Oriel Chambers

orielchambers.co.uk

Alex has a strong personal injury practice and he undertakes all areas of employer's liability, road traffic and public liability work. Alex has been appointed by the Attorney-General to represent the Government in civil matters, as Counsel to the Crown (“A” Panel), and frequently represents the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Defence in Multi Track claims. “A” Panel members deal with the most complex Government cases, at all levels of courts and tribunals, and often appear against QCs. Alex has extensive Inquest experience, and frequently represents Government departments at Inquests to investigate self-inflicted/unnatural deaths. Recent personal injury cases of note include six-figure employers’ liability claims arising out of: • serious physical injury • occupational stress, bullying and harassment • noise-induced hearing loss/tinnitus • PTSD Alex has particular expertise in defending suspected fraudulent, or exaggerated, personal injury claims, and receives instructions from counter-fraud solicitors’ firms nationwide. Specific practice areas include: • Occupational injuries and diseases (including NIHL, HAVS, RSI and stress) • All areas of road traffic law (including fraud rings, contrived/induced accidents, credit hire and low velocity impacts) • Late intimated, exaggerated and fraudulent personal injury claims • Inquests and Coronial Law • Public liability • Occupiers’ liability • Professional negligence • Contractual disputes • Data Protection breaches Conditional fee work is undertaken in appropriate cases. Appointments and Awards: Junior Counsel to the Crown (appointed 2015) Junior of the Northern Circuit (1999/2000)

Alexander Williams

Alexander has 20 years of experience in civil litigation and employment disputes. He has appeared before the Court of Appeal, in the High Court Chancery and Queens Bench Divisions and Employment Tribunals and is instructed in matters up to and including multi-million pound disputes. He has an excellent client manner and an ability to see complex problems through a practical lens. Professional and lay clients find him clear, informative and reassuringly easy to work with. Commercial / Insolvency: Contract disputes - Directors’ disqualification - Partnership disputes - Debt recovery - Sale of goods and services – Guarantees and indemnities – Corporate Insolvency – Personal Insolvency – Consumer Credit dispute - Costs Alexander practices in most areas of commercial and insolvency law. He understands the commercial realities of his clients and delivers clear, business-relevant analysis and advice. His attention to detail and light touch with clients allows him to get to the heart of the issue and guide them through complex disputes and difficult areas of law. He sits as a Deputy District Judge in the Business & Property Court. Employment: Unfair dismissal – Discrimination – Reasonable Adjustments – Harassment – Trade Union disputes - TUPE – Pension loss claims Alexander deals with all manner of discrimination, unfair dismissal, trade union disputes, TUPE and pension loss claims. Aligned with his Tribunal experience, he has appeared in the Court of Appeal on the interpretation of national collective agreements between union and employer – George v Ministry of Justice [2013] EWCA Civ 324. Inquests: Article 2 inquests – Deaths in custody – Mental health inpatients – Notifiable diseases Alexander is a highly experienced inquest advocate with over a decade of experience representing NHS Trusts, Police Forces and state bodies in Article 2 and medical negligence inquests across the country. He represents the interests of families in inquests touching upon asbestos-related deaths. He brings to bear a knowledgeable, grounded and sensitive approach, with a strong grasp of systems, policies and procedures in police and healthcare settings. Personal Injury / Asbestos Litigation: Personal Injury – Fatal Accidents – Asbestos litigation – Conflict of laws – Periodical payments orders – Capacity/Patients – JSMs - Court of Protection Alexander undertakes personal injury work from fast-track up to high value brain injury claims. He has particular knowledge of issues arising from a lack of capacity and periodical payments orders in high value claims. His work encompasses historic asbestos exposure, employers’ liability, extra-territorial claims and Fatal Accidents Act claims. Notable cases: Cox v Ministry of Justice (first instance and Court of Appeal - [2014] EWCA Civ 132) Malicious Prosecution / False Imprisonment: False imprisonment – Malicious prosecution – Misfeasance in public office – Human Rights Act claims – Harassment – Assault/Battery – Data Protection Alexander has extensive experience of defending institutions of the state and office-holders, including police forces and the CPS. He is well-versed in Human Rights law, both in public law and private law contexts. He has represented numerous organisations in Data Protection Act / misuse of private information claims.

Amy McKechnie

Amy joined Chambers as a tenant in September 2022 after successfully completing a family law pupillage under the supervision of Kate Huyton. During her pupillage, Amy experienced different areas of family practice including financial remedy cases as well as private and public children proceedings. In addition to family law, Amy has developed her practice in other areas. Amy has experience prosecuting and defending in the Magistrates Court and representing clients in small claims hearings. Family Law Amy has been instructed in financial remedy matters as well as public and private children proceedings. She has gained experience representing clients in contested applications for child arrangement orders. Amy has accepted instructions in relocation cases as well as applications for prohibited steps orders and specific issue orders. Amy regularly represents clients in injunctive proceedings under the Family Law Act 1996, including applications for non molestation and occupation orders. Amy is comfortably developing her practice in financial remedy and has represented clients at various stages in proceedings, such as FDA and FDR. Civil Law During her pupillage, Amy has accepted instructions for :- • Stage 3 hearings • Credit hire claims • Road traffic accidents (small claims) • Infant approval advices. Criminal Law Amy regularly prosecutes in the Magistrates Court. Amy also accepts instructions to Defend clients in the Magistrates Court on matters including road traffic offences. Amy is a confident, assured, and pro-active advocate with a client focussed approach. She is willing to take on new instructions to broaden her practice.

Andrew Howe

A highly regarded personal injury specialist, instructed in complex, high value claims, including fatal accidents. Andrew acts predominantly for Defendants and enjoys a strong reputation in employers’ liability and public liability work, with a specialist interest in highways claims. Andrew acts on behalf of a number of local government authorities and NHS Resolution. He is retained as panel counsel for some major UK insurers, including motor insurers. Renowned for meticulous preparation and sharp advocacy, he is routinely instructed in claims valued in excess of £1 million. Andrew is instructed nationally defending claims involving allegations of dishonesty or fraud, with previous cases attracting the interest of the national press. Andrew appreciates the role of counsel as part of a wider team and is always happy to discuss cases at short notice.

