Chambers Review

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Health & Safety - London (Bar)
2
Band 2
What the Team is Known For

2 Hare Court is a well-regarded criminal set "with high-calibre counsel who are experts in their field." It is regularly called upon to act for and advise corporates, individual directors, local authorities and enforcement bodies such as the HSE and Environment Agency. Members are experienced in the handling of health and safety matters relating to deaths at work and in care homes, as well as complex enforcement matters involving hazardous substance accidents. The team is highly regarded for its expertise in corporate manslaughter and gross negligence manslaughter cases. The set's tenants also frequently appear at inquests and high-profile public inquiries. High-profile work handled by the set includes acting in the Grenfell Tower public inquiry and criminal investigations. Market sources state: "I think they are impressive; they have done a really good job at breaking into and establishing themselves as a leading set in the regulatory field." Julian Campbell is director of clerking.

Strengths

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Notable Practitioners

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1
Craig Ferguson
1
Band 1

Craig Ferguson is an expert defence practitioner who represents corporate bodies and professional individuals in fatal accident cases. He has significant experience in a range of sectors including the oil and gas, transport and construction industries. Ferguson possesses particular expertise in handling criminal regulatory cases arising from fatal accidents and catastrophic injuries.

"Craig is very good on his feet and easy to work with. He is very thorough."

"Craig's advocacy is first class. Experts in the field are willing to give way to him when examining tricky witnesses, which is a resounding endorsement of his skills. Craig is excellent."

"Craig is exceptionally thorough in his cases, considered in his approach and highly astute in his strategy. He consistently delivers a top service to all."

James Buchanan
1
James Buchanan
1
Band 1

James Buchanan is recognised for his involvement in complicated health and safety cases, predominantly those relating to workplace accidents. He acts for clients in various sectors, including the construction and transport industries. Buchanan comes highly recommended for his capabilities in representing major corporate bodies facing prosecution and investigation.

"James's written work is always at the highest standard and turned around quickly. He is good at handling clients and keeping them focused on strategy."

"James's client care is one of his plus points, and he is very personable and a safe pair of hands. He knows the law inside and out."

Jonathan Laidlaw KC
1
Jonathan Laidlaw KC
1
Band 1

Jonathan Laidlaw KC is an expert advocate lauded for the breadth of his expertise in health and safety cases, public inquiries and inquests. He defends companies and directors in regulatory, disciplinary and professional matters, and regularly acts for those facing prosecution by the HSE.He is also highly sought after in the US market to represent corporates facing health and safety prosecutions, particularly those concerning corporate manslaughter.

"Jonathan is particularly good. He is a very effective advocate and really impressive."

"Jonathan is a go-to health and safety leader."

"Jonathan is a standout barrister in the field. He has been a leader in public inquiries and police investigations."

"Jonathan is fantastic. He is a brilliant KC who always understands issues as they impact the client."

Alexandra Tampakopoulos
2
Alexandra Tampakopoulos
2
Band 2

Alexandra Tampakopoulos handles a diverse caseload of regulatory work and acts for the defence in highly complex health and safety cases, many of which arise from fatalities. She appears in high-profile inquests.She is also regularly called upon to advise on food safety matters.

"Alexandrais brilliant. She has a really high level of attention to detail, a keen eye and is all over the documents. She is extremely personable and is fantastic on her feet."

"She has ability, grit and advocacy, and her manner with clients is just super, especially if the case is very sensitive."

David Whittaker KC
3
David Whittaker KC
3
Band 3

David Whittaker KC represents both companies and individuals in a variety of cases, including those concerning serious and fatal incidents. He represents clients across a range of sectors, such as hospitality, transport and construction.

"David is a clear expert in his field who understands the needs and competing factors at play of his clients and instructing solicitors. He is a recognised leader in the courtroom."

"David is personable, has gravitas and is great in court."

"David has command of the room and the case. He puts clients in the best position possible, and they love him."

Tom Day
3
Tom Day
3
Band 3

Tom Day is well regarded for his representation of a range of clients in prosecutions brought under the HSWA. His enviable client list includes charitable bodies and individuals, as well as several corporates and their directors. He is well versed in matters arising in the construction sector, and is noted for his expert handling of prosecutions arising from injuries sustained while working at height and other accidents in the workplace.

"Tom gets up to speed and is good with clients. He has a very approachable demeanour and is good with the details."

"Tom is an excellent junior. He is hard-working."

Ranked Barristers at
2 Hare Court

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Band

Silks (KC)

London (Bar)

Health & Safety

Jonathan Laidlaw KC
1
Jonathan Laidlaw KC
1
Band 1
David Whittaker KC
3
David Whittaker KC
3
Band 3

Juniors

London (Bar)

Health & Safety

1
Craig Ferguson
1
Band 1
James Buchanan
1
James Buchanan
1
Band 1
Alexandra Tampakopoulos
2
Alexandra Tampakopoulos
2
Band 2
Tom Day
3
Tom Day
3
Band 3