house . Recent/current/private  instructions include :- R v  MP  (trial 2024)  representation of a male accused of disclosing private sexual photographs and films with intent to cause distress; R v  HM  (trial 2024) representation of a man accused of causing serious injury by dangerous driving; R v MS (trial 2025) representation of a disabled massage therapist accused of sexual assault by one of his clients Michael is also Direct Access accredited.   PUBLICATIONS DPP guidelines for the Prosecution of Organised and Gang Crime; Lecturer in Cayman Islands at an International Financial Crime and Regulatory Compliance Seminar; Advocacy trainer beyond UK jurisdiction.  
Michele Friel
Michele Friel
Michele is a children law specialist with an extensive background in public law and private law children work. Her practice is representing parents, grandparents, children and all other family members in cases involving child arrangements orders including high conflict and intractable disputes, applications to remove children from the jurisdiction, applications to relocate children within the jurisdiction, specific issues relating to education, medical and religion, issues of mental health, fact-finding hearings and domestic abuse within families. Michele has an extensive background of representing local authorities, parents and children in public law cases involving serious injuries to children, complex medical issues and adoption.
Michelle Heeley KC
Michelle Heeley KC
Michelle is the current Leader of the Midland Circuit. Her practice consists of dealing predominantly with complex, multi-handed trials such as murder, wide-scale drug conspiracies, and serious sexual offences. Instructed regularly by CPS Complex Casework Unit to prosecute the most serious cases, and in defence cases known for her sensitive handling of vulnerable witnesses and defendants. She is regularly instructed privately to defend in high profile sexual offence allegations.
Mike O'Brien
Mike O'Brien
Mike is a former law officer, he was solicitor general for the UK 2005-07, and he served for 14 years as a Government Minister. Mike trained in Birmingham as a solicitor. He was a lecturer in Contract and Business Law 1981-87. He practised criminal law 1987-92 dealing with insider dealing, fraud, five cases of murder and a defendant in the Knightsbridge Safe Deposit Robbery, allegedly the biggest robbery in British history. He was also a solicitor advocate for two years. Elected to Parliament in 1992 he was on the Home Affairs and Treasury Select Committees and was Parliamentary adviser to the Police Federation before being appointed to the front bench as a Shadow Treasury minister in 1994 and later going into government. He is a member of HM Privy Council and was appointed by HM as a Queens Counsel in 2007 whilst solicitor general. On leaving Parliament in May 2010, he practised briefly as a solicitor before deciding to transfer to the Bar. He worked on a series of cases with David Lock QC from January 2011 to the March including local government and health related judicial reviews and procurement cases. Clients have the opportunity to brief counsel with an extensive experience of how the public sector works, as well as the person who brought into law many important Acts of Parliament. Mike specialises in public law, where the rights of citizens and the public sector are involved.
Mugni Islam-Choudhury
Mugni Islam-Choudhury
Mugni has interest and expertise in dealing with high value claims, particularly in the field of discrimination (e.g. recently involved in a number of lifetime career loss claims for stress/disability discrimination), whistle-blowing, and High Court injunctive relief involving IP issues (e.g. confidentiality and business protection). Having recently moved back to the Bar, Mugni has been instructed by large firms such as Eversheds, Irwin Mitchell and Bevan Brittan, as well as local authority in-house legal teams at Warwickshire Council and Staffordshire Council. Mugni regularly appears in the Employment Tribunal and EAT in a variety of hearings. He has acted for a whole range of NHS/health sector clients, as well as large private sector clients such as Centrica (British Gas), Diageo plc, Severn Trent Water, The Automobile Association, Unipart, National Grid and Tarmac Limited. Public sector clients include: the Forensic Science Service, the Legal Ombudsman of England and Wales, Worcester City Council, Warwickshire Council and Warwickshire Police and Southampton City PCT. Mugni has appeared successfully against and alongside leading advocates in the employment field such as John Hendy QC and James Goudie QC. Mugni has recently been instructed by the Forensic Science Service on a number of hearings dealing with technical issues concerning redundancies as well as appearing in a number of complex doctors’ disciplinary cases. Notable cases: Pannu & others v (1) Premier Manufacturing (2) General Motors & others (2010) (ET) – successfully appearing for Premier in a complex and novel TUPE case with 35 claimants and 1 Trade Union, co-defending with James Goudie QC acting for GM. Both succeeded in arguing no TUPE transfer on the basis that the goods and service exclusion applied to the service provision change; Myburgh v Diageo (2010) (ET) – successfully appearing for Diageo in an indirect sex discrimination. The claimant, a part-time female middle manager, with childcare responsibilities, was challenging a standard contractual clause to work ‘such additional hours as the business required from time to time’. Mugni successfully argued that the clause was justified on the novel point that the legitimate aim of the clause was to facilitate rather than hinder part time working.
Nandini Dutta
Nandini Dutta
Nandini covers all areas of family law with a particular emphasis on public law work, private children law including residence/contact. Nandini also covers child abduction and foreign marriages.
Naomi Owen
Naomi Owen
Barrister & Deputy Head of the Employment Group
Neil Thompson
Neil Thompson
PI/Clinical Negligence.Over 30 years experience in PI and clinical negligence litigation. Instructed by major national litigation solicitors. Caseload centres on clinical negligence, employers liability UK and overseas accidents, including claims for injuries of maximum severity/brain damage, industrial disease and fatal accidents.Extensive trial and tactical experience and a skilled negotiator (mediation/joint settlement meetings). Has an established reputation for reliability, sound judgment and an approachable, user-friendly rapport with fee-earners and clients.Recent caseload:Personal InjuryFactory worker: fatal waterjet injuriesFactory worker: fatal injuries, calcium hydroxide/slaked limeFAA Dependency: high net worth businessmanFactory accident: life changing chest injury pneumothorax: provisional damages, major loss of employabilityFall from height: below knee amputationFall from height (roofer): life changing upper limb injuriesClinical NegligenceObstetrics, gynaecology /general surgery: negligent management of ectopic pregnancy Anaesthetics: Extravasation injury; negligent managementAnaesthetics: failure to anaesthetise during ophthalmic surgeryGP negligence: failure to refer/follow-up parotid tumourGP negligence: failure to refer/diagnose high-energy impact knee injuryGP negligence: Bisphosphonates: failure to advise risk of femoral fractures GP negligence failure to refer/diagnose/follow-up re deep vein thrombosisOrthopaedics: negligent failure to undertake fracture fixationOrthopaedics: negligent primary reconstruction knee surgeryOrthopaedics: spinal decompression surgery at wrong levelOrthopaedics: shoulder surgery negligent technique/procedureRadiology: negligent failure to correctly interpret CT brain scan (meningioma)Hospital nursing care: failure to undertake falls risk assessmentCare home nursing care: failure to undertake falls risk assessment; failure to manage risk of bedsoresBreast cancer: negligent delayed diagnosis: (Multidisciplinary Triple Diagnostic Method) 2010 guidelinesVascular surgery: diabetic cellulitis. Negligent management: toe amputationGeneral surgery: failure to diagnose inguinal herniaColorectal/general surgery: loop ileostomy: negligent failure to observe bowel perforationColorectal/general surgery. Colonoscopy: negligent failure to diagnose adenocarcinoma
Neil Shastri-Hurst
Neil Shastri-Hurst
Neil is dual qualified in Medicine and Law.  His practice is focussed upon Healthcare (Clinical Negligence and Professional Regulatory), Coronial, and Personal Injury work.  He is also an accredited mediator.    Neil started his medical career in the Royal Army Medical Corps and has practised both within the British Army and in the civilian world.  He has over a decade of experience as a doctor, predominantly in the field of Major Trauma. He appears in court on a wide range of matters, including trials and interlocutory hearings.  Neil balances his court work with a busy paperwork practice.  He regularly drafts pleadings and advices in relation to fast-track and multi-track matters. In the field of Clinical Negligence, Neil is happy to accept instructions across a wide range of medical specialisms.  He is equally comfortable taking instructions from both claimants and defendants.  He is frequently instructed at an early stage to utilise his medical knowledge in the identification of potential causes of action, defences, and experts.  In respect of defendant work, Neil is regularly instructed against opposing counsel of significantly higher call. Neil regularly appears in inquests, both on behalf of families and other interested persons.  He has a particular interest in coronial investigations related to potential failings in clinical care. With respect to Personal Injury work, Neil maintains a broad practice across all core areas. Given his professional background, he has developed a significant interest in cases involving major traumatic injuries.  He has brought his medical experience to bear when being led on cases involving catastrophic injuries. Neil was appointed a Medical Member of the Medical Practitioners Tribunal in 2016; he continued to sit in this capacity until 2022.  More recently, he has developed his healthcare practice to include healthcare regulatory work.  He appears regularly on behalf of the NMC in fitness to practice matters.”    
