Professional Negligence

Ben Hubble KC is a specialist in professional liability. He is highly regarded for his ability to take the lead in complex, multiparty litigation. He has a strong track record of handling claims against lawyers, accountants and actuaries, and is also experienced with negligence disputes in relation to divorce settlements. He is the senior decision-maker for the Guernsey Financial Services Commission.

"Ben Hubble is a superstar. He is excellent with clients, gives clear advice and understands what insurers need. He has a gentle but clear style of advocacy which is very effective."

"A brilliant legal mind."

"He is one of the best professional indemnity barristers around. His care for clients, the case and his detail ensuring you win the case is second to none."

"A true expert in professional negligence matters, the one you want if you have a complex matter."

Jamie Smith KC is an outstanding professional negligence specialist barrister. He is a go-to adviser and advocate for high-value negligence claims, particularly those involving solicitors and valuers. He also has a commendable reputation for his work in cases containing allegations of fraud.

"Jamie is a market leader in professional indemnity work. Calm, considered, measured and very client-facing, he is confident, with an excellent grasp of the detail and commercial impact of a case."

"Jamie has an excellent manner with clients. He is disarming and quickly wins their trust, while his technical knowledge and commercial awareness both shine through."

"A great advocate and tactician, and genuinely lovely to work with. Jamie is proof nice guys can make it in this industry."

"Jamie is a leading name in this area and I wouldn't hesitate to instruct him on the most complex cases."

Roger Stewart KC is renowned for his skill in handling indemnity claims and related coverage matters. He acts for a comprehensive range of clients and has recently focused in particular on claims concerning patent agents and lawyers. He has contributed over the years to the literature on the subject of professional liability, and is instructed at the appellate stage in some of the most important cases in the area.

"Roger is the best courtroom advocate I know. He understands the wider concepts and cross-examines until the witness has no escape. If you want a classy advocate at court, he is the number one choice."

"Roger is fantastic and very bright, a star individual."

Ben Elkington KC has a diverse practice taking in extensive insurance and property damage work alongside professional negligence cases. His expertise in insurance brokers' negligence is well noted, and he also tackles claims relating to solicitors, tax advisers, valuers and barristers.

"Ben is extremely approachable, with excellent commercial awareness."

"He is a real fighter."

"He has the client's ear and is very good at picking a team up and raising them due to how strong a leader he is."

Ben Patten KC is a specialist in professional negligence and construction matters, and has experience handling cases in the Commercial Court, TCC and Chancery Division, as well as through arbitration. He is highly regarded for his expertise in claims involving professionals in the construction, financial services and legal sectors.

"Ben is a formidable advocate. He is exceptionally talented, hard-working and a pleasure to work with."

"Ben's fantastic service combines with brilliant legal skills. He has a commercial, grounded and relaxed style."

"Excellent, creative and commercial. Hugely reliable and clients appreciate working with him."

Ben Smiley represents insurance brokers, insolvency professionals and financial advisers, among others. He is a highly esteemed barrister who has acted as sole counsel in a number of significant cases in the professional negligence field.

"Ben is an exceptional junior. He is incredibly knowledgeable on the developments within the accountancy professional liability sector and right across the spectrum of professional liability cases."

"He is our go-to senior junior. He's very clever, turns things around quickly and is excellent on his feet."

"Ben is excellent for accountancy claims. Meticulous and tenacious, he is a safe pair of hands."

Carl Troman focuses particularly on professional negligence claims relating to solicitors, accountants, construction professionals and insurance brokers. He is regularly instructed in complex and high-value litigation concerning multiple parties.

"Carl remains a pre-eminent counsel in the professional negligence field. He delivers a high level of advice in a calm and unflappable manner, and is a joy to work with."

"Carl's written work is excellent, his advice is sound and his advocacy is punchy and compelling."

"Carl is fabulous to work with - he is very responsive, always willing to assist and also good company. He is an effective advocate."

Charles Phipps represents a broad range of clients, in particular defendant lawyers and accountants. He has a particular specialism in claims relating to obligations of confidentiality and privilege.

