Department profile
Outer Temple Chambers

Clinical Negligence

UK Bar Guide 2026 : London (Bar)


Outer Temple Chambers

Rankings

About

Provided by Outer Temple Chambers

Our clinical negligence barristers cover a vast range of claims involving doctors, dentists, nurses and other health professionals. We are frequently instructed in the most demanding and highest value cases, including birth injury, brain injury, cerebral palsy, misdiagnosis, fatal claims, orthopaedic cases, ophthalmology, and spinal injury. We act both for patients and their families and for bodies such as the NHS Resolution and the medical defence organisations.


We have wide experience of multi-party clinical negligence litigation, public inquiries, internal NHS reviews and other extra-judicial investigations. Our barristers have regularly been instructed in the most important and complex cases including the Kennedy Inquiry into paediatric cardiac surgery, the Shipman Inquiry, the Thompstone periodical payment indexation cases and the inquests into patient deaths at Gosport Hospital.

We represent families, professionals and other interested persons at coroner’s inquests. We advise patients, doctors, NHS Trusts and regulatory bodies on law and policy in this area, including public law and human rights. 

We appear in the range of tribunals where healthcare issues can arise, including the Administrative Court and the Court of Protection. 

We also act in disciplinary and criminal proceedings involving doctors and other healthcare professionals, as well as dealing with the associated contractual and employment disputes.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Clinical Negligence - London (Bar)

Band 3

Band 3


What the Team is Known For

Outer Temple Chambers boasts a strong bench of senior and junior barristers, the set has been described as having an "exceptional balance of quality with highly analytical barristers" who act on behalf of both claimants and defendants. Areas of expertise for the team include birth injury and catastrophic brain and spinal injury cases, as well as high-value quantum disputes. Recent work from the set has includes Purchase v Dr Ahmed, part of the Supreme Court litigation contributing to the landmark case regarding secondary victim claims.

Paul Barton is practice director for the health team.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • The clerks are charming and reliable.

    Clinical Negligence respondentUK Bar
  • The clerks have always been responsive and helpful.

    Clinical Negligence respondentUK Bar
  • The clerks are brilliant; they are friendly, approachable and efficient.

    Clinical Negligence respondentUK Bar
  • The clerks really approachable and thorough.

    Clinical Negligence respondentUK Bar

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Senior StatespeopleChristopher Wilson-Smith KC
    Senior StatespeopleChristopher Wilson-Smith KC

    Christopher Wilson-Smith KC

    Christopher Wilson-Smith KC is widely praised for his expertise and is frequently instructed by both claimants and defendants in high-profile cases, a number of which concern birth injury claims. He has a portfolio of multimillion-pound wins under his belt, many of which concern cerebral palsy.

    • He has immense experience as an advocate.

      Clinical Negligence respondentUK Bar
    • He has forensic skills and his advocacy is second to none.

      Clinical Negligence respondentUK Bar
    • Christopher fought hard for my client and really went the extra mile.

      Clinical Negligence respondentUK Bar
  • Band 1Eliot Woolf
    Band 1Eliot Woolf

    Eliot Woolf

    Eliot Woolf KC has an enviable caseload and handles a wide range of high-value claims for both claimants and defendants, including those arising from spinal injuries, birth injuries and orthopaedic surgery. He is also well-regarded for his expertise in wrongful birth cases.

    • Eliot is an outstanding advocate who is highly adept at engaging with clients and distilling complex legal advice into clear accessible guidance.

      Clinical Negligence respondentUK Bar
    • He has lovely mannerisms and he's calm and collected - but he's bright and gets to the root.

      Clinical Negligence respondentUK Bar
    • He has such a personable manner; he is excellent with clients, very empathetic and deals with cases in a sensitive way.

      Clinical Negligence respondentUK Bar
    • He's an absolute pleasure to work with. He provides fantastic advice, advocacy and client care skills which are second to none.