Nelson Enonchong
Nelson Enonchong
Barrister specialising in general commercial work, including banking law, financial services, civil fraud, international supply of goods and services, oil and gas law, conflict of laws, international arbitration, international litigation. He is a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitration and has been engaged in international arbitrations, including arbitrations involving disputes in the oil and gas sector. He has advised in relation to proceedings in the English courts for the enforcement of foreign judgments and foreign arbitral awards, including enforcement against foreign states or foreign state entities (raising issues of state immunity). He has advised in relation to claims against banks in respect of a range of issues, including unfair terms, economic duress, undue influence, illegality. He is currently acting for a company in a claim against a bank for unauthorised payments made pursuant to forged payment instructions. Other experience includes: a claim for breach of trademark licence agreement (raising issues of estoppels); claim under an indemnity in a share purchase agreement; claims by banks to enforce various forms of guarantee.
Nicholas Cobill
Nicholas Cobill
BARRISTER – COMMERCIAL LITIGATION Nicholas is an experienced trial advocate who appears regularly in multi track proceedings in the High Court and County Court. As first choice counsel to a number of law firms, he is regularly instructed to obtain injunction orders or to resist injunction applications. He deals mainly with high value commercial litigation arising from breaches of contract and professional negligence. He has a broad range of experience, acting for clients in the UK and overseas, including multinationals. Clients include banks, airlines, utility providers, insurers, manufacturers, franchises and UK and foreign government departments. His recent cases include: obtaining emergency injunction days after the Covid-19 “stay at home” announcement to allow entry into a warehouse to retrieve equipment required by national supermarket chains and NHS for distribution of food/medicines across UK; resisting an application by prolific paedophile/murderer for blood samples which secured his conviction; obtaining injunction requiring a national energy supplier to reconnect electricity supplies to national fast food franchises across the South East; recovering possession of a city centre nightclub, radio station and arts centre for a commercial landlord in a trial concerning forged signatures on a fabricated lease. Notable cases include: Cumbria Waste Management Limited and Lakeland Waste Management v Baines Wilson (A Firm) [2008] EWHC 786 (QB); Horne and Meredith Properties Ltd v (1) Cox (2) Billingsley (Estates Gazette No.1312); (1) John Micheal (2) Pauline Wendy Micheal (3) Havering Radio Cars UK Ltd v (1) Gary Anthony Phillips (2) A1 Group (UK) Ltd (3) Lynn Phillips [2017] EWHC 142 (QB); Henderson and Jones Ltd v Alex Tsimboykas and Claire Tsimboykas [2018] EWHC 1493; Jonathan Digby-Rogers v Speechly Bircham LLP [2019] EWHC 1568 (Ch).
Nicholas Ferrari
Nicholas Ferrari
Specialist area of practice: personal injury. Also extensive experience of general common law and employment.
Nicholas Xydias
Nicholas Xydias
Undertakes a wide variety of personal injury work ranging from interlocutory work to the conduct of multi-track trials of significant value; specialist areas are personal injury litigation and employers’ liability (for both claimant and defendant), industrial disease, CICA applications, road traffic claims and prosecutions involving the Health and Safety Executive.
Nicola Preston
Nicola Preston
A specialist Chancery practitioner whose practice concentrates on, but is not limited to, private client including contentious probate actions, trusts (construction and drafting; litigation; pensions and charities); wills and estates (drafting and construction of wills; probate and family provision claims; administration of estates); Court of Protection property and affair matters and taxation (all areas including VAT). Nicola undertakes both contentious and advisory matters. Clients include solicitors, direct and public access instructions and tax advisers. Nicola has acted on a number of ground-breaking and precedent setting cases including Land v Estate of Land [2007] 1 WLR 1009 – a Forfeiture Act case in which the person causing the death was held entitled to the whole estate; Drakeford v Cotton [2012] 3 All ER 1138; [2012] 3 FCR 464; [2012] WTLR 1135; [2012] 15 ITELR 144 – one of the only reported cases dealing with money held in a joint account where the co-owner did not have a beneficial interest in it but nonetheless was entitled to it on the death of the other co-owner; Hartshorne v Gardner [2008] WTLR 837 dealing with a dispute as to the for a burial/cremation; and Meek [2014] COPLR 535; [2014] WTLR 1155 – a case involving a statutory will that benefited charities only and excluded all family members and friends.
Nigel Brockley
Nigel Brockley
Having been pupilled at a banking/insurance set of chambers, his practice is broadly-based modern chancery/commercial; undertakes predominantly advisory work, in areas as diverse as professional negligence and associated disciplinary matters (in particular, interventions into solicitors’ practice), personal and corporate insolvency, and ‘O’Brien’ defences in mortgage claims; has a keen interest in contractual and quasi-commercial disputes and undertakes drafting which arises as a consequence of his involvement in a complimentary practice area, namely employment; undertakes advisory work of both a contentious and non-contentious nature in all core areas of employment law; his practice is neither applicant nor respondent dominant although he is retained as standing counsel to a large international retailer; has particular expertise in redundancy claims having been involved in a number of claims involving the dismissal of City workers; also often instructed in claims proceeding against NHS trusts and has a keen interest in discrimination claims generally; also specialises in personal injury work, and his practice ranges from straightforward infant settlements to fatal accident and severe injury claims; is able to offer practical advice from the commencement of investigations into liability and the settlement of pleadings through to the conclusion of any necessary appeal hearings; approximately 75% of his work is advisory and he receives instructions from both defendant insurers and claimant firms; in addition to the conventional practice areas of industrial accidents, product liability, and road traffic claims, also receives instructions in civil claims against the police, and is able to give specific advice concerning the instructing of appropriate experts.
Odette Chalby
Odette Chalby
Odette is a Barrister in the Planning and Environment team. She is quickly developing a broad practice across all areas of planning and environmental law, representing developers, local authorities, and third parties both unled and as a junior to senior members of chambers. Recent examples of her unled work have included a planning appeal hearing for the erection of 25 holiday lodges, a one-day enforcement inquiry, and a two-day environmental waste prosecution in the magistrates’ court. As to led work, she has been instructed as junior counsel on a number of significant planning inquiries, including minerals development (with Richard Kimblin KC), large housing schemes (with Chris Young KC), and solar farms (with Thea Osmund Smith). During her pupillage she gained experience of judicial and statutory reviews in the High Court and Court of Appeal, enforcement inquiries, and compulsory purchase matters. Particular highlights included supporting her supervisor Nina Pindham in the successful judicial review of the Government’s Net Zero Strategy (R (Friends of the Earth) et al. v SS BEIS [2022] EWHC 1841 (Admin)), and also in the landmark Court of Appeal case on EIA assessment and downstream greenhouse gas emissions R (Finch) v Surrey County Council [2022] EWCA Civ 187 (for which permission to appeal to the Supreme Court has been granted). Odette has additionally developed broad experience of advisory work in relation to planning matters including: • Green Belt • Housing Land Supply • Biodiversity Net Gain • Nutrient Neutrality and Habitats Regulations Assessment • CIL and s106 Obligations • Permitted Development • Listed Buildings • Planning Enforcement Odette is an elected trustee of the UK Environmental Law Association (UKELA), where she has special responsibility for coordinating regional groups, editing the e-law publication and organising Junior UKELA seminars. She is also a member of the Attorney General’s “Junior Junior” scheme. Before coming to the Bar, Odette was a policy journalist at Apolitical. Recent notable cases include: • 8 day inquiry re: extraction of 1.5million tonnes of sand and gravel in Ottery St Mary, Devon APP/J1155/W/22/3299799 & APP/J1155/W/22/3299802 (led by Richard Kimblin KC) • 4 day inquiry re: 49.9 MW solar farm and battery storage in Langford, Devon APP/Y1138/W/22/3293104 (led by Thea Osmund-Smith) • 1 day hearing re: 25 holiday lodges in Tenbury Wells, Worcestershire APP/J1860/W/21/3273533 (unled) • 4 day inquiry re: 233 dwellings in Saffron Walden, Uttlesford PP/C1570/W/22/3296426 (led by Chris Young KC) • 1 day enforcement inquiry re: Thorncliffe, Staffordshire APP/B3438/C/20/3244823 (unled) • 4 day inquiry re: 76 dwellings in Angmering, West Sussex APP/C3810/W/22/3295115 (led by Thea Osmund-Smith) • 4 day inquiry re: 45 dwellings in Leigh Sinton, Malvern APP/J1860/W/21/3289643 (led by Richard Kimblin KC)
Omar Ensaff
Omar Ensaff
Omar Ensaff is a chancery and commercial barrister at No5 Chambers. He is a noted expert in construction and insolvency disputes. His practice also covers most other types of commercial and chancery disputes.
