St John's Chambers

Head of Chambers: Matthew White

Chief Executive: Simon Rhodes

Practice Manager (Commercial/Chancery): Robert Bocock

Practice Manager (Family): Luke Hodgson

Practice Manager (Personal Injury & Clinical Negligence): Adam Marston and Hugh Maguire

Office Manager: Isabelle Mills

Tenants: 80

THE CHAMBERS

St John’s Chambers is one of the largest barristers’ sets in the South West, with 7 silks and over 80 juniors attracting high-quality work in all major areas of civil law. We were voted ‘Set of the Year’ (outside London) by The Legal 500 Bar Awards 2022 , and ‘Chambers of the Year 2022’ by Bristol Law Society.

The set demonstrates excellence and innovation in the provision of legal services having been involved in a number of landmark decisions in the High Court and Court of Appeal. The leading directories describe it as a ‘Western Circuit Powerhouse’ (Legal 500) and ‘Like having London-quality barristers on your doorstep.’ (Chambers UK).

The set’s stand-out legal expertise is evidenced by the number of our members who go on to distinguished service in the judiciary. Within the team are five Recorders, one fee-paid Judge of the First-tier Tribunal, two High Court Judges, three Deputy District Judges, an Assistant Deputy Coroner and two members on the Attorney General list.

The Set's Commitment:

Whether you are a law firm, a business, a public sector organisation or a private individual, you can be sure you will receive legal expertise and client care of the very highest standards from St John’s. Its barristers are described by peers as easy to work with and committed to delivering quality advice on time. They will prepare the strongest possible case and keep all parties informed at every stage. As part of its commitment to its clients, it makes sure all communications are timely, clear and concise.

Clients:

Chambers principal approach to service delivery is to exceed client’s expectations by offering insight, excellent client management, exceptional advocacy skills and sensible approaches. They continue to strive for excellence in the provision of their legal services.

The set’s client base includes regional and national law firms, representing and advising prominent businesses and private individuals. It also provides advice and representation under the public access scheme to members of the public and individual professionals and executives such as planning consultants, managing directors and doctors.

Areas of Work:

The set has top tier expertise in: agriculture & rural affairs, clinical negligence, commercial, construction & engineering, Court of Protection, employment, family & divorce, health & safety, inquests & public inquiries, international arbitration, licensing, personal injury, planning, professional negligence, public & administrative law, real estate, tax, and wills & trusts.

Recent key work highlights include:

• The Supreme Court granted permission to appeal in Davies v Bridgend (re Japanese knotweed). Matthew Whiterepresented the defendant in the Court of Appeal.
• Zoë Saunders was led by Alexander Learmonth KC acting for the appellant in the Court of Appeal in high profile TOLATA case of Hudson v Hathway [2022] EWCA Civ 1648.
• Adam Boyle was successful in easement dispute before the FTT in the case of Philpott v Bovisand Park Limited.
• Jody Atkinson successfully overturns child maintenance service tribunal decision that father had diverted £134,000 of income.
• Rachel Russell represented the Cardiff and Vale University Health Board at a 5-day inquest into the deaths of two nurses from COVID-19.
• Andrew McLaughlin succeeded in the High Court on an appeal against a refusal of relief from sanction relating to three witness statements that were served 1 year late.
• Vivien Croly represented the respondent husband in a two-day final hearing for financial remedy in the case of JD v RMD [2023] EWFC 125.
• The High Court handed down judgment in the case of Ingram and Whitfield v Abraham [2023] EWHC 1982 (Ch). John Dickinson acted for the successful claimants in their challenge.

Mediation:

For cases where mediation is appropriate, the set has a team of 26 qualified mediators available to assist in the capacity of adviser, advocate or mediator.