Consumer Law
UK Bar Guide 2025 : London (Bar)
Band 2
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
(020) 7583 6117Chambers Review
5 Paper Buildings has tenants who are proficient in both criminal and civil consumer disputes. One client notes that "the set has a wide range of experience in consumer law and access to the necessary expertise." Members are often to be found prosecuting unfair trading offences cases on behalf of regulators and local councils, but also defend individuals against accusations of misconduct. They both prosecute and defend cases brought by regulatory bodies such as the Competition and Markets Authority, National Trading Standards, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency and local trading standards departments nationwide. One individual at the set recently acted as counsel for the principal defendant in Operational Eiffel, a case concerning large-scale ticket reselling. He succeeded in persuading National Trading Standards to agree that the benefit accruing from the offence was merely £8 million when a figure of £36 million had originally been sought. Other members successfully prosecuted two defendants who committed a rogue trading scam against a vulnerable customer.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Senior clerk Dale Jones is great and his wider team constitutes a great group."
"All queries are dealt with quickly and efficiently."
"Senior clerk Dale Jones is great and his wider team constitutes a great group."
"All queries are dealt with quickly and efficiently."
Notable Practitioners
Miles Bennett enjoys an excellent reputation as one of the top juniors in the area of consumer law. He regularly acts for both prosecution and defence, and has significant experience of working on product safety, consumer protection and unfair trading cases. His clients include prosecuting authorities and organisations, as well as individuals and businesses. His consumer law practice is supported by his expertise in trade mark, copyright and health and safety law.
"Miles Bennett carries a lot of charisma into court, but does so in a way that never offends judges. He is someone who wins hearts and minds."
"Miles Bennett is a first-class advocate, who is really top-notch."
Andrew Johnson is a well-regarded junior who is recognised for his work in trading standards cases, including those involving counterfeit goods, product safety and other consumer law issues. He regularly appears for the prosecution and advises prosecuting authorities on matters relating to investigations pre-charge. Johnson sits both as a Deputy District Judge in the Magistrates Court and as a Recorder in the Crown Court.
"Andrew is always on top of things and always up to speed on the law."
"He is very reasonable, very even-handed and someone you can do business with."
"Excellent at providing support and advice to Local Authority staff and leading in very complex cases. He enjoys the complete trust of all members of the prosecution team."
Ben Douglas-Jones KC defends businesses and professionals against consumer-related claims and prosecutes on behalf of private entities, local authorities and the MHRA. His work takes in environment and health and safety cases, as well as trade mark and copyright matters.
"Ben Douglas-Jones is excellent and very good at bringing everyone together."
"Ben Douglas-Jones is the lawyer's lawyer. He is very knowledgeable and a go-to for difficult questions."
Carolina Bracken is adept at assisting clients on a range of consumer law issues. She has extensive experience acting for trading standards departments.
"Carolina Bracken is highly capable and provides excellent support to those around her. She is very calm and knowledgeable."
"Sharp-witted, dedicated and good on her feet, she never fails to impress."
Charlene Sumnall both prosecutes and defends consumer law cases in all levels of tribunals including the Court of Appeal. Her clients include local authorities, prosecution agencies, companies, directors and individuals. She is an expert in everything from trading standards and fraudulent trading to copyright infringement. Sumnall is a co-author of the Blackstone's Guide to the Consumer Rights Act 2015.
"She knows her cases inside out and is never fazed by the challenge."
"Charlene has an exceptional ability to put clients at ease and inspire confidence. She's a fantastic advocate."