Department profile
2 Hare Court

Health & Safety

UK Bar Guide 2026 : London (Bar)

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2 Hare Court

Rankings

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Health & Safety - London (Bar)

Band 2

What the Team is Known For

2 Hare Court is a well-regarded criminal set with "outstanding individuals who provide excellent advice and a high level of support." It is regularly called upon to act for and advise corporates, individual directors, local authorities and enforcement bodies such as the HSE and Environment Agency. Members are experienced in the handling of health and safety matters relating to deaths at work and in care homes, as well as complex enforcement matters involving hazardous substance accidents. The team is highly regarded for its expertise in corporate manslaughter and gross negligence manslaughter cases. The set's tenants also frequently appear at inquests and high-profile public inquiries. High-profile work handled by the set includes acting in the Grenfell Tower public inquiry, representing the contracted cladding specialists, and other large criminal investigations.

Julian Campbell is director of clerking.

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Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • The clerks were very helpful.

    Health & Safety respondentUK Bar

  • They have great clerks, they're commercial and efficient.

    Health & Safety respondentUK Bar

  • Excellent service from counsel and the clerks.

    Health & Safety respondentUK Bar

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Alexandra Tampakopoulos
    Alexandra Tampakopoulos

    Alexandra Tampakopoulos

    Alexandra Tampakopoulos handles a diverse caseload of regulatory work and acts for the defence in highly complex health and safety cases, many of which arise from fatalities. She appears in high-profile inquests. She is also regularly called upon to advise on food safety matters.

    • She is very attentive and has a good analytical approach.

      Health & Safety respondentUK Bar

    • She is outstanding in every way.

      Health & Safety respondentUK Bar

    • Alex is very knowledgeable and provides excellent advice to clients, always bearing strategic considerations in mind.

      Health & Safety respondentUK Bar
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  • Craig Ferguson
    Craig Ferguson

    Craig Ferguson

    Craig Ferguson is an expert defence practitioner who represents corporate bodies and professional individuals in fatal accident cases. He has significant experience in a range of sectors including the oil and gas, transport and construction industries. Ferguson possesses particular expertise in handling criminal regulatory cases arising from fatal accidents and catastrophic injuries.

    • Craig achieves outstanding results. His court craft is exceptional and clients adore him because he brings so much to the table; he's organised, accessible, responsive, and very charismatic.

      Health & Safety respondentUK Bar

    • He is just wonderful, he is an amazing barrister. I have the utmost respect for him, he is professional and kind.

      Health & Safety respondentUK Bar

    • He has brilliant client care and attention to detail, he's very approachable.

      Health & Safety respondentUK Bar

    • He provided first-class service always; he's incredibly personable and excellent strategy is always adopted.

      Health & Safety respondentUK Bar
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  • James Buchanan
    James Buchanan

    James Buchanan

    James Buchanan is recognised for his involvement in complicated health and safety cases, predominantly those relating to workplace accidents. He acts for clients in various sectors, including the construction and transport industries. Buchanan comes highly recommended for his capabilities in representing major corporate bodies facing prosecution and investigation.

    • James is an extraordinary health and safety advocate, always charming the judges.

      Health & Safety respondentUK Bar

    • Given his expertise and depth of knowledge, he is a go-to person.

      Health & Safety respondentUK Bar

    • James is my go-to person for health and safety work. He is extremely good with clients, he is practical in terms of his advice; he is personal, and his advocacy is brilliant.

      Health & Safety respondentUK Bar
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  • Jonathan Laidlaw
    Jonathan Laidlaw

    Jonathan Laidlaw

    Jonathan Laidlaw KC is an expert advocate lauded for the breadth of his expertise in health and safety cases, public inquiries and inquests. He defends companies and directors in regulatory, disciplinary and professional matters, and regularly acts for those facing prosecution by the HSE. He is also highly sought after in the US market to represent corporates facing health and safety prosecutions, particularly those concerning corporate manslaughter.

    • He has brilliant client care and attention to detail, and he's very approachable.

      Health & Safety respondentUK Bar

    • He is fantastic, excellent at what he does, and someone you want in your corner fighting for you.

      Health & Safety respondentUK Bar

    • He is an absolute master at strategy and he has immense strategic oversight.

      Health & Safety respondentUK Bar
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  • Tom Day
    Tom Day

    Tom Day

    Tom Day is well regarded for his representation of a range of clients in prosecutions brought under the HSWA. His enviable client list includes charitable bodies and individuals, as well as several corporates and their directors. He is well-versed in matters arising in the construction sector, and is noted for his expert handling of prosecutions arising from injuries sustained while working at height and other accidents in the workplace.

    • He is exceptionally bright and a very charismatic advocate.

      Health & Safety respondentUK Bar

    • He is excellent strategically and has great knowledge and manner with clients.

      Health & Safety respondentUK Bar

    • Tom is very approachable and puts clients at ease. He takes time to understand a client's business and provides excellent technical advice.

      Health & Safety respondentUK Bar

    • He has brilliant client care, attention to detail and is very approachable.

      Health & Safety respondentUK Bar
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  • David Whittaker
    David Whittaker

    David Whittaker

    David Whittaker KC represents both companies and individuals in a variety of cases, including those concerning serious and fatal incidents. He represents clients across a range of sectors, such as hospitality, transport and construction.

    • He has brilliant client care and attention to detail and is also very approachable.

      Health & Safety respondentUK Bar

    • He has a wonderful style and I would say he's a very classic advocate.

      Health & Safety respondentUK Bar

    • His commitment is astounding.

      Health & Safety respondentUK Bar
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Ranked Barristers at 2 Hare Court (6)

London (Bar)

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