      Clinical Negligence respondentUK Bar
    • Eliot is exceptionally good with clients, he is able to explain complex technical issues clearly and can find a way through tricky cases.

      Clinical Negligence respondentUK Bar
  • Band 1Nathan Tavares
    Band 1Nathan Tavares

    Nathan Tavares

    Nathan Tavares KC is a specialist in the field who has particular expertise in cases involving spinal cord injuries, psychiatric negligence, birth injuries and negligent neurosurgery. He is instructed by both claimants and defendants.

    • He is thorough and detailed in his preparation. He is steely and focused in his advocacy.

      Clinical Negligence respondentUK Bar
    • Nathan showed great judgement and put us at ease throughout the claims process. His confident manner meant we felt in safe hands.

      Clinical Negligence respondentUK Bar
    • He is someone who has got such a strong understanding of people who are vulnerable, he represents in a way which is personal and understanding.

      Clinical Negligence respondentUK Bar
    • He has a wealth of knowledge in adult brain injury and complex catastrophic injury cases. He's an excellent silk.

      Clinical Negligence respondentUK Bar
  • Band 2James Aldridge
    Band 2James Aldridge

    James Aldridge

    James Aldridge is a significant player in the market who has over 30 years' experience. He tackles a wide range of cases, including those arising from cerebral palsy, wrongful birth and surgical negligence. He is also an expert in handling claims arising from delayed cancer diagnosis. He acts predominantly for claimants.

    • His standard of work is enormously high and he turns work around quicker than any barrister I know.

      Clinical Negligence respondentUK Bar
    • James is very responsive, excellent with clients, he stands his ground and gets results.

      Clinical Negligence respondentUK Bar
    • James is excellent with clients, even in the most difficult and sensitive of cases. He is efficient, very experienced with a large variety of cases and gets to the key issues quickly.

      Clinical Negligence respondentUK Bar
    • James has a very keen eye for detail and provides advice in an extremely time efficient manner. His advice is extremely detailed and he clearly has an understanding of key issues.

      Clinical Negligence respondentUK Bar
    • He tackles complex expert issues head on, and has an impressive eye to detail. He will also provide a timescale for his advice and will adhere to it which helps when managing the litigation.

      Clinical Negligence respondentUK Bar
  • Band 2Rachel Vickers
    Band 2Rachel Vickers

    Rachel Vickers

    Rachel Vickers KC manages a busy clinical negligence practice, acting for both claimants and defendant medical bodies such as NHS Resolution. She is particularly noted for her work on claims involving high-value neonatal or spinal injuries. She is also experienced in the handling of claims arising from delayed or missed diagnoses.

    • Rachel is the barrister you want when you are really up against it. She cut through a mountain of evidence and isolated the key issues with ease. She demonstrated genuine empathy with the client.

      Clinical Negligence respondentUK Bar
    • Rachel really gets under the skin of a case. She is so well prepared and is excellent in conference with multiple experts on cases of the utmost severity and complexity.

      Clinical Negligence respondentUK Bar
    • She is an amazing tactician. She gets to grips with cases quickly and can see how to achieve the desired outcome. She's a tough negotiator.

      Clinical Negligence respondentUK Bar
    • She is very good with clients and at handling multiple experts.

      Clinical Negligence respondentUK Bar
    • She is incredibly astute, she has a hawk's eye for detail and she is methodical in her approach. I really like working with her and she leaves no stone unturned.

      Clinical Negligence respondentUK Bar
  • Band 2Sarah Crowther
    Band 2Sarah Crowther

    Sarah Crowther

    Sarah Crowther KC is a highly respected silk in the clinical negligence market with notable experience of handling birth injury claims involving complex liability and quantum issues. She is also regularly instructed in spinal injury claims and matters involving allegations of breach of duty. Her clients include both claimants and defendants.

    • Sarah is great, energetic, good at negotiations and thorough.

      Clinical Negligence respondentUK Bar
    • She is very personable as well as being very good at the law.

      Clinical Negligence respondentUK Bar
    • She is really specialised and is brilliant. I'm hugely relieved we have her on our side.

