We are delighted to be one of the top 20 sets singled out by the Chambers UK Bar team for exceptional client service.
“The clerks at Serjeants’ Inn Chambers are really great and will always go the extra mile to try to find someone suitable.” “The clerks always respond really promptly and work very efficiently.” The set’s senior clerk, Lee Johnson is described as “a star,” and is praised for “caring about having a strong relationship between the clerks and solicitors.” “Serjeants’ Inn is an accommodating set, and the senior clerk Lee Johnson always does his best to sort me out.” “Lee Johnson’s clerking is spot on: he always comes back to you and will find someone for your case – and not just anyone, but the right person with the right experience.” “The clerks are absolutely superb – they are so responsive and they get back to you if you need out-of-hours assistance, they are second to none.” “They are great – they move heaven and earth to help their clients, they keep in touch to see how they can help and are constantly checking in. They are genuinely doing a sterling job.” “We were impressed with Natasha Southgate.” “They are incredibly helpful and go the extra mile to assist. Tom O’Connor has been a huge help on many occasions.” “The clerking at Serjeants’ Inn Chambers is very good and efficient; they will find you a barrister very quickly and send you a list of counsel who are available.”
Clients note that Catherine Calder, the joint chief executive, is “an excellent director of client care – she regularly asks for feedback to improve the level of service provided, which is already exceptionally high.” “Catherine Calder is so impressive in the way she manages her team, and she does an excellent job of introducing new clients to the barristers.” The set’s dedicated client care team also includes the well-respected Isabel Biggs and Celia Davies.
general
Containing ‘really experienced silks and juniors, which isn’t matched by any other chambers’, Serjeants’ Inn Chambers is a ‘heavyweight’ set across the spectrum of clinical negligence, inquest, and Court of Protection work. Chambers has strength in depth across these disciplines after continuing to add established practitioners to its roster, including Alexander dos Santos, Rhys Hadden, and Dr Simon Fox QC.
The Legal 500 2019
The ‘brilliant’ Serjeants’ Inn Chambers has been involved in some of the most high-profile Court of Protection cases in recent years and has ‘a great array of impressive silks and junior barristers at all levels of call’. Chambers has ‘a longstanding, well-deserved, reputation as one of the best clinical negligence sets in the UK and has many of the best counsel in the field’; ‘the breadth of experience they offer is brilliant and the quality of their junior barristers is second to none’. It retains its standing as ‘a premier set, particularly on regulatory and disciplinary law’ and ‘right from the most junior to the most senior members, it is littered with exceptional talent’. Chambers has welcomed a number of new additions to its ranks, including Nageena Khalique QC and Alexander dos Santos.
The Legal 500 2018
Serjeants’ Inn Chambers is ‘at the top of the clinical negligence field’ and also ‘the market leader’ in police, inquests and professional discipline law, with ‘a good mix of barristers at different levels of call’. The set provides ‘a gold-standard service’ through ‘very approachable’ counsel and ‘top-quality clerks’.
The Legal 500 2017
‘A very polished set’, Serjeants’ Inn Chambers ‘has positioned itself well’ for clinical negligence, police and inquests law. It ‘adds value through personal warmth’, and has ‘a truly wonderful and deserved reputation, which stems from doing all the little things exceptionally well, as well as being able to handle all manner of larger tasks’. A very friendly set, Serjeants’ Inn Chambers boasts a talent pool that is a cut above the rest.
The Legal 500 2016
Clinical Negligence and Healthcare
Serjeants’ Inn Chambers houses a strong bench of senior and junior barristers who are experienced in the handling of a wide range of complex and high-profile medical negligence matters. The chambers is described by interviewees as “exceptionally strong in the market,” and offers representation to both claimants and defendants. Its barristers are regularly instructed in high-value catastrophic injury, birth injury and fatal claims, and are well regarded for their expertise in cases involving complex medical evidence and issues surrounding liability. Standout cases recently handled by the set’s members include Khan v Meadows, a wrongful birth claim heard before the Supreme Court. Instructing solicitors note that Serjeants’ Inn has “fantastic strength in depth and is a really friendly, down-to-earth set.”