Orla Grant
Orla Grant
Family Law - Public Law Children, Private Law Children, Matrimonial
Paul Evans
Paul Evans
Paul Evans is a specialist in Personal Injury. He is a sought after and busy senior junior, with 20+ years of practice and experience in Personal Injury. Paul has been consistently ranked as a leading junior in the field for over a decade. Paul is currently ranked as a Band 1, Leading Junior in the field by both Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners directories. Paul is instructed by both claimants and defendants, with his current case load covering the full spectrum of the most serious claims, including brain and spinal cord injuries, amputations, orthopaedic polytrauma and fatal accidents, arising from road traffic accidents, employers’ and public liability claims. Paul regularly undertakes cases of several million pounds as sole Counsel, is frequently against Kings Counsel and given his experience, is regularly instructed as a junior to Kings Counsel in highly complex or catastrophic claims, where he undertakes much of the drafting, interlocutory Court hearings and conferences with the full range of expert witnesses. Paul has a particular interest in cases involving amputations and prosthetics, and as a keen cyclist and former motorcyclist, claims arising from cycling and motorcycling accidents. Personal Injury Paul has a substantial advisory element to his practice, is regularly instructed for his advice in conference, his drafting skills, Schedules/ Counter Schedules, in addition to undertaking all forms of ADR, including Round Table Settlements, Pathways/ Way Forward meetings, the full range of interlocutory hearings, trials, appeals and inquests. Paul is extremely accessible, easy to work worth, has a prompt turnaround of work and excellent attention to detail. Paul is very effective in a team, regularly working with Kings Counsel and multiple solicitors in catastrophic claims. Paul utilised paperless working, technology and e-bundles long before Covid-19 and is happy undertaking all forms of remote hearings and ADR. Costs formed a large part of Paul’s early practice and with CCMHs being so fundamental to the effective running of catastrophic claims, Paul is frequently instructed to advise on case planning and budgets. Paul is happy to attend CCMHs without a separate costs draftsperson. Costs formed a large part of Paul’s early practice and with CCMHs being so fundamental to the effective running of catastrophic claims, Paul is frequently instructed to advise on case planning and budgets. Paul is happy to attend CCMHs without a separate costs draftsperson. Paul has extensive experience across the full range of issues in complex and high value claims, including: Rehabilitation Code and the Serious Injury Full Care and Case Management packages Capacity Accommodation claims Substantial loss of earnings, including for the self employed Elective amputation Prosthetics Assistive Technology Provisional Damages Statutory Funding Periodical Payments Pain conditionsCatastrophic Injury Paul has a substantial advisory element to his practice, is regularly instructed for his advice in conference, his drafting skills, Schedules/ Counter Schedules, in addition to undertaking all forms of ADR, including Round Table Settlements, Pathways/ Way Forward meetings, the full range of interlocutory hearings, trials, appeals and inquests. Paul is extremely accessible, easy to work worth, has a prompt turnaround of work and excellent attention to detail. Paul is very effective in a team, regularly working with Kings Counsel and multiple solicitors in catastrophic claims. Paul utilised paperless working, technology and e-bundles long before Covid-19 and is happy undertaking all forms of remote hearings and ADR. Costs formed a large part of Paul’s early practice and with CCMHs being so fundamental to the effective running of catastrophic claims, Paul is frequently instructed to advise on case planning and budgets. Paul is happy to attend CCMHs without a separate costs draftsperson. Paul has extensive experience across the full range of issues in complex and high value claims, including: The Rehabilitation Code and the Serious Injury Guide Full Care and Case Management packages Capacity Accommodation claims Substantial loss of earnings, including for the self employed Elective amputation Prosthetics Assistive Technology Provisional Damages Statutory Funding Periodical Payments Pain conditions Mediation Paul qualified as an Accredited Mediator following a 5 day facilitative mediator training with the London School of Mediation in 2011 and is happy to undertake mediations across the range of personal injury cases.
Paul Cairnes KC
Paul Cairnes KC
Paul Cairnes was called to the Bar in 1980 and specialises exclusively in Planning and Environmental work. Paul acts for developers and local authorities throughout England and Wales and he has considerable High Court experience with regard to planning and environmental issues. Paul is presently promoting a number of major residential schemes across the country, including a proposed garden community. He is regularly instructed to appear and advise in high profile and large-scale development proposals, recent examples of which include: Housing and Mixed Use The successful promotion of a major residential housing scheme (350 homes and associated infrastructure). The sites were allocated for employment use on a renowned 800 acre mixed use location. Despite the Inspector finding that there was still a reasonable prospect of the sites coming forward for their allocated use, he determined that the operation of the tilted balance (due to the absence of a 5YHLS) justified the proposals (APP/H2265/W/19/3235165, 3235166; 3235171) The successful promotion of a major detailed residential scheme (53 homes and associated infrastructure) in Morpeth, Northumberland. The site was unallocated in the Neighbourhood Plan and the LPA were able to demonstrate a 12.5 years housing land supply (APP/P2935/W/18/3210193) The successful promotion of a residential scheme in environmentally sensitive location in West Stafford Dorset (PINS Ref: APP/F1230/W/18/3206604) Major residential scheme of 175 dwellings and associated infrastructure on an unallocated site in the Green Belt on land north of Asher Lane, Ruddington, Nottinghamshire (PINS Ref: APP/P3040/W/17/3185493) The successful promotion of a major residential (detailed) scheme of 290 dwellings and associated infrastructure on land off Fleckney Road, Fleckney, Leicestershire (PINS Ref: APP/F2415/W/17/3182409) The successful promotion of major residential scheme of up to 250 dwellings on land off Coventry Road, Lutterworth, Leicestershire. (PINS Ref: APP/F2415/W/16/3151978). The successful promotion of rural residential scheme in North Dorset and consequential discharge of existing planning obligations (PINS Refs: APP/N2515/W/15/3128761 & APP/N1215/Q/15/3131182). The successful promotion of major residential development scheme in West Sussex despite the existence of a 5-year housing land supply (PINS Ref: APP/L3815/W/15/3003656). The successful promotion of a residential development scheme in Feniton, Devon. This was the only successful appeal in 4 conjoined planning appeals heard together in a “super inquiry” (PINS Ref: APP/U1105/A/13/2191905). The successful opposition to a residential housing scheme in the Forest of Dean despite the absence of a 5-year housing land supply (PINS Ref: APP/P1615/A/13/2204158). The successful promotion of a mixed-use development comprising 173 residential units, office buildings and retail outlet with associated infrastructure in Weymouth, Dorset (PINS Ref: APP/P1235/A/13/2198549). The successful promotion of a residential development of 277 dwellings with associated public open space, affordable housing, recreational facilities, landscaping and access at the former Fremington Army Camp, Devon (PINS Ref: APP/X1118/A/12/2188898). The successful promotion of a mixed used development comprising some 51 dwellings plus retail units in Bournemouth (PINS Ref: APP/G1250/A/12/2189589). The successful promotion of a mixed-use urban extension to south of Gloucester comprising some 1750 homes and associated community infrastructure (Hunts Grove – PINS Ref: APP/C1625/V/07/1202058)). Successfully opposing a proposed development comprising some 137 dwellings and medical centre in Bidford-on-Avon, Alcester, Stratford on Avon despite the absence of a 5 year housing land supply (PINS Ref: APP/J3720/A/12/2176743). Successfully opposing a proposed mixed use urban extension to the north of Gloucester comprising some 1750 homes and associated community infrastructure (Land at Innsworth