Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Professional Negligence - London (Bar)

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

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Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

Francis Bacon
1
Francis Bacon
1
Band 1

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.

Francis Bacon is fantastic.

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

1
Nicholas Davidson KC
1
Band 1

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.

Nicholas Davidson KC is among the most experienced for this type of work and is extremely well regarded.

William Flenley
1
William Flenley
1
Band 1

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.

He gives clients confidence and is a wonderful person.

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.

2
Imran Benson
2
Band 2

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.

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

Imran Benson has been excellent.

Nicola Rushton
2
Nicola Rushton
2
Band 2

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.

Nicola Rushton KC is very good on anything with a property element.

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.

Alicia Tew
3
Alicia Tew
3
Band 3

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.

Alicia is very good and well liked in the market.

Alicia Tew gives solid pragmatic advice.

3
Dan Stacey
3
Band 3

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.

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

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.

3
Heather McMahon
3
Band 3

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.

Jamie Carpenter
3
Jamie Carpenter
3
Band 3

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.

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

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

3
Joshua Munro
3
Band 3

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.

Joshua Munro is patient and good-humoured with clients.

3
Matthew Jackson
3
Band 3

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.

Matthew Jackson is excellent all round.

Niamh O'Reilly
3
Niamh O'Reilly
3
Band 3

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.

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.

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.

4
Henry Bankes-Jones
4
Band 4

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.

Henry Bankes-Jones is cool, calm and easy to deal with.

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

Nicholas Pilsbury
4
Nicholas Pilsbury
4
Band 4

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.

Nicholas Pilsbury is very sharp, intellectual, a strong advocate and easy to work with.

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

Simon Howarth
4
Simon Howarth
4
Band 4

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.

Simon Howarth KC is very good on advisory work and pleadings.

Simon Howarth KC is extremely knowledgeable and always willing to provide help and guidance.

4
Simon Wilton
4
Band 4

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.

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

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.

Alexander Echlin
U
Alexander Echlin
U
Up and Coming

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.

Alexander Echlin is an excellent barrister and a true credit to the chambers.

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

Ranked Barristers at
Hailsham Chambers

Provided by Chambers
Filter by
Band

Silks (KC)

London (Bar)

Professional Negligence

1
Nicholas Davidson KC
1
Band 1
William Flenley KC
1
William Flenley KC
1
Band 1
Nicola Rushton KC
2
Nicola Rushton KC
2
Band 2
Jamie Carpenter KC
3
Jamie Carpenter KC
3
Band 3
Simon Howarth KC
4
Simon Howarth KC
4
Band 4
4
Simon Wilton KC
4
Band 4

Juniors

London (Bar)

Professional Negligence

Francis Bacon
1
Francis Bacon
1
Band 1
2
Imran Benson
2
Band 2
Alicia Tew
3
Alicia Tew
3
Band 3
3
Dan Stacey
3
Band 3
3
Heather McMahon
3
Band 3
3
Joshua Munro
3
Band 3
3
Matthew Jackson
3
Band 3
Niamh O'Reilly
3
Niamh O'Reilly
3
Band 3
4
Henry Bankes-Jones
4
Band 4
Nicholas Pilsbury
4
Nicholas Pilsbury
4
Band 4
Alexander Echlin
U
Alexander Echlin
U
Up and Coming