Professional Discipline | UK Bar

Deans Court Chambers offers an exceptional bench of barristers who have renowned practices both prosecuting and defending doctors facing allegations of misconduct relating to clinical failings, sexual misconduct and other serious matters. Many of the barristers draw on their complementary skills in inquests and criminal cases to inform their practice in this area. According to one interviewee, Deans Court has "a very strong profile in regulatory work."

Exchange Chambers exhibits strength in defending healthcare practitioners in fitness-to-practise hearings and other matters, including appeals. It can also boast substantial expertise in police disciplinary proceedings. The barristers have acted in numerous matters that have attracted the attention of the national press. Recent cases include the representation of a police officer who drove his van at speed knowing the complainant was holding on to the door of the van.

Members of Lincoln House Chambers are favoured by the GMC and often relied upon by medical professionals to defend a range of misconduct matters. The barristers also offer considerable experience in police disciplinary proceedings and are familiar with the regulatory framework of a range of other professions. One market commentator notes: "They are a really good set of barristers, and really good junior members are coming through as well."

New Park Court Chambers is a Leeds-based set which can offer copious expertise in the medical and police disciplinary spheres, drawing on a strong profile in criminal law. Members have acted in serious and highly publicised regulatory and disciplinary matters involving various police forces, the GMC and the Nursing and Midwifery Council. One source praises the set for its "very experienced counsel who are able to deal with more complex and sophisticated matters."

No5 Barristers' Chambers offers a solid practice in disciplinary work. Cases handled by the barristers typically concern police misconduct proceedings. Teaching regulation is an additional strength. One source highlights its "very good" barristers for professional discipline work.