David Westcott QC

Called to bar 1982
Date of Silk 2003

Clerk Graham Woods Tel: 020 7353 6381
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David Westcott has been a specialist in clinical negligence and catastrophic personal injury cases for longer than he cares to recall. Having dealt with high-value actions without a leader for some 4-5 years before taking silk in 2003, he has been bringing big cases (mostly involving birth injury or paralysis from spinal injury) to trial for more than 10 years. He acts for claimants and defendants alike; and brings to each and every case the same analytical skill, attention to detail and approachable manner that has caused commentators consistently to recommend him.

Review of the Chambers UK and Legal 500 back catalogues reveal that David has been "endorsed for his client-friendly attitude and accessibility" (Chambers UK 2008) and is regarded as "a fine advocate and a delightful character with an impressive track record" (Legal 500, 2007); opponents have said that "his straightforward but firm approach means that you know you will get a fight from him, but it will be a fair fight" (Chambers UK 2006). He adopts an "innovative approach to technical issues" (Chambers UK 2007); "... extraordinary praise is reserved for David Westcott QC whom clients find ‘robust' and a ‘sensational negotiator" (Legal 500, 2008); "A polished advocate who is extremely bright, he is the complete package as a QC" (Chambers UK 2008); and one solicitor demonstrated a command of hyperbole that knew no bounds in saying "If I could only have one barrister ever, it would be him" [Chambers UK 2006].

Areas of practice
Clinical Negligence & Healthcare, Professional Negligence, Personal Injury, Discipline & Regulatory

What the Directories say

Clinical Negligence
"The "exceptional, razor-sharp" David Westcott QC, who is admired by countless interviewees for his "amazing ability, astuteness and dedication." A veteran of numerous high-profile, multimillion-pound cases, he is "unfailingly courteous, formidable on his feet, great at negotiating and a profound thinker." Chambers UK, 2009

David Westcott QC has ‘the skill of a genius ... with a case'.
Legal 500, 2009

Personal Injury
"David Westcott QC impresses sources with his advocacy and cross-examination skills. Brilliant both in court and in conference, he "really gets his head round complex expert reports and can command respect merely by entering a room."
Chambers UK, 2009

Notable cases