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 London Diocesan Fund v Winkworth Sherwood. One market commentator notes: "I always have complete confidence that counsel will deal with can handle complex and sophisticated matters in a professional and timely manner."

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 FRC v Deloitte, a claim relating to alleged audit mismanagement.

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 JD Classics Limited (in Administration) v PwC, alleging negligence on behalf of the accountants for allegedly missing a £41 million fraud.

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 which have influenced the law on limitation and the illegality defence. Recently, members of the set appeared in Discovery Land Company, LLC and others v Axis Specialty Europe SE, a Court of Appeal case on the meaning of the “dishonesty” policy exclusion in the SRA Minimum Terms.

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 refers to Wilberforce as "a natural choice for claims against solicitors and other professional advisers."

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 Sapphire v Peter Lynn & Partners, a case regarding allegedly negligent advice concerning a property sale. On interviewee describes the set as "highly experienced in dealing with complex claims in the High Court, the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court."

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 high-profile Carillion v KPMG case. Barristers at the set are described as "easy to work with" and able to "get to grips with considerable amounts of documentation extremely quickly."

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 Shepherd Construction Limited v Dunnett Craven and CBRE. One interviewee comments: "Crown Office Chambers is very strong across the board with a number of exceptional juniors." 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 MWP v Various, a professional negligence case alleging costs fraud by the counsel team of a previous commercial dispute. One market commentator notes they were "extremely impressed by the in-depth knowledge of every counsel I have instructed."

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 the SKAT v Solo Capital Partners LLP case. A source states: "3VB have some very strong specialists in this area. I would not hesitate to recommend them."

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 includes Enterprise v EY, a claim alleging negligence on behalf of the auditors for failing to recognise the company was heading to insolvency.

The senior practice manager specialising in professional negligence is Patrick Sarson.

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 have 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.