Anna Fox

Anna is experienced matrimonial counsel and is head of the Oriel Chambers Family Team. She has a practice that covers all aspects of family and co-habitation law, in particular ancillary relief proceedings and ToLATA-related claims. Her work also covers private and International child law, care and adoption. Anna has lectured on a wide variety of family practice topics to both solicitors and barristers and is the coordinator of chambers' popular family law group seminars. She has a reputation for a straightforward approach and her sympathetic dealings with all clients are appreciated by those who instruct her.

Catherine Ellis

Catherine is proud to be an old-style common law practioner covering a variety of fields of work rather than specialising in one. In recent years, her practice has included a substantial amount of housing work (mostly, but not exclusively, for landlords), and of anti-social behaviour cases (Magistrates and County Court), often dealing with complex legal issues. She also has extensive experience in personal injury work (claimant and defendant work, including cases involving severe disability) and in crime (prosecution and defence: past jury trials have included insurance fraud, kidnap, GBH and armed robbery). Born in Bolton, Catherine chose to do her degree at Lancaster in the days when Professor Peter Wallington (now a member of the Bar and a leading author in employment and other fields) was head of department, and was taught by (amongst others) Andrew McGee (now also at the Bar and author of McGee on Limitation). She has been a member of the Northern Circuit since 1988. Reported cases include: Ashworth Enquiry (phase 1; instructed by Mental Health Commission); Halford v Sharples (2nd junior for Police in later stages of tribunal hearing); R v Ormkirk JJ ex parte Battistini [1990] Crim LR 591; R v Knowsley MBC ex parte Keating [2004] EWHC 1933.

Cecilia Pritchard

Cecilia has particular expertise in the field of personal injury law. She is available to provide written advice and pleadings, and conducts both fast and multi-track cases to trial on behalf of both claimants and defendants. These instructions have been in respect of RTAs, slip/trip, employers’ liability, occupier’s liability and all related areas including credit hire. She has an interest in costs and accepts instructions for detailed assessment hearings and CCMCs. She enjoys a varied practice and has recently undertaken work on Data Breach claims, housing matters in the County Court and at Tribunal, as well as general contract work. Cecilia accepts and conducts criminal work, both CPS and Defence as well as private prosecution work, particularly for Local Authorities. Cecilia has appeared for appellants at Criminal Injuries Compensation Tribunals and has represented both Local Authorities and individuals in hybrid civil/criminal matters regarding anti-social behaviour orders, protection from harassment matters and PII applications.

Christopher Alldis

Christopher has a strong practice in the field of personal injury and until very recently sat as Recorder on both crime and civil. He is predominantly, but not exclusively, instructed on behalf of defendants and acts for many of the major UK insurance companies. In the field of employers’ liability, in addition to cases of accidental injury, Christopher has considerable experience in ‘industrial disease’ litigation involving WRULD, vibration induced injury, deafness and asbestos related disease etc. In the field of public liability Christopher acts for local councils in highway cases and has an extensive practice dealing with claims against the ‘leisure industry’ representing a number of leading holiday venues and hotels. Notable and Reported Cases : Robinson v Bourne Leisure Ltd (2018) 9 WLUK 398 (Occupiers' Liability for spillage on dance floor) Burton v Butlins Skyline Ltd (2016) 12 WLUK 115 (Occupiers' Liability for violence in pubs/bars) Clark v Bourne Leisure Ltd (2011) EWCA Civ 753 (Occupiers' Liability) Bourne Leisure (t/a British Holidays) v Marsden (2009) EWCA Civ 671 (Occupiers' Liability - fatal accident) Tedstone v Bourne Leisure Ltd (2008) EWCA Civ 654 (Occupiers' Liability) Sherlock v Chester City Council (2004) EWCA Civ 201 (Employers' Liability/ Co-extensive breach of statutory duty by employer and employee) Griffiths v Vauxhall Motors Ltd (2003) EWCA Civ 412 (Employers' Liability/P.U.W.E.R) Willbye v Gibbons (2003) EWCA Civ 372 (Damages) Laverton v Kiapasha (2002) EWCA Cur 1656 (Occupiers' Liability) R v Merseyside Coroner Exp CARR (1994) 1WLR 578 Blamire v South Cumbria H.A (1993) PIQR Q.1 (Damages)

Christopher Middleton

Chris’ principal area of practice is personal injury, acting on behalf of both claimants and defendants. He undertakes all major areas of PI work, in particular road traffic, public liability and employer’s liability cases. He has particular experience of civil fraud in a variety of contexts and has appeared in a large number of cases involving the Motor Insurers’ Bureau. He has frequent conduct of cases dealing with related areas of law, such as criminal injuries, social security and vehicle hire. He also practices in a number of other areas of civil law, including contract, construction, debt recovery and other commercial matters; nuisance; and excise. He also appears regularly in employment cases. Chris has a particular interest in regulatory law, including housing and antisocial behaviour, and has appeared in numerous cases involving local authorities and other public bodies. He is currently continuing professional development co-ordinator for Oriel Chambers’ civil practice group. As well as organising the provision of CPD by other members of chambers, he regularly provides his own seminars to other legal professionals. Chris is happy to undertake work by arrangement on a conditional or pro bono basis in appropriate cases. Appointments and awards: Junior Council to the Attorney General’s Unified List of Prosecuting Advocates for the Northern Circuit for environmental and health and safety matters.

Darren O"Keeffe

Personal injury litigation (mostly employers or public liability claims, or from road traffic accidents); Coroner's inquests (usually under Article 2); Clinical and other professional negligence cases; Cases on behalf of the police (claims for damages/professional discipline); Data breach/protection claims. Generally c.75% of work is for Defendants and c.25% for Claimants.

Deirdre Purcell

Deirdre has a strong common law practice specialising in personal injury litigation working predominantly on behalf of Defendants. She undertakes work concerning employer's liability, public liability and road traffic accidents in fast track and multi track cases. She acts regularly for Insurers and the Motor Insurers' Bureau in road traffic accident cases involving fraud. She also has particular experience representing Defendant Insurers in exaggerated employer's liability and public liability cases.

Gillian Bundred

Family lawyer dealing with public and private children work, financial relief applications and injunctive relief .

