Group Litigation | UK Bar

Henderson Chambers is a noted leader in the field of group litigation and can boast "high-quality practitioners" and a "strong history on group product claims." The set's celebrated barristers routinely appear in the highest-profile and most complex group litigation. Recent examples include members appearing on both sides of the VW emissions group litigation and various claims arising out of it. The barristers at Henderson also acted in the Seroxat Group litigation, a high-profile product liability group action.

2 Temple Gardens has an excellent track record of acting in some of the most significant group litigation in recent years. The set leverages expertise in product liability, personal injury and healthcare law to operate in a variety of group claims which span across practice areas and jurisdictions. A recent work highlight is Liverpool FC supporters v UEFA, a large group action concerning physical and psychiatric injuries. One source comments: "They are a very good set and their individuals are very strong in group litigation."

Blackstone Chambers has developed a strong reputation in group litigation, and recent years have seen members acting in some of the most significant cases in the field. Examples include Viegas & Others v Cutrale & Others, a group action concerning an alleged orange juice cartel, and the Fundão Dam litigation. Blackstone barristers also acted in the Dieselgate emissions litigation. One solicitor notes: "They are incredibly clever and hard-working."

Brick Court Chambers is a leading set in competition law and demonstrates particular strength in the emergent class action regime in that field. Members have distinguished themselves by appearing in a number of seminal cases, including Lloyd v Google and Merricks v Mastercard. They have also acted in Northern Rock Mortgage Prisoners, a group action by thousands of mortgage holders who allege they have been treated unfairly by their lenders. One source reports: "In competition law matters the set is at the top of the game."

Matrix Chambers has a strong group litigation practice, particularly in cases pertaining to media, communications and data protection. Members of chambers are regularly instructed in major cases in the group litigation space. Recent examples of the work carried out by members of the set include a large class action against News Group Newspapers for alleged unlawful information gathering, and Various Claimants v British American Tobacco & Imperial Tobacco, a group claim bought by Malawian tobacco farmers against two tobacco companies concerning alleged abuse in their supply chains. One source notes: "They can quickly get on top of complex and novel legal arguments and advise accordingly."

Monckton Chambers has built upon its revered competition law practice as a foundation for a significant offering in group litigation, and more particularly representative actions. This year, members of the set appeared in Le Patourel v BT, a collective action concerning abuse of dominance in the landline market, as well as Kent v Apple and Coll v Google, high-profile collective proceedings against big tech. Such instructions cement the set's reputation garnered from its involvement in leading cases such as Merricks v Mastercard. A source reports that the set has "highly intelligent and thoughtful practitioners whose advice is very reassuring."

One Essex Court has a strong practice in group litigation and is instructed to handle both the defendant and claimant sides of some of the biggest cases taking place. Members of the set have experience in traditional groups, collective actions and multiparty litigation arising in a wide range of areas including data protection, environment, competition and financial services. This year, members of the set have appeared in such high-profile actions as the Fundão Dam litigation. One source remarks: "One Essex Court are firmly entrenching themselves in this area and becoming a real go-to set."

11KBW is a market-leading set for matters pertaining to data protection, privacy, employment and public law, and has brought that expertise into its group litigation practice. 11KBW's "fantastic" barristers are regularly instructed on behalf of claimants and defendants in significant group claims. They have acted in hugely influential cases in the field such as Lloyd v Google. Other recent work highlights include Bennett & Others v Equifax Limited, a class action in connection with a data breach, and Payne James & Others v Commissioner of Police for the Metropolis, an employment group action concerning the employment status of forensic medical examiners.

3 Verulam Buildings is a leading set for commercial disputes. It has leveraged its impressive expertise to develop a significant presence in group litigation and enjoys a strong reputation for its "proven track record of securing favourable outcomes for claimants."In recent years, barristers from the set have been instructed in major Section 90A FSMA claims including Glencore and G4S. Tenants of 3VB also acted in Various Claimants v Santander PLC, a group action by 40,000 claimants who were allegedly mis-sold PPI.

4 New Square Chambers' members are well versed in group litigation across a variety of contexts including fraud, product liability, professional negligence and banking and finance, among others. The set boasts barristers with, in the words of one source, "brilliant analytical minds that provide clear and strong advice." This year, members have appeared both claimant and defendant side in a number of high-profile matters including Allianz & Others v RSA Insurance, a group action by 60 institutional investors under Section 90A of FSMA; Various Investors v G4S, a group action bought by a large investor group concerning an investment fraud; and the Dieselgate emissions litigation.

Outer Temple Chambers has a broad bench of very experienced practitioners who are engaged to handle group litigation matters. The set has numerous areas of expertise including personal injury, clinical negligence, pensions and travel. It has a particularly in-depth knowledge of matters related to equality and discrimination. This year members of the set have appeared in a range of noted cases including the Military Noise Induced Hearing Loss litigation. One source states: "Their ability to handle complex and sophisticated matters with sensitivity and confidence is the primary reason for selecting Outer Temple counsel."