Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Professional Discipline - London (Bar)

2
Band 2

What the Team is Known For

1 Crown Office Row is a go-to chambers for medical professionals who are facing disciplinary action. The "exceptional strength" of the barristers means "members are always able to provide first-class advice and representation" across the full range of professional discipline work, while consistently achieving excellent results for clients in investigations and proceedings involving the PSA, GMC, GDC, RCVS and other regulators. They handle everything from allegations of poor conduct outside work to the most serious clinical failings. Recent highlights include successfully defending a dentist at a High Court appeal against erasure by the GDC’s Professional Conduct Committee. One commentator notes that the set has "an exceptionally strong bench with some of the most able advocates at the Bar".

John Petrie MBE is the director of chambers.

Strengths

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Notable Practitioners

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1
Martin Forde
1
Band 1

Martin Forde KC is a respected advocate who is frequently sought after by chiropractors, dentists, doctors and osteopaths, alongside regulators. Given his sterling reputation, he is regularly instructed in high-profile disciplinary proceedings.

An excellent and engaging advocate, and very empathetic towards an often distressed client.

Martin is a very robust defender who has had some big successes including in appeal court.

Martin Forde is one of the most senior and experienced advocates in the medical professional disciplinary arena.

Richard Booth
1
Richard Booth
1
Band 1

Richard Booth KC is recognised primarily for his vast experience in the medical and veterinary spheres. He also has an aptitude for cases involving sports regulation. He typically represents professionals in proceedings before regulatory bodies such as the GMC, GDC and RCVS.

A measured and mature advocate.

Richard Booth KC is excellent. He is very user-friendly and has a really good bedside manner, even in challenging cases.

Clodagh Bradley
2
Clodagh Bradley
2
Band 2

Clodagh Bradley KC is an established medical law specialist whose disciplinary expertise includes proceedings before the GMC, RCVS and General Osteopathic Council. She frequently handles cases involving practitioners accused of sexual assault and bullying.

Clodagh Bradley KC is so studious and knows the papers backwards and forwards. She can home in on key issues and dissects issues into their smallest parts.

3
Andrew Kennedy
3
Band 3

Andrew Kennedy KC offers broad expertise in the disciplinary arena, with a specialist focus on healthcare matters. He is a familiar face in complex, high-profile GMC and GDC proceedings.

Clients love Andrew's reassuring manner and humour, backed up by a fierce intellect and strategic approach.

3
Matthew Barnes
3
Band 3

Matthew Barnes is a medical specialist who offers broad disciplinary expertise and is regularly called upon to appear before a range of regulators including the GDC and local health boards.

Matthew is a very safe pair of hands.

3
Neil Sheldon
3
Band 3

Neil Sheldon KC is respected for his highly effective representation of doctors and dentists in disciplinary proceedings. He also acts for a number of governmental clients. His busy practice sees him regularly appearing before the GMC, the GDC and the High Court.

A master of professional discipline.

Robert Kellar
3
Robert Kellar
3
Band 3

Robert Kellar KC is much in demand for defence work in proceedings initiated by the GMC or GDC. He is notable for having represented a number of high-ranking medical professionals.

Robert is approachable and happy to get involved in the nitty gritty. He is a great advocate who is clear and persuasive without being too adversarial.

Robert Kellar KC is at the cutting edge on tech and innovation in healthcare, particularly AI.

4
Christopher Mellor
4
Band 4

Christopher Mellor is highlighted for his expertise in defence of GMC proceedings. He acts for senior doctors and dentists.

Christopher Mellor is always a great choice for a case. He is sensitive, calm and intellectual.

4
Jeremy Hyam
4
Band 4

Jeremy Hyam KC is an impressive healthcare advocate who is recognised for his deft handling of complex cases on behalf of medical practitioners.

Jeremy provides reliability, responsiveness, exceptional acumen and intelligence.

4
Richard Smith
4
Band 4

Richard Smith acts for registrants in proceedings before the Medical Practitioners Tribunal and the Professional Conduct Committee of the GDC. He has experience in cases arising from a variety of serious allegations, often requiring careful consideration of contextual matters.

Richard Smith is a joy to work with. He delivers fabulous client care and a fierce intellect combined with approachability and pragmatic sense.

He's a real class act: clever, thoughtful and hard-working.

5
Leanne Woods
5
Band 5

Leanne Woods has a wealth of experience acting for healthcare practitioners in professional discipline cases. She has also defended in sports disciplinary matters as well as prosecuting in police misconduct cases.

A fabulous advocate who is bright and approachable with a no-nonsense attitude.

Ranked Barristers at
1 Crown Office Row

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Filter by
Band

Silks (KC)

London (Bar)

Professional Discipline

1
Martin Forde KC
1
Band 1
Richard Booth KC
1
Richard Booth KC
1
Band 1
Clodagh Bradley KC
2
Clodagh Bradley KC
2
Band 2
3
Andrew Kennedy KC
3
Band 3
3
Neil Sheldon KC
3
Band 3
Robert Kellar KC
3
Robert Kellar KC
3
Band 3
4
Jeremy Hyam KC
4
Band 4

Juniors

London (Bar)

Professional Discipline

3
Matthew Barnes
3
Band 3
4
Christopher Mellor
4
Band 4
4
Richard Smith
4
Band 4
5
Leanne Woods
5
Band 5