Health & Safety
UK Bar Guide 2025 : Northern/North Eastern (Bar)
Band 1
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
(0161) 214 6000Chambers Review
Deans Court Chambers is highly regarded for its expertise in a wide range of health and safety matters. Members have experience of prosecuting and defending offences, and offer considerable expertise in complex cases arising from workplace accidents. The team is also frequently instructed in gross negligence manslaughter and corporate manslaughter cases, and has extensive experience representing local authorities, major corporations, rail operators and company directors. The set's tenants are particularly adept at handling cases arising in the healthcare, rail, construction and retail sectors. Recently, members represented an employer in a high-profile HSE prosecution regarding a fatality during the demolition of a North Sea oil rig. Interviewees note that it has "very approachable barristers with excellent communication skills" and a "broad range of counsel able to cater to whatever case is sent their way."
Matthew Gibbons is the senior clerk.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The service provided by the clerking team has always been first-class. The role they play in ensuring that Deans Court Chambers provides the best possible service to its clients cannot be understated."
"The service provided by the clerking team has always been first-class. The role they play in ensuring that Deans Court Chambers provides the best possible service to its clients cannot be understated."
Notable Practitioners
Joseph Hart is instructed by both the defence and the prosecution in cases involving breaches of health and safety regulations. His work includes workplace accidents andfire safety matters.He regularly representsparties at inquests.
"Joe provides a high-quality, client-focused and personable service."
Michael Hayton KC specialises in criminal and regulatory work. He representscompanies and their directors, as well as medical professionals such as doctors, in health and safety prosecutions. He has considerable experience incases involving workplace fatalities.
"Michael Hayton is a formidable trial advocate."
Peter Smith is a specialist defence barrister who represents individuals and companies inenforcement actions brought by the HSE and local authorities. He acts for domestic and international clients from a broad spectrum of industries including transport and construction.
"His technical knowledge is excellent, and he is very responsive in order to support you through the process. The advice he provides is always very clear and decisive."
"His considerable level of expertise and detailed legal knowledge regularly assists in achieving excellent outcomes. He is an excellent and persuasive advocate."
Lisa Judge regularly defends individuals and companies in major health and safety cases brought by various regulatory bodies. Her health and safety practice benefits from her criminal law work.
"Tenacious is an understatement with Lisa. She knows every case, fights tooth and nail for her clients, and is not afraid to stand up to coroners and judges when the time is right."
Tom Gent has a strong track record of handling cases involving the construction and farming sectors. He has further experience representing companies, directors and individuals. He is astute at advising on cases arising from serious injuries and fatalities. He also boasts an impressive client list consisting of renowned insurers such as Zurich.
"Tom is very knowledgeable and good with juries and defendants. He has a good manner about him."
Ranked Barristers at
Deans Court Chambers
Silks (KC)
Northern/North Eastern (Bar)
Juniors
Northern/North Eastern (Bar)