Clinical Negligence
UK Bar Guide 2025 : Northern (Bar)
Band 3
Contact number
0844 225 4532Chambers Review
Despite a compact bench, Complete Counsel punches above its weight in clinical negligence and is noted as a "forward-looking set." Its juniors act on maximum severity claims on behalf of claimants and defendants, including NHS Resolution. Alongside its expertise in claims, Complete Counsel also organises an annual clinical negligence conference. Recent cases include Owen v Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust concerning lung cancer screening.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Practice director Claire Labio is an absolute star. She knows what's going on and can get the best out of the barristers."
"Complete Counsel has quality clerks who are super responsive. Claire Labio and Emma Wall are lovely relationship builders and great diary managers."
"The clerking team are excellent."
"Practice director Claire Labio is an absolute star. She knows what's going on and can get the best out of the barristers."
"Complete Counsel has quality clerks who are super responsive. Claire Labio and Emma Wall are lovely relationship builders and great diary managers."
"The clerking team are excellent."
Notable Practitioners
Charles Feeny is widely recognised as a leading clinical negligence specialist. He is a popular choice for defendant-side law firms looking to fight intricate cases on causation and quantum, and also acts on the claimant side of high-value claims. He has copious experience of claims regarding delayed diagnosis and surgical negligence.
"Charles is really good and strong on detail. He's a very good negotiator too - very strong in mediations and round tables."
"Charles has a novel approach and is never afraid to litigate, particularly on innovative areas of law. He's extremely experienced and highly academic, sharp on his feet and a brilliant cross-examiner."
"Charles understands the NHS and the pressures individuals are under. He builds a great rapport with clients. He is very good on his feet, very calm and quietly effective."
"Charles is extremely experienced and is just top-notch. He has a superb sense of humour and is a superb raconteur."
Ana Samuel receives instructions from both claimants and defendants and advises on a broad range of clinical negligence cases. She acts in claims pertaining to conditions such as cauda equina and serious brain injury, including fatal cases. Her practice covers surgical negligence as well as the failure to diagnose, and she regularly appears in clinical negligence inquests. Her practice in this area is informed by her work as an assistant coroner.
"Ana is excellent, really responsive and her advice is spot on. She is great with sensitive cases."
"Ana acts for both sides which brings a good perspective to her cases. Her clinical knowledge is excellent and she is just brilliant as an advocate."
Charles Austin is noted for his ability to handle a broad range of matters, including cases arising from allegations of negligent surgery, breaches of duty and delays in diagnosis. He acts on behalf of both claimants and defendants.
"Charles is good on the papers, very good at defence drafting and really understands the medicine so his pleadings are top quality. His understanding of the medicine is a key aspect of his skill."
"Charles is great on thorny cases and a robust negotiator."
"Charles is confident, extremely user-friendly, flexible and understands the risks of the NHS. He has a great bedside manner with the witnesses. He's pithy and straightforward."