Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers
Personal Injury - London (Bar)
3
Band 3
What the Team is Known For

1 Crown Office Row offers expertise spanning the full range of personal injury matters. Its strong bench of barristers is regularly called upon to handle complex and high-value catastrophic injury cases arising from accidents at work and on the road. Interviewees remark: "All the barristers at 1COR are at the top their game and very impressive." The set houses considerable strength in matters involving allegations of historic sexual abuse, and several tenants have been involved in some of the most high-profile inquiries of recent years such as the Rochdale Abuse Inquiry and the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse. Members undertake work on behalf of both claimants and defendants, and count several health authorities, government departments and major insurers among their clients. Work for the set has included Raxworthy v European Metal Recycling Ltd, a multimillion-pound amputation claim arising out of a serious accident.

Matthew Phipps is the senior clerk.

Strengths

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Notable Practitioners

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Elizabeth-Anne Gumbel KC
Star Individuals

Elizabeth-Anne Gumbel KC commands universal respect for her unrelenting work ethic, mastery of personal injury law and total devotion to her cases. Her practice focuses on claimant-side maximum severity catastrophic injury matters, group actions and sexual abuse work. Much of her abuse work centres on children and abuse in institutions. She is valued for her knowledge of complex quantum issues.

"Liz-Anne is just a powerhouse. She is so passionate about her work, incredibly practical, unflappable and makes it all look easy."

"Liz-Anne is a superwoman. She is so intelligent and knowledgeable. Clients feel at such ease when they meet with her and know that she is going to fight their corner."

"Liz-Anne is a force to be reckoned with. She is always the master of her brief, and the wealth of her experience in dealing with very serious injury cases benefits every client she represents."

Justin Levinson
Star Individuals

Justin Levinson is a leading senior junior for claimant-side child abuse litigation. He has an exceptional reputation and practically unrivalled experience in claims against the Anglican and Catholic Churches. He routinely represents clients in actions brought against nearly every class of defendant, including individuals, educational institutions, social services departments, schools, care homes and youth organisations.

"Justin is crystal clear in his thinking and analysis. His knowledge of abuse law and his tactical approach to cases make him one of best claimant counsel in the UK."

"He is real leader in his field. A great legal mind at the cutting edge of this practice area."

"Pragmatic and shrewd, he never shies away from a fight and is a joy to work with even where cases are difficult."

Justin was instructed on a matter heard before the Supreme Court regarding whether local authorities can be held vicariously responsible for avoidable child abuse within families.

Henry Witcomb KC
1
Henry Witcomb KC
1
Band 1

Henry Witcomb KC is an advocate of tremendous renown given his compelling advocacy in complex group actions and historic sexual abuse claims. He is a leading clinical negligence practitioner and is well versed in catastrophic personal injury claims. He predominantly acts for claimants, and is proficient at dealing with complex quantum and causation issues. He is also well versed in RTA and criminal injury claims. He has substantial experience acting for clients in inquest proceedings.

"He is a details person and a fierce negotiator."

"Henry is phenomenal. He is outstanding at everything - so good with clients, so good in court and he works incredibly hard."

"Henry is knowledgeable, well prepared and able to get to grips with complex matters with ease. He has a lovely manner which reassures both clients and experts."

2
Iain O'Donnell
2
Band 2

Iain O'Donnell is well regarded for his expert knowledge of child abuse compensation law and adroit handling of a wide range of high-value historic abuse claims. He has experience acting in claims brought against several institutions, including residential schools and the Anglican and Catholic Churches.

"Iain is approachable and understands how to reach the best resolution with minimal emotional impact on the client. He is a strong, confident advocate and a clear expert in his field."

"Iain is a real fighter. He is very tenacious, runs every point and gets good results for his clients."

"Iain is a good lawyer, prepared and able to take on complex and challenging cases. He has an ability to think outside the case and to find solutions."

"Iain is a strong advocate for claimants who have experienced abuse during their childhood and always offers sensitive, sensible and pragmatic advice."

Shahram Sharghy
2
Shahram Sharghy
2
Band 2

Shahram Sharghy has an established catastrophic injury practice where he predominantly represents claimants. His matters largely relate to claimants injured in road traffic collisions.

"Shahram is an exceptional talent. He is fantastic on detail and has a great understanding of liability and medical evidence."

"He has an excellent manner with clients and is very clear in his advice. He is tactically outstanding and a joy to work with."

"Shahram demonstrates the highest tactical awareness and is willing to go the extra mile to deliver the best outcomes for claimants."

Robert Kellar KC
3
Robert Kellar KC
3
Band 3

Robert Kellar KC has a wide-ranging personal injury practice with an emphasis on abuse litigation. He takes instructions from defendants and claimants, and has a broad understanding of quantum, liability and causation in accidents at work and on the road.

"Robert has a lovely manner with clients, which can win over even the most difficult clients. He is calm and collected in negotiations, which results in the best outcome."

"He is a highly intelligent and able lawyer. He has good judgement and impressive tactical skills."

U
Thomas Beamont
U
Up and Coming

Thomas Beamont is a rising talent in the field of personal injury. He handles a range of claims, both led and unled, with a specialism in abuse matters. He also has experience in a broader range of personal injury claims including injuries at work and fatalities.

"Thomas is thorough in his approach, and he has an ability to think outside of the box to get the best outcome for clients."

"Thomas is excellent at providing both technical and practical advice on complex matters."

"He is kind and an exceptional barrister who is wonderful with clients and quick-thinking."

Ranked Barristers at
1 Crown Office Row

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Filter by
Band

Silks (KC)

London (Bar)

Personal Injury

Elizabeth-Anne Gumbel KC
Star Individuals
Henry Witcomb KC
1
Henry Witcomb KC
1
Band 1
Robert Kellar KC
3
Robert Kellar KC
3
Band 3

Juniors

London (Bar)

Personal Injury

Justin Levinson
Star Individuals
2
Iain O'Donnell
2
Band 2
Shahram Sharghy
2
Shahram Sharghy
2
Band 2
U
Thomas Beamont
U
Up and Coming