"Charles has become one of our go-to barristers. He is great to work with and excellent at distilling and simplifying complex issues and problems."

"Charles is extremely knowledgeable and handles complex matters with ease while providing an excellent client service. He is not afraid of difficult conversations with clients either."

"Charles Phipps is a pleasure to work with. Fiercely intelligent, very thorough and a good communicator."

"The best professional negligence junior at the Bar."

David Turner KC handles professional negligence claims brought against construction professionals, insurance brokers, accountants and solicitors, among others. He is particularly adept at representing defendants in cases of allegedly negligent tax and auditing advice, including pre-packaged schemes for tax mitigation.

"David is a go-to for straightforward, clear and concise advice. He is a no-nonsense, clear advocate."

"An outstanding, forensic and clear strategic thinker."

"David is a brilliant technician, excellent in cross-examination and a formidable advocate generally."

Graeme McPherson KC is known for the great strength of his professional negligence and discipline practice, and expertly handles complex commercial litigation, as well as ADR proceedings. He is most often involved in cases concerning financial advisers and solicitors, although he has also advised on claims relating to the conduct of professionals in the sport and music industries.

"Graeme is brilliant, robust and sensible; he is a master tactician."

"He is tough, no-nonsense and has a wealth of experience. He understands professional discipline thoroughly and is someone to wheel out in a difficult situation."

"Graeme is a go-to silk for advice on insurance coverage work. His advice is clear and thorough, and his teamwork is second to none."

Hugh Evans is highly experienced in the field of professional negligence, with additional experience in insurance matters and costs litigation. He represents claimants and defendants alike, and has a particular focus on claims against solicitors and other parties involved in property transactions. He is a respected contributor to the academic literature regarding professional liability.

"Hugh is fantastic, a pleasure to work with and a fountain of knowledge on authorities. He approaches every matter with the same invigoration as a junior out of pupillage."

Justin Fenwick KC is a standout professional negligence silk who is well versed in both UK-based and offshore commercial litigation. A formidable advocate, he is particularly adept at handling professional negligence and related insurance matters that involve significant elements of fraud or dishonesty. His work pertains to various individuals, including auditors, tax advisers, insolvency practitioners, valuers and lawyers.

"Justin has an ineffable ability to generate victory from scraps. There's nobody you'd rather have beside you when backed into a corner."

"Always an excellent advocate."

Patrick Lawrence KC is an esteemed practitioner who has a long history of acting in professional negligence cases, particularly in the financial services sector. He is eminently capable of handling litigation all the way up to the Supreme Court. He has appeared in scores of cases resulting from failed securitisations and has copious experience of claims brought against insurers and brokers, solicitors and professionals in the real estate sector.

"Patrick has an air of gravitas that we all aspire to."

"He has brilliant technical ability, a calm head and is a wonderful advocate."

"His gravitas and legal brain make the most difficult cases better."

"Patrick is really easy to instruct. He is tough, eloquent and brilliant in both written and spoken advocacy."

"An exceptional KC and definitely the one you want on your side."

Scott Allen is an experienced barrister who is instructed in cases featuring a diverse selection of professionals, including solicitors, valuers and receivers. He has appeared in a number of high-profile and precedent-setting cases.

"Scott's drafting is a dream. He always comes to mind when I need a really technical barrister but someone who is also very approachable and human."

"Scott is a pleasure to work with and gets on very well with clients."

Benjamin Wood draws upon his previous career as a corporate financier to advise on complex professional liability issues in the financial sector. He has experience acting for both claimants and defendants in major litigation, and has appeared in the High Court and Court of Appeal, acting both as junior counsel and unled. He also handles claims against a range of other professionals, including solicitors, and acts in disputes between professionals and their indemnity insurers.

"What sets Benjamin apart is the artistry with which he will discriminately deploy beautiful linguistic imagery to elevate key arguments. It is devastating when the stars align."