Chambers & Partners 2022
Serjeants’ Inn Chambers is ‘simply awash with talent‘, fielding a team of ‘great leaders and juniors who are instructed in many of the leading cases‘. Following on from the recent success in the landmark Supreme Court case XX v Whittington Hospital NHS Trust, the ‘outstanding‘ Christopher Johnston QC led Anthony Searle in Toombes v Mitchell, a high-profile wrongful life claim brought by a disabled woman who was allegedly born following negligent pre-conception advice. The case involved issues of causation, where the claimant alleged that her mother would have deferred conception if she had received appropriate advice. Michael Mylonas QC and Angus Moon QC are sought after for their established expertise in fertility issues and cases brought by killers against health trusts, respectively. Heidi Knight is ‘fierce when she needs to be’, ‘tactically astute’ and ‘practically minded‘. The junior end was reinforced by the arrival of the ‘forensic‘ Christopher Hough from Doughty Street Chambers in May 2020.
‘Extremely strong set for clinical cases of all types – great leaders and juniors who are instructed in many of the leading cases.’
‘A really skilled chambers, with excellent practitioners able to support at the right level depending on the complexities of the case.’
‘Outstanding in clinical negligence work.‘
‘Excellent set in all respects – range of work, quality of individuals, approach, training, service, accessibility.’
The Legal 500 2022
Serjeants’ Inn Chambers houses a strong bench of senior and junior barristers who are experienced in the handling of a wide range of complex and high-profile medical negligence matters. The chambers is described by interviewees as “a pre-eminent set for medical negligence matters,” and offers representation to both claimants and defendants. Its barristers are regularly instructed in high-value catastrophic injury, birth injury and fatal claims, and are well regarded for their expertise in cases involving complex medical evidence and issues surrounding liability. Standout cases recently handled by the set’s members include Khan v Meadows, a wrongful birth claim heard before the Court of Appeal.
Chambers & Partners 2021
Serjeants’ Inn Chambers is described by instructing solicitors as “a very modern and forward-thinking set” and “a go-to chambers for all manner of clinical negligence cases.” The set’s strong bench of senior and junior barristers is also praised by interviewees who note that “the team has so much depth there is always someone who has expertise in any particular area.” Areas of expertise for the set include maximum severity brain injuries, amputations, spinal cord injuries and cerebral palsy claims, and members are regularly instructed to act on behalf of both claimants and defendants. The team also houses significant strength in matters involving disputed liability and complex medical evidence. Members regularly appear in the most high-value and significant cases in the healthcare sector, such as XX v Whittington Hospital NHS Trust, a landmark appeal concerning the recovery of damages for the cost of surrogacy in the US.
Chambers & Partners 2020
Fielding a ‘vast array of gifted advocates with a wealth of experience‘, ‘pre-eminent‘ set Serjeants’ Inn Chambers is known for the ‘wide range of experience on offer‘, as well as ‘frequent involvement in seminal cases‘. Christopher Johnston QC and Claire Watson appeared for the claimant in the Supreme Court in the ground-breaking case of XX v Whittington Hospital NHS Trust, which changed the law on recovery of damages for surrogacy claims. Angus Moon QC continues to be instructed in a series of ground-breaking cases involving claims by killers against health trusts, following his success in the test case of Henderson v Dorset Healthcare University NHS Foundation Trust. Also of note, ‘go-to‘ silk Michael Mylonas QC is praised for his ‘excellent teamwork with solicitors‘ and top junior Heidi Knight is described as a ‘unique combination of exceptional brains combined with exceptional interpersonal skills‘.
The Legal 500 2020
Serjeants’ Inn Chambers has a substantial clinical negligence team that includes high-calibre barristers at all levels of seniority. It is well regarded for its work in the area and its contributions to the development of the law. Members handle individuals claims, group actions and inquests on behalf of both claimants and defendants. Their instructions concern a vast array of matters including brain injuries, spinal injuries, amputations, secondary victim claims and fatalities. They are adept at dealing with experts, analysing complex medical evidence, establishing liability and assessing quantum. Interviewees hail the set’s “huge choice of clinical negligence barristers” and “range of experts.”
