Clinical Negligence
UK Bar Guide 2025 : Scotland (Bar)
Band 2
Contact number
(0131) 226 2881Chambers Review
Axiom Advocates has a growing team with capabilities in representing both claimants and defendants and offering "excellent attention to detail and sound legal expertise." Members have expertise in handling matters regarding cerebral palsy, obstetric injury, cauda equina and failure to diagnose, with additional expertise in matters regarding cancer, and quantum and liability issues. The stable is regularly sought to represent hospitals, GP practices, dentists, health boards and medical defence unions. Recently, members assisted a private individual in a claim against a dentist who had reused single-use dental equipment, which caused psychiatric injury in the claimant.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Practice manager Lesley Flynn is the driving force behind a clerking team who seek pragmatic solutions and will have sensible conversations with you."
"The clerks do everything they can to schedule consultations, court hearings, proofs and calls in an environment where availability changes by the minute."
"Catriona Weir, deputy clerk, deserves a special mention for her professionalism and endless patience."
"Practice manager Lesley Flynn is the driving force behind a clerking team who seek pragmatic solutions and will have sensible conversations with you."
"The clerks do everything they can to schedule consultations, court hearings, proofs and calls in an environment where availability changes by the minute."
"Catriona Weir, deputy clerk, deserves a special mention for her professionalism and endless patience."
Notable Practitioners
Iain Ferguson KC is an acclaimed silk who possesses substantial experience in clinical negligence, in addition to other areas of professional negligence law. He frequently appears in claims against clinicians and institutions regarding birth and spinal injuries, as well as complex mental health cases.
"Iain Ferguson is an exceptionally able KC who has just got the most superb attention to detail. He is tenacious in his review of papers and very strategic and robust in his negotiations."
Roddy Dunlop KC is an esteemed advocate who participates in challenging clinical negligence proceedings as part of an expansive civil practice. He predominantly acts for defenders in cases concerning failed diagnosis and medical product liability.
"Roddy Dunlop is probably the premium advocate of his generation."
"Roddy is extremely impressive. He gets to the point very well but is happy to hear other view points and respond to them. He is at the top of his game."
Alastair Duncan KC is an experienced commercial silk who is entrusted by defenders with significant clinical negligence claims. He appears in fatal accident inquiries, cancer cases and misdiagnosis claims.
"Alastair is one of the real heavyweights of the Scottish Bar. He never lets you down."
"Alastair is really strong at presenting complex arguments with clarity. He is a really good oral advocate and takes the judge with him."
Ewen Campbell is a well-regarded advocate who has solicitor experience and has notable expertise in handling group actions regarding dental negligence and medical device liability. He is also well equipped to handle surgical error, failed diagnosis and fatal claims. He acts for defenders, who highlight his courtroom skills as one of his primary strengths.
"Ewen is an incredibly impressive advocate."
"Ewen Campbell is an outstanding junior counsel. He is the one all the seniors wish they had as their junior and an absolute standout among the advocates of his generation."
"Ewen is a leading junior in clinical and professional negligence matters. He handles complex matters with ease and offers sound, valuable and timely advice."
"Ewen is equally impressive in consultations and when appearing in court."
Chris Paterson KC is a well-established practitioner with a broad professional liability practice. He routinely defends medical professionals in negligence claims and fatal accident inquiries. His practice encompasses a wide spectrum of allegations including failure to diagnose and failure to treat.
"Chris is a bright guy who can turn his hand to many different areas of law."
"Chris is great to work with. He rolls his sleeves up and gets stuck into any case."
Helen Watts KC is a clinical negligence expert who is adept at handling matters such as birth injuries, fatal claims, surgical errors and delayed diagnoses of illnesses. Although she typically acts on behalf of defenders, she occasionally represents pursuers.
"Helen gives good written advice. She is always very clear, very personable and somebody I would recommend for clinical negligence matters."
"Helen is approachable and organised. When Helen is instructed you know that you will get high-quality advice, and complex cases are handled with skill and care."
"Helen's attention to detail is impressive and helps navigate difficult cases with ease."
"Helen has a really acute attention to detail and gives sound legal advice."