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Guildhall Chambers

Clinical Negligence

UK Bar Guide 2026 : Western (Bar)

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Guildhall Chambers

Rankings

Chambers Review

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Clinical Negligence - Western (Bar)

Band 1

What the Team is Known For

Guildhall Chambers is a highly regarded set on the Western Circuit, noted for its expertise spanning a wide range of clinical negligence matters. Its barristers are regularly instructed in complex surgical negligence and birth injury cases and have experience acting for both claimant and defendant clients. The additional areas of strength for the team include gynaecological and obstetric injuries and high-value claims arising from the delayed diagnosis of cancer. Several of the set's tenants also have experience appearing for healthcare providers and families at clinical negligence inquests. Members recently successfully defeated strike-out at first instance and at the Court of Appeal in relation to a claim for damages from an individual who claims failures in his mental health care contributed to him committing criminal acts in the course of which he was injured. Instructing solicitors note: "Guildhall Chambers has a plethora of talent, barrister-wise, from junior to the most senior."

Stephen Arnold is the senior practice manager.

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Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Guildhall Chambers has friendly and approachable clerks.

    Clinical Negligence respondentUK Bar

  • They build a good rapport with instructing solicitors so it easy to call them. They are really the poster for what clerking should be.

    Clinical Negligence respondentUK Bar

  • The clerking team are very responsive and provide an excellent level of service.

    Clinical Negligence respondentUK Bar

  • Guildhall's clerks are fantastic, very accommodating. One of the things I like is they are clearly looking after the barristers. They are very sensible.

    Clinical Negligence respondentUK Bar

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Selena Plowden
    Selena Plowden

    Selena Plowden

    Selena Plowden KC is a highly regarded silk who is noted for her expert representation of both claimants and defendants. She has experience handling cases concerning challenging birth injury, catastrophic neurological injury, fatality and surgical negligence. Further expertise lies in maternal injuries, delayed diagnoses, and loss of sight and hearing cases.

    • Selena is among the best there is. She is a pleasure to work with and so technically brilliant with a great attention to the detail. I know the case will be very well prepared and in good hands.

      Clinical Negligence respondentUK Bar

    • I cannot rate Selena highly enough. Her commitment to her clients is unmatched. She has an ability to see through the most complex of issues and is tireless in her pursuit of the case. A real asset.

      Clinical Negligence respondentUK Bar

    • Selena is one of the absolute best. Her understanding of even the most complex cases is mind-boggling, and the way that she can interpret all of that information and put it simply is a real talent.

      Clinical Negligence respondentUK Bar
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  • Sophie Holme
    Sophie Holme

    Sophie Holme

    Sophie Holme is praised for her representation of both claimants and defendants in surgical negligence cases. She also has substantial experience in spinal cord injuries. Further expertise lies in birth injuries as well as delay and failure to treat claims.

    • Sophie is very well respected and she is very busy and in demand, operating and securing valuable cases from big solicitors.

      Clinical Negligence respondentUK Bar

    • Sophie has excellent attention to detail and is a good advocate.

      Clinical Negligence respondentUK Bar
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  • Kriti Upadhyay
    Kriti Upadhyay

    Kriti Upadhyay

    Kriti Upadhyay is an experienced junior barrister. She is regularly instructed by both claimants and defendants in matters arising from surgical errors and delayed diagnoses.

    • Kriti has a good level of expertise and certainly has the ability to deal with complex work.

      Clinical Negligence respondentUK Bar

    • I have been impressed with her attention to detail. She is thorough in her analysis and gives practical advice.

      Clinical Negligence respondentUK Bar
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  • Martin Lanchester
    Martin Lanchester

    Martin Lanchester

    Martin Lanchester is a senior junior who is well versed in clinical negligence matters. He is instructed in a wide range of cases arising from surgical procedures, amputations and cardiology negligence.

    • He is a truly excellent human being and barrister. He can instantly understand the salient points of the case.

      Clinical Negligence respondentUK Bar

    • Martin is a great senior junior. He is fantastic with clients, very approachable and cares deeply for the outcome on every case. He has a great grasp of the medicine and the issues.

      Clinical Negligence respondentUK Bar

    • Martin is a solid performer and is good with clients.

      Clinical Negligence respondentUK Bar
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Ranked Barristers at Guildhall Chambers (4)

Western (Bar)

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