Chambers & Partners 2019
One of the ‘clear heavyweights for clinical negligence‘ work, Serjeants’ Inn Chambers has a ‘breadth and depth‘ of experienced advocates, which is ‘not matched by any other set‘. It demonstrates a ‘real understanding of the instructing solicitor’s expectations‘ and strives to ensure those are met. Recent standout work includes Court of Appeal case XX v Whittington Hospital NHS Trust, in which Christopher Johnston QC and Claire Watson represented the claimant (who was rendered infertile by negligent late diagnosis of cervical cancer), who recovered the costs of commercial surrogacy in California despite such arrangements being prohibited across the United Kingdom. Angus Moon QC successfully acted for the defendant in the test case of Henderson v Dorset Healthcare University NHS Foundation Trust, in which a woman stabbed her mother to death during a serious psychotic episode; the trust admitted liability for negligent treatment but the claim for damages was precluded on the grounds of illegality.
The Legal 500 2019
Serjeants’ Inn Chambers is roundly admired in the field of clinical negligence litigation. It hosts a large number of barristers specialising in the area, who are retained by clients on both the claimant and defendant sides to handle the most difficult and complex of claims. These relate to the full panoply of medical law matters, from catastrophic brain and spinal injuries to plastic surgery. Members routinely appear in multiparty actions, judicial reviews and disciplinary proceedings. Instructing solicitors appreciate the set’s depth of expertise and “collaborative approach to cases.”
Chambers & Partners 2018
Members of the ‘excellent’ Serjeants’ Inn Chambers are ‘leaders in the field’ and can provide barristers ‘for all values of claims’. The set is ‘at the top of its game’ with ‘great counsel’ at a silk level – Angus Moon QC and John de Bono QC – and ‘notable juniors’ such as Ranald Davidson and Neil Davy. In resolving claims they are ‘very forward thinking and innovative’ and ‘client care is at the heart of what they do’. Cases include claims of utmost severity and medical complexity.
The Legal 500 2018
Serjeants’ Inn receives praise for the excellence of its members and for the in-depth knowledge they bring to bear. Individuals here are greatly experienced in all areas of clinical negligence law and tackle cases of maximum value and complexity. Matters handled include claims relating to cerebral palsy, brain damage and spinal cord injury, amongst others. The set’s talented silks and juniors are also regularly instructed in judicial reviews and multiparty actions, and further undertake medical disciplinary cases. Over the years, they have been involved in a number of law-changing cases including Sidaway and Chester v Afshar.
Chambers & Partners 2017
Serjeants’ Inn Chambers is a ‘pre-eminent clinical negligence set’ and the ‘the place to go to’ with high-value matters and complex and cutting-edge cases. For example, Angus Moon QC appeared in the test case of Henderson v Dorset Healthcare, and John de Bono QC acts for the six law firms representing over 800 individuals in the Myles Bradbury abuse claims.
The Legal 500 2017
Members of Serjeants’ Inn are instructed by both claimant and defendant solicitors and through them serve patients, the NHSLA, medical and dental defence organisations and private insurers. They are experienced at handling the most challenging and medically complex clinical negligence claims such as those concerning brain damage sustained at birth or undiagnosed life-threatening illnesses. Recent standout cases include Reaney v North Staffs, in which a paraplegic patient developed pressure sores allegedly as a result of insufficient nursing care, and Pringle v Nestor, in which a girl suffered an amputation allegedly due to delayed diagnosis of meningitis. The set’s ranks have been bolstered by the addition of new barristers and the promotion of several to silk. These factors, combined with modern premises and an excellent clerking team, have led sources to single it out as “one of the best chambers in the country.”
Chambers & Partners 2016
Serjeants’ Inn Chambers is ‘a very professional set with a modern outlook’, providing ‘many skilled counsel with a wealth of knowledge on clinical negligence law’. Members undertook several high- profile cerebral palsy cases in 2015, and the clinical negligence practice is complemented by chambers’ inquests and professional discipline expertise.
The Legal 500 2016
Court of Protection
Serjeants’ Inn Chambers retains its reputation as a leading set for health and welfare matters, and is routinely instructed in leading cases in the Court of Protection as well as the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal. The team offers considerable expertise in complex medical treatment disputes, including the withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment, as well as cases concerning capacity to consent to sexual relations and deprivation of liberty challenges. The set’s strong bench of barristers is regularly called upon to act on behalf of vulnerable individuals and their families, the Official Solicitor and several NHS trusts. Instructing solicitors praise Serjeants’ Inn as “the leading set in the country for contested Court of Protection cases.”