Lane – PINS Ref: APP/G1630/A/09/2097181)). Numerous appeals concerning residential, commercial and wind farm development proposals in the Green Belt, AONBs, the setting of listed buildings and other sensitive sites. Paul is presently instructed in connection with the promotion of major residential, mixed use and commercial schemes across England, most recently with respect to sites in Nottinghamshire, Cumbria, Oxfordshire, Dorset, Corby, Northumberland and Stroud. Commercial The successful promotion of a large-scale low-energy industrial park adjacent to Canford Heath, Poole, Dorset. The appeal was opposed by Natural England in view of contested ecological concerns over the potential adverse impacts upon the European protected Dorset Heathlands (PINS Ref: APP/Q1225/A/13/2204098). Local Plans Promoting large scale residential development allocation (1400 dwellings) on behalf of major developers at the EiP of the draft West Oxfordshire Local Plan (2017). Representing Waverley Housing Forum (comprising a group of 10 major developers) at the EiP of the draft Waverley Local Plan (2017). Representing interests of large scale developers and site promoters at the EiP of the draft Nuneaton & Bedworth Borough Plan (2017). Minerals and Waste Securing district-wide permanent injunctive relief concerning unlawful waste transfer sites in Rotherham. Representing Gloucestershire County Council in challenge to minerals extractions permission in Cotswold Water Park Promotion of waste transfer and linked employment sites in the SE Dorset conurbation Enforcement Paul has a long history of acting in complex enforcement matters. This has included the successful prosecution recovery of substantial monies on behalf of LPAs using the POCA regime. His most recent enforcement appeal (on behalf of Stratford-on-Avon District Council) resulted in a full costs award in favour of his client [PINS Refs: APP/J3720/C/17/3178642, 3178652, 3178664).   Recent significant cases include: R (Wright) v Forest of Dean DC & Resilient Energy Severndale Ltd [2019] UKSC 53: Reviewing authority on issues surrounding acceptability of financial incentives attached to a planning application. Wingrove v Stratford-on-Avon District Council [2015] EWHC 287 (Admin): Successful resistance to challenge of use by LPA of s.70C TCPA 1990 (introduced by Localism Act 2011) to decline to determine retrospective application for planning permission where enforcement notice in place. Stratford-on-Avon District Council v Secretary of State & Ors [2013] EWHC 2074 (Admin): Challenge to grant of planning permission formulated on consultation rights as contained in the Aarhus Convention. Stratford-on-Avon District Council v Secretary of State & Ors [2013] EWHC 2074 (Admin): Challenge to grant of planning permission formulated on consultation rights as contained in the Aarhus Convention. Jenkins v Gloucestershire County Council and Ors [2012] EWHC 292 (Admin): Opposing challenge to grant of planning permission in the Cotswold Water Park. Stratford on Avon District Council v David Wilson Homes and Others (2011): Successful enforcement of s106 obligation to provide financial contribution to community facilities. Wiltshire Council v (1) Secretary of State for Communities & Local Government and (2) Robert Hitchins Ltd [2010] EWHC 1009 (Admin): Disaggregation of housing land supply and the potential use of summary judgment in s.288 appeals. R (on the application of Egerton) v Taunton Borough Council [2008] EWHC 2752 (Admin): The meaning of ‘curtilage’ in the context of the listed buildings legislation. RECOMMENDATIONS “Excellent client communication skills and collaborative working style. Strategic thinker, who is always a few steps ahead in developing an argument. As an advocate, he is good to listen to – never overblown or wordy” (Legal 500 2021 - Tier 1) “Excellent in his approach to clients, providing straightforward, clear advice, with a willingness to be forceful where required” (Legal 500 2020)   “Particularly strong on large scale residential matters” (Legal 500 2019) “A marvellous barrister”  “He seamlessly combines in-depth knowledge, attention to detail, gravitas and charm.” (Legal 500 2018)     Paul featured as a top-rated junior in Planning magazine (2013 - 2015) before taking Silk in 2016 and he now features as a top-rated silk (2018-2021).
Paul Bleasdale KC
Paul Bleasdale KC
Head of Personal Injury Group at No5 Barristers’ Chambers Paul has significant experience in personal injury claims acting on behalf of both claimants and defendants. He has had a particular interest in industrial disease cases i.e. deafness; repetitive strain injuries; vibration white finger; industrial asthma; dermatitis; workplace stress and asbestos related disease. In Silk, Paul has acquired extensive experience of catastrophic injury cases claims including brain damage and fatal accident claims frequently attracting awards or settlements of very high value. Paul also has experience of undertaking multiparty litigation subject to group litigation orders.
Paul J Dean
Paul J Dean
Specialisms: CDR, insolvency, banking and partnership. Practises from Birmingham. Recent insolvency cases include: Re Husky Group Ltd [2015] BPIR 184 (proving solvency with hindsight), Re Brown Bear Foods Ltd [2014] EWHC 1132 (Ch) (provisional liquidation instead of administration), Re Reflex Recordings Ltd [2013] EWHC 4514 (Ch) (costs - freezing injunction and administration order), and Re Safehosts (London) Ltd [2013] EWHC 2479 (Ch), [2013] BCC 721 (provisional liquidation instead of administration). Recent banking cases include: Nautch Ltd v Mortgage Express and Walker Singleton (Property Management) Ltd [2012] EWHC 4136 (Ch) (LPA receivers, equitable duty to borrower and global costs order), and Earles v Barclays Bank plc [2010] Bus LR 566 (electronic disclosure and costs). Other cases include: Wemyss v Karim and Douglas Wemyss LLP [2014] EWHC 292 (QB) (warranty/indemnity claim), Hamed v Stevens [2013] EWCA Civ 911 (conflicts of laws – foreign land), and Chahal v Mahal [2005] EWCA Civ 898 (partnership dissolution date).  
Peter Goatley KC
Peter Goatley KC
Specialises in planning and environmental law, and acts for a wide range of clients including developers, house builders, retailers, construction companies, local authorities, government departments and agencies, financial institutions, waste companies, utility undertakings, and telecommunications companies. His practice background includes: planning appeals and development plan examinations (for both developers and local authorities), food and non-food retail, housing proposals, listed buildings, industrial development, advertisement control, telecommunications facilities; planning enforcement (enforcement notice appeals, breach of planning control criminal proceedings, High Court and County Court planning injunctions); minerals; environmental matters (water industry consents, prosecutions under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, abatement notice appeals – noise and statutory nuisance); compulsory purchase and compensation; highways (including highways and footpath inquiries); Upper Tribunal proceedings; judicial review and statutory appeals (High Court challenges and appeals related to planning permissions, local plans and appeals); local government and public law matters; Parliamentary Boundary Commission inquiries. Has appeared in numerous reported cases, including in the Alconbury inquiry and litigation.
Phil Bradley KC
Phil Bradley KC
Specialises in criminal law; solid defence practice, including leading junior work in complex fraud and very high costs cases and a well established prosecution practice. Notable cases include: R v Hanson, Gilmour & Pickstone [2005] Cr App R 21 – was the first reported case on the new bad character provisions under the Criminal Justice Act 2003 and remains the leading case on propensity; R v Love [1998] – a long running case in Bolton Crown Court which became the subject of a Channel 4 documentary and a precursor to the amendment of the Sexual Offences Act 1967, resulting in the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act 2000; led in several murder and other serious cases and has an established practice in police disciplinary proceedings; as a solicitor’s clerk Phil was involved with the final appeal of R v Hunter & Others (the ‘Birmingham Six’) and had sole responsibility for the running of R v Brown (A) [1994] 1 AC,212,HL concerning consent in assault cases; unashamedly uncompromising and a passionate advocate but believes strongly in a non-patronising, practical and sensitive approach to his clients and their families – whether defendants or complainants.
