Sought out by high-profile individual directors and managers, through to multi-billion pound corporations, the set at Crown Office Chambers continues to be a pre-eminent set for a whole array of high profile health and safety matters, including corporate and individual manslaughter, prosecutions under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, and appeals against improvement and prohibitions notices. John Cooper KC, James Ageros KC, and Lucy Wright, who joined the set from Lincoln House Chambers in November 2022, were all instructed in a trial relating to a Section 3 and Section 37 Health and Safety at Work Act case concerning five fatalities at a recycling centre in Birmingham. Simon Antrobus KC recently successfully defended a managing director in relation to four charges of manslaughter, and Mark Balysz KC is defending a paramedic at trial charged with gross negligence manslaughter.
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Leading Silks
KCs at the very top of their field, with a long-established record of market-defining cases, and widespread endorsement from clients and peers. All silks appointed in the last two rounds are listed further below.
‘Simon advocates on his clients’ behalf with grace and panache. His statements are concise and precise, often encapsulating complex points and principles in both judge and jury-friendly terms and aided by his crystal-clear delivery.‘
'A heavyweight silk in health and safety work. He inspires confidence from the off.'
‘Just seems to get stronger and stronger. Possibly the calmest lawyer on the circuit, perfect for difficult clients and difficult tribunals. Brings a logical approach and defuses situations with charm.‘
‘He produces high-quality written advice and is able to quickly review and disseminate large amounts of information.‘
2023 Silks
‘He has been one of the leading and most effective advocates in this area for many years - passionate about his clients and this comes across in his advocacy.’
Leading Juniors
Leading juniors are those with significant experience of key cases, strong market recognition from both peers and clients, and are seen as future candidates for silk.
‘A leading junior in the field of criminal health and safety defence work. Mike has an incredibly bright future ahead of him.‘
‘Clear advice, robust advocacy, the ability to foreshadow opponents' arguments and to structure submissions accordingly.‘
‘He is extremely intelligent and brilliant on technical cases involving science which he is able to bring down into a more simple form.‘
‘Harry has a commanding presence both in conference and in court, and clients and judges listen when he speaks. His written advices are superb. He will go far.’
‘Jack is very quick and has an eye for detail. He is very much a specialist health and safety lawyer. Highly recommended.‘
‘Lucy is confident and has the ability to cut through large amounts of documentation and establish the real issues.’
Leading Juniors
Leading juniors are those with significant experience of key cases, strong market recognition from both peers and clients, and are seen as future candidates for silk.
‘A leading junior in the field of criminal health and safety defence work. Mike has an incredibly bright future ahead of him.‘
‘Clear advice, robust advocacy, the ability to foreshadow opponents' arguments and to structure submissions accordingly.‘
‘He is extremely intelligent and brilliant on technical cases involving science which he is able to bring down into a more simple form.‘
‘Harry has a commanding presence both in conference and in court, and clients and judges listen when he speaks. His written advices are superb. He will go far.’
‘Jack is very quick and has an eye for detail. He is very much a specialist health and safety lawyer. Highly recommended.‘
‘Lucy is confident and has the ability to cut through large amounts of documentation and establish the real issues.’