‘A great set’, St John’s Chambers acts for a range of claimants and defendants on all aspects of clinical negligence, including obstetrics, gynaecology, general surgery and neurology. Practice head Justin Valentine is highly skilled in mandates concerning neonatal, cauda equina and diabetes and stands out as ’a safe pair of hands to place complex and high-value work’. Rachel Segal is well-known for ‘her excellent advocacy and a tremendous wealth of knowledge and expertise’ and regularly deals with matters related to delayed diagnoses of cancer and negligent gynaecological and ophthalmological care. The ’very approachable and helpful’ James Marwick specialises in complex causation cases, including major spinal and birth injuries and other conditions. Lauren Karmel is another key member of the set with considerable experience in cases involving dentistry, ophthalmology and maternal injuries during childbirth and is ‘conscientious and very skilled’.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'Clerks are brilliant and go above and beyond to help. Adam Marston and Hugh Maguire, in particular, are two clerks who stand out as exceptional and will always be available to help.'
  • 'The clerks are great. Adam Marston is very swift to respond and is very approachable and helpful.'
  • 'The clerks are good, efficient and receptive. Hugh Maguire is always helpful, responsive and reasonable.'
  • 'The clerk's room is very efficient and personable. Particularly Hugh Maguire and Adam Marston.'
  • 'Hugh Maguire is a problem solver and always available.'
  • 'St John’s Chambers is an excellent set of chambers which can offer solutions and counsel when any issues arise.'
  • 'St John’s Chambers is an excellent set for defendant clinical negligence.'
  • 'St John’s Chambers continues to offer an excellent service in claims of medical negligence and has a wide range of barristers.'

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.
1
Justin Valentine
St John’s Chambers
‘Justin is a strong and astute advocate who has good levels of awareness and can judge the mood of the courtroom. He is empathetic with clients and appropriate with witnesses in examination and cross-examination.’ 
2
Lauren Karmel
St John’s Chambers
‘Lauren provides clear and well-considered advice. She is approachable and quick to respond.’
2
James Marwick
St John’s Chambers
‘James is very approachable and willing to fight a challenging case. He is an excellent advocate who pays great attention to detail and can get to the heart of the matter.’
2
Rachel Segal
St John’s Chambers
‘Rachel is very pragmatic, has an eye for detail, is confident in her approach and is always approachable.’