Philip Rule KC
Philip Rule KC
Barrister - King's Counsel. Undertaking a variety of areas of work, but a particular public law, inquests, regulatory and criminal law specialist. Specialist in judicial review, human rights and civil liberties, detention, discrimination,  criminal appeals and criminal trials concerning fatalities. Also conducts civil cases involving fundamental rights, employment, civil fraud or misconduct, and regulatory issues.
Ramby De Mello
Ramby De Mello
Ramby is a specialist barrister in judicial review and public law. He has many high-profile reported cases and has appeared in the High Court, Court of Appeal, House of Lords (Supreme Court) and the European Court of Justice. In addition he is an acknowledged expert in human rights (including being a general editor of ‘Human Rights Act 1998 Practical Guide’ -published by Jordans) European Union law particularly in relation to anti-discrimination law, administrative law, public procurement, freedom of establishment, services and movement (including social security, immigration, crime, customs and excise) nationality and immigration law (including national security and terrorism law). His specialism includes child support law, social services, civil liberties, individual rights, civil actions against the state, extradition, education, prison and discrimination law. Ramby frequently undertakes pro bono work and was ‘Times’ Lawyer of the Week for representing a Hindu wishing to undertake an open air funeral pyre in the UK.
Rebekah Wilson
Rebekah Wilson
Rebekah is an experienced family law barrister who specialises in all aspects of the law relating to children. Rebekah provides effective advocacy and representation for her clients in all matters in relation to private law children cases. She handles complex cases at all levels covering issues including: alienating behaviours, allegations of domestic abuse and complex fact findings.  Rebekah brings specific expertise in cases where discrimination and the promotion of Article 8 rights are central. Rebekah  also has particular expertise in public law proceedings where she acts for parents, guardians and local authorities. She is regularly instructed in complex cases involving allegations of serious non- accidental injury and sexual abuse. Rebekah is an experienced practitioner involving international elements; cross border family disputes, abduction and wardship. Rebekah regularly acts in matters engaging children’s fundamental human rights including orders involving the deprivation of their liberty including where there is a cross over into Court of Protection. As an advocate, Rebekah has the benefit of drawing on her wealth of  experience working with international organisations including the United Nations ( Mission in Nepal), ICC women ( the Hague) and OHCHR. Rebekah is qualified to accept Direct Access instructions.
Rex Tedd KC
Rex Tedd KC
Barrister specialising in regulatory law (particularly health and safety and environmental) and criminal law. Also a member of 6 KBW College Hill, London (Chambers of David Perry QC and Simon Denison QC) (0207 583 0410).
Richard Hignett
Richard Hignett
Overview Richard practises exclusively in the field of employment and discrimination law. He is instructed by a wide range of clients in both the public and private sectors. Richard served as Head of Employment Law at No5 Chambers between 2012 - 2018.   Practice and Experience 20 years plus experience of advising and acting for clients on employment law matters Undertakes all aspects of employment law with an emphasis on discrimination, contractual disputes and whistleblowing Standing counsel to an international logistics company, a broking house, a high street retailer, a brewery chain, a car manufacturer, a constabulary, several NHS Trusts and a local authority Regularly appears in Employment Tribunals up and down the country Employment Appeal Tribunal and Court of Appeal experience Presents to solicitors and heads of HR on a wide range of employment law related issues Trains managers in equality practises and how to recognise unconscious bias Licensed to undertake Public Access Work Richard acts as a barrister mentor for the citizenship foundation Particular Areas of Expertise   High-value complex claims, Whistleblowing, Interim relief, Disability discrimination, Sexual harassment, TUPE, Professional disciplinary tribunals, Professional misconduct of healthcare staff. Sector Experience Retail, Fashion, Banking, Finance, Leisure, Healthcare, Education, Social Care, local government, Police, Fire and Rescue, NHS, Airlines, Financial services. Investigations Richard is an experienced investigator. He has undertaken investigations in the education sector, social services and legal sectors. Recent investigations include a complex sexual harassment complaint and infighting amongst staff in a stately home.
Richard Oakes
Richard Oakes
Richard specialises in the field of personal injury litigation. He undertakes a broad spectrum of personal injury work acting on behalf of both claimants and defendants and has particular experience of road traffic accidents, employers’ liability, occupiers’ liability and highway tripping claims. In addition to his court work, Richard has a busy paperwork practice both advising and drafting statements of case. He has an interest in cases involving allegations of fraud, in particular fraudulent road traffic accidents involving bogus passengers, staged accidents and low velocity impacts. He is able to assist by drafting pleadings, advising on tactics, testing the evidence of witnesses in conference and conducting interim hearings and trials. Richard is regularly instructed to appear in Coroners’ Inquests and has extensive experience of CICA appeals. He also has a strong credit hire practice and is often instructed to deal with arguments of mitigation of loss and contractual enforceability. Richard is happy to undertake work on a conditional fee agreement subject to a positive risk assessment. Richard joined No5 Chambers as a tenant in 2009 after completing his pupillage principally in the areas of personal injury and clinical negligence. During his training for the Bar, Richard was awarded the Baron Dr Ver Heyden de Lancy Prize by Middle Temple for outstanding achievement on the Bar Vocational Course.
Richard Hadley
Richard Hadley
Richard specialises exclusively in matters relating to children, where he regularly appears in all levels of the Family Division. His case load consists of the most complex and sensitive care proceedings where he represents many local authorities throughout the country in addition to his representation of parents and children. He is particularly skilled at unravelling complicated medical evidence and is highly sought after for lengthy High Court cases by parents, guardians and local authorities alike. He is regularly instructed in high profile cases involving the most serious of injuries, sexual abuse and fabricated or induced illness. He is well known for cases involving issues relating to immigration and the placement of children abroad.
Richard Kimblin KC
Richard Kimblin KC
Practises public, civil and regulatory law in planning, environmental, consumer, and health and safety matters; specialises in development control and planning enforcement. Junior Counsel to the Crown.
Richard Moat
Richard Moat
Specialises in substantial value personal injury claims; has particular experience in industrial injury and disease litigation, cases in which all or part of the claim is based on illegality/dishonesty, and civil procedure issues including limitation; appears regularly in the Court of Appeal.