"Ben has an innate ability to assimilate volumes of information rapidly, cut through the noise and come up with a practical solution, often when navigating complex circumstances."

"Ben is a fantastically approachable barrister who is not only technically great but also provides invaluable input on tactical matters."

Chris Greenwood frequently defends a range of professional clients including lawyers, financial advisers, surveyors and construction professionals against negligence claims. He additionally handles some claimant-side work. He also has experience acting in claims arising from tax avoidance schemes.

"Chris is meticulous and has a good understanding of figures as well as being an excellent lawyer. He is very responsive and commercial, understanding what clients want to achieve."

"Chris is extremely diligent and has a fierce intellect."

"A fantastic advocate, Chris is bright, personable and commercial."

"Exceptionally thorough, super speedy, ferociously bright and absolutely willing to roll up his sleeves as part of the team."

Clare Dixon KC has broad expertise in professional negligence matters, encompassing a wide range of claims against solicitors, barristers, insurance brokers and valuers. She often takes on cases that involve additional elements of fraud or wasted costs, and is recognised for her robust advocacy.

"Clare is an excellent professional negligence barrister, particularly in cases involving financial impropriety."

"Clare gets into the detail of a case quickly, is great at explaining complex issues to clients and is a very effective advocate at mediation."

"Knowledgeable, commercial and switched on, Clare is a very safe pair of hands and great with the clients."

"Clare is terrific; she has a great grasp of detail, excellent responsiveness and is a real pleasure to work with."

David Halpern KC is a highly experienced silk whose commercial chancery experience feeds into his sophisticated professional negligence practice, and who has been involved in numerous appellate cases of substantial legal importance to the field. He handles a broad range of claims arising from business, trust and property disputes, and also takes on cases involving insurance elements. He acts for both claimants and defendants.

"David has an encyclopedic knowledge of the law. His judgement is excellent, alongside his instinct for how a case will go in court."

"David is clearly an expert in the field of professional negligence. He is both pragmatic and constructive."

Graham Chapman KC is a highly regarded commercial barrister who acts for claimants and defendants in a range of professional negligence matters. He advises in cases of auditors', solicitors' and valuers' negligence, particularly in relation to substantial tax, financial and property concerns. He is well equipped to handle cases with an international aspect. He is also a contributor to the academic literature of the field.

"Graham is incredibly good on his feet, well prepared and easy to deal with."

"Graham is outstanding across all metrics by which a KC might be assessed.He is highly commercial, strategically astute, responsive and incisive on his feet. A real pleasure to deal with."

"He's fantastic. He really wins over the clients. He knows his area inside out and can be quite bullish about his views; I think clients like that."

Isabel Barter is an accomplished common law barrister with an emphasis on property damage, product liability and professional negligence. She defends and prosecutes a range of individuals, including accountants, financial advisers and construction professionals. She has previously appeared before the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court. She is a co-editor of the Journal of Professional Liability.

"Isabel is an excellent speaker, really knowledgeable and smart in a collaborative way."

"Isabel is great commercially."

Jonathan Hough KC has appeared in a number of substantial professional negligence cases, including those which have contributed to the clarification of the law. He acts for and against an impressive range of professionals, including lawyers, surveyors and financial advisers.

"Jonathan has the ability to distil complex legal issues in a way clients can understand. His advocacy is very good; he's persuasive."

"Jonathan is very user-friendly and a powerhouse in the professional negligence coverage arena."

"Jonathan is organised and sharp. He can turn his hand to anything, meaning you get a brilliant work product."

Lucy Colter has a flourishing practice in the professional liability space that includes cases concerning insurance brokers, investment managers and barristers, among others. She is also adept at handling claims against construction professionals, including project managers, architects and quantity surveyors. She has developed an impressive understanding of claims resulting from failed syndicate investments.

"Lucy's is equally strong in writing and on her feet."

Michael Bowmer is recognised for his professional liability expertise within the context of a chancery-related practice. He is a strategically-minded barrister who represents claimants and defendants in claims involving valuers, accountants, solicitors and other professionals. He also handles claims arising out of insolvency matters.

