Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Consumer Law - London (Bar)

2
Band 2

What the Team is Known For

5 Paper Buildings has tenants who are proficient in both criminal and civil consumer disputes. One client notes that: "The set has an established pedigree in consumer law and a wide range of talented barristers, many of whom both prosecute and defend in this increasingly complex and technical field.” Members are often to be found prosecuting unfair trading offences cases on behalf of regulators and local councils, but they also defend individuals against accusations of misconduct. They both prosecute and defend cases brought by regulatory bodies such as the Competition and Markets Authority, National Trading Standards, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency and local trading standards departments nationwide. One individual at the set recently appeared in Operation Riso, prosecuting a specialist non-therapeutic male circumciser for offences rooted in consumer fraud.

Strengths

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Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

1
Miles Bennett
1
Band 1

Miles Bennett enjoys an excellent reputation as one of the top juniors in the area of consumer law. He regularly acts for both prosecution and defence, and has significant experience of working on product safety, consumer protection and unfair trading cases. His clients include prosecuting authorities and organisations, as well as individuals and businesses. His consumer law practice is supported by his expertise in trade mark, copyright and health and safety law.

His commitment to a case is second to none, and he is very client-focused.

Very quick on his feet, incredibly well prepared and very appealing to a jury. He is very knowledgeable of the law and is a heavyweight player for consumer protection cases with a technical element.

A true leader in consumer law who combines passion with subject knowledge to produce superior courtroom advocacy. He reads the court and judges like no other and wins the hearts and minds of juries.

Miles is a go-to barrister for us when dealing with individuals in distress. He is very experienced and someone who gets into the detail and really fights on the client's behalf.

2
Ben Douglas-Jones
2
Band 2

Ben Douglas-Jones KC defends businesses and professionals against consumer-related claims and prosecutes on behalf of private entities, local authorities and the MHRA. His work takes in environment and health and safety cases, as well as trade mark and copyright matters.

He is incredibly well regarded by judges and someone to use for significant cases. He is astonishingly good and very much in demand.

Ben is a fearsome opponent and a worthy defence advocate.

3
Carolina Bracken
3
Band 3

Carolina Bracken is adept at assisting clients on a range of consumer law issues. She has extensive experience of acting for trading standards departments.

Her witness handling is impressive and she is an effective advocate. She has a friendly style and is very easy to like.

Carolina is very communicative and thorough in her work.

3
Charlene Sumnall
3
Band 3

Charlene Sumnall both prosecutes and defends consumer law cases in all levels of tribunals, including the Court of Appeal. Her clients include local authorities, prosecution agencies, companies, directors and individuals. She is an expert in everything from trading standards and fraudulent trading to copyright infringement. Sumnall is a co-author of the Blackstone's Guide to the Consumer Rights Act 2015.

Charlene is an excellent advocate. She's an amazing all-rounder with an ability to gain the trust and confidence of a client almost immediately.

Ranked Barristers at
5 Paper Buildings

Provided by Chambers
Filter by
Band

Silks (KC)

London (Bar)

Consumer Law

2
Ben Douglas-Jones KC
2
Band 2

Juniors

London (Bar)

Consumer Law

1
Miles Bennett
1
Band 1
3
Carolina Bracken
3
Band 3
3
Charlene Sumnall
3
Band 3