Richard Grimshaw
Richard Grimshaw
Richard specialises in clinical negligence, inquest and personal injury law and is regularly instructed in a variety of matters on behalf of both claimants and defendants (including NHSR, medical and dental defence organisations, the MoD and MoJ). Alongside his court work, which includes healthcare related, prison, Article 2 and jury inquests, he has considerable experience of attending conferences with experts and has a busy paperwork practice. He is regularly instructed on high value, complex and sensitive matters and his thorough preparation and attention for detail allows him to bring the best out of his client’s case. He has experience of High Court clinical negligence trials, both as sole counsel and led by a silk. Directory rankings have stated that, he is “A formidable advocate who can think very quickly on his feet”, “He has a great eye for detail and provides robust, pragmatic and precise advice in complex clinical negligence cases”, “His skills and expertise go beyond what you would expect for someone of his call”, “He’s brilliant – a really very good advocate and his preparation was second to none”, “An excellent barrister who is quick on his feet”, “He is extremely well prepared and hard-working, and will dedicate himself to pursuing every issue”. He is happy to accept work on a conditional fee agreement basis where appropriate. Richard was shortlisted for the ‘Clinical Negligence Junior of the Year’ award at the Legal 500 Awards 2022
Richard Alomo
Richard Alomo
Family, Court of Protection, Public Law, Regulatory & Business and Property,
Robert Smallwood
Robert Smallwood
Robert practices exclusively in the fields of Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence, acting for Claimants and Defendants on an approximate equal basis.Robert’s caseload is almost exclusively in cases of the utmost severity or those with complex liability and causation issues.Over the past 12 months he has acted in cases involving:• Traumatic brain injury, including subtle brain injury and dispute over capacity;• Functional Neurological Symptom Disorder;• Non-epileptic Attack Disorder;• Serious spinal injury;• Concussive injury sustained in sport;• Limb paralysis;• Limb amputation;• Disabling Pain Disorders;• Fatal Accident claims with complex dependency issues;• Vicarious liability, including cases involving for physical and/or sexual abuse;• Cases involving complex quantum issues and/or the need for forensic accountancy evidence;• Cases involving a loss of chance;• Clinical Negligence;• Fundamental Dishonesty;• Inquests.Robert also lectures to solicitors and insurance clients on all aspects of personal injury litigation and recent developments.   NOTABLE RECENT AND ONGOING CASES CLAIMANT CASESW - RTA. Cyclist riding across a road against traffic lights at night struck by speeding vehicle. Estimated value £20M+. Severe brain injury and below knee amputation. Liability compromised 57.5% in favour of cyclist. Quantum remains in dispute.L- RTA. Pedestrian struck by police vehicle on emergency call. Liability compromised 72.5/27.5 in favour of pedestrian. Settled for £3.3M+.E- RTA. 5 day liability trial against driver and highway authority. 100% liability established against driver. Subtle brain and severe orthopaedic injuries. Case settled for £1.4M.S - RTA. Complex brain injury with significant personality disorder. Dispute as to whether C has capacity. Value estimated £4M.R - EL. Crushing injury by reversing excavator. Liability and quantum in dispute. Value £1M+.S- CICA award of £500,000 (maximum) for a minor who had been subject to physical and mental abuse which had materially contributed to his neurological and psychiatric conditions. H – RTA. Tetraplegic with significant brain injury. Defendant arguing ‘Act of God’. £9.4M settlement.F – RTA. Brain injury with complex personality issues.£5M settlement.B – RTA. Brain injury after falling from bonnet of father’s car. Value £1M+.G – OLA. C slipped down stairs in a nightclub. Brain injury. Case listed for 5 day liability trial and settled on 1st day. Value £3M.T – Brain injury. ‘Loss of edge’ in running family business. Settled £1M+.L – Quadraplegic case. 5 day liability trial. £2.5M settlement.W – Brain injury with complex personality disorder and capacity issues. Value £3M +.B – Complete brachial plexus injury with severe CRPS. Value £1M+.T – Pain disorder arising out of road traffic accident. £750,000 settlement at JSM.DEFENDANT CASESN RTA. Brain injury. Capacity dispute. Value £4M+.S - OLA. Fall from Scaffolding. Brain injury. Liability in dispute. Pleaded £2M. Settled for £300,000.R - EL. 7 day trial in 2020. Teacher missed chair when sitting down as it had been moved by a pupil. Liability and quantum (£700,000) in dispute. Claim dismissed. B - RTA. Cyclist v car. Liability in dispute- listed for 4 day liability trial in October 2020. Brain injury. Capacity in issue. Est value £5M+J. RTA. Pedestrian walked from behind a bus. Liability in dispute. Brain injury. Est value £5M+.S - Fatal claim. Value £1.5M. High dependency %. Several loss of chance businesses claimed.B - EL. Fall from scaffolding. Pelvic injuries. Value £1M+.A - EL case listed for 5 days. C discontinued claim a few days before trial. Despite the Claimant undergoing back surgery D made a successful application for finding of fundamental dishonesty.C - Vicarious liability case. Assault by one security guard on another. Liability in dispute. Extension of VL principles. Case due for liability trial in 2021.VARIOUS- Pain/Functional Neurological Disorder cases valued between £500,000-£3MD – Loss of chance claim pleaded in excess of £800,000. Settled at JSM £150,000.H – Brain injury at work. Case listed for 7 day trial. C discontinued in the week before trial.B – Head injury claim pleaded in excess of £200,000. Liability admitted. Judgment: £2,000.A – Construction site accident. Pleaded in excess of £200,000. Case dismissed after 4 day trial.T – Trial listed for 7 days. Liability and fraud in issue. Claim pleaded at £400,000. Parties’ costs estimated at £1M. Claimant discontinued on the 4th day of trial.S – Liability admitted. Claim pleaded in excess of £400,000. Awarded £16,000.F – Liability admitted. Claim pleaded at £400,000+. 4 day trial with 6 medical experts. Claimant awarded £3,000 and ordered to pay D’s costs from a 2 year period prior to the Defendant’s first part 36 offer.M – Claimant attempting to extend scope of vicariously liability in respect of an assault by a security guard. Listed for 3 days. Claim dismissed. 'He combines excellent negotiation skills with a very good client manner and willingness to fight in difficult cases.' 'Regularly appears opposite silks without a leader' 'Tier 1' Legal 500 2021‘A particularly strong junior. Ranked Tier 1’ Legal 500 2020’ ‘Hard-working and very good on serious claims.’ Chambers UK 2020 ‘A junior handling the work of a silk’ Legal 500 2019 ‘He’s very thorough with great attention to detail, and leaves no stone unturned. He is very personable and interacts well with clients. He spots the important issues early on and has an innovative approach to tricky cases’ Chambers UK 2019 ‘He is very good with clients and has strong technical knowledge.’ Legal 500 2017 ‘Has a crystal clear understanding of brain injury matters and is a first-choice junior’Legal 500 2016 ‘Meticulous in his paperwork, and very good on his feet’Legal 500 2015 ‘Very effective and good on detail’Legal 500 2014 ‘Thorough, determined, and incredibly bright’ ‘excellent on his feet and in conference’Legal 500 2013
Roger Giles
Roger Giles
Has acted for a wide range of clients including local authorities, house builders, construction companies, retailers, health authorities and trusts; his practice background lies in the following areas: planning appeals and development plan inquiries (major unitary development plan and local plan inquiries, waste disposal appeal inquiries, major retail proposals, housing, industrial developments, business parks, aviation inquiries, leisure developments); planning enforcement (enforcement notice appeals, breach of planning control criminal proceedings, High Court and County Court planning injunctions); minerals (mineral inquiries including major opencast coal and aggregate sites); environmental matters (waste disposal proposals, waste local plans); highways (major highway line order and compulsory purchase inquiries, highway and pedestrian inquiries); judicial review and statutory challenges (High Court challenges and appeals related to planning permissions, local plans and appeals); compulsory purchase and compensation; Lands Tribunal proceedings; other local government and public law matters; Boundary Commission inquiries.
Rowena Meager
Rowena Meager
General chancery and commercial practitioner with experience of, amongst other things, insolvency (personal and corporate), property disputes (including landlord and tenant, commercial and residential), trusts and estates, contractual disputes and professional negligence. Experience also of planning and related practice areas including the acquisition of public rights such as rights of way and the registration of new greens.
Samir Amin
Samir Amin
Barrister in the Business and Property Group at No5 Barristers' Chambers
Sarah Allen
Crime; professional disciplinary; licensing.
Satnam Choongh
Satnam Choongh
Specialises exclusively in planning and environmental work, and acts for major housebuilders, and commercial developers, land promotion companies, the major supermarkets, waste disposal and recycling companies, local authorities and government agencies. Appears at planning and enforcement appeals, compulsory purchase inquiries, Environmental Permitting appeals, development plan examinations and in the higher courts High Court in judicial review and statutory appeals. Has extensive experience of listed buildings, conservation areas, green belt, sites of special scientific interest, housing land supply, planning enforcement, highways, and environmental matters (waste plans, disposal and management of waste, water etc.). Major work includes airport inquiries, nuclear power station decommissioning, distribution depots, motorway service areas, large scale residential development and retail inquiries.
Seamran Sidhu
Specialist in Criminal Defence work but with significant experience in Prosecuting. She has acted as a led junior and junior alone. She has extensive Crown Court trial experience and her instructions range from serious sexual offences to matters of large-scale frauds, drug trafficking and violence. She is also regularly instructed to represent clients in Proceeds of Crime hearings. She is happy to provide preliminary advice and to travel to Court centres outside of the West Midlands, when required.
