Health & Safety
UK Bar Guide 2025 : London (Bar)
Band 2
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
(020) 7440 8888Chambers Review
The barristers at 2 Bedford Row are experienced in the prosecution and defence of corporate manslaughter and individual gross negligence manslaughter cases. Members are instructed in matters arising in several different industry sectors, including hospitality, construction and transport, and are regularly called upon to act for and advise clients on cases involving the Regulatory Reform Act and complex prosecutions relating to breaches of fire safety. The set's enviable client list includes major corporations and their directors, as well as the HSE, the ORR, and fire and rescue authorities. Recent work highlights include providing counsel in the Chester trampoline park case. One interviewee states: "It is a strong set of chambers with robust, reliable and very competent counsel, offering very efficient service." The senior clerk is John Grimmer.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The response time is second to none, and I know that if a call is made that it will be dealt with expeditiously and any instructions will be attended to promptly and allocated to the correct counsel."
"The response time is second to none, and I know that if a call is made that it will be dealt with expeditiously and any instructions will be attended to promptly and allocated to the correct counsel."
Notable Practitioners
Andrew McGee acts for both the prosecution and the defence in an array of complex criminal and regulatory cases within the remit of health and safety. He is also an expert at handling gross negligence manslaughter allegations. McGee has appeared at all levels of the court system, including the Supreme Court.
"Andrew is just brilliant all round. He is very good in conferences, fantastic on his feet and able to get to the crux of a case very quickly."
"He is a brilliant advocate with great judgement."
Christine Agnew KC regularly prosecutes for the HSE in matters concerning serious and fatal accidents. She has notable expertise handling cases involving gross negligence manslaughter, corporate manslaughter and serious regulatory breaches.
"Christine is a phenomenal advocate. Her acumen, ability and client care skills are fantastic. She is a very diligent, hard-working advocate and knows and understands clients on an individual level."
"Christine is ferociously bright and very good with clients. She has a disarming manner and is always tough on prosecutors. Clients like her as she doesn't sugarcoat it and will fight and win."
Alexander Stein has recognised expertise in health and safety matters and is regularly instructed to prosecute cases on behalf of the HSE. His work covers a wide spectrum of cases, including gross negligence manslaughter and serious accident claims arising from workplace accidents. He also acts for both individuals and corporates facing prosecution.
"Alexander is a very safe pair of hands."
Craig Rush handles an array of regulatory matters and has been instructed in numerous health and safety cases across a range of sectors. He is also regularly called upon to undertake complex cases for the Care Quality Commission and HSE. He has particular experience defending major companies in HSE prosecutions arising from fatal accidents and severe injury incidents occurring on site.
"Craig is great. He is an excellent advocate and is very robust. Clients love him as he is so hands-on and approachable."
"Craig is fantastic. He does such a range of work."
Jim Sturman KC is a barrister with an enviable reputation who defends large companies in connection with health and safety matters, many of which involve fatalities.He is an expert in major investigations into regulatory breaches and regularly handles cases involving manslaughter by gross negligence.
"Jim doesn't take the first answer and let a point lie, and his cross-examination is effective. He is tactically very astute and makes the right judgement calls."
Quentin Hunt is instructed in both the prosecution and defence of investigations and prosecutions arising out of fatal and non-fatal accidents. He represents companies, individuals and government bodies under investigation by regulatory bodies or the police.Hunt takes a particular interest in cases involving public interest and is noted for being highly skilled at cases concerning accidents occurring at construction sites.
"Quentin Hunt is a real fighter and says it how it is. Even if the client is up against it, it won't stop him."