The Bar - Regional Bar • Midland Circuit
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Inquests and inquiries

Ropewalk Chambers

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Ropewalk Chambers remains at the forefront of inquests and inquiries work on the Midland Circuit, offering a ‘wide range of fantastic barristers’ with considerable combined experience. Thomas Herbert has particular expertise handling inquests in social care and medical contexts, recently appearing in an Article 2 jury inquest into the death of a woman following her admission to a secure psychiatric ward and development of acute hyponatremia (low concentration of salt in the blood). Alexandra Pountney, widely praised for her ’empathetic and supportive’ approach to client care, also excels in medically complex cases.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'One of the best clerking teams in the country, led by Tony Hill who responds immediately and is always able to assist.'
  • 'The clerks are very helpful and nothing seems too much trouble.'
  • 'An excellent set with a great depth and breadth of specialisms and experience. Ropewalk also offers superb annual training which is detailed, thorough and provides practical tips and tricks for daily practice.'
  • 'Ropewalk Chambers has a wide range of fantastic barristers. They are tenacious advocates who are completely approachable from a client perspective - level-headed, robust and affable.'
  • 'The chambers as a whole are remarkable. All staff, from KCs to clerks to receptionists are warm, welcoming and accommodating. The chambers offers brilliant training and a variety of different networking, work experience and training opportunities for school pupils up to university students and more. This is a chambers that invests in the next generation.'
  • 'They easily compete with London chambers. They have a great breadth of expertise.'

Silks

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.
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Georgina Cursham
Ropewalk Chambers
‘Georgina remains calm and professional throughout the inquest process. She develops a rapport with clients quickly and really helps to put clients at ease who are experiencing very difficult and delicate circumstances. She is an excellent and experienced advocate who is available for advice.'
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Thomas Herbert
Ropewalk Chambers
‘Tom has an exceptional intellect; he always has a thorough understanding of the legal position in any case and can advance detailed legal arguments on behalf of his clients. He is a detailed advocate and is always across the finer complex details of a case. He is an advocate that can be trusted.'
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Edward James
Ropewalk Chambers
 ‘Edward's advocacy at inquest is extremely polished and he has a manner with witnesses which is considerate yet straightforward.'
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Shilpa Shah
Ropewalk Chambers
 ‘Shilpa really values the importance of the professional relationship that exists between solicitor and client and respects that such that there is always immediate follow up as to the outcome of hearings. She goes above and beyond to deliver an exceptional service. Shilpa is highly skilled in this area.'
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Andrew McNamara
Ropewalk Chambers
 ‘Andrew has a relaxed manner that belies a thorough and tenacious approach. Even when surrounded by silks he stands out amongst them.'
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Alexandra Pountney
Ropewalk Chambers
‘Alex is formidable in court whilst remaining courteous and professional. Her questioning of witnesses is forensic and her grasp of the issues in cases is astute. She clearly has a strong relationship with her instructing solicitors and is trusted by her lay clients.'