"I've lost count of the number of excellent results that Michael has achieved over the years, which is why I continue to instruct him time and time again."

"Michael is a fountain of legal knowledge when it comes to professional negligence claims. He is one of the most approachable and helpful barristers."

"He is a top-flight senior junior, very hard-working and very clever."

Paul Mitchell KC has considerable expertise in professional liability cases relating to financial advisers, accountants, solicitors and barristers. He represents claimants and defendants alike, in court as well as in alternative dispute resolution proceedings.

"He is a great advocate, quite feisty and somebody who really puts his back into it, getting great results for clients."

"Paul is a robust and competent advocate in writing."

"Paul is very responsive. He's excellent to work with."

Pippa Manby possesses a strong reputation in the professional negligence sphere, with notable strength in cases relating to financial transactions. She typically acts for lawyers or accountants in high-value cases involving advice on investments or tax liabilities.

"Pippa is excellent. She comes across very well, providing honest and hard advice."

"Prompt, easy to work with and quick at getting to the nub of the problem, Pippa is very effective in trial settings in terms of putting her point across precisely."

Tom Asquith is a barrister who possesses experience in a broad range of professional negligence matters for accountants, solicitors and surveyors. He is capable of acting as sole counsel and has been instructed in relation to high-value claims and cases requiring knowledge of foreign jurisdictions.

"Tom provides clear, concise advice which is commercially focused."

"Tom's advice is practical and collaborative. He is very approachable and responsive, picking up the phone to talk issues through where needed."

"A very good written adviser, Tom puts together very well-structured skeleton arguments and advisory documents."

"He is always a safe pair of hands with an eye on the commercial sides of claims."

Amanda Savage KC has a strong practice handling negligence claims against valuers, financial sector professionals and lawyers, alongside additional experience in wasted costs cases. She is regularly instructed in claims arising from legal advice given on property and matrimonial finance matters.

"Amanda's advice is technically accurate, timely and straight to the point. She is commercially astute and has a good manner with clients."

"She is really very easy to deal with, quite practical and very effective."

"Amanda Savage KC is someone where, when they are on the other side of a case, you are worried but pleased."

"She is great, very well respected in the area generally."

Anthony Jones is a barrister with a growing reputation for his skilful representation of solicitors and other professionals, typically in negligence actions relating to the conduct of litigation or advice on investments.

"He has a more understated manner, but his written and oral advocacy is absolutely first class, some of the best I have seen. He finds a solution, even for the most difficult issues."

"A delight to work with, he is very unflappable and full of common sense."

"Anthony is very user-friendly and knowledgeable in the area of professional liability."

George Spalton KC is very capable of handling professional negligence claims against lawyers and accountants, among others. In addition to his wide experience in the Commercial Court and Court of Appeal, he also has a strong reputation for international arbitration.

"George is a very accomplished silk who is able to provide work of high technical quality, both in writing and orally, as well as great client service."

"George has an ineffable ability to generate victory from scraps. There's nobody you'd rather have beside you when backed into a corner."

"George is excellent, both from a technical point of view but also in understanding the commerciality of clients."

Helen Evans KC is regularly instructed in high-profile professional negligence cases against insurance brokers, surveyors, lawyers and financial professionals. She demonstrates proficiency in large-scale litigation involving multiple parties.

"Her advice is always spot on. She is able to help us and clients understand complex points."

"One of the smartest barristers I have had the privilege of working with. She has excellent advocacy skills and is absolutely someone you want on your team."

"Helen's organisation and clear thinking in the most tricky, document-heavy claims is formidable, paired with her ability to remain commercial so as to ensure we can all see the wood through the trees."

Miles Harris is a professional liability specialist barrister who tackles matters relating to a broad range of financial and legal service providers, as well as disputes concerning professional indemnity insurance. He is capable of acting for both claimants and defendants, and regularly undertakes alternative dispute resolution as well as litigation. He appears both led and as sole counsel.