Serena Sekhon
Serena Sekhon
Serena joined Chambers in October 2022, following the successful completion of her pupillage. Her practice focuses on public law. As a pupil (supervised by Philip Rule), Serena gained experience of a wide range of public law matters and related areas including judicial review, prison law and parole, inquests and coronial law, Court of Protection and immigration. Serena’s drafting and advisory experience includes: • civil actions against the police; • civil actions relating to personal injury and negligence in prison • judicial review of Parole Board, recall and re-categorisation decisions • judicial review and interim relief applications relating to accommodation and financial support under the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 • judicial review of decisions taken by public authorities including government departments, regulatory bodies, the NHS and the police • applications to the European Court of Human Rights. Serena regularly represents clients in oral hearings before the Parole Board. Serena acts for a range of interested parties in inquests, including health trusts and local authorities. During pupillage, she assisted Philip Rule on a jury inquest involving the state’s duty to protect life (Article 2 of the European Convention of Human Rights), relating to the self-inflicted death of a prisoner whilst in custody, representing the family of the deceased. In the Court of Protection, Serena has represented family members of P. Prior to commencing pupillage, Serena was a volunteer caseworker at Intervene, a specialist legal charity providing advice and representation to prisoners. In this role she developed experience of prison law and related matters including Rule 39 breaches, breaches of the Public Sector Equality Duty, discrimination, failures to make reasonable adjustments, failures to follow PSIs, issues with healthcare provision and mishandling of prisoner property. She previously volunteered in the Advocacy team at Southall Black Sisters, and at HMP Brixton as a Vocalise mentor.
Simon Hunka
Simon Hunka
Simon is a hardworking advocate who enjoys his work and regularly appears in Crown and Magistrates Courts across the country. He has been instructed in a wide variety of matters across the criminal spectrum and is making a name for himself as a meticulous preparer and presenter of cases, with a real understanding of client care. He also has experience of prosecuting on behalf of local authorities. Simon is regularly instructed to appear on behalf of both claimants and defendants in road traffic cases. He advocates an industrious and thorough approach to paperwork. Simon accepts instructions on a variety of regulatory matters and has experience of representing local authorities. He places great importance on thorough preparation and has a true understanding of client care. Prior to pupillage, Simon spent a year working and training with Bernard Thorogood where he gained invaluable experience of a very wide range of regulatory crime, including health and safety, environmental, trading standards, food safety and data protection. During this time he also took a very full role in defending in a murder case.
Simon Worlock
Simon Worlock
An experienced childcare and criminal practitioner, he is a meticulous preparer and presenter of cases with close attention to careful client care. User friendly and direct access possible. Founder member of the Law Society Childcare Panel, has frequently represented local authorities, parents, children and guardians. Extensive experience in all aspects of childcare law. Has particular interest in cases involving abuse to children, also represents children in complex cases when instructed by NYAS. General criminal practitioner, including all aspects of regulatory crime and criminal law in Magistrates and Crown Courts and in the Court of Appeal. Experience includes large-scale public and football disorders, complex drug related offences, dishonesty, serious violence, fraud, and POCA cases. Has interest in acting in cases spanning both jurisdictions including sexual offences within the family, child cruelty, baby shaking and domestic violence and in representing those with communication difficulties, using intermediaries.
Stefano Nuvoloni KC
Stefano Nuvoloni KC
Stefano has a recognised expertise in the most complex and sensitive of public law children cases having been appointed to Queen’s Counsel in 2017. His expertise encompasses all the most serious issues including the death or serious injury of children; murder of a parent; sexual abuse; organised and ritualised abuse; Fabricated/Induced Illness (FII); Sexual Exploitation and Trafficking; Radicalisation and Human Rights claims. He advises local authorities in a broad spectrum of Human Rights Act claims, both as part of on-going proceedings and as free standing claims. Having been part of the ground breaking team that secured the first CSE injunctions Stefano continues to advise local authorities and police forces nationally on the disruption of Child Sexual Exploitation. He drafted the working Protocol for use by Local Authorities and Police Authorities commended in BCC v SK [2016] EWHC 310. Stefano has extensive experience in protracted and complicated private law proceedings covering the full range of disputes; residence and contact, relocation and child abduction. Stefano is Direct Access trained and is therefore able to accept instructions from prospective clients directly in respect of advice and representation. Most Notable Cases BCC v SK [2016] EWHC 310 BCC v Riaz and others [2014] EWHC 4247 Evans v Amicus [2003] EWHC 2161 (Fam) Re S & Ors; Re W & Ors Sub nom Re W & B [2002] UKHL 10
Stephanie Brown
Stephanie Brown
Specialises in divorce and financial provision; since 1990 has exclusively specialised in all forms of complex matrimonial financial provision and related cases, with particular emphasis on those involving: substantial assets, pensions, farming issues, family companies and other business interests, conflicts of laws relating to divorce, and financial provision for children.
Stephen Goodfellow
Stephen Goodfellow
Stephen has obtained great breadth of experience in common law matters but now specialises in Clinical Negligence, Professional Negligence and Commercial.  He is increasingly recognised and instructed by solicitors for his expertise in respect of Costs matters, including CCMCs, appeals against costs orders, third party costs orders and detailed assessments.  Stephen prides himself on his detailed knowledge of the Civil Procedure Rules, used to great effect in case management and litigation, his meticulous preparation and on client care.
Stephen Whitaker
Stephen Whitaker
Chancery specialist undertaking contentious and non-contentious work in the core Chancery areas of trusts and estates, real property and conveyancing, and partnerships and quasi-partnerships and latterly in business disputes now dealt with in Chancery including equitable remedies in commercial contexts, directors' fiduciary duties and insolvency.
Steven Fisher
Steven Fisher
Steve is highly experienced and well regarded in his field, having practiced exclusively in personal injury for almost 25 years. He is instructed on behalf of Claimants and Defendants in fairly equal measure, primarily in high value multi-track matters (including those arising from fatal accidents). Steve’s practice covers the full range of personal injury work including liability/quantum trials, applications, CCMC’s and JSM’s, with his advocacy described as “strong and uncomplicated” and his drafting as “excellent”. He is regularly called upon to prepare complicated Schedules of Loss involving substantial claims for lost earnings (including analysis of profit/loss accounts and tax returns for self-employed individuals), extensive claims for care and assistance (with reference to expert care reports) and also costs relating to future medical procedures, adaptations and prosthetics. Steve has a scientific and mathematical background which makes him ideally placed to handle complex medical evidence alongside precise Ogden Table calculations.      
Stuart Withers
Stuart Withers
Prison and Police Law,Court of Protection, Education and Public Law.
Susan Monaghan
Susan has extensive experience in the field of Regulatory and Public Law. She represents parties before their Regulatory Bodies. She has been involved in proceedings concerning the following Regulatory Bodies:- • Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)• General Medical Council (GMC)• General Dental Council (GDC)• Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC)• Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority (IAASA) Legal Panel Member (preferred Counsel)• Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) Lay Panel Member Susan has been involved in the updating and training of Panel Members. Susan has Public Access rights. Susan has been a speaker at the CLT Regulatory Conference. APPOINTMENTS 2007- to date: Appointed Legal Assessor to the MPTS (formerly General Medical Council in accordance with Paragraph 7 of Schedule 4 of the Medical Act 1986(as amended).2009- to date: Appointed Legal Assessor to Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).2010- to date: Appointed Legal Adviser to the General Dental Council (GDC).2011- 1 March 2014: Lay Panellist for CIPFA (Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy)2012- to date: Legal Adviser to the HCPC (Health Care Professionals Council) Relevant Work Composition As Regulatory Counsel I advise on regulation interpretation, policies and procedure. I am a member of the Bar Standards Board prosecution panel. In that role I advise on prosecution and act on behalf of the Bar Standards Board at their hearings.  In 2010 I was appointed to IAASA’s (Irish Auditing Accounting Standards Authority) list of preferred Counsel to advise. I advise a number of regulatory panels on the law and any procedural matters arising during the course of hearings. I am instructed by ACCA at its Disciplinary and Appeal and Admissions hearings. I advise on drafting regulations and rule changes. Immigration / Human Rights:Susan since being called to the bar has been involved in Immigration and Human Rights. She has gained extensive experience in this field and has taken a case to the House of Lords, appeared on a number of occasions before the Court of Appeal and is regularly in the High Court. She represents clients at all levels of the Immigration Tribunals. Family Law/ Human Rights:Susan has extensive experience in Private and Public Law matters concerning children and Human Rights. 
