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Band 1
Provided by Robert Smallwood
Robert was called to the Bar in 1994 and has been Deputy Head of the No5 Personal Injury Group since 2021. Robert’s practice is split equally between Claimant and Defendant instructions, specialising in complex and high value personal injury cases. He is particularly experienced in cases with complex medical, quantum, reconstruction or accountancy evidence. Robert’s experience and practice is such that he is often instructed against and as an alternative to leading counsel. Over the past 12 months Robert has been instructed in cases involving: • The full range of traumatic brain injuries; • Capacity issues; • Spinal injuries, including tetraplegia and paraplegia claims; • Amputations, including transfemoral, transtibial and bilateral transhumeral claims; • Polytrauma; • Functional Neurological Disorder, psychiatric and/or chronic pain disorders; • Fundamental dishonesty and fraud • Fatal accidents with interesting dependency issues. Seminars Robert regularly lectures and provides workshops for Chambers, solicitors and insurers. Over the past 2 years he has presented on the fo lowing topics: Litigating FND and Pain Claims• Future Proofing Claims In Catastrophic Litigation • Maximising Damages in Catastrophic Cases • Amputations and Prosthetics- Maximising the Claim • Fundamental Dishonesty • Accommodation Claims post Swift v Carpenter • Loss of Earnings Claims and the Ogden Tables. What the Directories say Robert is ranked as a Tier 1/ Band 1 ‘Leading Junior’ in both the Legal 500 and Chambers UK. The most recent directory entries have included the fo lowing references: "Robert has fantastic attention to detail that makes a real difference in complex cases. He is superb in conference with experts and very robust in JSMs with opponents. His trial advocacy is best in class." Legal 500 2025 “…has attention to detail, a first-class trial advocate and a great manner with clients. He is very strong in conferences with witnesses and experts. He gives robust and pragmatic commercial advice.” Legal 500 2024 “ …is brilliant on the detail and tactical planning. He is great with clients and experts and a forceful advocate.” “…a tenacious litigator when on his feet but equl ly good on paper.” “He has fantastic attention to detail, is very strong in conference with witnesses and experts, and has a good manner with clients.” Chambers UK 2024 “… a phenomenal operator, capable of dealing with the highest value cases.” Legal 500 2023 “… a tenacious advocate. Robert is excellent. He is strong on detail.” Chambers UK 2023 “Very in-depth analysis of any matters related to the claim. Gets on we l with clients and puts them at ease very quickly” Legal 500 2022 “His attention to detail, ability to communicate well with claimants and his willingness to go the extra mile make him stand out.” Chambers UK 2022 “He combines excellent negotiation skills with a very good client manner and willingness to fight in difficult cases. Regularly appears opposite silks without a leader.” Legal 500 2021 “Thorough, excellent on his feet and very good with clients. He is unflappable in court and excellent in cross-examination. His paperwork, attention to detail and ability to master complex expert evidence is consistently exemplary.” Chambers UK 2021.
Qualifications: LLB (Hons)
Robert is a member of PIBA and APIL.
In his spare time, when not stood on the sidelines watching his two children play sport, Robert is a keen golfer and skier.
Provided by Chambers
Robert Smallwood acts for both claimants and defendants in a wide variety of catastrophic injury claims. He is regularly instructed in brain injury, spinal injury, amputation and pain disorder cases. He is adept at handling cases involving complex medical evidence and difficult quantum issues.
Provided by Chambers
Robert is very strong. He is an all-round experienced senior junior who is clear in his advice. He is a great all-rounder.
Robert is very good trial counsel and is very good with experts in conference. He also has a first-class attention to detail.
Robert Smallwood has a dynamic approach and is hugely experienced.
Robert is very strong. He is an all-round experienced senior junior who is clear in his advice. He is a great all-rounder.
Robert is very good trial counsel and is very good with experts in conference. He also has a first-class attention to detail.
Robert Smallwood has a dynamic approach and is hugely experienced.