Chambers & Partners 2022
Serjeants’ Inn Chambers is a ‘go-to set for Court of Protection matters’, and has an excellent reputation for being ‘the gold standard for complex COP work with a medical aspect. Any barrister instructed from this set will be of an exceptionally high standard’. Michael Mylonas QC garners praise as ‘a master practitioner‘ who ‘deals with high profile cases with composure, sensitivity and care. Judges are always impressed by him‘. In An NHS Foundation Trust v MC, the ‘incredibly bright‘ Bridget Dolan QC was instructed by the Official Solicitor on behalf of an individual who lacked capacity. The case involved the issue of whether it was in the best interests of a person lacking capacity to donate peripheral blood stem cells to a relative who was diagnosed with leukaemia.
‘A set that really goes the extra mile, and it is always a pleasure to work with it.’
‘It has a broad range of high-quality barristers across a range of specialisms.’
‘Super impressive set. ‘
‘This set leads the way on medical treatment cases, and is the go to set for all of the reported cases in this area.’
The Legal 500 2022
Serjeants’ Inn Chambers retains its reputation as a leading set for health and welfare matters, and is routinely instructed in leading cases in the Court of Protection as well as the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal. The team offers considerable expertise in complex medical treatment disputes, including the withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment, as well as cases concerning capacity to consent to sexual relations and deprivation of liberty challenges. The set’s strong bench of barristers is regularly called upon to act on behalf of vulnerable individuals and their families, the Official Solicitor and several NHS trusts. Instructing solicitors report that the set is “always the first port of call for complex and high-profile cases.”
Chambers & Partners 2021
Serjeants’ Inn Chambers is a leading Court of Protection set, housing extensive experience in health and welfare matters. Areas of particular strength for the team include cases involving the withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment, deprivation of liberty and the capacity to consent to sexual relations. Members are regularly instructed to act on behalf of individuals and their families, NHS trusts and the Official Solicitor. Recent work for the set includes Cumbria Clinical Commissioning Group v FC and TC,a complex withdrawal of life-sustaining nutrition and hydration matter concerning a person in PVS, and Welsh Ministers v PJ, a case concerning mental health and human rights heard in the Supreme Court. Instructing solicitors praise the set as a “very impressive outfit” and “a leading set for healthcare matters.”
Chambers & Partners 2020
‘If we need top-notch people we go to them‘, said one client of Serjeants’ Inn Chambers due to it being the ‘top set for health and welfare CoP work with its number of really strong advocates who work remarkably well as a team.’ It is an ‘exceptional team and the choice is so good that you can make decisions on who to instruct as nuanced as to how someone might argue a particular point.’ Michael Mylonas QC was instructed by Welsh Health in Welsh Health v AB – Serious Medical Treatment/Force-feeding which related to a 50-year-old man with autistic spectrum disorder who, after killing his father, attempted to starve himself. The case centred on the man lacking capacity and an application to obtain an order that he should be force-fed. This year sees Bridget Dolan QC reach the summit of the silk rankings, while there were also worthy promotions for Nageena Khalique QC and Emma Sutton, amongst others, and new rankings for Amy Street and David Lawson.
The Legal 500 2020
Serjeants’ Inn Chambers provides expertise in a wide range of health and welfare matters, housing a strong bench of barristers experienced in the handling of complex and high-profile cases involving serious medical treatment and healthcare. Members are regularly instructed to act on behalf of clients including NHS trusts, incapable individuals and their families, and the Official Solicitor. Several of the set’s tenants recently appeared in the highly publicised case surrounding Alfie Evans, a 21-month-old child with advanced neurodegenerative brain disease, whose parents opposed the doctors’ decision to discontinue ventilation. Instructing solicitors praise the chambers as “the first-choice set for difficult cases concerning medical treatment,” adding that “the up-to-date and extensive knowledge the set possesses in this area is a huge asset they can bring to these sorts of cases.”
