St John's Chambers

Family & Divorce, Clinical Negligence, Personal Injury, Court of Protection, Professional Negligence

Called 1975; KC 1999; recorder 2004, authorised to hear financial remedy cases 2018; deputy High Court judge (Family) 2011

One of the leading personal injury Silks, Christopher’s practice encompasses both claimant and defendant work, and he is instructed in all areas of personal injury and clinical negligence. His work is focused on catastrophic brain and spinal injuries, complex medical causation issues, and procedural matters at appellate level. He has extensive experience in the Court of Appeal as well as in conducting cases before the House of Lords. He is listed in Chambers UK as ‘excelling in catastrophic injury and complex medical causation issues’.

Christopher has extensive experience in high-value financial remedy, ToLATA and Schedule 1 cases, including those with a foreign element, many of which are dealt with by way of negotiated settlements. In children cases he is instructed by local authorities and parents, as well as the Guardian and Official Solicitor, in cases involving the serious injury or death of a child, in which issues involving complex medical evidence arise and where his expertise in the field of personal injury can also be applied. Issues of privacy and publicity frequently arise. His experience in personal injury work also translates to cases involving catastrophic injury to one partner where, in subsequent divorce proceedings, financial complexities surround the damages awarded and the particular needs of the injured party including those lacking mental capacity. He regularly appears in the appellate courts.

Academic

A Visiting Fellow at the University of the West of England, Christopher gives occasional seminars and also lectures to other lawyers. He writes occasional articles for legal publications.

Family Law Bar Association (Founder Chairman of Bristol branch) Personal Injury Bar Association Professional Negligence Bar Association

University of Oxford (MA).

Real tennis, skiing, sailing, theatre and former Trustee of the Quartet Community Foundation.