Professional Negligence
UK Bar Guide 2025 : London (Bar)
Band 4
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
(020) 7242 2523Chambers Review
Gatehouse Chambers is noted for its skilled representation of claimants and defendants in a range of professional negligence disputes. Members are highlighted for their expertise in matters pertaining to legal, financial and construction professionals. They have been active in cases involving Big Four accounting firms and nationwide solicitors' firms. Particular work highlights in this area have arisen from major corporate insolvencies or international investments. A source says: "They have a good range of barristers at different levels of call." Recent work highlights includes Enterprise v EY, a claim alleging negligence on behalf of the auditors for failing to recognise the company was heading to insolvency.
The senior practice manager specialising in professional negligence is Patrick Sarson.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The clerks are always very receptive and commercially astute."
"The clerks are excellent and quick to revert with counsel nominations and rates."
"Natasha Devlin-Clingham stands out as a clerk. She will always find someone to meet my needs and is good at organising diaries."
"The clerks are always very receptive and commercially astute."
"The clerks are excellent and quick to revert with counsel nominations and rates."
"Natasha Devlin-Clingham stands out as a clerk. She will always find someone to meet my needs and is good at organising diaries."
Notable Practitioners
James Hall takes on substantial professional negligence claims relating to surveyors, architects and solicitors. He is able to draw upon his previous experience as an employed barrister in the financial services department of a national law firm.
"He's top class. He's really intellectual but wears it lightly and is good at explaining things in simple ways."
"James is very knowledgeable and provides detailed, helpful advice. He is clear when setting and managing expectations, and his advocacy is focused on the important points. Clients trust his advice."
"James is a tour de force. He understands solicitors better than anyone else and I would not worry about putting him up against anyone."
John de Waal KC handles a broad range of professional negligence cases, most often on behalf of defendants, and is particularly well versed in claims concerning solicitors, architects and property developers. He also serves as a mediator.
"He is charming and very commercially astute."
"He is very helpful and thorough."
Nigel Jones KC draws on his extensive experience in commercial litigation and insurance law to bolster his robust professional negligence practice. He is regularly instructed in cases that concern accountants, solicitors and surveyors, among others.
"Nigel is collegiate in his approach, concise in his advice and very good on his feet."
Sarah McCann focuses her practice on defending liquidators and architects from claims of professional negligence, as well as representing solicitors, insurance brokers and others. She is experienced in advocacy before the appellate courts.
"Sarah is very user-friendly and is refreshingly down to earth in her manner. She delivers clear, precise advice that is both readily digestible and easily relayed to clients."