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Deans Court Chambers

Health & Safety

UK Bar Guide 2026 : Northern/North Eastern (Bar)

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Deans Court Chambers

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About

Provided by Deans Court Chambers

The team includes leading practitioners who are regularly instructed in the most high profile and difficult cases on a national basis.

Our clients include major PLCs, local authorities, hospital authorities, rail operators and other public bodies as well as directors and employees. Recent cases have included prosecutions for gross negligence manslaughter, workplace fatalities and life changing injuries sustained at work.

Business sectors regularly covered include; construction, roofing, demolition, asbestos management, general manufacturing, welfare and health care, engineering, education, theme parks, commercial real estate, agriculture and charitable organisations.

We offer highly proficient Counsel at all levels. Our experience has developed by both prosecuting and defending regulatory cases and through our collective development. We undertake work nationwide, advising and representing a diverse range of clients in matters including corporate and gross negligence manslaughter, health and safety fatalities, environmental offences, trading standards, HSE prohibition improvement notices, food hygiene & compliance.

Members recognise the need to provide real added value which includes an appreciation of the tactical challenges and commercial acumen to be applied when clients are faced with a regulatory issue.

Our clients include multinational PLCs, local authorities, hospital trusts, Universities, governmental departments, SMEs, company directors and employees.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Health & Safety - Northern/North Eastern (Bar)

Band 1

What the Team is Known For

Deans Court Chambers is highly regarded for its expertise in a wide range of health and safety matters. Members have experience of prosecuting and defending offences, and offer considerable expertise in complex cases arising from workplace accidents. The team is also frequently instructed in gross negligence manslaughter and corporate manslaughter cases, and has extensive experience representing local authorities, major corporations, rail operators and company directors. The set's tenants are particularly adept at handling cases arising in the healthcare, rail, construction and retail sectors. Recently, barristers defended in R v BSH Ltd, a case involving a gas explosion and the evacuation of numerous homes. An interviewee notes that the barristers "combine excellent technical knowledge with a very user-friendly approach."

Matthew Gibbons is the senior clerk.

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Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • They have excellent and responsive clerks.

    Health & Safety respondentUK Bar

  • The clerks were good, they swiftly answered my queries.

    Health & Safety respondentUK Bar

  • They are very professional and friendly, and have a good variety of counsel with helpful clerks.

    Health & Safety respondentUK Bar

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Joseph Hart
    Joseph Hart

    Joseph Hart

    Joseph Hart is instructed by both the defence and the prosecution in cases involving breaches of health and safety regulations. His work includes workplace accidents and fire safety matters. He regularly represents parties at inquests.

    • Mr Hart simply was very good; he was alive to his client's needs.

      Health & Safety respondentUK Bar
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  • Michael Hayton
    Michael Hayton

    Michael Hayton

    Michael Hayton KC specialises in criminal and regulatory work. He represents companies and their directors, as well as medical professionals such as doctors, in health and safety prosecutions. He has considerable experience in cases involving workplace fatalities.

    • A very thorough and experienced silk.

      Health & Safety respondentUK Bar
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  • Peter Smith
    Peter Smith

    Peter Smith

    Peter Smith is a specialist defence barrister who represents individuals and companies in enforcement actions brought by the HSE and local authorities. He acts for domestic and international clients from a broad spectrum of industries including transport and construction.

    • Peter combines excellent technical knowledge with a very user-friendly approach.

      Health & Safety respondentUK Bar

    • He is really responsive and we feel well looked after. His preparation is good, his advocacy is great and he likes a spat.

      Health & Safety respondentUK Bar
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  • Lisa Judge
    Lisa Judge

    Lisa Judge

    Lisa Judge regularly defends individuals and companies in major health and safety cases brought by various regulatory bodies. Her health and safety practice benefits from her criminal law work.

    • Lisa is very good; she is a shrewd operator with great attention and retention of detail.

      Health & Safety respondentUK Bar

    • Clients love her straight-talking pragmatism.

      Health & Safety respondentUK Bar
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  • Tom Gent
    Tom Gent

    Tom Gent

    Tom Gent has a strong track record of handling cases involving the construction and farming sectors. He has further experience representing companies, directors and individuals. He is astute at advising on cases arising from serious injuries and fatalities. He also boasts an impressive client list consisting of renowned insurers such as Zurich.

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Ranked Barristers at Deans Court Chambers (5)

Northern/North Eastern (Bar)

Members

Provided by Deans Court Chambers

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