Outer Temple Chambers, Health & Safety | Chambers UK Bar Profile

About

Provided by Outer Temple Chambers

Outer Temple Chamnbers has a longstanding, distinguished reputation in the field of Health & Safety. Our track record includes almost all of the major and high-profile investigations of the last decade, as well as many of the influential appellate decisions in this constantly-developing area of the law. We offer sound, pragmatic advice and robust advocacy to our clients, however complex the issues, and whatever the industry.

Our expertise covers the entire spectrum of criminal, civil and coronial proceedings, as well as public inquiries. This breadth of experience sets us apart and ensures both a holistic approach and continuity of representation from the very start to the very end of a case. We offer advice from the outset of investigations by the HSE and other enforcement agencies in relation to PACE interviews, improvement and prohibition notices, and all other aspects of preparation for potential criminal and civil proceedings. Members of Chambers also prosecute for the CPS, HSE and other enforcement agencies.

We regularly act for companies and individuals facing the most serious criminal charges. We represent NHS Trusts, private facilities, and medical professionals in all forms of criminal, civil, coronial and regulatory proceedings. We have extensive experience in all civil aspects of health and safety, advising on liability and quantum in catastrophic injury and fatal accident cases, and regularly appear in the High Court, County Court and settlement negotiations.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Health & Safety - London (Bar)

Band 2

What the Team is Known For

The barristers at Outer Temple Chambers are well regarded for their expert handling of prosecutions arising from a wide range of health and safety offences. The set houses considerable experience in cases arising from maritime accidents, and its members are regularly instructed to both prosecute and defend complex prosecutions brought by the Maritime and Coastguard Authority. Cases involving fatal rail crashes and fires also form a key part of the set's practice. Additional areas of strength for the team include gross negligence manslaughter and corporate manslaughter cases, as well as complex HSE investigations. Sources say: "There are some very well-respected barristers in Outer Temple Chambers for regulatory work." Another source states: "Outer Temple is a fantastic, market-leading set with real strength in depth. They have an excellent reputation for health and safety cases, which is well deserved." Advocates from Outer Temple recently advised Highways England following a fatality on a smart motorway.

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Strengths

Provided by Chambers

"I consistently receive an excellent service from the clerking team. They are efficient and find solutions when required. Practice director Nick Levett particularly has excellent client care skills."

Health & Safety respondent
UK Bar

"The clerks are very helpful and accommodating."

Health & Safety respondent
UK Bar

"The clerks are very helpful and accommodating."

Health & Safety respondent
UK Bar

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

Ben Compton KC

Band 1

Ben Compton KC is a heavyweight practitioner who is instructed in major disaster cases, representing company directors and corporate defendants. He has an enviable clientele of leading construction companies, retailers and corporations. Compton is noted for his work in corporate manslaughter and gross manslaughter cases.

"Ben Compton is an absolute doyen in health and safety. He is absolutely masterful, understated and has the court's ear. He is consistently excellent."

"To watch Ben Compton in court is to watch a master at work. He is serious, thoughtful and strategic but can deploy his warmth and human side to great effect."

"Ben Compton KC has an excellent manner with clients. He is an astute strategist with an eye for detail and a pleasure to work with."

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James Leonard KC

Head of Health & Safety

Band 2

James Leonard KC frequently leads in highly complex health and safety cases, acting on behalf of large multinational corporations and company directors. His areas of expertise also include workplace fatalities and corporate manslaughter cases. Leonard has represented household names including British Airways, Virgin Media Group and Sainsburys.

"James is my first-choice counsel. He is, quite simply, the safest pair of hands one could wish to instruct and work alongside."

"James has the edge on his counterparts. He is very good at listening, and he is very experienced and knowledgeable. He has lots of trial and inquest experience."

"James is an excellent advocate. He instils confidence in clients and always makes himself available to discuss cases."

"James is a real heavyweight advocate who has earned his stripes in the field of health and safety over many years."

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Oliver Powell

Band 2

Oliver Powell is a well-regarded practitioner with considerable experience in defending both companies and individuals in a range of health and safety matters. His work spans several sectors including construction, manufacturing and healthcare.

"Oliver is extremely clever, thoughtful and strategic. He combines these skills with great human qualities that make for a very impressive lawyer."

"Oliver's strengths are his level of detail and the ability to be really candid with clients. He is clear and concise."

"Oliver works in a thoughtful and compassionate manner."

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Paul Rogers

Band 2

Paul Rogers manages a diverse caseload incorporating both corporate crime and health and safety cases. He handles a large volume of cases on behalf of individuals and company directors facing prosecution for health and safety offences involving serious injury or fatalities.

"Paul is a very accomplished advocate. He is very charming to get on with, good with the clients and will be robust when required. I have no problem recommending him for this area."

"Paul is fantastic to work with and clients love him. Clients talk about Paul's advocacy years after the hearing, which is the sign of an exceptional lawyer."

"Paul is an experienced health and safety barrister and a safe pair of hands."

"Paul Rogers is an excellent advocate and tactician. He is very personable and builds a brilliant rapport with clients."

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