Deans Court Chambers

Head of Chambers: Michael Hayton KC

Senior Clerk: Matthew Gibbons

Tenants: 104 (15 Silk)

Deans Court Chambers are a modern, innovative and forward-looking set, comprising of more than 100 barristers, 12 of whom are King’s Counsel. We offer specialist advocacy, advisory and drafting expertise across a wide spectrum of practice areas and at every level of seniority. Our aim is to provide the highest standards of service and to anticipate and respond to our clients’ needs. At 24 St. John Street, Manchester, and at our premises at Ringway House, Preston, we provide first class, purpose-designed facilities for conferences and consultations, lectures and seminars, arbitration, mediation and video-conferencing so that we can cater for our client's bespoke requirements.

Our reputation for professionalism and approachability is underpinned throughout by a rigorous quality policy. Our staff, assisted by the latest in technology, provide comprehensive support in delivering the strong, flexible response clients need.

Deans Court Chambers is recognised as one of one of the leading sets of independent barristers in the country, with a strong presence nationally and locally.

Originally founded over 125 years ago on Moseley Street Manchester (Circa 1897), Deans Court has had many homes in Manchester and a long established annexe in Preston.

Civil Litigation

Extensive experience in personal injury claims—including spinal and head trauma—class actions, industrial disease, and fraudulent claims. Expertise spans road traffic and workplace accidents, professional negligence, insurance disputes (including coverage litigation, Road Traffic Act matters, and Motor Insurers’ Bureau claims), contractual disagreements, consumer credit (including credit hire), product liability, domestic and international arbitration, technology and construction disputes, and cases involving human rights and false imprisonment.

Chancery & Commercial

Practice includes commercial arbitration, banking, carriage of goods, civil fraud and asset tracing, insolvency (corporate and personal), company law (shareholder disputes, minority protections, directors’ duties and disqualification), credit and leasing, financial services, equitable remedies and injunctions, insurance and reinsurance, intellectual property, landlord and tenant issues, mortgages, partnerships, pensions, probate, real property, domestic and international sale of goods, and trusts, settlements, and wills.

Family Law

Specialist in financial remedies following divorce or civil partnership dissolution, including complex corporate structures, trust arrangements, nuptial agreements, offshore assets, and freezing injunctions. Advises on cohabitation disputes (ToLATA and Schedule 1 applications) and claims under the Inheritance Act 1976. Children law is a core strength, with representation of local authorities, parents, interveners, and children in care and adoption proceedings involving serious injury, fatality, fabricated illness, and intergenerational abuse. Also handles complex residence and contact disputes, international child abduction, and surrogacy matters.

Court of Protection & Community Care

Handles cases involving unlawful removal of adults from their homes, deprivation of liberty, judicial review of service provision decisions, and use of inherent jurisdiction for vulnerable individuals. Advises on the intersection of the Court of Protection and the Mental Health Act 1983, including welfare decisions on capacity and property, financial abuse, and ratification of gifts.

Criminal Law

Provides prosecution and defence services across all levels, including homicide, sexual offences, commercial fraud, conspiracy, drug importation and supply, revenue and excise offences, and health and safety breaches.

Professional Discipline, Business Crime & Regulatory

Advises on regulatory compliance and defends clients in criminal prosecutions under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and related legislation. Represents parties in inquests, licensing matters, intellectual property disputes, transport and rail regulation, corporate manslaughter, trading standards, food safety, environmental law, and DEFRA prosecutions. Experienced in tribunal advocacy, acting for regulatory bodies (including the GMC) and defending practitioners for medical defence organisations. Panel member for the Medical Defence Union and Medical Protection Society.

Deans Court Chambers - 24 St John Street, Manchester, M3 4DF - 0161 214 6000

Preston Annex - Ringway House, Preston, PR1 1HQ - 01772 565 600