Region Area

Barristers

James Purnell

James Purnell

Position

Barrister specialising in commercial and public law, with expertise in group actions, product liability, health and safety, personal injury, environment, inquests and employment.

Career

Called 2002, Middle Temple (Queen Mother Scholar); pupillage Henderson Chambers 2002-2003; Attorney General’s C Panel (2009 – 2014); Attorney General’s B Panel (2014 – ); List of Specialist Regulatory Advocate’s for the EA, HSE and ORR (2012 – ); registered Direct Public Access practitioner; qualified pupil supervisor from 2010. Notable cases: Fetal Anti Convulsant Group Litigation (2008 – 2011); Iraqi Civilian Claims against MOD (2013 – ); defective hip implant group litigation (2014 – ). Recent reported cases: Ferguson v British Gas [2010] WLR 785 (harassment); Network Rail v Conarken [2011] 2 CLC 1 (consequential loss); Secretary of State for Justice v Bowling [2012] IRLR 382 (discrimination); Secretary of State for BIS v McDonagh [2013] ICR 1177 (employer insolvency).

Languages

French, Spanish.

Memberships

Health and Safety Lawyers Association; Personal Injury Bar Association; Employment Lawyers Association; List of Specialist Regulatory Advocates for the EA, HSE, ORR.

Education

The Oratory School; Edinburgh University; City University

Leisure

Football fanatic; piano man.

Mentions

London Bar

Group litigation

Leading junior2
James Purnell – Henderson Chambers 'James is the consummate senior junior.  He is very hard working and has excellent judgement combined with a persuasive oral style.'
London Bar

Health and safety

Leading junior3
James Purnell –Henderson Chambers ‘He is cogent in court and has extensive knowledge of health and safety law.'
London Bar

Inquests and inquiries

Leading junior4
James Purnell –Henderson Chambers ‘James is extremely knowledgeable in both health and safety law and inquests.'
London Bar

Personal injury

Leading junior5
James Purnell –Henderson Chambers ‘He has always been able to very quickly assimilate large volumes of information and is pragmatic and able to appreciate the commercial issues which may be at play for clients.’
London Bar

Product liability

Leading junior1
James Purnell –Henderson Chambers 'James is able to very quickly assimilate large volumes of information, and is pragmatic and able to appreciate the commercial issues which may be at play for clients. He always adapts his approach appropriately depending on the value or reputational importance of the case.'