KC Announcement: James Leonard and Claire van Overdijk formally sworn in on Silks Day 2023

We are delighted to announce that James Leonard and Claire van Overdijk have been formally sworn in as King’s Counsel (KC) at the 2023 silk appointment ceremony at Westminster Hall, following their appointment earlier this year.

King Charles III approved the appointment of 95 barristers and solicitors as King’s Counsel in England and Wales in December 2022. This was followed by the appointment ceremony at Westminster Hall on 27 March 2023, where the Lord Chancellor formally bestowed the titles.

The title of KC is awarded to those who have demonstrated particular skill and expertise in the conduct of advocacy. Head of Chambers, James Counsell KC said; “Very many congratulations to our two newest silks, James and Claire, whose appointments are richly deserved.  As outstanding barristers, they will be great additions to our rapidly expanding team of silks.”

Congratulations from everyone at Outer Temple Chambers.

James Leonard

James specialises predominantly in  Health, Safety & Environmental Law and has an established practice in Disciplinary & Regulatory cases. He has a considerable background in complex industrial accident cases, fraud and corruption cases, Financial Services, multi-jurisdictional confiscation proceedings and Public Law.

In previous years, James has been awarded the Chambers & Partners Professional Discipline Junior of the Year 2014, Health & Safety Junior of the Year 2017, and in 2022 he was shortlisted for Health & Safety Junior of the Year again.

As at 2022, James Leonard is one of only two barristers at the Bar of England and Wales to whom Chambers & Partners have afforded the ‘Star’ status in Health and Safety Law. 

Claire van Overdijk

Claire van Overdijk is a specialist private client and public law barrister. She is described as a “very versatile, experienced and persuasive advocate” and was shortlisted as “Advocate of the Year” at the 2019/2020 STEP Private Client Awards.

Owing to her expertise in private international law, Claire is also recognised as an expert in jurisdictional issues both in the public law and private client fields, and is described as “exceptional in cases involving complex overlapping issues of jurisdiction, finance, or particularly difficult family dynamics.”

Find out more

To find out more about James, contact Nick Levett +44 (0)20 7427 4908 for a confidential discussion.

To find out more about Claire, contact Matt Sale +44 (0)20 7427 4910 or George Bennett on +44 (0)207 427 0807 for a confidential discussion.

News 28 Mar, 2023