Professional Negligence | UK Bar

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 Percy v Merriman White, a claim for contribution pursuant to 1978 Act by a solicitor against counsel, following the settlement of claim by the solicitor.

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. A recent work highlight was involvement in E20 Development Corp v Allen & Overy, a claim concerning alleged negligence in the drafting of a commercial agreement.

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. Recent work highlights include McClean & Others v Andrew Thornhill KC, a claim related to tax avoidance schemes.

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. A recent work highlight was Investors v Link and Woodford, a claim of negligent supervision of an investment management fund. A source praises Fountain Court Chambers as "a top set with the skill set to handle complex and sophisticated matters with ease."

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. Recently, members of the set appeared in Percy v Merriman White, an important Court of Appeal case that considered the burden of proof and evidence required under the Contribution Act.

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, including Curtiss v Zurich Insurance, a group claim alleging dishonest certification of new-build flats in the largest tower block in Wales.

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 Wemyss v Simon C Dickinson Ltd, a case related to alleged negligence in the sale of a painting. A source states: "A top set with great bench strength."

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 disputes involving insurance brokers. Barristers at the set continue to work in litigation related to the collapse of Carillion and also ABN Amro Bank v Royal and Sun Alliance and Others, a multimillion pound insurance and insurance broker negligence claim.

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. Members of the set have appeared recently in The Golden Endurance case, a claim related to marine insurance brokerage. One interviewee comments: "Crown Office Chambers have developed a strong reputation at all levels of seniority."

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. Members appeared for the third and fourth defendant receivers in a claim for negligence in relation to a South London development site.

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. A source extols: "The barristers are fully able to handle even the most complicated set of circumstances and provide first-class advice."

Radcliffe Chambers houses notable expertise in property-related professional negligence claims, pension issues and disputes arising out of the drafting of wills and trusts. Other areas of expertise include claims following tax and other financial advice. A recent work highlight was Toyota Material Handling v Mercer Limited, a negligence claim brought against former benefits consultants. Instructing solicitors say: "Radcliffe counsel always cut through the detail to the heart of the issue, no matter how complex."

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 Taylor Goodchild Limited v Scott Taylor, an appeal related to allegations of breach of fiduciary duty.