Professional Negligence

Michael Pooles KC is renowned for his skill in handling indemnity claims and related coverage matters. He acts for a comprehensive range of clients but focuses in particular on claims concerning surveyors, accountants and lawyers. He has contributed over the years to literature on the subject of professional liability.

"I would trust him with points of the highest importance. He has gravitas and when he speaks, people listen."

"To see Michael conduct advocacy is to watch a masterclass. Surely one of the best of his generation, he inspires confidence in instructing solicitors and clients alike."

"Quite simply one of the strongest KCs in this field."

"Michael is my preferred barrister for any matter of substance and difficulty."

"He is the leader of the pack and in a league of his own. A joy to work with."

Derek Holwill is a highly experienced barrister who is sought after to counsel claimants and defendants, most commonly in the financial and legal sectors. He also advises in relation to professional indemnity coverage. He has particular expertise in limitation issues.

"Derek is very reliable and great with clients. He is also hyper-responsive and all over the detail, meaning nothing gets past him."

"Brilliant. Derek is forensic in his interrogation of facts and evidence, has incredible attention to detail and is very responsive."

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 is a very experienced junior who punches well above his weight."

"A real star who is excellent on the most complex of cases."

"Francis is fantastic with insurer and insured clients - clear, precise and firm where required. He speaks with authority and is very user-friendly. An absolute star!"

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.

"A formidable individual, Nicholas gets to the nub of the issues and always provides a high level of insight in a concise and pragmatic manner."

"Nicholas is a safe pair of hands when it comes to navigating through highly complex professional negligence claims. He is a force to be reckoned with in this field."

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 a fantastic silk and a leader in his field. Not only is he excellent with clients but he's extremely user-friendly and will maintain a strategic focus throughout."

"William is very impressive, quick to respond, user-friendly and very intellectually imaginative."

"William is a go-to counsel on solicitors' cases."

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 is client-friendly, good on paper and on his feet."

"An excellent senior junior with all-round ability."

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 is a very experienced and knowledgeable barrister. He has an ability to get through to the heart of a case effortlessly while also being very personable and approachable."

"Dan provides excellent client care by clearly advising on complex issues while taking into account personal sensitivities and circumstances."

"His grasp of the issues of a case is exceptional, and any advice is provided with a keen commercial understanding of the bigger picture."

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.

"He's a deep thinker and is really measured; when you receive his advice you know that he has thought about it."

"A superb advocate and a risk taker, Joshua is exceptionally likeable."

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 is an incredibly effective cross-examiner, charming people into his trap. He's helpful, approachable, modest and really effective."

"Matthew has a great grasp of document-heavy matters and is able to see the issues clearly."

"He's really good to work with."

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's technical and procedural knowledge is fantastic. Her advocacy at trial is extraordinary, second to none."

"Niamh has very good technical knowledge and commercial awareness."

"Niamh O'Reilly is hugely bright and an excellent barrister. She is engaging and very strong in court and on paper, particularly with the detail. A very pleasant person to work with."

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.

"Nicola is a brilliant silk. Not only is she an excellent advocate but she is incredibly commercial, which is why clients like and trust her so much."

"Nicola is a superb lawyer and very good with clients. She is no-nonsense, full of integrity and cuts straight to the point."

"Nicola provides technically strong, commercial sensible advice which is presented in an approachable way."

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.

"Alicia is bright, commercial and quick. She offers clear advice, is proactive and is great with the clients."

"Alicia is excellent at drafting pleadings, representing us at hearings and providing sensible and pragmatic advice."

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 is very measured and calm, and very impressive on her feet. She is extremely easy to work with, very helpful and responsive, and very thorough in her approach."

"Not only is Heather exceptionally talented but her ability to extract key information from vast amounts of documents is very impressive. She is an incredibly strong junior."

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.

"A phenomenal barrister who oozes sophistication."

"Henry is reliable and trustworthy; you feel like you are in good hands when working with Henry."

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.

"Superlative across the board."

"Simply brilliant, Jamie has an unbelievable ability to make everything comprehensible."

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 can deal with difficult clients. He is persuasive yet professional, a refreshing approach to see."

"Superb on paper and his feet. Simon is down to earth and very solicitor- and client-friendly."

"Simon is detailed in his approach, careful and astute. He knows his stuff, and is prepared to take on the difficult cases and put up a fight."

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

"A superb junior who is great in court."

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.

"A superb barrister, orally and on paper, and one of the nicest people you will ever meet."

"Simon has an enormous in-depth knowledge this area of law. He has been specialised for many years and is undoubtably a first choice for many as a leading counsel."

"Simon is a very experienced counsel who is happy to be a team player and roll his sleeves up. He gives focused commercial advice and is very good with clients, both lay and professional."

"Simon is the complete package, an incredible advocate in court. He always gets the judge’s attention and his drafting is on point. A pleasure to work with on any professional indemnity matter."