Talbir Singh
Talbir Singh
Prosecutes and defends and has experience in Appeal by Case Stated, and judicial review; also has a keen interest in the Human Rights Act; was defence counsel in R v Chauhan & Hollingsworth [2000] (resulting in changes to the way speeding offences are prosecuted, in particular within Birmingham); Grade 3 prosecutor, CPS list.
Teresa Hargreaves
Teresa Hargreaves
Teresa is a personal injury and clinical negligence specialist with over 20 years’ experience. Much of her work is of a complex nature and / or of substantial value and, as a senior junior, she is extremely competent in undertaking such cases without the assistance of Leading Counsel. She is, however, often led when the complexity and / or value demands such input. Teresa acts for both Claimants and Defendants and particularly enjoys tackling difficult issues. She has a relaxed and approachable style, which lends itself to working as a team with her instructing solicitor and experts. Teresa is involved in claims from the early stages, providing initial advice on liability and quantum, attending interlocutory hearings and drafting pleadings, as well as taking cases through to joint settlement meetings and trial. Teresa is highly valued for her robustness, attention to detail, thorough preparation and straightforward yet sensitive manner with clients. She has strived to retain and maintain a court-based practice, which means that she has a particular skill of handling lay and expert witnesses, both in conference and at trial. Teresa has a specialist knowledge of procedural issues (such as breaches, admissions and limitation) and costs, which has proved invaluable during long running and complex litigation.    
Tim Newman
Tim Newman
Specialises in personal injury and clinical negligence claims together with associated professional negligence claims; acts for both claimants and defendants in claims which include all employers’ liability cases, industrial disease, brain injury and fatal accidents claims; acts on conditional fee basis; also acts in Magistrates and Crown Courts and where health and safety issues arise; regularly instructed in all kinds of inquests.
Tim Sheppard
Tim Sheppard
An employment and discrimination law practitioner, who also specialises in planning and public law. On the employment/discrimination front, has been instructed by a wide range of clients from multi-national companies, NHS Trusts, national charities, local authorities to the individual; acts for Respondents and Claimants. Tim has extensive experience of discrimination claims, unfair dismissal and wrongful dismissal, redundancy, breach of contract and restraint of trade disputes. He has represented clients in the court of Appeal, the High Court, the EAT, the County Court and in most of the ETs nationally. On the planning/public law front Tim practices in planning, environmental and administrative law, including judicial and statutory review. He acts for developers, including major house builders, local authorities, residents associations and also undertakes voluntary work for Planning Aid for London. Tim has experience of major public inquiries and multi-party appeals. A regular public speaker at Chambers and other events, Tim has also appeared in Legal T.V and on BBC local radio.
Timothy Jones
Timothy Jones
Tim Jones has extensive experience in planning advocacy, appearing at all levels from inquiries (development-control, development-plan and transport) to the House of Lords and the European Court of Human Rights for both developers and LPAs. He also works as part of teams dealing with major s106 and highway agreements. Cases include Barnsley v SSCLG, Buckley v UK, Butler v Bath and NE Somerset, Chapman v UK, Leah Investments v Neath Port Talbot, LDRA v SSCLG, R v Sandwell exp Wilkinson, R(Bleaklow) v Peak District, R(CPRE) v Swindon, R(Jones) v North Warwickshire, R(Maxwell) v Wiltshire, R(Midcounties Coop) v Swindon, R(Moore) v SSCLG, Sainsbury v Greenwich, Wychavon v SSE, Wyre Forest v SSE. His writings and talks include EU environment law, the relationship of human rights to planning, highway agreements, housing, law reform and Gypsies. He has taught European law in several  countries for the Council of Europe, US State Department and national Justice Ministries. He's a member of the Bars of Ireland and Northern Ireland, an arbitrator (FCIArb) and an accredited mediator. He is a village-green inspector and neighbourhood-plan examiner.
Varsha Jagadesham
Varsha Jagadesham
Varsha specialises in mental capacity, mental health, inquests, and community care law. She is a member of the Attorney General’s London C Panel of Junior Counsel.
Victoria Clifford
Victoria Clifford
Public law children: Victoria is instructed by local authorities, parents, relatives, guardians and children, at all stages of proceedings. She regularly appears on cases before judges of the High Court. She conducts fact-finding hearings with complex issues including allegations of causing a child’s death, inflicted injuries such as brain injury and multiple fractures, starvation, suffocation, child trafficking, child sexual exploitation, factitious or fabricated illness, domestic abuse, emotional harm and chronic neglect. She has a wealth of experience in cross-examining medical experts and other professionals. Victoria has extensive experience of cases with allegations of sexual abuse, including inter-familial abuse. She has represented child victims and child perpetrators and children that have given evidence in proceedings. She is adept at conducting Re W and ground rules hearings and the special considerations that relate to children giving evidence. Victoria is used to dealing with cases where there are concurrent criminal proceedings and issues of disclosure and PII. She has represented teenage and vulnerable parents who have physical and/or learning disabilities. In representing a child without capacity she addressed issues of deprivation of liberty for that child. Victoria is skilled in making legal arguments on designated local authority and dealing with applications to revoke care and placement orders and those under s.38(6) and s.34 of the Children Act 1989. Of note, following a trial she succeeded in demonstrating that her client had caused the child’s injuries accidentally leading to the care proceedings being dismissed by the Court - something quite uncommon. Also significant, Victoria represented a client who, following adverse findings being made at a finding of fact hearing, admitted shaking her baby causing extensive brain damage and went on to secure the rehabilitation of the children back to her care. Private law children: Victoria has developed a strong reputation in dealing with private law disputes, from advice before proceedings to enforcement of court orders. She conducts complex multi-day fact-finding hearings involving allegations of domestic abuse, child abuse, sexual abuse (including rape and incest), arson, emotional abuse and parental alienation. Victoria is accomplished in presenting legal arguments on implacable hostility, children giving evidence and where the court is considering a transfer of living arrangements. She advises and represents parties on specific issue applications relating to medical, religious or educational issues. Victoria is aware of the special issues raised by complex and long-running private law litigation and is regularly instructed by parents and guardians in cases where the children are joined as a party and there are multiple experts. She has appeared in the Court of Appeal on one such case described by Lady Justice Black as difficult and unusual. International children: Victoria has a particular interest in Children Act work with an international element. Victoria’s practice includes cases with applications for removal from the jurisdiction, temporary and permanent. Victoria represents parties in child abduction cases with Hague Convention and Brussels IIR considerations and also cases concerning the recognition and enforcement of foreign orders. She has succeeded in legal arguments on habitual residence and has attended the High Court to obtain orders under its inherent jurisdiction, sometimes at short notice. Other: Victoria prides herself in being approachable to lay and professional clients and opponents. She is known for taking a robust but common sense approach. She prioritises client care and thorough preparation. Victoria has a passion for all sports. Having hung up her boxing gloves she has returned to play rugby and now captains the 1st XV ladies team at Bournville RFC and coaches the minis and juniors. Noteable cases A Local Authority v AB and Others [2019] EWFC 75 Re B (A Child) [2017] EWCA Civ 1579 Re S (Child Abduction: Joinder of sibling: Child’s Objections) [2016] EWHC 1227 (Fam) Re P (Findings of Fact) [2014] EWCA Civ 89   Articles Please click here to find the most recent article Victoria Clifford has written on The perils and pitfalls of DIY Divorce. http://www.novatedirectlegalsolutions.com/news-detail/the-perils-pitfalls-of-diy-divorce
William Pusey
William Pusey
Barrister dealing with all aspects of personal injury and clinical negligence with a particular interest in the medical aspect of such claims. Cases: Hodgson v Trapp [1989] AC 807 HL; [1988] 3 WLR 1281; [1988] 3 AER 870; Downes v Crane (CA) LTL 13.12.99; Moran v First Choice Holidays [2005] EWHC 2478 (QB); Keown v Coventry Healthcare NHS Trust [2006] EWCA Civ 39, (2006) 1WLR 953.
Yasmin Yasseri
Yasmin Yasseri
Barrister in the Business and Property Group at No5 Barristers' Chambers.

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