      Clinical Negligence respondentUK Bar
    • Sarah provides great service, is approachable, knowledgeable and an excellent communicator.

      Clinical Negligence respondentUK Bar
  • Band 2Tom Gibson
    Band 2Tom Gibson

    Tom Gibson

    Tom Gibson represents both claimants and defendants in claims arising from delayed diagnoses, birth injuries and surgical negligence. He has experience of appearing before medical inquests on behalf of both NHS trusts and bereaved families. He is also noted for his expertise in sports-related clinical negligence cases.

    • Tom has an individual style and approach, bringing some zest into proceedings. He's intelligent, thorough and a pleasure to work with.

      Clinical Negligence respondentUK Bar
    • He really impressed me, he has a really strong understanding of legal principle.

      Clinical Negligence respondentUK Bar
    • Tom is approachable, personable and responsive. He's excellent with clients. He gives clear advice and is strategic with difficult cases. His approach is pragmatic and commercially-minded.

      Clinical Negligence respondentUK Bar
    • Tom's advocacy was clear and persuasive and resulted in an excellent outcome.

      Clinical Negligence respondentUK Bar
  • Band 3David Haines
    Band 3David Haines

    David Haines

    David Haines is a former hospital doctor who draws on his deep medical knowledge when litigating challenging claims relating to injuries and fatalities. He also represents family members at inquests.

    • He is a very caring counsel who is brilliant with clients.

      Clinical Negligence respondentUK Bar
    • He has attention to detail, vast medical knowledge and a calming presence.

      Clinical Negligence respondentUK Bar
    • David is forensic, tactical and tenacious. He is a terrier on his feet. He can be always trusted with the most complex of cases and the most vulnerable clients.

      Clinical Negligence respondentUK Bar
    • David is an exceptional barrister whose knowledge on clinical negligence cases is outstanding. He is brilliant at getting to the crux of a matter. He is excellent with both experts and clients.

      Clinical Negligence respondentUK Bar
  • Band 3Harriet Jerram
    Band 3Harriet Jerram

    Harriet Jerram

    Harriet Jerram has considerable experience in the field of clinical negligence. She handles the full range of medical and surgical matters including brain and spinal injury cases. She acts for both claimants and defendants.

    • She's a great barrister who provides excellent, clear and pragmatic advice.

      Clinical Negligence respondentUK Bar
    • She is very detailed with no stone left unturned.

      Clinical Negligence respondentUK Bar
    • She is a very good advocate.

      Clinical Negligence respondentUK Bar
  • Band 3James Counsell
    Band 3James Counsell

    James Counsell

    James Counsell KC upholds a well-balanced clinical negligence practice serving both claimants and defendants, including dentists and doctors. His instructions concern the full spectrum of allegations including surgical and diagnostic errors. He is also accomplished at handling personal injury cases.

    • His advice on any case is always gospel and this gives great confidence to clients. He has meticulous attention to detail, but is sensible and pragmatic.

      Clinical Negligence respondentUK Bar
    • He has a brilliant legal mind; he's great with clients, easy to use, very reactive and is a great court advocate.

      Clinical Negligence respondentUK Bar
    • He has a great ability to put people at ease in potentially very combative situations, he can diffuse them, while ensuring his clients' interests are best protected.

      Clinical Negligence respondentUK Bar
  • Band 3Jonathan Hand
    Band 3Jonathan Hand

    Jonathan Hand

    Jonathan Hand KC is a talented silk who receives instructions from both claimants and defendants. He is particularly adept at handling high-value cases involving severe neurological and spinal injuries, and is well-versed in Fatal Accidents Act claims.

    • He has a very pleasant manner with clients. He is clear and thorough in his advice, and has considerable experience in dealing with these claims.

      Clinical Negligence respondentUK Bar
    • Jonathan is super calm but super focused, with meticulous attention to detail. He was a very reliable, approachable and collaborative adviser, and an effective negotiator in round table meetings.

