Henderson Chambers is lauded for vast experience across the full spectrum of product liability claims, with members frequently acting in high-profile cases such as proceedings arising from the Grenfell Tower tragedy and the "Dieselgate" litigation. With his practice extending to commercial and insurance-related work, Charles Gibson KC is well-known for his expertise in pharmaceutical matters. Recent noteworthy instructions of the team include Prashant Popat KC leading James Williams in VC v AstraZeneca regarding claims of injuries and death caused by its Covid-19 vaccine, Geraint Webb‘s instruction for Qatar Airways regarding a £2bn commercial claim against Airbus in relation to alleged design defects in Airbus’ A350 aircraft.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'They are the best clerking team in the City - collaborative and fully reflective of the collegiate culture of this set.  They treat junior solicitors with the same respect as partners, which is one reason why solicitors instruct them repeatedly. Jason Housden is a force of nature - kind, empathetic, highly business-minded and a great ambassador for the set. Daniel Kemp is cut from exactly the same cloth.'
  • 'The clerks are helpful and swift to respond.'
  • 'The clerking team at Henderson Chambers is first-rate.'
  • 'I have worked with many members of chambers over the years, many of whom are now mid/senior juniors but I knew them at the start of their careers.  The set invests a huge amount of time in recruiting its pupils and is careful in offering tenancy and this is reflected in the quality of the set throughout its ranks.'
  • 'Henderson is full of brilliant barristers in this area.'
  • 'Henderson is the leading set in the field with an excellent range of barristers.'
  • 'I have worked with a number of the Henderson barristers both senior and junior. All have been very good.'
  • 'Henderson is an excellent all-round set. They have a good range of silks, senior juniors and junior juniors to suit a range of claims.'

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.
Oliver Campbell KC
1
Henderson Chambers
‘He is without doubt one of the standout silks in this space, absolutely at the top of his game. He has a clarity of thought that cuts through the strategic complexity. He is a brilliant advocate with a lovely relaxed style.’
Toby Riley-Smith KC
1
Henderson Chambers
‘Toby has excellent experience in all the major product liability group actions over the last twenty years. He has an impeccable eye for detail, a calm and sensible approach to problems and an attractive advocacy style. He is currently one of the most sought-after players in the field.’
Geraint Webb KC
1
Henderson Chambers
‘Very bright, tenacious, strategic, commercial and stellar on his feet. He always puts clients at the front of his mind and finds creative solutions. Add to that a charming easy manner and it is clear why he has such a great reputation.’
Adam Heppinstall KC
3
Henderson Chambers
‘Adam is superlative. He is already, relatively shortly after taking silk, a star and there is no doubt that he will have a glittering career.’
2023 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.
Kathleen Donnelly KC
Henderson Chambers
‘Kathleen is a stand-out barrister. She is very bright and knowledgeable, inspires confidence in those around her and is a fantastic role model for junior lawyers. She goes out of her way to be supportive and encouraging to her team. An all-round star and a pleasure to work with.’ 

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.
James Purnell
1
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.'
Rising stars
Rising stars at the Bar are defined as barristers between four and eight years’ call who are seen as up-and-coming members of the Bar in their respective practice areas by clients and peers alike. They will already be instructed in high-profile, complex, and high-value contentious and non-contentious matters, working with and opposite more experienced leading counsel.