Professional Discipline
UK Bar Guide 2025 : London (Bar)
Band 2
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
(020) 7583 1770Chambers Review
Blackstone Chambers is home to a cluster of celebrated counsel who operate in the more visible cases arising from disciplinary matters in the financial, medical, legal and sports professions. The barristers are particularly notable for their abilities in legally complex appeals and associated public law challenges. The set's considerable capability across regulatory law more widely means that its members are often consulted by the professional bodies themselves for advice on their regulatory frameworks. A source notes that Blackstone is "a go-to for the most difficult and complex cases."
Gary Oliver is the senior clerk.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The clerks at Blackstone are very responsive."
"I always receive excellent service on complex and sophisticated matters."
"The clerks at Blackstone are very responsive."
"I always receive excellent service on complex and sophisticated matters."
Notable Practitioners
Mark Shaw KC is a well-known and highly respected advocate who focuses on disciplinary matters involving healthcare professionals, particularly in public law proceedings. He is instructed by a wide variety of medical regulators, including the Nursing and Midwifery Council, the GDC and the General Optical Council. He is also experienced in cases involving the PSA.
"Mark has an approachable and professional manner, offering straight-to-the-point and practical advice and assistance."
"Mark is extremely competent and sophisticated in his approach."
"Mark Shaw KC is a tremendous asset."
Catherine Callaghan KC is a highly proficient barrister whose broad industry expertise is widely praised, encompassing sectors such as healthcare, law and accountancy. She regularly represents regulatory bodies such as the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales and the SRA, as well as regulated professionals.
"She has excellent judgement and provides very clear advice."
"Catherine is very good. She's clever and delightful to work with."
Ivan Hare KC is an experienced silk who routinely undertakes complex disciplinary cases involving healthcare professionals. He regularly acts in high-profile cases for the GMC and the RCVS, among other regulators.
"Ivan is a delight to work with. He is exceptionally good at what he does and very good on client matters."
"With sharp analytical skills and a deep understanding of the law, he consistently delivers effective solutions to complex legal issues. I trust his advice completely."
Javan Herberg KC focuses his esteemed practice on financial services regulation, regularly appearing on behalf of both professionals and regulatory bodies. He also acts for regulators in other areas, including the energy sector.
"The quality of his work shines through and is outstanding."
Andrew George KC is well versed in professional discipline matters, especially in the field of financial services regulation. He routinely acts for and against the FCA, but is also experienced in disciplinary proceedings involving such bodies as the FRC and the American Association of the Deaf-Blind.
"Andrew gets to the heart of the matter instantly. He can produce something absolutely brilliant from minimal instruction and time, finding all the best points."
"He is a reliable, straightforward advocate who has the confidence of the court."
Kate Gallafent KC is an accomplished silk with vast experience in the sporting, telecommunications and healthcare sectors. She routinely represents professional regulatory bodies and also acts on behalf of individuals and businesses operating in regulated industries.
"Kate is very impressively focused and provides sensible advice."
Emma Dixon is described by sources as a talented advocate and noted for her strong experience acting for regulators such as the SRA.
"Her clarity of thought and ability to unravel intricate legal issues is a testament to her profound understanding of the law."