Department profile
Hailsham Chambers

Professional Negligence

UK Bar Guide 2026 : London (Bar)


Hailsham Chambers

Rankings

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Professional Negligence - London (Bar)

Band 2

Band 2


What the Team is Known For

Hailsham Chambers is a highly respected set with a huge depth of expertise in solicitors' liability claims. Tenants have experience representing both claimants and respondents in relation to issues including advice on investment and other transactions and on the management of litigation. The set also has strength in claims involving financial services professionals, including auditors and financial advisers. Hailsham's barristers have acted in high-profile trials and appeals that have influenced the law on limitation and the illegality defence. Recently, members of the set appeared in KCL v Kession Capital. This was a ground-breaking case relating to the liability of firms for their appointed representatives under the FSMA.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • A first-class team that is extremely user-friendly and easy to engage with.

    Professional Negligence respondentUK Bar
  • Hailsham is a go-to set of chambers. From the clerks to the KCs, they are all excellent to work with.

    Professional Negligence respondentUK Bar
  • The clerks are always very quick to respond to new instructions and are always very helpful when arranging for papers to be sent or dealing with queries regarding fee estimates.

    Professional Negligence respondentUK Bar

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 1Francis Bacon
    Band 1Francis Bacon

    Francis Bacon

    Francis Bacon centres his practice on professional negligence cases and insurance coverage disputes, particularly those with an element of fraud. He often takes on high-value solicitors' negligence claims with significant international aspects, and routinely acts unled.

    • Francis Bacon is a safe pair of hands.

      Professional Negligence respondentUK Bar
    • Francis Bacon is fantastic.

      Professional Negligence respondentUK Bar
    • Francis Bacon is a first-class counsel and a go-to for many lawyers' claims for solicitors and insurer clients.

      Professional Negligence respondentUK Bar
  • Band 1Nicholas Davidson KC
    Band 1Nicholas Davidson KC

    Nicholas Davidson KC

    Nicholas Davidson KC offers vast experience in the professional negligence sphere. He regularly takes on high-profile negligence cases arising from complicated issues such as corporate governance breakdown, institutional fraud and downturns in the property market. He has a particular flair for claims involving financial services professionals. He also serves as a deputy High Court judge.

    • Nicholas Davidson KC is able to tackle the most complex issues with guile and ease.

      Professional Negligence respondentUK Bar
    • Nicholas Davidson KC is among the most experienced for this type of work and is extremely well regarded.

      Professional Negligence respondentUK Bar
  • Band 1William Flenley
    Band 1William Flenley

    William Flenley

    Well versed in the full spectrum of professional liability work, William Flenley KC serves as an arbitrator and a mediator, as well as an advocate. He specialises particularly in solicitors' negligence, on which subject he has co-authored a leading reference text.

    • William is exceptional.

      Professional Negligence respondentUK Bar
    • He gives clients confidence and is a wonderful person.

      Professional Negligence respondentUK Bar
    • William Flenley KC is very bright and knowledgeable on esoteric bits of the law. He is absolutely first rate: his advocacy is authoritative, and judges just believe him.

      Professional Negligence respondentUK Bar
  • Band 2Imran Benson
    Band 2Imran Benson

    Imran Benson

    Imran Benson acts in a diverse set of claims against surveyors, valuers, accountants and auditors, among other professionals. He is also notable for his work in relation to solicitors' negligence arising out of corporate and partnership transactions.

    • Imran provided a clear and straightforward structure to our client. His clear and amiable advocacy really shone through. His drafting was clear and his advice to our client commercial.

      Professional Negligence respondentUK Bar
    • Imran Benson is fabulous with clients and in court. He is very responsive in his advice and goes above and beyond to deliver results.

      Professional Negligence respondentUK Bar
    • Imran Benson has been excellent.

      Professional Negligence respondentUK Bar
  • Band 2Nicola Rushton
    Band 2Nicola Rushton

    Nicola Rushton

    Nicola Rushton KC has an established professional negligence practice which has recently been focused on claims against solicitors and accountants. Her work in the field arises from a variety of matters including fraud, insolvency and trusts.

    • On valuation negligence I've rarely met anyone with so much knowledge. Nicola Rushton KC is very hands-on and has done nothing but impress the team.

      Professional Negligence respondentUK Bar
    • Nicola Rushton KC is very good on anything with a property element.