Chambers & Partners 2019
Serjeants’ Inn Chambers is ‘a leading set for Court of Protection work in England and Wales. It has real strength in depth particularly having added a number of members over the last year or so’. Michael Mylonas QC acted in the highly publicised case of Alfie Evans, which concerned the withdrawal of treatment to the 21-month-old child with advanced neurodegenerative brain disease. The set’s members are also skilled in property and affairs matters, as well as receiving a steady flow of instructions from the private client market. Chambers is considered ‘a supremely efficient operation that is filled with stellar people who are a delight to work with‘. Christopher Johnston QC acted for the Official Solicitor who was representing the patient’s interests in a case where permission was obtained to withdraw feeding from a woman with irreversible brain damage.
The Legal 500 2019
Serjeants’ Inn Chambers offers a strong, reliable and comprehensive service in this area. Practitioners are regularly involved in complex and high-profile medical and healthcare cases. They are instructed by a range of clients, such as NHS trusts, the Official Solicitor and private individuals. Sources say: “They are a standout set for this work; one of the first ports of call.” Recent work highlights include the high-profile case, Great Ormond Street Hospital v Gard, concerning whether a six-month-old baby, who was born with a rare genetic disorder, should have his treatment terminated.
Chambers & Partners 2018
Serjeants’ Inn Chambers is ‘excellent’ for Court of Protection work, with ‘a large number of high-quality individuals who complete complex work effectively, efficiently and often with very short notice’. The set has managed to diversity its CoP practice into property and affairs work, as well as attract instructions from the private client market. Six members of chambers instructed in the high-profile Charlie Gard case (for the family at first instance and for Great Ormond Street throughout), while three appeared in the Alfie Evans case (for Alder Hey children’s hospital throughout and for the child’s guardian, once appointed). The recent arrival of Nageena Khalique QC and Emma Sutton from No5 Barristers Chambers has also strengthened the team.
The Legal 500 2018
Serjeants’ Inn stands out as a top choice for complex medical and healthcare cases, and has a very impressive track record of handling the leading and most publicised cases in the area. Recent highlights for the set include acting in Re MN, a significant case that concerned the provision of accommodation and a care package for a young man with cerebral palsy. The chambers is instructed by a wide range of clients, such as the Official Solicitor, NHS trusts and individuals, and solicitors say: “They’ve got some big hitters there.” One commentator stated: “It is the strongest chambers for serious medical treatment cases in the Court of Protection in terms of the number of experienced counsel and the amount of work they undertake.”
Chambers & Partners 2017
Serjeants’ Inn Chambers is ‘a go-to chambers with excellent strength in depth’. Members are consistently at the forefront of the most significant cases, including five members’ involvement in the highly publicised case of Great Ormond Street Hospital v Gard. In other work, Fiona Paterson acted for the clinical commissioning group in N v ACCG and others, concerning the provision of accommodation and care for a man with cerebral palsy.
The Legal 500 2017
Serjeants’ Inn is highly regarded for having real strength in depth for Court of Protection work. The set attracts praise for its good spread of people with the right levels of expertise. Its members offer particular experience in complex medical and healthcare cases including forced treatment matters and ethical considerations.
Chambers & Partners 2016
Inquests and Inquiries
Serjeants’ Inn Chambers is recognised for having “a broad range of experts in all areas of medically-related law.” Its barristers have extensive experience handling inquests as well as high-profile public inquiries. Members are frequently instructed by the police, the NHS and other public bodies. Recent work includes involvement in the inquests into the Guildford pub bombings and the Shoreham Airshow crash.
Chambers & Partners 2022
Serjeants’ Inn Chambers houses ‘a broad range of high-quality barristers‘. In recent high-profile work, John Beggs QC represented Kent Police before the Deputy Chief Coroner in the inquest into the death of William Smith, who was shot dead by firearms officers in 2016 while on the run for the suspected murder of a pensioner during a burglary. Bridget Dolan QC is regularly appointed as counsel to the judge or coroner in inquests and inquiries, including the inquests into the eleven deaths in the Shoreham air show crash. Among the the set’s pool of impressive juniors, Cecily White is experienced in high-profile judge-led inquests, having acted for Surrey Police in all three Deepcut inquests; and Jamie Mathieson remains the set’s rising star for this area.
‘All of their barristers are friendly and accommodating, and go the extra mile for clients.’
‘A broad range of high-quality barristers across a range of specialisms.’
