Christopher Johnston KC

Call 1990 | Silk 2011

Christopher Johnston KC | Call 1990 | Silk 2011

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Overview

Chris is featured in the current edition of Chambers & Partners as a leading silk for Court of Protection work. The directory describes him as a “Leading medical treatment practitioner who is often involved in the most complex cases. He is an expert on persistent vegetative state cases and is noted for his work as editor of Medical Treatment: Decisions and the Law.”

Court of Protection

“Tirelessly hard-working with a fresh and always compelling view of the fast-emerging law in this area. A joy to work with.”
Chambers & Partners

Chris is the co-editor of Medical Treatment: Decisions and the Law (Bloomsbury Professional, 4th ed, 2022)

expertise & experience

Chris has undertaken medical treatment cases throughout his career, including many before the Court of Protection was created. He appeared with the late great John Grace KC in Re M & Re H, the first case decided under the Human Rights Act (determined that Bland was ECHR compliant). He appeared with Robert Francis KC in the Court of Appeal in B v Croydon HA which considered the scope of treatment which could be given without consent under s.63 of the Mental Health Act. He co-authored the first edition of Medical Treatment: Decisions and the Law with Robert in 1998. The book, which Chris now edits, has grown in line with the exponential expansion in medical treatment and Court of Protection work. It now requires a team of dedicated authors in chambers who have just produced the fourth edition which came out in July 2022. (Medical Treatment: Decisions and Law, 4th ed, Bloomsbury Professional). Chris has substantial experience of medical ethics cases acting for NHS Trusts, patients and the Official Solicitor, most recently in high profile PVS, advanced decision and anorexic cases.

Recommendations

‘Has an excellent eye for detail.’
The Legal 500

‘An experienced advocate.’
The Legal 500

“Methodical and very well prepared. Confident and forthright.”
Chambers & Partners

“Excellent for medical treatment cases.”
The Legal 500

“He is a very, very clever man. Exceptionally bright and capable. A super brain and a nice man too.”
Chambers & Partners

“He is a very able and good advocate.”
Chambers & Partners