Travel: International Personal Injury

Jack Harding has a wide-ranging practice covering private international law, aviation accidents and package travel. He is also well versed in aviation-related discrimination cases. He represents claimants and defendant tour operators, airlines, hotels and insurers in cases arising from aircraft incidents and outbreaks of illness, including large group actions.

"Jack has an intuition for what will work and builds strong relationships for clients. He is well prepared and always anticipates the next move."

"Jack's ability to grasp the fine details of a case never fails to impress. This, coupled with his client manner and his advocacy style, makes him an asset."

"Jack makes sure the judge understands and digests the relevance of documents and cases put before them. Jack can be relied upon 100% to submit a case in the detail required."

Matthew Chapman KC receives exceptional feedback from market commentators. He distinguishes himself through his tremendous knowledge of key travel law directives and private international law. His caseload encompasses a broad spectrum of high-profile fatal accident and catastrophic injury claims. He represents both claimants and defendants in complex cases that often raise novel points of law. His clients include several tour operators, hoteliers, insurers and carriers.

"His strength is his intellect - he comes up with quick solutions and is a fantastic lawyer."

"Matthew is incredible in all aspects of travel law including his advocacy and his knowledge of the legal framework."

"He is tough and tenacious, but also phenomenally decent and kind. His way of expressing himself is so clear and he can make the most contentious issues seem clear and self-explanatory."

"His knowledge gives him a gravitas, his advocacy has power and he also has fantastic client skills."

"Matt's knowledge of jurisdictional and applicable law issues remains second to none. He has a charming combination of incredible intelligence and the ability to advise and reassure lay clients."

Andrew Spencer acts for and against tour operators in group actions and package travel claims relating to illness, medical negligence and accidents suffered overseas. He is highlighted for his knowledge of jurisdiction, applicable law and local standards.

"Andrew has a really sharp and intelligent style."

"He deals with issues efficiently and with intelligence. He is thorough and reliable."

"His expertise and knowledge are second to none, and he is extremely thorough and very methodical. He provides an excellent level of service."

Sarah Prager KC is commended for her impressive advocacy skills and handles sensitive fatal accident and catastrophic injury cases that often result in precedent-setting decisions and create new legislation. She is regularly instructed in cases involving foreign RTAs. She is a popular choice among leading solicitor firms on both the claimant and defendant sides.She has significant experience of advising on post-Brexit law and Package Travel Regulations.

"The way Sarah handles vulnerable clients is exemplary, and the way she conveys difficult legal issues makes them feel like they can have confidence in the legal team around them."

"Sarah is a phenomenal advocate who can identify core issues in a case."

"She is able to simplify legal concepts that may initially appear complicated and is great with clients."

"She is incredibly effective and very talented. She's also very fearless and has encyclopedic knowledge and good instincts."

Bruce Silvester appears frequently in large-scale group actions on both the claimant and defendant sides. He handles claims arising from a range of transport accidents, both on road and at sea. He is highly regarded by commentators for his expertise in complex gastric illness claims.

"He takes cases very seriously and always goes that extra mile to get the results for clients who are going through the worst patch of their lives."

"He is always timely with his responses and is persuasive on his feet."

"He is great at technical aspects and really excels in his advocacy and client care."

Dominique Smith is building a strong practice acting for both claimants and defendants in a range of international travel claims. She has been instructed on claims arising from negligent surgery and skiing accidents.

"She has a clear drive to do the absolute best for her clients."

"She is really responsive, great in court and has good client rapport."

"Dominique provides an independent view on difficult issues and is able to come in on a case and get the very best out of it."

Giles Mooney KC is instructed on a range of serious and complex international personal injury matters. He represents claimants who have sustained life-changing injuries during aquatic activities. He has also been instructed on behalf of cruise ship owners.

"He is highly intelligent and yet approachable."

"He is a good advocate who is good in conference."

John Ross KC is routinely instructed in significant catastrophic injury and fatal accident claims and has longstanding experience of acting for claimants and insurers on the defendant side. His cases regularly involve employer liability, indemnity and international safety standards.

"John is an all-round brilliant advocate and leader who is committed from the outset."

"John is very pleasant and very much fighting in his client's corner."

Linda Nelson has noted expertise in international personal injury and clinical negligence cases. She is experienced in the handling of complex claims involving questions of limitation and jurisdiction disputes, and is regularly called upon to represent claimants in international maritime claims.

"She is a powerful and persuasive advocate with an ability to present outstanding closing arguments."

"She is an excellent advocate with a good eye for detail."

Tom Collins has an established travel practice with experience in appellate matters as well as first instance claims, including in the High Court. He frequently appears for defendants but is also instructed for claimants in catastrophic injury claims.

"He is skilled in his drafting and thoughtful in his advocacy."

"He tailors his approach in order to secure the best outcome and guides the clients the best he can."