Chambers of Angus Moon KC and Michael Horne KC
Serjeants’ Inn Chambers garners praise for its ‘extensive experience and strength-in-depth’ in the inquests and inquiries arena. John Beggs KC is representing the Wiltshire Police in the inquiry into the death of Dawn Sturgess, who died in July 2018 following exposure to the nerve agent Novichok used by Russian agents in their attempted murder of double agent Sergei Skripal. Bridget Dolan KC is regularly instructed in high-profile inquests, specialising in lengthy Article 2 cases, and Nageena Khalique KC acts for local authorities, bereaved families and the NHS in inquest proceedings. Turning to the set's juniors, Edward Pleeth is instructed by government departments in inquest proceedings, while Rachel Spearing represented the Tavistock Gender Identity Clinic in an inquest into the suicide of a prospective patient; the inquest took place a few days after a judicial review concerning the clinic's waiting times.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Very efficient and commercial service. Lee Johnson is a pleasure to deal with and always strives to find a solution. His approach is far superior to others in terms of ability to deliver a prompt and efficient service.'
- 'Josie Ryan really is an excellent clerk. She is meticulous, responsive, and always willing to go the extra mile.'
- 'Fantastic set with brilliant Counsel at every level. They wipe the floor with the competition.'
- 'Very strong set in the field of inquest law.'
- 'The chambers is brilliant, the go-to set for this practice area.'
- 'The clerks are consistently supportive, helpful and efficient.'
Silks
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.
‘An exceptional advocate. Her knowledge of coronial process and law is second to none. Hugely impressive in court.'
‘Her cross-examination is efficient, flexible, and relentless. She is an astute tactician who is approachable and stands her ground.'
'An excellent advocate who provides robust advice.'
‘Nageena has immense gravitas. She is a fantastic advocate and her witness handling is excellent – compassionate but her points are firmly put.’
2022 Silks
'She is tactically very astute, calm, thoughtful and measured. Her style of advocacy compels attention.'
Juniors
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.
‘Edward’s advocacy is extremely effective; when examining witnesses, he always shows a mastery of the details of the case.’
'Briony is very thorough and precise, with strong technical expertise.'
‘A first-class junior, with an excellent brain and a confident court presence.'
‘Paul is strategic, very knowledgeable, and extremely personable. He is always well prepared.'
‘A very approachable junior who is in total command of her brief.'
3‘A very well regarded senior junior. Trusted for his direct but measured and fair style.’
‘Sebastian is a very knowledgeable and experienced barrister. Judges warm to him.'
‘Michael is a fantastic strategist who hones in on the key issues of a case straight away. His advocacy is fantastic: persuasive and a pleasure to listen to.'
'Oliver is always very well prepared. His advocacy style is calm, collected, and conducted in a measured way so that he always gets to the root of the problem.'
‘A junior who is excellent on her feet, easily builds rapport with witnesses, and gets great results in court.’
‘James is very bright and has an excellent, reassuring manner with clients and witnesses.’
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.
‘Edward’s advocacy is extremely effective; when examining witnesses, he always shows a mastery of the details of the case.’
'Briony is very thorough and precise, with strong technical expertise.'
‘A first-class junior, with an excellent brain and a confident court presence.'
‘Paul is strategic, very knowledgeable, and extremely personable. He is always well prepared.'
‘A very approachable junior who is in total command of her brief.'
3‘A very well regarded senior junior. Trusted for his direct but measured and fair style.’
‘Sebastian is a very knowledgeable and experienced barrister. Judges warm to him.'
‘Michael is a fantastic strategist who hones in on the key issues of a case straight away. His advocacy is fantastic: persuasive and a pleasure to listen to.'
'Oliver is always very well prepared. His advocacy style is calm, collected, and conducted in a measured way so that he always gets to the root of the problem.'
‘A junior who is excellent on her feet, easily builds rapport with witnesses, and gets great results in court.’
‘James is very bright and has an excellent, reassuring manner with clients and witnesses.’