Professional Negligence

Areas of expertise

• Assignment of causes of action
• Commercial property
• Employment
• Healthcare
• Insolvency (corporate and personal)
• International trade
• Mortgages
• Partnership disputes
• Pensions, investment and financial services
• Personal injury
• Sale of goods
• Shareholders’ disputes

For further information, contact:

David Smith, Senior Clerk, 020 7353 6381

Track record and prominent cases

• Hogg Robinson Trustees Ltd v Scott Lang – Successful claim on behalf of pension scheme trustees against scheme investment advisers and fund managers for negligent investment advice.
• Nederlandsche Creditverzekering Maatchappijnv & Anor v Dovertower & Ors – Multi million pound international export finance case in the Commercial Court.
• Ruttle Plant Hire Ltd v DEFRA - Multi-million pound claim for breach of contract arising out of the foot and mouth outbreak in 2001 involving issues of interest due under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act.
• The Buncefield oil refinery case - ???

Our clients

We act for claimants and defendants in all areas of professional negligence, including by surveyors, accountants, actuaries, financial advisers, fund managers and insurance brokers, among many others.

What the directories say

THE SET - This set maintains its standing as a leading chambers for medical profession cases, and does particularly well on the defence side. Its fine reputation also extends to matters before the SRA, the Transport Tribunal and the Financial Services Regulatory Decisions Tribunal. Clients, solicitors and professional body members find the set "a breath of fresh air" due to its modern, outward-looking approach.

SILKS - Brendan Finucane QC garners praise for his formidable grasp of the law and the excellent relationships he maintains with clients and instructing solicitors. He has represented doctors, lawyers and accountants in regulatory actions and before criminal courts. Similarly well regarded, Gordon Bebb QC undertakes instructions for cases where the misconduct in question verges on the criminal. He acts for consultants, GPs and other healthcare practitioners accused of inappropriate behaviour, sexual assault and professional incompetence.

JUNIORS - Medical law expert Charles Foster is, according to many voices in the area, "one of the first we turn to." He appears in messy, sensitive cases involving multiple allegations of wrongdoing and breaches of medical ethics. He recently advised the Medical Defence Union on the legal liability for knowingly providing or arranging medical treatment for illegal immigrants. Equally esteemed stablemate Alan Jenkins is considered "without doubt one of the best barristers in the field in terms of client care, advocacy and the ability to assimilate masses of documents and present an effective case." Another senior leading junior in professional discipline, David Morris has an impressive track record in cases where high-ranking doctors face being struck off. In one such matter, he represented a consultant surgeon with undiagnosed depression who developed an addiction to pethidine, and stole large amounts of the drug from his hospital; the GMC allowed a conditional rehabilitation. Anthony Haycroft is hailed for his impressive work in court and for his "lovely manner" outside of it. James Counsell is sought out because he is "seen as a safe bet by solicitors" and has "an innate ability to build a very good rapport with clients." He is known for his ability to turn around seemingly hopeless cases for the doctors he defends. Counsell further acts for accountants, actuaries, independent financial advisers, and medical and legal practitioners before their respective representative bodies. Fiona Horlick engages in high-stakes disciplinary actions for and against doctors, dentists and pharmacists. She is adept at making intelligent, highly demanding clients feel that they are being well handled. Solicitors like her as she is "capable of being a rottweiler for her client if the situation calls for it." James Leonard, like many at the set, has a background in criminal cases and so "took to professional discipline like a duck to water." He has a thriving practice which is strong on GMC and inquest work.Chambers and Partners 2012

Memberships and involvement

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