1
Bill Braithwaite KC
Exchange ChambersExchange Chambers is ‘excellent, with a wide range of expert counsel specialising in the area of personal injury’. Its members have substantial expertise in handling high-value and complex claims, including fatal accidents, industrial diseases, and catastrophic brain and spinal cord injuries. William Waldron KC now sits as head of chambers, and he has significant experience in representing claimants who have suffered from severe brain and spinal cord injuries, as well as amputees. Both Christopher Barnes KC and Andrew Ward are notable for their military-related claims work; Ward is currently representing the Ministry of Defence against a claim of over 400 cases regarding non-freezing cold injuries sustained by soldiers during their military service (Bargh and others v MoD). David Knifton KC and Chris Gutteridge exclusively represent claimants in cases arising from their catastrophic and life-changing injuries. Knifton KC represented the claimant in Gheorghe v Bradford MDC, a claim regarding a drowning accident which left an 8-year-old boy with a catastrophic hypoxic brain injury while in foster care. Gerard Martin KC has expertise in claims surrounding amputations, chronic pain, and somatoform disorders, while Louis Browne KC is sought after by both claimants and defendants in cases regarding psychiatric injuries. Alice Dobbie is another key name, and she exclusively represents defendants and often appears before the High Court.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'The clerking team are brilliant, responsive, experienced, and know exactly what is needed. Sarah Rotherham, Nick Buckley, and Neil Wright are excellent. Top clerks. They are collaborative and forge good ties with instructing solicitors.'
- 'The clerks will go out of their way to assist and recommend appropriate counsel. Sarah Rotherham in particular is very easy to talk to and explain the needs of your clients and ensure all timescales are met.'
- 'Neil Wright is the leading light amongst clerks. He is a delight to work with and makes it all look effortless. Perfection.'
- 'Exceptional clerking. Special mentions for Rachel Williams and Neil Wright.'
- 'The service provided by the clerks room is exceptional. They deliver to a very high standard. The clerks are all consummate professionals. They are helpful, friendly, and always willing to help, especially Rachel Williams and Sarah Rotherham. Neil Wright is someone who is more than willing to go above and beyond. He is the ideal clerk and will resolve any issue.'
- 'The clerks at Exchange Chambers provide a fantastic service and work hard to accommodate short notice requests with astute diary planning. Leigh Daniels and Olivia Cleere are both experienced clerks and are extremely good at getting papers to the right place, accommodating last minute conferences and hearings in the diary, and recommending alternative barristers with excellent expertise.'
- 'The clerks room is amazingly helpful. The clerks who stand out are Neil Wright and Sarah Rotherham.'
- 'Neil Wright and Sarah Rotherham are both excellent and supportive clerks who go out of their way to help. They are very responsive.'
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.
1
Gerard Martin KC
Exchange Chambers ‘Gerard sees through the minutiae, he exudes confidence, and he stops at nothing to ensure clients achieve the best outcome. He has a quiet authority and has performed brilliantly in negotiation.'
1
William Waldron KC
Exchange Chambers 'William quickly establishes an easy rapport with clients and puts them at ease. He can distill the big issues in a way that they find understandable, and he is very much hands on and pragmatic.'
1
David Knifton KC
Exchange Chambers ‘David is one of the most forensic minds at the Bar. He excels in work requiring complex, detailed analysis and is prepared to fight to secure optimal results for his clients.’
2
Christopher Barnes KC
Exchange Chambers ‘Christopher is the perfect barrister in many respects. He is both approachable and knowledgeable, he has the ability to break down and simplify the most complex of matters, he has a great manner with claimants, their families and professionals alike, and he is an exceptional advocate.'
2
Louis Browne KC
Exchange Chambers ‘Louis is leagues above others. His expertise and knowledge is phenomenal, he always makes time for all of the parties involved in a case, he puts witnesses at ease, and he has a tenacity of extracting information witnesses in the box in a calm way.’
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.
1
Pankaj Madan
Exchange Chambers ‘Pankaj has a huge store of medical knowledge to draw upon. He is meticulous in his approach to expert evidence and is very good at assimilating a large amount of complicated medical material, he is particularly knowledgeable in relation to brain injury claims, in which he has great expertise, and his advocacy is strong, being both straightforward in style and effective.'
1
Matthew Stockwell
Exchange Chambers ‘Matthew's technical expertise and knowledge of the law is unrivalled. This gives him an ability to identify solutions others would miss and a willingness to accept extremely tough challenges and come out on top.'
1
Chris Gutteridge
Exchange Chambers ‘Chris has skills which far exceed his call. He is an outstanding junior in all respects, as he is highly knowledgeable, a polished advocate, and he has an easy, down-to-earth approach with lay clients.’
1
Andrew Ward
Exchange Chambers ‘Andrew is extremely knowledgable in respect of military claims with a keen interest and understanding in non-freezing cold injuries. He is an expert in fundamental dishonesty with great written advice, and he is quick on his feet, friendly, and approachable.’
2
Catherine Knowles
Exchange Chambers ‘Catherine is extremely thorough and detailed. Her written advice is second-to-none and always clear and well thought out, she is a gritty and smart negotiator, she is excellent on her feet, and she has a broad knowledge on a wide range of topics.'
2
Stuart McCracken
Exchange Chambers ‘Stuart is an experienced junior in military personal injury litigation. He has a relaxed manner with lay clients and does an excellent job of putting them at ease, and this skill is extremely important when dealing with vulnerable clients.'
2
Sara Sutherland
Exchange Chambers ‘Sara is very approachable and a safe pair of hands. She has strength in all areas of work, is able to provide a good detailed analysis of medical issues, and has excellent client care skills.'
2
Christian Taylor
Exchange Chambers ‘Christian is an excellent and highly able advocate who is able to present thorough and cogent arguments on the most complex of matters. He is highly personable and relates well to clients too.'
2
Alice Dobbie
Exchange Chambers ‘Alice is extremely knowledgeable, she has a confident presence but is approachable, and she gains an in-depth understanding of the matter she is instructed on and is willing to discuss matters and answer any questions.’
2
David Sandiford
Exchange Chambers ‘David is very thorough. He explains the law and relevant factors in a way that the client can understand and appreciate.’
3
Tim Wilkinson
Exchange Chambers3
Christopher Allen
Exchange Chambers ‘Christopher's attention to detail, thoroughness in considering and advising on the evidence, and huge knowledge and experience is outstanding. His empathic yet honest approach to cases is very reassuring and he is a remarkable advocate with a sharp mind but his approach is always calm and measured.'