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 represent clients in forums up to and including the Supreme Court. Recently they have appeared in leading cases such as Abraaj. Instructing solicitors agree that the set boasts "first-class experts in professional liability".

Lizzy Stewart is senior clerk and CEO.

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 NMC v EY, a major claim relating to alleged audit mismanagement. Beyond financial services work, the set also has a strong record in professional negligence cases concerning solicitors negligence for top City firms.

Paul Dennison and Tony Burgess are the senior clerks.

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 acting for the FRC in an investigation into the highly publicised collapse of Carillion.

Alex Taylor is senior clerk.

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 on the management of litigation. The set also has strength in claims involving financial services professionals, including auditors and financial advisers. Hailsham's barristers have acted in high-profile trials and appeals that have influenced the law on limitation and the illegality defence. Recently, members of the set appeared in KCL v Kession Capital. This was a ground-breaking case relating to the liability of firms for their appointed representatives under the FSMA.

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 cases of considerable size and importance, including Mitchell v Al Jaber. One market commentator notes that "there is an impressive array of expertise on offer at this set".

Nicholas Luckman leads the team.

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. Members have recently been involved in Gerko v Payne Hicks Beach LLP and John Wardell KC, a case regarding allegedly negligent advice in a past construction case. One interviewee praises the set's "excellent strength and depth of specialists".

The clerking is led by Carl Wall and Stewart Gibbs.

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. Members have been involved in the defence of a £40 million claim for EY in Enterprise Insurance v EY. The set is considered "extraordinarily strong" and "definitely top end for insurance, with deep expertise in specific areas".

Greg Leyden is the senior clerk.

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 litigation related to the collapse of Axiom Ince. One interviewee comments: "Their counsel have always delivered to a high standard. They are specialists in the field, and this is clearly demonstrated by the work produced and advice provided."

Steve Purse is the senior insurance and professional liability clerk.

2 Temple Gardens houses an esteemed group of barristers with notable experience 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 recently acted in LALS v EIC, representing a Middle Eastern conglomerate in a major brokers' negligence and insurance claim relating to business interruption during the COVID-19 pandemic. One market commentator notes barristers from the set demonstrate "excellent technical ability", paired with accessibility and good client care.

Lee Tyler is the senior clerk.

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 high-profile work includes members' involvement on behalf of defendants in Clifford Chance LLP v Société Générale SA. A source states that the set offers "strength and depth of experience in both professional negligence and fraud claims, particularly those with a complex financial aspect".

Stephen Penson and Stuart Pullum are joint senior practice managers.

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 says: "They have a good range of barristers at different levels of call." Recent work highlights include representing the defendant in UCA v Eversheds Sutherland International, a claim alleging the negligent operation of a break clause which raises specific questions relating to mitigation of loss.

Elliot Langdorf is set's practice director, and the senior practice manager specialising in professional negligence is Patrick Sarson.

Outer Temple Chambers is well regarded for its provision of specialist professional negligence barristers. The set fields a team adept at handling complex cases involving solicitors, actuaries, administrators and investment advisers. The set is especially well renowned for its depth of experience in matters relating to pension schemes and trustees. Recently, tenants from Outer Temple Chambers have appeared in the legal teams of three of the four parties in Briggs v Aon and Gowling & Paul Newman KC, one of the largest professional negligence cases in the pensions sector in recent years. Respondents praise the set for the quality of its barristers at all levels, with one commenting that Outer Temple delivers "significant bench strength of silks at the top of their game, coupled with some extremely good senior juniors".

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. Members recently acted in Bishop of Leeds v Dixon Coles & Gill, a professional negligence claim arising out of a fraud. Instructing solicitors say: "Radcliffe Chambers remains strong in dealing with disputes relating to pensions issues."

John Clark is the head of clerking.

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. One source praises Serle Court for its "many excellent advocates who contribute exceptional strategic and commercial analysis, as well as excellent legal analysis, to every case". Its barristers represent both claimants and defendants. Recent work highlights include Docklock Ltd v Christo & Co Ltd, an appeal relating to allegations of negligent account management.

The practice directors are Nicholas Hockney and Daniel Wheeler.