Harry East

Harry is an energetic and diligent Junior and is approachable and knowledgeable. His academic background is in Company Law and Healthcare Law. He willingly travels across England and Wales and is known to turn his paperwork with quality and in good time. Prior to coming to the bar Harry worked in the construction industry. Personal Injury: Harry has an extensive practice in Defendant EL and PL personal injury claims including high value and high loss claims. He is experienced for acting for the Claimant in asbestos claims. His PhD and teaching experience has allowed him to develop a growing clinical negligence practice. He is known for a speedily turn around of his papers. Media and Communications: Actions / Data Protection Breaches. Harry has steadily been increasing his practice in this area in recent times. He is well acquainted with actions brought under both the 1998 Act and 2018 Act and currently accepts instructions from both Defendant’s and Claimant’s. Housing: He has extensive knowledge when acting on behalf of social housing authorities seeking injunctions against tenants or in housing disrepair cases. He often acts for Housing Authorities seeking Anti-Social Behaviour Injunctions. Cavity Wall Insulation Claims: Dovetailing with his commercial, civil and prior experience in construction, Harry has developed a practice in CWI claims, as they become a particularly more burdensome area for Defendant’s. He is well versed on the nuanced causation arguments that arise, as well as the more helpful interpretations of the British Board Agrèment with regard to installation and survey techniques. He is particularly interested in assisting Defendants to develop and plead a more effective Defence in these Claims and how to develop the issues surrounding causation. Financial Remedy/Co-Habitation Claims : Harry has established a bespoke financial remedy practice for those clients seeking settlement throughout marital disputes and the divorce process and is happy to provide advice, advocacy and to advise in conference or on the papers throughout the lifetime of the claim and to final hearings. His work is complemented by his civil experience and property work, ToLATA claims and cohabitee disputes. Construction : His experience ranges across construction, engineering, professional negligence and planning matters, including adjudication; more pertinently the civil enforcement of adjudicator’s decisions and he is well versed in all of the main standard forms including JCT, NEC and RIBA forms. In particular his prior experience has given him a working and intimate understanding of JCT form contracts. Harry came to the Bar from a previous career working in construction as a main contractor, running a small main contractor firm with an annual turnover of circa £4.5 million. His work was predominantly tendered through privately engaged Contract Administrators working for the NHS, Education sector and also directly through Local Authorities in London and the South East. He has hands on experience with contracts in the value of £1.5 – 2 million pounds and the practical issues arising from disputes with sub-contractors, Contract Administrators and clients. He understands the technical, and less technical, language and aspects of the construction process. He currently pitches himself as junior barrister who is an economic alternative in matters of the value he has personal experience in, where professional legal costs may be often appear disproportionate; whilst providing detailed, professional and practical advice in quick time and without fuss. He is always happy to offer informal advice or engage in exploratory dialogue, by telephone if necessary. Harry regularly appears in the County Court in both fast track and multi-track matters and undertakes all manner of drafting and the provision of advice, including applications for enforcement of adjudicators decisions. Costs : Having taken the time to undertake and complete the 3 year Association of Costs Lawyers Qualification during his first years as a tenant he now provides advocacy and advice in all forms of inter partes costs disputes together with drafting and advisory services in relation to litigation funding; from CFAs and DBAs through to third party and commercial funding and costs insurance. He also undertakes non -contentious advisory and drafting work. Harry appears in detailed assessments and section 71 solicitor-client assessments; advising in relation to solicitor’s liens, and delivery up of client files. He often appears in cost budgeting hearings. He regularly argues points concerning the enforceability of retainers and issues surrounding departing from the approved costs budget as well as pre-action conduct and its impact on costs. Commercial and Chancery : His Chancery and Commercial practice ranges from commercial debt work, insolvency, bankruptcy and sale of goods work. He advises in all aspects of Landlord and Tenant, including commercial leases, residential housing and possession claims. Boundary disputes, easements and adverse possession. Harry's Chancery, Commercial and Family practices overlap in areas such as Inheritance Act (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 disputes; Wills, Trusts, and Probate; and claims brought under the Trusts of Land and Appointment and Trustees Act 1996. Family Finance and ToLATA : Providing advice, appearing in FDA, FDR and Final Hearings, Harry has created a bespoke Financial Remedies practice which complement’s his ToLATA and Probate work. Financial Remedy / Co-Habitation Claims: Harry has established a bespoke financial remedy practice for those clients seeking settlement throughout marital disputes and the divorce process and is happy to provide advice, advocacy and to advise in conference or on the papers throughout the lifetime of the claim and to final hearings. His work is complemented by his civil experience and property work, ToLATA claims and cohabitee disputes.

Heather Belbin

Heather has a strong civil practice particularly specialising in the area of personal injury. Her practice covers all stages of a case from initial advice through to trial. Her work includes initial advice, which she is willing to provide by telephone or in writing, through to further written advice on liability, evidence, and quantum and drafting of pleadings. Heather demonstrates excellent advocacy skills over a broad spectrum of hearings from applications and other preliminary hearings through to disposals and trials. She maintains a flexible approach to conferences and is willing to conduct them at her chambers, at solicitors’ offices or at the lay client’s home. Heather always adopts a professional, but friendly approach both to her instructing solicitors and to the lay client. She submits digests on quantum to Current Law on a regular basis.

Indunee Seneviratne

Adaptable and friendly, the hallmark of Indunee’ s practice is her person-centred approach. Having trained throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, she is comfortable attending hearings in person as well as remotely via telephone, Teams/CVP and in hybrid settings. Indunee is a persuasive criminal advocate who both prosecutes and defends in the Magistrates Court. She has also represented Defendants in the Crown Court. She accepts instructions for : • Case management hearings • Bail applications • Trials • Sentencing hearings • Appeals Indunee acts for Claimants and Defendants in a range of civil matters, aiming to deliver a high standard of service in : • Stage 3 hearings • Small claims • Fast track trials • Applications and disposals • Drafting pleadings and advices Indunee has been instructed in children matters on behalf of parents and special guardians. Her warm and compassionate approach assists clients to feel at ease while discussing sensitive information. She has experience in : • Case management hearings • Final hearings • Fact finding hearings Indunee is a common law practitioner with a firm foundation in the following areas: Criminal Indunee regularly appears in the Magistrates Court prosecuting and defending in case management hearings, trials and sentences. She has represented Defendants in the Crown Court for mentions, case management hearings and appeal of sentence. Civil Indunee acts for Claimants and Defendants in a range of civil matters including stage 3 hearings, small claims, fast track trials (including personal injury in Road Traffic and Public Liability cases), applications and disposals. Family Indunee has experience in representing parties in public and private law children matters, as well as financial remedy case management hearings.

