SILK PROFILE
Andrew Burns KC

Andrew Burns KC

UK Bar 2026

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Chambers ranking badge

Ranked in 3 practice areas

About

Provided by Devereux

UK Bar

Practice Areas

Andrew specialises in complex commercial, employment and industrial disputes, particularly injunctions, and has featured in some of the leading appellate cases in employment law and trade disputes in recent years. Andrew appeared in the Supreme Court in Kostal v Dunkley, identified as one of the “five employment law cases that will shape 2021" by Personnel Today.

Andrew has acted for Royal Mail, British Airways, BALPA, Centrica, Post Office, BT, local authorities and train companies in strike injunctions and industrial action. He appeared in the leading authority: RMT v Serco. He is a leading expert on trade union recognition, collective consultation and bargaining disputes including international disputes (appearing in most of the European Works Council appeals). Andrew has worked with some of the biggest employers in the UK on managing industrial relations during pandemic related business transformation projects.

He is a leading silk in insurance and reinsurance disputes, appearing in the Supreme Court in Durham v BAI (Run Off) Ltd (the Employers' Liability Policy Trigger Litigation), in asbestos insurance cases such as Redman v Zurich and acted in litigation relating to 9/11 reinsurance disputes (Simmonds v Gammell and Allianz v Tonicstar) and other confidential arbitrations.

Career

Called 1993 Middle Temple; Bencher 2018; Silk 2015; Crown Court Recorder 2009; Head of Chambers 2021; Chancellor of the Diocese of Guildford 2022.

Professional Memberships

COMBAR, BILA, ELA, LCLCBA, ELBA, ILS, PNBA, ELS

Publications

Andrew is a co-author of the Law of Reinsurance with Colin Edelman KC (3rd Ed. 2021) and Injunctions with Bean LJ (14th Ed. 2021).

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

UK Bar

Employment - London (Bar)

Band 1
Band 1

Individual Editorial

Andrew Burns KC advises clients on a broad range of employment law matters, with a focus on industrial disputes and discrimination issues. He often acts for major public and private sector employers.

Industrial Relations - All Circuits

Band 2
Band 2

Individual Editorial

Andrew Burns KC boasts an enviable industrial relations practice that regularly sees him acting for employers in complex matters in first instance and in appellate courts.

Insurance - London (Bar)

Band 4
Band 4

Individual Editorial

Andrew Burns KC is a respected commercial silk who maintains an insurance and reinsurance practice that includes a strong focus on litigation arising out of employer liability and professional negligence. He also has experience in D&O cases, coverage disputes and insurance claims relating to personal injury.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Andrew Burns has impressive drafting and case strategy skills.

    EmploymentUK Bar
  • Andrew Burns combines huge intellect with an approachable, down-to-earth manner which lands very well with clients. He is very commercial and sees the big picture, but also masters all of the detail.

    EmploymentUK Bar
  • Andrew Burns' knowledge of industrial action law is unrivalled and he gets to the point quickly, providing pragmatic and sensible advice.

    EmploymentUK Bar
  • Andrew Burns is very good.

    Industrial RelationsUK Bar
  • Andrew is very bright and intellectual, with a good grasp on the relevant authorities. He is easy to work with and accessible.

    InsuranceUK Bar

Ranked Barristers at Devereux (81)

All Circuits

London (Bar)

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