Exchange Chambers

Exchange Chambers is ‘a leading chambers for clinical negligence and has extensive strength in depth’. David Knifton KC has ‘exceptional forensic rigour and a huge wealth of experience with clinical negligence catastrophic injury claims’, and continues to act for claimants in obstetric negligence cases. Gerard Martin KC has extensive experience in advising on spinal cord and brain injury claims concerning both children and adults. Recent instructions for the group include the ‘stellar advocate’ Chris Barnes KC advising on a wrongful birth claim. At the junior end of chambers, Chris Gutteridge specialises in cases concerning anaesthetic negligence, and the ‘very effective, analytical, balanced, and reasonable’ Kevin Naylor is sought after by defendants and claimants for his specialist focus on clinical negligence claims. Bill Braithwaite KC retired from practice in March 2025.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

'The service provided by the clerks' room is of exceptional quality. Sarah Rotherham and Rachel Williams are professional and effective in everything that they do.'
'Sarah Rotherham and Leigh Daniels are very approachable and accommodating clerks. Their turnaround time is impressive.'
'The clerks at Exchange are all brilliant. Sarah Rotherham has excelled in the business development role. Leigh Daniels and Olivia Cleere all offer a first class clerking service, without fail.'
'Fantastic clerks.'
'Exchange Chambers are a superb set. They provide a high quality service without any fuss. They are supportive and understanding.'
'A reliable set.'

Lawyers

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.

David Knifton KC

A magnificent leader and a true heavyweight silk in the Northern Circuit. An exceptional tactician and strategist. He is sensational. Clients put their absolute trust in him.’

Gerard Martin KC

He is extremely experienced and balanced in his actions. He works extremely hard to put clients at ease and ensure that cases run as effectively and smoothly as possible.’

Christopher Barnes KC

A very strong silk. He is a tough negotiator and a fierce advocate. He is approachable, makes himself available, and has the ability to simplify the most complex matters.’

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.