Jack Moore

Jack joined Chambers as a tenant in 2022 following a successful completion of a common law pupillage under the supervision of Karina Champion. During his pupillage, Jack gained experience in a wide variety of areas of practice, including trials, applications and papers in commercial and civil law, as well as prosecuting and defending in the Magistrates' Court. Jack is a conscientious and professional advocate who is engaging and personable both within and without the courtroom. He is highly motivated to turn his hand to varied and challenging areas of law with enthusiasm and is always willing to be of assistance. Commercial Law Jack has undertaken a range of work relating to contractual disputes and recovery of commercial debts and enthusiastically accepts instructions for commercial cases. Jack has also regularly undertaken winding up petitions and other commercial applications in the County Court, has gained rapid familiarity with applications for vacant possession of property, and undertakes client conferences with confidence and sensitivity. Civil Law Jack has undertaken both Small Claims Hearings and Fast Track trials and has predominantly accepted instructions in claims relating to Credit Hire, Road Traffic Accidents, Stage 3 Hearings, and claims relating to Payment Protection Insurance (PPI). Jack also frequently accepts instructions to undertake paperwork including pleadings and advices, often on an urgent basis; and Jack turns around such paperwork efficiently. Criminal Law Jack is a CPS Grade 1 Prosecutor and regularly prosecutes in the Magistrates’ Court, as well as frequently undertaking appeals against conviction and sentence in the Crown Court. Jack has also undertaken sentencing hearings and first appearances in the Crown Court. Jack has undertaken cash forfeiture applications in the Magistrates’ Court. Jack also accepts instructions to defend clients in the Magistrates’ Court. Employment Law Jack accepts instructions in Employment matters and has rapidly been developing experience in that area. Jack has also advised extensively in matters of unfair/unlawful dismissal, constructive dismissal, and workplace discrimination. Construction Jack is familiar with construction disputes including adjudication, JCTs, and NECs, as well as the enforcement of adjudicators' awards; and keenly accepts instructions on the same. Jack is highly proficient in German and Arabic.

James Benson

James is an extremely busy civil practitioner who has always relished the challenge of difficult and contentious trial work. He specialises in representing Defendants in personal injury, employer’s liability and public liability work. In particular he is an extremely effective advocate in claims where the Defendant alleges fraud. At the time of writing in November 2019 James had already secured 16 findings of Fundamental Dishonesty at trial during the year. There are few advocates with an equivalent success rate in this type of case. His style was recently described by a County Court Judge in one of these cases as “polite but devastating”. James has had frequent involvement with cases involving social media, telematics and surveillance evidence. He has dealt with a number of cases involving fraud rings with very large volumes of material. James has extensive experience in cases of significant value and significance including matters being taken to the Court of Appeal. He is very well-versed in dealing with technical costs matters such as those arising in Cost Case Management Conferences. He has a very wide experience in dealing with medical experts and is known for concise and well-drafted Part 35 questions of a technical nature. Whilst James has always enjoyed the practicalities of cross-examining witnesses in difficult and complex cases in Court. James is a common law practitioner although his work predominantly relates to personal injury litigation. His particular areas of interest and expertise include: defending suspected fraudulent claims; the Motor Insurance Bureau; employer’s liability; accidents involving cyclist or motorcyclists; defending claims issued by a number of high-volume road traffic solicitors in the Birkenhead and Liverpool County Courts; fatal accidents. His strong academic credentials are complemented by particularly robust advocacy.

John Gray

John Gray has more than 20 years experience in civil litigation. He predominantly undertakes cases involving serious injuries and clinical (medical) negligence. John also undertakes cases of professional negligence (mainly solicitors and surveyors). Personal Injury John has extensive experience in undertaking personal injury cases. Over the years, the cases he has been involved in have become more complex involving arguments over liability, causation of the injury/ symptoms and /or the valuation (quantum) of the claim. Veteran in dealing with allegations of fraud. Experience of ancillary litigation - CICA, credit hire, inquests & costs. Currently instructed in a number of cases where the value is at or above £1million. Clinical Negligence and Medical Law John Gray is a barrister who is fascinated by and has a long professional history in cases involving the interface between law and medicine. His broad experience in medical law beginning with his MA in Medical Law and Healthcare Ethics. He began a part time PhD in Bioethics and Medical Jurisprudence but was unable to complete it due to his growing barrister practice. He is regularly instructed in clinical negligence cases involving surgical and pharmaceutical negligence, misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis, inappropriate treatment and lack of consent. He also undertakes cases involving allied professions including nurse practitioners, dentists, etc. He has also defended before the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service. John has lectured extensively including previously co-writing & presenting a 1 week lecture series on clinical negligence to government lawyers in Kuala Lumpur. Professional Negligence John is regularly instructed in matters of professional negligence especially those involving solicitors and surveyors. He has successfully acted for a number of claimants where their previous solicitors mismanaged the litigation He is currently representing 100+ householders in the ‘leasehold scandal’ litigation where numerous conveyancing solicitors failed to properly advise purchasers of new build homes as to the onerous terms of their leases. Many of his cases have involved complex issues of causation and limitation. Mediation Accredited mediator having trained with Academy of Experts & UCLAN Costs John’s background as the co-founder and owner of a law firm gives him a greater experience in costs and related disputes than the vast majority of barristers. He can offer specialist advice and representation in relation to a wide variety of contentious and no contentious costs disputes. He has experience of cost budgeting, security for costs, provisional and detailed assessments, fixed costs disputes, exceptions to QOCS, solicitor own client disputes, BTE/ATE arguments, wasted or non-party costs orders and allegations of misconduct. He acts for both paying and receiving parties. John’s heavyweight personal injury (recommended in the Legal 500 2021 and 2022), clinical negligence and professional negligence practice means he has an understanding of the underlying litigation and is an experienced trial advocate. This is useful in solicitor/own client disputes and also where cross-examination is required in matters concerning conduct, misconduct, wasted costs and non-party costs orders. John is a Recorder and a Tribunal Judge. He is public access qualified and also litigation qualified. He is also a qualified mediator.

