UK Bar London (Bar) Professional Negligence

4 New Square offers unparalleled capabilities in the area of professional negligence, regularly attracting key instructions for and against professionals in the legal, financial and insurance sectors. The set excels in any case involving advice on financial planning, investments, tax liability, property or the conduct of litigation. It is notable for its deft handling of the high-value and the legally complex, including a number of recent cases on limitation, or causation, or successor practices in claims against solicitors. The barristers have continued to appear in fora up to and including the Supreme Court. This year they have appeared in leading cases such as Aurium Real Estate London Ultra Prime v Mishcon de Reya.

4 Pump Court houses highly skilled barristers with notable experience in litigation concerning professionals in the legal, insurance and financial sectors, in addition to its superb expertise in the construction and engineering industries. As with other areas of the set's practice, work with international elements is a particular strength. In a recent highlight, Nigel Tozzi KC achieved success in a pair of claims brought against Withers LLP concerning failures in carrying out and reporting searches for the purchase of prime property in London.

Brick Court Chambers is a leading commercial set noted for appearing in high-value professional negligence claims relating to accountancy and audit. The set maintains a strong client base which includes representing the four leading accountancy firms as well as other high-profile financial services entities. The barristers possess notable experience in major investigations and litigation involving the FRC. Members had continued to be heavily involved in the Ingenious litigation prior to its settlement, whilst Tom Adam KC successfully defended Andrew Thornhill KC in another widely reported tax avoidance scheme claim.

Fountain Court Chambers offers heavyweight expertise in the representation of both defendants and claimants in claims against professionals in the legal, banking and financial services sectors. The barristers have notable experience in dealing with tax-related disputes, including the Ingenious litigation and Maclean v Thornhill KC. Fountain Court leads the field when it comes to any litigation involving banking mis-selling. Professional negligence claims surrounding high-stakes business insolvencies are an additional area of strength. Members are also highlighted for their proficient handling of cross-border matters, with recent highlights including the successful defence of a claim against Walkers LLP arising from the Brazilian Banco Rural affair. Sources praise the set for being "very sensitive to the commercial aspects of a case."

Hailsham Chambers is a highly respected set with a huge depth of expertise in solicitors' liability claims. Tenants have experience representing both claimants and respondents in relation to issues including advice on investment and other transactions, and the management of litigation. The set also has strength in claims involving financial services professionals including auditors and financial advisers. Hailsham barristers have acted in high-profile trials and appeals which have influenced the law on limitation and the illegality defence. They also appeared in Hart v Large, an important case on liability for chartered surveyors. Clients say: "Hailsham is undoubtedly one of the top sets for professional negligence law."

Wilberforce Chambers can bring to bear deep expertise in a wide range of professional negligence claims, acting for both defendants and claimants. The set is frequently sought out for solicitors' liability claims and matters involving financial services professionals, often complicated by fraud elements. Property-related work is a strong suit, and the barristers are an obvious choice for negligence claims concerning the more complex of conveyancing matters, or major development projects. Members continue to act in matters of considerable size and importance, notably Aurium Real Estate London Ultra Prime v Mishcon de Reya, in which Ian Croxford KC represented the successful respondent.

3 Verulam Buildings houses counsel who are experienced in a range of professional negligence disputes. Its barristers offer deep expertise when handling insurance-related claims as well as those alleging negligence on the part of solicitors. They have additional skill in claims arising out of negligent tax and investment fund advice. Recent work highlights include Farol Holdings v Clydesdale Bank, a claim alleging the bank misled customers regarding their liability for swap breakage costs when terminating or restructuring loans early. The barristers are praised by clients for being "very knowledgeable, accommodating and a pleasure to deal with."

7 King's Bench Walk is sought out for its barristers' deep expertise in liability claims concerning financial services professionals, including the leading accountancy firms. The barristers are also highly experienced in solicitors' negligence claims and various disputes involving insurance brokers. Rebecca Sabben-Clare KC appeared as lead counsel for the successful appellant in the landmark Supreme Court case of Manchester Building Society v Grant Thornton. More recently, the barristers have acted in various aspects of the litigation surrounding KPMG's role in the collapse of Carillion.

Crown Office Chambers has notable areas of focus within the professional negligence field, including claims against solicitors and those involving financial, insurance and construction professionals. The barristers have recently participated in prominent cases such as the Ingenious litigation. Other notable cases have contributed to the case law on solicitors' duties to litigation funders, and the measure of loss when a building surveyor misses a defect. Clients praise them for having "an excellent breadth of knowledge of all areas of professional indemnity work."

2 Temple Gardens houses an esteemed group of barristers with notable experience of guiding clients through a range of sensitive professional negligence disputes. Barristers at the set possess deep expertise in matters involving lawyers, accountants, financial advisers and insurance brokers. They have represented Clyde & Co in defence of major claims with alleged links to the 1MDB fraud, as well as being instructed in matters arising from the Grenfell Tower tragedy.

Gatehouse Chambers is noted for its skilled representation of claimants and defendants in a range of professional negligence disputes. Members are highlighted for their expertise in matters pertaining to legal, financial and construction professionals. They have been active in cases involving Big Four accounting firms and nationwide solicitors' firms. Particular work highlights in this area have arisen from major corporate insolvencies or international investments. The barristers are praised by clients for being able to "get to the key issues quickly."

Maitland Chambers possesses notable expertise in bringing professional negligence claims against law firms, barristers and financial advisers. Its tenants have well-established knowledge in claims concerning fraudulent investment schemes and high-value real estate transactions.

Radcliffe Chambers houses notable expertise in property-related professional negligence claims, pension issues and disputes arising out of the execution of wills and trusts. Other areas of expertise include claims following tax and other financial advice. Instructing solicitors say: "The barristers at Radcliffe are a delight to work with, and are very thorough and detail-focused."

Serle Court is a well-respected set which is noted for its representation of accountants, valuers and solicitors in professional negligence claims. The chambers fields particularly strong expertise in matters relating to property, company ownership or the management of trusts. Its barristers represent both claimants and defendants. Recent work highlights include Jomast v Muckle, concerning allegedly negligent drafting by solicitors in a contract to house asylum seekers on behalf of the Home Office.