      Professional Negligence respondentUK Bar
    • Nicola Rushton is amazing. We go to her for really serious lender disputes. She also sits part-time as a judge. She is just phenomenal.

      Professional Negligence respondentUK Bar
  • Band 3Alicia Tew
    Band 3Alicia Tew

    Alicia Tew

    Alicia Tew is a commercially-minded barrister who frequently acts in professional negligence cases, whether on the claimant or defendant side. She has experience of claims arising in a broad range of contexts, including insolvency, investment schemes or the conduct of litigation.

    • I have worked with Alicia in the past and she is fantastic. She understands exactly what is required.

      Professional Negligence respondentUK Bar
    • Alicia is very good and well liked in the market.

      Professional Negligence respondentUK Bar
    • Alicia Tew gives solid pragmatic advice.

      Professional Negligence respondentUK Bar
  • Band 3Dan Stacey
    Band 3Dan Stacey

    Dan Stacey

    Dan Stacey frequently provides counsel to clients facing major High Court and Court of Appeal proceedings. His work includes acting for and against accountants, surveyors and solicitors, and he has a particular flair for cases involving issues of limitation, with notable expertise in the illegality defence. He has a deep knowledge of lenders' claims.

    • Dan Stacey is a strong practitioner. He has a charming manner and is clear and measured in his approach.

      Professional Negligence respondentUK Bar
    • His compelling advocacy and comprehensive advice helps to put clients at ease and achieve the best outcome in difficult circumstances.

      Professional Negligence respondentUK Bar
    • Dan Stacey is a safe pair of hands. He's a reassuringly confident individual who you always feel you'll get a good result with.

      Professional Negligence respondentUK Bar
  • Band 3Heather McMahon
    Band 3Heather McMahon

    Heather McMahon

    Heather McMahon specialises in professional liability claims involving a variety of professionals. She is particularly adept at handling cases involving lawyers, surveyors and financial professionals.

    • Heather McMahon is very good.

      Professional Negligence respondentUK Bar
  • Band 3Jamie Carpenter
    Band 3Jamie Carpenter

    Jamie Carpenter

    Jamie Carpenter KC largely concentrates on representing defendants in professional negligence cases, though he also has a growing reputation for claimant work. Best known for his representation in claims against solicitors, his practice has expanded to include litigation involving insurance brokers and financial services professionals. He can also provide the benefit of his strong practice in costs litigation.

    • Jamie Carpenter KC is at the top of his game. He's a fantastic and skilled barrister.

      Professional Negligence respondentUK Bar
    • Jamie Carpenter KC has incredible intellectual power. He is extremely easy to work with, great with clients and highly impressive in court.

      Professional Negligence respondentUK Bar
    • Jamie Carpenter KC is great at presenting arguments before the court. He also delivers great value for money and a super fast turnaround.

      Professional Negligence respondentUK Bar
  • Band 3Joshua Munro
    Band 3Joshua Munro

    Joshua Munro

    A barrister who has many years' experience in the field of professional negligence, Joshua Munro is typically involved in claims against surveyors, lawyers and independent financial advisers. He complements his practice with experience in insurance and costs work.

    • Joshua Munro articulates things in different settings with great success.

      Professional Negligence respondentUK Bar
    • Joshua Munro is patient and good-humoured with clients.

      Professional Negligence respondentUK Bar
  • Band 3Matthew Jackson
    Band 3Matthew Jackson

    Matthew Jackson

    Matthew Jackson is a senior barrister with a strong track record in defending a range of professionals, including accountants, valuers and solicitors, as well as professional indemnity insurers. He often takes on high-value claims against law firms arising from prior personal injury or clinical negligence litigation, and a number of his cases have arisen from the vibration white finger litigation. He acts in both individual and group actions.

    • Matthew Jackson is very understated and knows the area inside out.

      Professional Negligence respondentUK Bar
    • Matthew Jackson is excellent all round.

      Professional Negligence respondentUK Bar
  • Band 3Niamh O'Reilly
    Band 3Niamh O'Reilly

    Niamh O'Reilly

    Niamh O'Reilly receives superb reviews from her clients describing her as a barrister with experience and authority beyond her years. She is particularly noted for her work on lawyers' negligence but offers expertise across a broad range of disciplines, including accountancy and other professions.