Judith Burns

Judith is a personal injury specialist with particular experience in serious and catastrophic injury claims. She is equally at ease representing both Claimants & Defendants and is experienced in dealing with complex high value injury cases with multi-disciplinary expert evidence. Judith is recognised for her ability to quickly develop a rapport with both lay & professional clients by delivering advice, which is straightforward, realistic & robust. For Defendants Judith acts predominately for a number of high profile retail, logistics & construction companies as well as healthcare Trusts in employer’s liability & public liability claims. Judith is also panel counsel instructed regularly by insurers in cases involving suspected RTA fraud and issues of fundamental dishonesty and has been successful in securing many FD findings in remote hearings. Judith also and continues to provide advice to clients regarding potential claims arising from the Covid-19 pandemic with a view to implementing the necessary safeguards and developing business strategy. Her current case load includes personal injury and Equality Act claims arising from the pandemic. Judith's caseload for Claimants comprise the full range of serious complex claims including brain injury, amputation, fatal accident and psychiatric injury claims. She has a particular expertise and knowledge in cases involving pain syndromes, known for her ability to translate complex medical and legal issues into readily comprehensible practical advice. Judith is trusted by clients who regard her as empathetic and personable. In the Court room Judith’s style is robust. She is known for her forensic yet focussed cross examination in cases involving allegations of fraud/ exaggeration. During a time in which remote working has become the norm for most Judith has conducted many trials using Cloud Video Platform (CVP) and utilised the full range of remote platforms on numerous occasions for conferences and JSM’s. Judith recognises that current circumstances have blurred the distinction between home and work and it is often impossible for matters to be dealt with during ‘traditional’ working hours due to other commitments and flexible working arrangements. She will always endeavour to accommodate requests for conferences or discussions with solicitors at non standard times and be available to discuss matters on an informal basis.

Julie Waring

Julie specialises in Care Proceedings, Private Law Children, TOLATA, Court of Protection and Financial Remedies. ACCEPTS INSTRUCTIONS VIA DIRECT ACCESS Julie has practiced Family Law since 1993. She qualified as a solicitor in 2001. Julie was called to the Bar (Middle Temple) in March 2023, transitioning seamlessly from her former career as a solicitor/partner at a leading Northwest Law firm. With 26 years of experience in all aspects of Family Law, Julie would often undertake her own advocacy. It was consequently a natural progression for her to become a barrister. Julie's experience during her years of practice includes all aspects of Family Law, with a crossover in civil work i.e., enforcement applications, claims under the Protection from Harassment Act and Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustee Act, Matrimonial Family and Proceedings Act, Schedule 1 Applications under the Children Act and the Forced Marriage Protection Act. Julie's drafting practice includes all aspects of matters under the Matrimonial Causes Act, Children Act, Matrimonial Family and Proceedings Act, Family Law Act, Care Proceedings, Enforcement applications, interim applications, applications to the High Court, Appeals and more. During her career as a solicitor, Julie also practiced in the Court of Protection, working closely with vulnerable clients and their representatives. Julie was the lead solicitor in the trusts case Murphy v Gooch [2007) EWCA Civ 603. Whilst in private practice, Julie obtained her specialist accreditation in domestic abuse work and trusts law. This was in addition to Julie gaining her qualifications as an Accredited Mediator and Collaborative Lawyer. In terms of Julie's technical knowledge, she adopts an analytical, sympathetic, and pragmatic approach. Julie is both personable and approachable.

Karina Champion

On the foundations of a Classics degree from Exeter College, Oxford, a conversion to law and a successful commercial pupillage at Oriel Chambers, Karina has built a thriving commercial, chancery and insolvency practice and is highly regarded in her field. Karina is the Head of Commercial, Chancery and Insolvency at Oriel Chambers and the Secretary to the Liverpool BPC Forum, working in conjunction with the judiciary and other members of the legal profession in Liverpool. She is approachable, friendly and candid and this very much sets her apart from many of her peers in her areas of specialism. She has an ability and willingness to turn her hand to even the most obscure areas of law meaning that she has gained experience in a diverse range of work and is never afraid to step outside of her comfort zone. Her attention to detail coupled with her user-friendly approach mean that her solicitors and lay clients can be assured of the highest standard of service. Karina has a wide breadth of technical knowledge and experience in her areas of specialism and she is sought after as much for the accessibility and commercial pragmatism of her advice as for the robustness of her advocacy. Commercial Litigation Karina specialises in general contractual disputes and debt recovery, company litigation (including shareholder disputes), sale and supply of goods and services, assignment and novation, guarantees and indemnities, business transfer agreements, recruitment and estate agency contracts. Karina also has niche expertise in the field of NHS contracts (GP and Dental) having regularly represented Liverpool PCT, NHS England (Merseyside) and the NHSBSA. Invoice Financing Karina receives instructions in all aspects of personal and corporate insolvency, restructuring and company dissolution/ restoration. She regularly delivers training and seminars in these areas, most recently in conjunction with members of the judiciary on behalf of the Liverpool BPC Forum. As Secretary to the forum, Karina is able to act as a conduit between the Judges of the BPC in Liverpool and her professional clients in relation to the dissemination of local practice directions and legislative developments. Banking and Asset Finance Litigation Consumer credit and financial regulation, asset finance disputes, factoring, securities. Karina is regularly instructed in the following fields: Commercial Litigation General contractual disputes and debt recovery, company litigation (including shareholder disputes), sale and supply of goods and services, assignment and novation, guarantees and indemnities, business transfer agreements, recruitment and estate agency contracts. Karina also has niche expertise in the field of NHS contracts (GP and Dental) having represented Liverpool PCT and more recently NHS England (Merseyside) on several occasions. Insolvency Personal and corporate insolvency, company dissolution and restoration, bona vacantia. Banking and Asset Finance Litigation Consumer credit and financial regulation, asset finance disputes, securities. Karina has extensive experience in the field of invoice financing, regularly appearing for national and international factoring companies. Real Property Landlord and Tenant (residential and commercial), nuisance, boundary disputes, easements and trusts. Intellectual Property “Soft IP”, including cases concerning copyright, trademarks, design rights, image rights, confidential information and passing off. Contentious Probate Inheritance act claims, undue influence, testamentary capacity, knowledge and approval, proprietary estoppel. Costs Karina has particular expertise in section 51 (‘non-party’) costs orders and has delivered several seminars in this field.

