SILK PROFILE
Christopher Barnes KC

Christopher Barnes KC

UK Bar 2026

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Ranked in 2 practice areas

About

Provided by Exchange Chambers

Practice Areas

Chris practises exclusively in high value personal injury and clinical negligence claims. He has a particular expertise in claims against the Ministry of Defence, acting for the claimants in the reported claims of Bradlaugh (CC), Birch (HC and CA), Ifede (HC) and Lillington (CC and CA). He successfully opposed the making of a GLO in the NIHL claims (Abbott). He recently recovered £8,000,000 for a serviceman rendered paraplegic following an accident while training. His general personal injury work includes catastrophic brain, spinal injuries and amputation claims, with numerous settlements in excess of £10,000,000. He represented the successful appellant in the Court of Appeal in the case of Crooks v Hendricks Lovell (regarding the interplay of the CRU regime and CPR Part 36). He represented the claimants in Fry v McFaull (considering the Coles v Perfect guidelines) and Brown v Alexander (re. disclosure of case management records, Lawtel). He represented the successful claimant in Hadley v Przbylo in which the Court of Appeal allowed the recovery of the costs of solicitors attending rehabilitation MDTs. He covers the full range of clinical negligence claims including medical, surgical, GP, dental and physiotherapy negligence. He represented the claimant in the case of EXN v Alder Hey Children’s Hospital NHS Trust in which damages with a capitalised value of £27,300,000 were recovered. He is instructed in a number of ongoing clinical negligence claims with a (capitalised) value in excess of £30,000,000.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

UK Bar

Personal Injury - Northern (Bar)

Band 1
Band 1

Individual Editorial

Christopher Barnes KC practises in both personal injury and clinical negligence, with a notable focus on military claims. He also handles catastrophic brain injury and amputation claims for claimants.

Clinical Negligence - Northern (Bar)

Band 3
Band 3

Individual Editorial

Christopher Barnes KC serves as the head of the personal injury and clinical negligence department at Exchange Chambers. He has a well-regarded practice, regularly representing clients in birth injury and catastrophic brain injury cases.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Christopher is an outstanding advocate. He is sharp and incisive with clear attention to detail. He quickly grasps issues in complex and high-value cases, and remains calm and unflappable throughout.

    Personal InjuryUK Bar
  • Christopher is very results-driven. He is a ruthless litigator. He reads and digests information so quickly, but does that alongside client care.

    Personal InjuryUK Bar
  • Christopher was a hugely busy junior and is establishing himself as a silk very well. He has an impressive presence.

    Personal InjuryUK Bar
  • He is not afraid to take on difficult cases and fight them. Christopher has obtained excellent results for my client who was very pleased with the outcome and representation provided.

    Personal InjuryUK Bar
  • Christopher is a young KC with a wealth of experience and knowledge. His attention to detail and tactical understanding is second to none.

    Personal InjuryUK Bar
  • Chris manages to balance an approachability with clients with great technical expertise and confidence.

    Clinical NegligenceUK Bar

Ranked Barristers at Exchange Chambers (107)

All Circuits

North Eastern (Bar)

Northern (Bar)

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