    • Niamh O'Reilly has extraordinary vision for a case's strategy and overall management, and this shows when it comes to her advocacy and legal submission. A must-have for professional liability work.

      Professional Negligence respondentUK Bar
    • Niamh O'Reilly is always highly knowledgeable and professional. In addition, she is great at explaining liability risks to insured clients, who may not always be keen to accept the risks.

      Professional Negligence respondentUK Bar
    • Niamh O'Reilly is very thorough and easy to deal with. She's generous with her time and works in a collegiate manner with solicitors.

      Professional Negligence respondentUK Bar
  • Band 4Henry Bankes-Jones
    Band 4Henry Bankes-Jones

    Henry Bankes-Jones

    Henry Bankes-Jones acts for individuals and insurers, being particularly noted for his work in solicitor and barrister negligence claims, but also acting on matters concerning accountants and other professionals. He has appeared unled, and at all levels up to the Supreme Court in cases considering novel legal questions.

    • Henry's advice is always well set out, clear and without legal jargon. He is very pragmatic, user-friendly, and his manner is friendly and approachable.

      Professional Negligence respondentUK Bar
    • Henry Bankes-Jones is cool, calm and easy to deal with.

      Professional Negligence respondentUK Bar
    • Henry Bankes-Jones is a brilliant barrister who has an unbelievable ability to make the even the most complex issues easy to understand.

      Professional Negligence respondentUK Bar
  • Band 4Nicholas Pilsbury
    Band 4Nicholas Pilsbury

    Nicholas Pilsbury

    Nicholas Pilsbury is well regarded as a versatile professional negligence barrister. He is involved in commercial cases and solicitors' negligence cases that follow on from personal injury cases.

    • Nicholas Pilsbury gives clear, commercial advice and is a great advocate. He's good with clients and really enjoyable to work with.

      Professional Negligence respondentUK Bar
    • Nicholas Pilsbury is very sharp, intellectual, a strong advocate and easy to work with.

      Professional Negligence respondentUK Bar
    • Nicholas Pilsbury is an excellent advocate who provides fantastic client service. Nick is able to deal with complex work products and gives clear advice.

      Professional Negligence respondentUK Bar
  • Band 4Simon Howarth
    Band 4Simon Howarth

    Simon Howarth

    Simon Howarth KC has an extensive practice in claims of solicitors' and barristers' negligence, but is also able to advise on claims regarding insurance brokerage disputes. He is also regularly instructed in complex, high-value claims arising in the financial services sector.

    • Simon Howarth KC is very good at what he does. He's a good advocate and negotiator. A real all-rounder, his drafting is great, as are his negotiating skills.

      Professional Negligence respondentUK Bar
    • Simon Howarth KC is very good on advisory work and pleadings.

      Professional Negligence respondentUK Bar
    • Simon Howarth KC is extremely knowledgeable and always willing to provide help and guidance.

      Professional Negligence respondentUK Bar
  • Band 4Simon Wilton
    Band 4Simon Wilton

    Simon Wilton

    Simon Wilton KC is an impressive practitioner in the field who has written extensively on the subject. He is most often instructed by professionals and indemnity insurers in the real estate and financial sectors, where he takes on high-profile, multiparty cases.

    • Simon Wilton KC is always a pleasure to work with, and you know you are in safe hands.

      Professional Negligence respondentUK Bar
    • Simon Wilton KC is very good on papers. He's a pleasure to deal with and a persuasive advocate.

      Professional Negligence respondentUK Bar
    • Simon Wilton KC brings a good combination of technical knowledge and commerciality. He has a great bedside manner and has delivered a number of excellent results.

      Professional Negligence respondentUK Bar
  • Up and ComingAlexander Echlin
    Up and ComingAlexander Echlin

    Alexander Echlin

    Alexander Echlin has a growing professional negligence practice acting for both claimants and defendants. He has particular experience in negligence claims involving solicitors.

    • Alexander Echlin is a brilliant junior who is a pleasure to work with.

      Professional Negligence respondentUK Bar
    • Alexander Echlin is an excellent barrister and a true credit to the chambers.

      Professional Negligence respondentUK Bar
    • Alexander Echlin is my go-to choice of junior for professional indemnity disputes. He is accessible, provides sensible advice and works collaboratively.

      Professional Negligence respondentUK Bar

Ranked Barristers at Hailsham Chambers (17)

London (Bar)

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