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 the barristers "always add considerable value," and are "highly skilled and responsive advocates. They have an excellent reputation for health and safety cases, which is well deserved." Most recently, barristers acted in the Didcot Power Station collapse that involved four fatalities.

Andy Hunter is the senior practice manager.

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Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Excellent service levels and responses from barristers and clerks.

Health & Safety respondent
UK Bar

Outer Temple Chambers are highly responsive and consistently provide an outstanding level of service.

Health & Safety respondent
UK Bar

Excellent service levels and responses from barristers and clerks.

Health & Safety respondent
UK Bar

Outer Temple Chambers are highly responsive and consistently provide an outstanding level of service.

Health & Safety respondent
UK Bar

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

Ben Compton

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.

He delivers a masterclass in advocacy, approach and always has the ears of the tribunal. Ben is concise and well-judged in his words. He has a generosity of spirit.

He is really knowledgeable, really sensible and has such an amazing client manner, he dealt with the case so calm and reassuringly, the client felt they were in really safe hands.

Ben always provides the client with reassurance, often in the most challenging circumstances. He is a truly outstanding advocate, and his written submissions are first-class.

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James Leonard

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.

He's simply outstanding in every department, he's a joy to work with.

He's a fantastic all-rounder and James is our go-to counsel. He is technically at the top of his game, has deep experience in regulatory work and has a fantastic manner with clients.

He is really sensible, has a really good court presence and judges and clients like him.

His advocacy is incredible. He is an extremely safe pair of hands and you always feel confident when James is on his feet. He has great attention to detail.

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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.

His advocacy is excellent and he has vast experience in this area as he sits as a coroner himself. He is always excellent with clients.

Paul's client care has been very good.

Paul is a highly persuasive advocate, very thoughtful and personable. Paul is excellent with clients and his knowledge of inquests is unrivalled.

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Oliver Powell

New Silks

Oliver Powell KC 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.

He's a great combination of attention to detail and solid strategy in complex regulator trials, and he's very responsive.

He is really good, really impressive. I think he is fabulous.

He is incredibly energetic and engaging, you have total confidence when you have him on your side.

He is a real terrier, relentless in pursuit of exploring every avenue and option, he's over the detail like a rash, and very good with clients as he's buoyant and optimistic.

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