Marc Tyler

Marc has a busy, mixed practice which is spread in equal measure across civil, family and commercial work. Having come to the Bar following a career outside legal practice, he is able to relate easily to lay clients who find reassurance in his confident approach and straightforward explanations. Marc's diary is regularly full with repeat instructions from professional clients who value his collaborative approach and ability to provide plain-speaking, uncomplicated answers to complex problems. He has a busy paperwork practice and is prompt in returning all papers. Civil: Marc undertakes work across all areas of civil law and acts for both Claimant and Defendant. He has a broad personal injury practice and is regularly instructed at the outset on mid-value multi-track cases. Marc undertakes Defendant work in both industrial deafness and housing disrepair claims, and has significant experience in conducting credit hire claims across all tracks. Marc is happy to consider instructions on a CFA basis upon consideration of the papers. Family: Marc's family practice is predominantly focused on Private Law and Financial Remedy proceedings. His ability to build trust and rapport with vulnerable or challenging clients means that he is regularly instructed to deal with the more difficult or complex s.8 applications. Marc regularly acts for both applicants or respondents in serious and lengthy fact find hearings, and has a strong track record representing applicants in relocation disputes, including international relocation. He has appeared for respondents in a number of successful appeals against findings made in the lower courts, including a successful appeal in the High Court against serious findings of sexual assault on a child. Marc enjoys combining his civil and family practice when dealing with ToLATA disputes and is happy to accept instructions on a legal aid basis. Commercial & Chancery: Marc accepts instructions in all aspects of commercial work. He appears regularly in ordinary commercial disputes and is often instructed in property disputes, including for landlords in disputed possession cases. He has a particular interest in, and has appeared successfully, for defendant companies in claims concerning employment agency success fees. Marc also regularly represents claimants in claims for non-payment of professional fees, and those brought under the CRA 2015. Marc has a busy commercial paperwork practice and accepts instructions across all areas including, when required, on a short turn-around basis.

Mark McCormick

Prior to coming to the Bar, Mark practised as a solicitor. During his time as a solicitor Mark was a partner in two high street law firms. His practice as a solicitor predominantly involved claimant personal injury work including road traffic accidents, employers' liability claims, public liability claims and industrial disease claims, ranging from relatively low value fast track cases through to high value multi track work. During this time, Mark split his time between file handling and court work. Following Call, Mark was at the employed Bar, during which time he was employed at a large Manchester firm undertaking mostly Claimant personal injury work. Mark was appointed a Deputy District Judge on the Northern Circuit in May 2020. Mark's practice is predominantly personal injury and credit hire litigation, more or less evenly split between claimant and defendant in terms of personal injury and more or less exclusively defendant in terms of credit hire. Mark has experience across a wide spectrum of personal injury work including low velocity impact, fraud, employers' liability, public liability and industrial disease. Mark is regularly instructed to attend fast track trials, interim applications, Stage 3 hearings, disposal hearings and costs and case management hearings. Mark is also regularly instructed to advise on paper and in conference and to settle pleadings. Whilst the majority of instructions that Mark receives are in relation to personal injury/credit hire litigation, he also has a developing commercial law practice. Mark will accept instructions on a conditional fee basis in appropriate cases.

Mark Cooper

Mark has been a tenant at Oriel Chambers since 2006 and has developed a substantial civil practice. He has a wealth of knowledge in the field of personal injury litigation and frequently appears in the County Court representing both Claimants and Defendants in interim hearings and trials across all tracks. In May 2020 he was appointed by the Lord Chief Justice as a Deputy District Judge (Civil) on the Northern Circuit. In October 2020 he was appointed by the Queen as a Recorder (Crime) on the North Eastern Circuit. Mark has built a thriving civil practice at Oriel Chambers and is highly regarded in this area of work. He has developed a reputation for the meticulous preparation of cases. He is conscientious and diligent in all the work he undertakes. He takes a considered and pragmatic view to cases, combining his legal knowledge with a commercial approach. He is not afraid to advise clients realistically about the prospects of success and the financial implications of proceeding to trial. He seeks to provide the highest standard of service to both solicitors and lay clients. In his judicial roles, Mark deals with a wide variety of civil claims in the County Court (as a Deputy District Judge) and criminal cases in the Crown Court (as a Recorder) on a part time basis alongside his continuing practice within Chambers. Mark has built a thriving civil practice at Oriel Chambers and is highly regarded in this area of work. He has developed a reputation for the meticulous preparation of cases. He is conscientious and diligent in all the work he undertakes. He takes a considered and pragmatic view to cases, combining his legal knowledge with a commercial approach. He seeks to provide the highest standard of service to both solicitors and lay clients. The majority of Mark’s work is road traffic litigation (including credit hire, low velocity impact, late notification and fraudulent claims). He has an impressive success rate in defending claims at trial, including securing findings of fundamental dishonesty on behalf of insurance companies. He has developed particular expertise in dealing with claims arising from bus accidents, having been instructed frequently to represent a large national public service vehicle provider since 2009. Apart from road traffic litigation, Mark is equally conversant with claims involving employers’ liability, public liability, highway authorities and industrial disease. Mark is widely recognised as an expert in relation to quantum disputes, costs arguments and procedural issues arising from the use of the RTA Protocol and the EL/PL Protocol. Mark provides seminars and workshop training to solicitors and claims handlers on matters of substantive and procedural law. In addition to personal injury work, Mark has represented clients at costs hearings, anti-social behaviour injunctions, committal proceedings and a wide range of commercial matters (including contractual disputes, sale of goods, debt recovery, possession and insolvency proceedings). Mark has also dealt with all these areas of work in his role as a Deputy District Judge, which has allowed him to expand his knowledge in these areas of practice. Mark undertakes advisory and drafting work in all areas of civil litigation. Paperwork is invariably turned around within 14 days, although shorter periods can usually be accommodated on request.