"Miles gets to grips with complex factual issues and large volumes of information very quickly and concisely. He is responsive and very user-friendly."

"He has particular insurance brokers expertise. He is absolutely brilliant. I would work with him in a flash."

Nicholas Broomfield is an impressive barrister with a broad professional negligence practice covering lawyers, financial advisers, architects and others. He has acted in high-profile cases in the field and has notable expertise in relation to wills and probate, and mortgages.

"A go-to junior for complex issues, Nicholas is always creative and robust with his advice."

"Nick is incredibly bright and doesn’t shy away from getting stuck into the details of document-heavy cases. He's an experienced advocate, guiding clients through the trickiest of cases with ease."

"Nick is responsive, and his advice and advocacy are both considered and clear."

Nicole Sandells KC is an authoritative source of advice on professional negligence matters relating to areas including mortgage brokerage, insolvency and tax advice. Many of her cases involve consideration of breach of trust, fiduciary duty and other equitable principles. She has appeared in important cases before the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court.

"Nicole's expertise advising in writing and consultations is excellent."

"Nicole's intellectual rigour is second to none."

"Nicole is razor-sharp in her ability to pick through a complex case, identifying the key issues. She is down to earth, a pleasure to work with and a tenacious advocate for her clients."

Siân Mirchandani KC is regularly instructed in negligence claims concerning financial, legal and construction professionals, acting for both claimant and defendant parties. Her scientific background enables her to handle highly technical claims with aplomb.

"She is an extension of the team. She is bright and writes very well."

"Siân is relentless in her detail. This thoroughness pays off in her exceptional work product."

Stephen Innes leverages his experience practising as a barrister in areas such as employment, insurance, consumer credit and chancery law to undertake challenging professional negligence claims. He is particularly knowledgeable about lenders' claims, which often concern mortgage securitisation, fraud, subrogation and breach of trust issues. He also handles claims brought under the Inheritance Act. He receives instructions from both claimants and defendants.

"Stephen is clear, efficient and knows his stuff well."

Thomas Ogden is held in high esteem by a number of specialist solicitors, who instruct him in substantial negligence claims involving architects, solicitors or financial services professionals. He acts for claimants and defendants.

"Thomas is practical, responsive, and he can put things simply for clients. I suspect he is always in demand."

"Tom is an excellent advocate, both in the way he provides his submissions and in how calm he is."

Tim Chelmick can claim proficiency in a comprehensive array of professional negligence claims, acting for claimants and defendants. Encompassing cases concerning legal, financial and construction professionals, his practice has an increasing focus on international work, particularly in the Middle East. He brings a scientific background to technical cases, having previous professional experience as a software developer, as well as a degree in chemistry.

"He is clear-sighted, very experienced and extremely commercial."

Tom Shepherd is an impressive barrister who has acted in substantial professional negligence claims brought against solicitors, auditors, tax advisers and others. His work frequently focuses on claims arising from insolvency matters and failed tax avoidance schemes.

"Tom is a first-rate strategist and advocate. He is particularly strong in relation to claims concerning finance and insolvency and is more than capable of holding his own against KCs."

"He is fantastic on his feet, really fights for the clients and has excellent advocacy and cross-examination skills. A real gunslinger."

Alison Padfield KC has particular expertise in professional negligence claims brought against insurance brokers, drawing on her wider experience as a leading insurance silk. She is also well versed in the defence and prosecution of actions against solicitors, financial advisers, architects and others.

"We love Alison. She is hugely responsive, gets what is needed and can balance between quick spot calls, advice and shared written documents."

"She is my go-to. Her knowledge of the law is unparalleled. She gets to the bottom of issues, provides clear advice and cuts through the nonsense."

"Alison is a very confident advocate who will make mincemeat of her opposition."

Daniel Saoul KC has a thriving professional negligence practice which predominantly comprises high-value claims against solicitors, representing claimants and defendants. He particularly focuses on cases with an international or commercial angle.

"Daniel is top notch on all levels."

