The Bar - Regional Bar • North Eastern Circuit
Viewed as a ‘first-rate set’ for inquests work, members of Park Square Barristers are equally strong in handling high-profile inquiries. Richard Wright KC ‘does everything to a standard of excellence’, and Craig Hassall KC is ‘a formidable advocate’. Recent instructions for the team include Hassall acting for the family of Rina Yasutake in the inquest into her death, having previously defended them in criminal proceedings concerning the prevention of the lawful and decent burial of Yasutake's body; the charges were dropped on the grounds that the defendants suffered from a rare psychiatric disorder. The coroner gave an open verdict. Among the juniors, the ‘very passionate’ Kirsten Mercer is sought after for her expertise in handling Article 2 inquests, and Holly Clegg garners praise for ‘her ability to deal diligently and confidently with any inquest matter’. In September 2022 the team was bolstered by the arrival of Matthew Stanbury from Garden Court North Chambers.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
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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.
'Richard has an exceptional ability to condense large amounts of complex information into clear and succinct explanations. As an advocate he draws attention, has a natural court presence and is authoritative without being overbearing.'
'Craig is knowledgeable and well-prepared; a probing and effective questioner; a persuasive and powerful presence, and above all, a pleasure to be in a case with.'
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.
'Holly is a skilled and sensitive advocate in the most difficult of circumstances. A strong, focused barrister very much at home in the inquest arena.'
'Simon is a very measured and responsive junior. He is confident and has a great manner with clients.'
'Kirsten has excellent understanding of the law and weaves this into her superb advocacy. She is a masterclass in inquest questioning - focused, clear and appropriate.'
'Kate’s advocacy has a mesmerising effect in court - pleasant, yet authoritative, commanding of attention. She is KC material.'
'A junior who stands alongside KCs and shines extremely brightly.'
'Caroline is very good with bereaved families, and in handling cases involving complex medical issues. A very personable junior.'
'Matthew is collaborative, collegiate and very easy to get along with, but has the ability to always make the best points for his clients in a straightforward manner, often with devastating effect. He is calm and self-assured in court and nothing ever fazes him. He has the trust of all of the Coroners who know him and if he makes a point everyone sits up to listen.'
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.
'Holly is a skilled and sensitive advocate in the most difficult of circumstances. A strong, focused barrister very much at home in the inquest arena.'
'Simon is a very measured and responsive junior. He is confident and has a great manner with clients.'
'Kirsten has excellent understanding of the law and weaves this into her superb advocacy. She is a masterclass in inquest questioning - focused, clear and appropriate.'
'Kate’s advocacy has a mesmerising effect in court - pleasant, yet authoritative, commanding of attention. She is KC material.'
'A junior who stands alongside KCs and shines extremely brightly.'
'Caroline is very good with bereaved families, and in handling cases involving complex medical issues. A very personable junior.'
'Matthew is collaborative, collegiate and very easy to get along with, but has the ability to always make the best points for his clients in a straightforward manner, often with devastating effect. He is calm and self-assured in court and nothing ever fazes him. He has the trust of all of the Coroners who know him and if he makes a point everyone sits up to listen.'