Professional Discipline | UK Bar

2 Hare Court is a leading chambers which is home to savvy practitioners who tend to defend in disciplinary matters. The barristers are able to draw upon their strong criminal law backgrounds when operating in this space. They are admired for their adroit representation of professionals and regulators in medicine and veterinary medicine, as well as the police and financial services. Areas of particular experience include allegations of clinical failings and sexual misconduct cases. Standout recent instructions include the successful defence of an Oxford college GP accused of grooming an extremely vulnerable student, and of a doctor accused of overprescribing medication to a drunk patient and then lying about having done so. Clients describe the set as "excellent in all aspects," with "an abundance of talent in this area."

The barristers at 39 Essex Chambers are regularly engaged in the most high-profile regulatory cases across various professions, including finance, medicine and the law. Members of chambers defend and prosecute disciplinary proceedings brought by key regulators such as the GMC, GDC and SRA. They are also frequently called upon for advice and representation in related appeals before the senior courts, including judicial review. Recent highlights have included acting for the PSA before the High Court in a case concerning the correct application of the "Fleischman" principle, following a dentist's suspended custodial sentence. A market commentator describes the set as having "loads of choice of advocates to work with, who know their areas of expertise inside out."

Fountain Court Chambers is a pre-eminent professional discipline set which both prosecutes and defends. The barristers operate at the very highest level in the fields of legal and financial services regulation. Members regularly defend and prosecute solicitors, law firms and financial entities. Barristers from the chambers have been instructed in a raft of high-profile cases in the field, including representing a solicitor accused of serious misconduct by the SRA. One interviewee notes the set "always deliver excellence."

QEB Hollis Whiteman is best known for its firm grounding in criminal law, which its barristers bring to bear in their strong regulatory practice. Members are sought after to prosecute in significant matters arising in the context of medical, legal and financial professional regulation. Recent highlights include acting for the GDC in the prosecution of a dentist in proceedings in relation to allegations of multifaceted fraud. One source remarks: "QEB's barristers are renowned for their expertise in handling high-profile complex regulatory matters."

Serjeants' Inn Chambers has a deep bench of high-quality barristers who are adept at handling an array of disciplinary matters involving doctors or the police. Members act for regulators in widely publicised and legally novel matters, and for individuals often facing career-ending allegations. Counsel exhibit additional strength in inquests and clinical negligence, which only goes to enhance their knowledge of regulatory practice in medicine and the police. Recent significant instructions include the presentation of a misconduct hearing against two officers who discharged their firearms following a police operation. One solicitor highlights the set is "always up to date in the field of regulatory and professional disciplinary matters," alongside market commentators referring to the set as "first class."

1 Crown Office Row is a go-to chambers for medical professionals who are facing disciplinary action. The barristers make up a "set of experienced individuals, able to handle the full range of professional discipline work," while consistently achieving excellent results for clients in investigations and proceedings involving the PSA, GMC, GDC, RCVS and other regulators. They handle everything from allegations of poor conduct outside work to the most serious clinical failings. Recent highlights include successfully acting for a dentist in an appeal following their erasure from the register. One commentator notes: "They are a terrific set," and another comments there is "a wealth of experience available to deal with any complex matter."

Barristers at 3 Raymond Buildings are particularly adept at handling high public interest cases pertaining to the use of force by police officers and those dealing with allegations of sexual misconduct. The chambers also boasts a substantial pool of expertise in proceedings involving medical professionals. Members have recently been instructed to represent Metropolitan Police constables accused of gross misconduct such as the use of unreasonable force on a suspect. The set's bench has been described as "strong at all levels." Eddie Holland is the senior clerk.

Barristers at 4 New Square are admired for their expert handling of disciplinary matters for professionals across a range of different sectors, including legal and accountancy, and in various sports, notably horse racing. Members generally defend professionals but are also instructed by several regulators such as the SRA. Barristers from the chambers were recently instructed to act for defendant individuals who were involved in carrying out the 2016 audit of Carillion shortly before its collapse. They also successfully defended the Bar Standards Board's position before the Court of Appeal following a long-running set of appeals by a barrister against disbarment. One interviewee refers to the barristers' expertise as "second to none." Lizzy Stewart is the set's senior clerk.

Blackstone Chambers is home to a cluster of celebrated counsel who operate in the more visible cases arising from disciplinary matters in the financial, medical, legal and sports professions. The barristers are particularly notable for their abilities in legally complex appeals and associated public law challenges. The set's considerable capability across regulatory law more widely means that its members are often consulted by the professional bodies themselves for advice on their regulatory frameworks. A source notes that Blackstone is "a go-to for the most difficult and complex cases."

23ES is a well-established regulatory chambers offering strong expertise in medical, legal and financial services misconduct work. The barristers are able to deftly handle the criminal interface arising in such cases, and members are often instructed in cases that set legal precedent. Recent highlights include members representing doctors before the GMC regarding the handling of a rogue surgeon. An interviewee highlights that "the wealth of knowledge within chambers means that there is always suitable counsel to act in complex matters and provide appropriate advice."

2BR is noted for its defence-side professional disciplinary work in a number of sectors, and as a result members are sought after by numerous professionals such as lawyers, doctors, accountants and police officers. Barristers from the chambers are au fait with the regulatory framework of the GDC, SRA, General Optical Council and many other professional authorities. Members have recently represented a doctor accused of falsifying patient records against the GMC. One source explained: "They are my go-to chambers for any matter which is complex." John Grimmer is the senior clerk.

5 Essex Court is a strong set of chambers for police disciplinary matters. Members are selected by over half of all police forces in the country to present disciplinary proceedings. Barristers from the set additionally represent the IOPC in related matters. Their work takes in the prosecution of serious allegations relating to interactions between the police and public, inappropriate behaviour between colleagues, or substandard conduct while off duty. One commentator highlights: "Their police team is very good." Mark Waller is the senior clerk.

Old Square Chambers is a sought-after set for medical disciplinary matters, whose barristers enjoy a formidable reputation in defence work. Counsel are able to draw on their skills in other areas of law, such as employment and clinical negligence. They are regularly instructed in the most complex cases and appear before both tribunals and the higher courts. Recent work includes the defence of a director of a medical trust against allegations of misconduct regarding a previous negligence case. One market commentator notes: "Their barristers demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of complex legal issues which they consistently incorporate into their advice."

Outer Temple Chambers has notable capability in disciplinary work across a broad spread of regulated professions. The barristers tackle prominent regulatory cases in both branches of the legal profession, and have strong experience in the defence of doctors, dentists and nurses. Additional sectors covered are financial services and sports. Key recent instructions include acting for a radiologist before the GMC and the representation of an A&E doctor in a sensitive case concerning a sexual relationship with a patient before the GMC.