Matthew Cottrell

Matthew specialises in personal injury, insurance and counter-fraud litigation in relation to road traffic accidents, employer’s, public and occupier’s liability claims. Matthew has 18 years experience at the bar. His injury practice ranges up to injuries of the utmost severity including loss of limb claims, brain injury claims and death. He acts for both Claimants and Defendant insurers. Matthew has appeared in the High Court and Divisional Court. Acting for the Claimant: A 37 year old female who suffered a brachial plexus injury in a cycling accident: settled for £630,000. Young male who suffered a serious foot injury in a scooter accident: settled at JSM for £520,000; Young male who suffered serious foot injury, settled for £190,000; Young male with a subtle brain injury but history of behavioural problems and low academic performance: settled at JSM for £175,000. Acting for the Defendant: Dismissal of male pedestrian’s claim for £150,000 damages allegedly caused by comminuted open fractures to the leg, having been struck by a motorist. Representing the insurer of a Part 20 Defendant father in a fatal accident involving the death of his child whilst he was driving Road traffic accident claim in which the court, without a pleading of fraud, made a finding of dishonesty against the Claimant resulting in the court referring the matter to the Chief Constable of Merseyside Police to consider prosecution. Matthew represents a number of nationwide insurers defending fraudulent road traffic collision claims including: Exaggerated injury claims Fraud rings Application fraud Contrived, induced and staged accidents Low Velocity and Late Notification claims. Matthew regularly presents in house seminars to solicitors and is content to accept work on a conditional fee basis. Papers are usually turned round within 12 hours to 7 days.

Melissa Vaughan

Melissa is a barrister specialising in family law, with a focus on private and public children proceedings. Melissa has developed a reputation for meticulous preparation of cases. Melissa is approachable, measured and conscientious. She regularly develops strong professional rapports with clients. She is a popular choice with clients and instructing solicitors. In the private law sector, Melissa has represented parents seeking child arrangement orders, including applications for prohibited steps orders, specific issue orders and parental responsibility. She has significant experience in private law disputes. Melissa has dealt with a number of cases which involve complex legal disputes, finding of facts hearings, same sex relationships, vulnerable parents, mental health difficulties, parental alienation and where 16.4 Guardians have been appointed. Melissa also has experience of cross-examining vulnerable witnesses. She is a popular choice in all aspects of private law proceedings with solicitors and clients alike. Melissa has developed a busy and varied practice, regularly appearing in the Family Court representing parents, grandparents, guardians, interveners and local authorities in public law proceedings. Melissa represents clients regularly on complex multi-day hearings. She has experience of cases that involve neglectful parenting, drug and alcohol abuse and non-accidental injuries. Melissa has also appeared in cases where matters of radicalisation have been an issue. Melissa is often instructed on Family Law Act applications, including Non Molestation Orders and Occupation Orders. Melissa is accredited under the Direct Access scheme and welcomes instructions directly from members of the public where necessary. Public Law, Care and Adoption Melissa regularly acts in care and adoption proceedings. She is instructed by parents, grandparents and children’s guardian. She appears at all levels, up to and including the High Court. Melissa frequently acts for parents with learning difficulties, cognitive or mental health difficulties and she is familiar with representation through the Official Solicitor. Melissa has a sensitive approach. Melissa’s public law experience includes domestic violence, substance misuse, chronic neglect and mental health. Private Law, Children and Domestic Abuse Melissa has regularly undertaken private law disputes about children’s living arrangements or who they spend time with and has acted for parents and 16.4 Guardians. She is experienced in fact finding hearings involving allegations of domestic abuse.

Paul Brant

Head of Chambers, Paul Brant’s cases cover commercial, chancery, insolvency (corporate and personal), intellectual property, landlord and tenant (commercial and residential) technology & construction. Paul’s personal injury work includes fraud and clinical negligence specialisms.‍ Well regarded by clients he receives frequent recommendations and has several longstanding commercial and public sector clients. Specialising in more complex cases, Paul has received praise from judiciary and legal journals as well as noting up some very high profile victories in the higher and appeal courts. ‍Paul is noted for being very client friendly, and additionally brings his experience as a former director and Chairman of the Board of a large housing association, and in a senior position in a large local authority. Paul has an expertise in civil and commercial work, especially commercial, chancery, finance, consumer credit, personal injury (particularly fraud), factoring and sale of goods. Combining a sharp intellect with a personable approach means that Paul frequently receives praise from lay clients who return time and time again. Paul lectures on commercial law and other developing areas of the law. Recent Lectures include: The 'Right to be forgotten' - the new law after Google Spain V AEPD & Gonzalez ECJ C-123/12 Misleading Credit Ratings - claims floodgates open after Durkin v DSG Retail & HFC Bank 2014 UKSC The Law of Highway Claims The new law of non-delegable duties after Woodland v Essex County Council 2013 UKSC Following high profile litigation Paul was named as a 'Times - Lawyer of the Week'.

Peter Cowan

Peter has a wide ranging civil practice covering personal injuries (with a particular emphasis on asbestos and other disease cases). He is a very experienced and versatile advocate and negotiator, and communicates well with clients from all backgrounds. He works efficiently and economically, always having regard to the commercial realities of the individual case, and the client’s wishes and best interests. He combines an excellent knowledge of the law with sensible pragmatism. Peter's practice areas include commercial and professional negligence. He has appeared in the appeared in the House of Lords and numerous appearances in the Court of Appeal, but his ‘bread and butter’ is trial advocacy and drafting/advisory work in High Court and County Court cases. He also sits as a recorder both on civil and crime.

Rachel Hughes

Rachel undertakes personal injury work on behalf of claimants and defendants and has particular experience of acting for insurers in litigation concerning fraudulent or exaggerated road traffic accidents and suspected fraud rings.

Sarah Gruffydd

Sarah has a mixed Civil and Criminal practice. On the Civil side her practice focuses on Personal Injury Litigation across all tracks. She has been involved in hearings at all stages of litigation from pre action disclosure through to disposal. She also undertakes drafting and advisory work. Her Criminal practice has involved both Prosecution and Defence work, Youth Court and she has Jury trial experience. Sarah is personable and down to earth, which professional and lay clients appreciate. She is also a spontaneous advocate who can grasp difficult issues and express them simply. Appointments and awards: CPS Advocate Panel level 2

Stuart Mills

Stuart is a successful and well-respected jury advocate. He has a wealth of experience in both criminal practice and civil actions against the police. His experience covers murder and other serious offences down to the most minor. Stuart has appeared in the full range of courts, from the magistrates’ courts up to the House of Lords. Stuart has a very personable manner and is popular with both lay and professional clients.

Suzanne Evans

During her years at the Bar, Suzanne has developed a specialised practice in family law, taking on all forms of family work including public childcare law, complex private law children cases and family finance. She has a reputation for being thorough in her preparation ,companionate and skilled in client care and is robust in court, always striving to achieve the best outcome for her client.