"Daniel really knows how to work with solicitors."

"Daniel is really excellent."

Jack Steer enjoys a strong reputation as a professional negligence specialist barrister, typically acting for defendants across a variety of professions but particularly in the legal and financial services sectors.

"Jack is great. It is extremely easy to work with him in order to get the best results for the clients."

"Jack is totally down to earth and commercial; he just 'gets' what clients want. A robust advocate, his drafting skills are excellent and he is always willing to go the extra mile for his clients."

"Jack is very capable and will turn his hand to anything. He is extremely personable, good to deal with on the papers, but also very good on his feet. A future silk in the making!"

"He is really standout and is excellent beyond his years."

Neil Hext KC is a well-regarded silk with recognised expertise in a range of professional negligence claims. He acts for both claimants and defendants, and is especially experienced in complex matters involving insurance brokerage.

"Neil has the ability to stand back and view the bigger picture, advising commercially and strategically in that context."

"His advocacy is very gentle but he leads the court in a fantastic way, dealing with highly contentious deals in a calm and collected manner."

Paul Parker is a highly experienced barrister whose practice in professional liability encompasses claims against virtually all non-medical professions. This includes cases involving solicitors, barristers, accountants, insurance brokers and numerous others. His work has often concerned negligence in relation to commercial conveyancing, audit planning and financial mis-selling.

"Paul is excellent when dealing with urgent instructions."

"He is extremely hard-working and very clever. He has the ability to establish very good relationships with lay clients alongside being an excellent advocate."

"He is excellent to work with and gets on well with lay clients. He is also very clever, extremely hard-working and a formidable advocate."

Richard Liddell KC manages a healthy caseload of professional negligence work that includes claims against civil and structural engineers, accountants, barristers and solicitors. He takes on claimant and defendant work, and has advocacy experience that extends all the way up to the Supreme Court. His clients benefit from his wider practice in handling sport-related claims.

"A safe pair of hands and jolly to have on your team, Richard does a great job."

Saaman Pourghadiri has a growing professional negligence practice. He is adept at handling claims against and defending solicitors, barristers and accountants that have been accused of negligence. His clients benefit from his knowledge of tax and banking law.

"Saaman is definitely a star of the future. He is extraordinarily clever and insightful but also has a compassionate bedside manner to boot."

"Saaman is excellent - sharp and able to produce under time pressure."

"Saaman acts as an extremely valuable point of contact, providing clear, helpful and user-friendly advice."

Theo Barclay acts for claimants and defendants in a variety of professional negligence claims. He is particularly adroit in handling claims against tax advisers and accountants arising out of failed tax schemes.

"It is very easy to work with Theo to get the right results for the clients."

"Theo is one of the most succinct lawyers I have ever worked with in terms of running a case and his drafting ability. He is definitely a star of the future."

Hannah Daly is praised for the commercial knowledge she brings to professional negligence cases. She is regularly instructed to act both for and against a wide variety of clients, including insurance brokers and solicitors.

"A superstar junior, Hannah is highly intelligent but also very commercial and comfortable when dealing with chaotic matters."

"Hannah brings a very good analytical approach to complex parts of cases. She is exceptional when analysing and responding to claims."

"She's terrific and I've been very impressed with her level of expertise and assurance, which belies her level of call. She's all over the detail and gets straight to the point."

Shail Patel KC specialises in high-end commercial disputes, including significant professional negligence and related insurance cases. He has advised on cases concerning property investments, trusts and tax advice, and regularly acts for both claimant and defendant parties. He has appeared in a number of significant cases in the High Court and the Court of Appeal.

"Shail is very good on the technical stuff, both in insurance and professional negligence. He's also easy and pleasant to work with, which is almost as important as the technical skill."

"Shail is the kind of counsel who you can be in choppy waters with and brings calm seas. He coordinates everything to get to the key problems and figures out how to solve them."

"On complex, heavy disputes, Shail grasps vast amounts of information very quickly and really gets to the crux of a claim. He is astoundingly clever and a real tactician."