Aviation
UK Bar Guide 2025 : London (Bar)
Band 2
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
(020) 7583 4444Chambers Review
Quadrant Chambers wields considerable expertise in aviation law, and has a strong track record of acting in high-profile and complex disputes. The set demonstrates notable strength when it comes to personal injury claims, often on behalf of claimants following fatal accidents. Barristers at Quadrant act for major international airlines and individuals in complex insurance matters, criminal investigations, and CAA and AAIB inquiries. Members of the set are also well versed in a range of regulatory disputes. Individuals here have appeared recently in several claims relating to a number of aircraft stranded in Russia, and have worked on the inquest into the death of Emiliano Sala. THey have also acted for Mrs Ashley & family in Ashley v Leonardo SpA a fatal accident claim brought by the family of a military pilot who died when a Leonardo M346-FA aircraft crashed in Italy.Commentators say: "The set has barristers with very strong technical knowledge and understanding of the aviation sector, who are highly commercial in their advice."
Simon Slattery is the senior clerk.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The clerking at Quadrant is accessible and practical. Practice Manager Mike Wright is particularly good - he's easy to speak to and both responsive and practical."
"Counsel at Quadrant keep a very good eye on the commercial impact of the case and the consequences of taking any particular course of action."
"Senior Clerk Simon Slattery is top notch. He's both responsive and commercial"
"The clerking at Quadrant is accessible and practical. Practice Manager Mike Wright is particularly good - he's easy to speak to and both responsive and practical."
"Counsel at Quadrant keep a very good eye on the commercial impact of the case and the consequences of taking any particular course of action."
"Senior Clerk Simon Slattery is top notch. He's both responsive and commercial"
Notable Practitioners
John Kimbell KC is a well-regarded silk known in the market for his intellect and in-depth expertise in issues such as quantum. He is active particularly in matters pertaining to air accidents, personal injury and a host of related claims. Also a qualified lawyer in Germany, he specialises in advising clients on international and cross-jurisdictional disputes.
"His mind is so sharp that he's very good at seeing the simplest route to a win. His advocacy is also superb."
Tom Bird acts in a broad portfolio of aviation matters and is admired for his approachable manner, intelligence and commercial nous. His cases range from personal injury and delayclaims to disputes over damaged equipment and defective maintenance work. He has particular expertise in matters pertaining to the Montreal Convention.
"Tom is super bright and a strategic thinker, whose skills are highly developed. He's a fantastic advocate, who is a safe pair of hands all round."
"Very responsive and someone who has a breadth of knowledge and understanding of the aviation industry that far exceeds his year of call."
Matthew Reeve KC is a widely acclaimed barrister with a tremendous degree of experience at the Aviation Bar, particularly with respect to cases involving executive aircraft. He is also sought after for his liability, insurance and reinsurance practice, and is well known for his extraordinary attention to detail. Reeve is a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society.
"Matthew is an extremely clever, technically minded counsel. He is all over the detail of often very complex cases, whilst also ensuring that he continues to see the bigger picture."
"He combines first rate subject experience and expertise with a very sharp strategic mind. He's a barrister who is not afraid to consider every angle of a case."