Tim Holloway

Practising barrister approaching 30 years’ call with a well-established practice in Crown proceedings, civil litigation, inquests and employment. Member of the A Panel of the Attorney General’s Regional Panel of Counsel to the Crown (Civil) following appointment in 2000 and subsequent reappointments, with 21 years’ continuous experience of Government litigation and Article 2 and jury inquests involving Government Departments and statutory agencies. Extensive advocacy and advisory experience in both adversarial and inquisitorial contexts, having appeared in courts at all levels up to and including the Court of Appeal, including the Queen’s Bench, Family and Chancery Divisions of the High Court, the Administrative Court and Coroners’ Courts and in a range of Tribunals including Employment Tribunals, the Upper Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber), the First Tier Tribunal (Care Standards), and the Mental Health Tribunal. Instructed regularly in civil claims on behalf of both claimants and defendants and, in inquests, on behalf of Government Departments and statutory agencies, Chief Constables, doctors, insurers and bereaved families. Both civil and inquest practices encompass matters of substantive criminal law, including homicide. Principal areas of practice: Crown proceedings, having been instructed on behalf of a range of Government departments and statutory agencies including the Ministry of Justice, Prison Service, National Probation Service, Home Office, Ministry of Defence, Crown Prosecution Service, Commissioners of Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs, Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, Department for Work and Pensions, Attorney General’s Office, Cabinet Office, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Department for Constitutional Affairs, Department for Transport, Highways Authority and HM Land Registry. Human rights and civil liberties claims, including actions against the Police, the Crown, statutory agencies and others in malicious prosecution, misfeasance in public office, false imprisonment, trespass and related torts and claims under the Human Rights Act 1998; Multi-track personal injury/ industrial disease/ fatal accident claims including public, occupiers' and employers’ liability claims, claims against the Crown, statutory agencies, public authorities and others. Clinical negligence. Inquests, including Article 2 and jury inquests and inquests concerning homicide, suicide, clinical and non-clinical care, deaths in custody and accidental death. Employment, including disability, race, pregnancy and sex discrimination, unfair dismissal, ‘whistleblowing’, harassment, victimisation and unlawful deduction from earnings claims. Other areas of practice: Public law, regulatory and immigration as Counsel to the Crown. Former areas of practice alongside those above: Family law, including both private and public law work, including care proceedings, fact finding hearings, residence and contact applications. Crime, including Crown Court advocacy and advisory work.

Tom Hynes

Tom specialises primarily in Divorce & Financial Remedy. His financial work includes trusts of land applications. He also has a busy practice in Children & Domestic Abuse. Over the last 12 months in particular, Tom has developed working relationships with solicitors across a range of well-regarded North West Teams. His practice continues to grow by word of mouth. Tom’s approach is to offer grounded and pragmatic advice with an eye to overall case strategy. In the event that court appearances are required, he presents a confident and well-prepared advocate. He is an effective negotiator and has a good eye for detail. Tom delivers lectures annually at the extremely well-regarded Oriel Chambers Family Law Seminar Day (Chester and Preston). He is a repeat invitee to lecture at the Liverpool Law Society Private Child Conference (2022 and 2023), and last year also lectured at the Society’s Family Finance Conference (2023). He also offers bespoke in-house training to solicitors across the North West upon request, in the last 12 months having delivered such training upon (inter alia) TLATA (a beginner’s guide), costs in the civil jurisdiction for family practitioners, case law updates, maintenance pending suit, legal services payment orders and section 37 applications. Tom was the driving force behind the establishment of the Oriel Chambers Mooting Competition, which is an inter-varsity university level mooting competition. Undergraduate competitors are drawn from the University of Liverpool, John Moores University, Hope University and Edge Hill University and the competition is judged exclusively by Oriel Chambers barristers. Tom set up the competition in 2020 and acted as master of moots in 2021 and 2022. He stepped back in 2023 due to the birth of his daughter (taking 2 months of parental leave April – June 2023). The competition continues to run with great success annually.

William Rankin

Bill Rankin specialises in personal injury work on behalf of Claimants (25%) and Defendants (75%) undertaking work dealing with employer’s liability, public liability, fatal accidents and road traffic accidents. Previous cases range from a clinical negligence claim settled for over £6m to the successful defence of an acoustic shock claim. However, the bulk of Bill’s defendant practice comprises acting for insurers in claims arising from fraudulent road traffic accidents and he has significant experience in handling complex litigation relating to suspected fraud rings.

Yaqub Rahman

Yaqub has a substantial civil practice covering all aspects of personal injury and clinical negligence. His expertise covers the whole spectrum of personal injury and clinical negligence acting for both Claimants and Defendants. Appointed as Junior Treasury Counsel to the regional panel in 2000, he has extensive experience in acting for Government bodies not only in the field of personal injuries and clinical negligence but also in other employment and common law matters. Industrial diseases are a particular speciality having experience in acting in difficult cases involving causation where his background in science stands him in good stead. As Junior Treasury Counsel acting substantially on behalf of the MOD he has expertise in dealing with accidents abroad as well as more unusual cases where difficult questions of law and causation arise. In the field of clinical negligence his experience spans the whole spectrum of medical practice. His case load includes cases of high value involving birth injuries and those cases involving failed or delayed diagnoses of cancer. He has particular experience in dealing with claims for psychiatric injury in a clinical negligence setting by secondary victims with one such case in which he was involved progressing to the Court of Appeal where definitive guidance was provided by the appellate Court. Both in the NHS setting but also otherwise he has significant experience in attending Inquests including Article 2 Inquests where deaths in custody or similar were involved as well as deaths following medical treatment and involving juries. On behalf of commercial organisations as well as public bodies he has expertise in dealing with claims involving wrongful arrest and/or false imprisonment and/or other issues involving civil liberty and human rights claims. He has acted in several cases involving jury trials. He has trained as a mediator with the Academy of Experts and is regularly involved in alternative dispute resolution across his practice Whilst not a substantial part of his practice his has acted in many cases involving employment issues including straightforward unfair dismissal claims as well as more difficult claims of discrimination and harassment. Yaqub values working as part of a team and is particularly noted for his ability to deal with matters urgently and efficiently without sacrificing the necessary attention to detail.

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