      Clinical Negligence respondentUK Bar
    • Jonathan is excellent to work with, he is clear at all times, is excellent with clients and is meticulous in making sure all issues are covered.

      Clinical Negligence respondentUK Bar
    • Jonathan is very approachable, responsive and has an impressive eye for detail.

      Clinical Negligence respondentUK Bar
    • He's a great silk who is willing to fight.

      Clinical Negligence respondentUK Bar
  • Band 3Robert Dickason
    Band 3Robert Dickason

    Robert Dickason

    Robert Dickason is a well-regarded junior barrister who demonstrates notable strength in representing both claimants and defendants in complex clinical negligence claims. He is well-versed in group actions and has considerable experience handling difficult liability and quantum disputes.

    • Robert is technically excellent. His advocacy is on point and he handles complex matters with ease.

      Clinical Negligence respondentUK Bar
    • He possesses the rare ability to make complex legal and procedural arguments sound like common sense. He is great with clients.

      Clinical Negligence respondentUK Bar
  • Band 4Harry Lambert
    Band 4Harry Lambert

    Harry Lambert

    Harry Lambert is regarded for his handling of complex clinical negligence matters. He adeptly handles obstetric, orthopaedic and paediatric claims. He has particular experience in Erbs Palsy and amputation cases.

    • He can digest a complex case at seemingly a moments notice and is never afraid of taking on a challenging case.

      Clinical Negligence respondentUK Bar
    • He inspires confidence and gets straight to the point with a keen sense of pragmatism. He's very good with medical evidence and grasps complex medical issues quickly.

      Clinical Negligence respondentUK Bar
    • Harry is great, he is willing to take risks, where other barristers will see a problem and run away. He has a knack of being a specialist in anything he turns his hand to.

      Clinical Negligence respondentUK Bar
  • Band 5Will Young
    Band 5Will Young

    Will Young

    Will Young handles a variety of clinical negligence cases amongst a broader personal injury practice. He is instructed for both claimants and defendants regarding delayed diagnostics, negligent care and other relevant mandates.

    • He's an excellent lawyer, highly skilled and a great advocate.

      Clinical Negligence respondentUK Bar
    • He provides clear and strong advice on prospects of a claim, and has the ability to cut through complex matters.

      Clinical Negligence respondentUK Bar
    • His talent for crafting compelling pleadings and distilling complex reports is matched only by his pragmatic mindset and effortlessly approachable manner, making him sharp in strategy and style.

      Clinical Negligence respondentUK Bar
    • He is the most responsive and approachable counsel I know, and his recall of cases and issues is impressive. He is tactically savvy, very clever and not afraid to push a case to its limits.

      Clinical Negligence respondentUK Bar
  • New SilksBen Bradley
    New SilksBen Bradley

    Ben Bradley

    Ben Bradley KC is instructed by both claimants and defendant practitioners in complex clinical negligence cases, particularly those arising from catastrophic injuries. He has substantial experience of handling cases pertaining to spinal cord injury and birth injury.

    • Ben is an outstanding legal mind, an excellent tactician and he gives sound advice. He takes no nonsense and his drafting of pleadings is a work of art.

      Clinical Negligence respondentUK Bar
    • Ben is not afraid to tackle difficult cases, demonstrating a fearless approach to advocacy. He has proven experience at trial, where he excels as a fantastic advocate on his feet.

      Clinical Negligence respondentUK Bar
    • He is absolutely brilliant. He is very bright, lovely with clients and prompt at replying.

      Clinical Negligence respondentUK Bar
    • Ben is brilliant, extremely clever and a stellar tactician.

      Clinical Negligence respondentUK Bar
    • He totally gets mediation and understands how to use it as a process, and how to use it for the benefit of his clients. He is very commercial and really understands negotiation.

      Clinical Negligence respondentUK Bar

Ranked Barristers at Outer Temple Chambers (15)

London (Bar)

Members

Provided by Outer Temple Chambers

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