‘A skilled practice, always available when you need them, and open to feedback.’
‘A broad selection of high-quality barristers in this area.’
‘Reliable set of chambers with a full range of legal expertise. As a set of chambers they are always at the forefront of new initiatives and ideas, while having an eye on what their clients need.’
The Legal 500 2022
Serjeants’ Inn is recognised for having “a really strong group of barristers who cover a wide range of work” in the field. Its members have extensive experience handling inquests as well as high-profile public inquiries. Members are frequently instructed by the police, the NHS and other public bodies. Recent work includes involvement in the inquests into the Guildford Pub Bombings and the Shoreham Airshow Crash. Instructing solicitors note: “The barristers are excellent – very knowledgeable, fantastic advocates and very good with clients.”
Chambers & Partners 2021
Routinely instructed in high-profile and controversial inquests and public inquiries by a diverse client base. The chambers is sought after by police forces and officers, earning it the accolade of “the best set for police work in the country,” in the opinion of one solicitor. Alongside its leading police practice, practitioners from the set take on sensitive and complex instructions as counsel to the inquest, and handle public law challenges to coroner’s decisions. They also represent NHS trusts, medical professionals, government departments and bereaved families in medical and prison inquests. Most notably, the set’s barristers have been involved in the Undercover Policing Inquiry, the Alexander Perepilichnyy and the third Deepcut inquests, the Infected Blood Inquiry and several strands of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse. According to one source, “Serjeants’ Inn delivers the highest standards and its barristers are meticulous and reliable.”
Chambers & Partners 2020
Serjeants’ Inn Chambers is ‘a go-to chambers for its range of experienced and impressive counsel‘. ‘The great group of clerks provides top-draw service at all times‘, while ‘senior clerk Lee Johnson is eminently sensible and reasonable, and always willing to discuss brief fees‘. In addition to Bridget Dolan QC’s extensive inquest practice, she is often appointed as counsel to the judge or coroner in high-profile inquests. Debra Powell QC is acting for the National Police Chiefs Council in the internet strand of the wide-ranging Public Inquiry Into Child Sexual Abuse. Cecily White is acting for the National Police Chiefs’ Council in the undercover policing public inquiry. Also of note, Jamie Mathieson is a rising star of the junior Bar.
The Legal 500 2020
Serjeants’ Inn Chambers remains a go-to chambers for inquests and public inquiries, drawing praise from commentators who describe it as a “well-run, responsive, friendly and professional set.” Members are regularly involved in Article 2 inquests and have a particular specialism in cases involving issues of clinical negligence, police and regulatory law. The set is frequently instructed to appear on behalf of a wide range of core participants including healthcare professionals and NHS trusts, bereaved families and police forces, amongst others. Of late, several of the sets’ barristers have been involved in the high-profile second inquests into the deaths of soldiers at Deepcut Barracks, as well as the inquest into the death of Alexander Perepilichnyy and the Undercover Policing Inquiry.
Chambers & Partners 2019
Serjeants’ Inn Chambers is a ‘top-flight set‘ for inquests and inquiries work and is at the forefront in the police and medical sectors. John Beggs QC acted on behalf of the Metropolitan Police in the inquest into the death of Rashan Charles, who died in 2017 while being restrained by police after trying to swallow a package containing caffeine and paracetamol. Bridget Dolan QC was counsel to the inquest into the death of Geoff Gray in 2001, one of four Army privates to have died from gunshot wounds at Deepcut Barracks in a seven-year period. Members also frequently appear in judicial review proceedings arising from inquests.
The Legal 500 2019
Serjeants’ Inn Chambers has a good inquests team, consisting of expert silks and well-regarded juniors. Solicitors say the set has a “very good breadth of experience.” The set is especially strong in inquests arising out of healthcare and police conduct. Members also advise on public inquiries as well as civil and disciplinary proceedings following on from inquests. Its client base includes police forces, healthcare professionals, NHS trusts, bereaved families and other interested parties. Barristers here also routinely advise coroners and serve as counsel to inquests. Recently, the set has been prominent in the renewed inquests into the controversial deaths of young soldiers at the Deepcut army barracks in Surrey.
Chambers & Partners 2018
Serjeants’ Inn Chambers ‘is an excellent set for inquest and Court of Protection work and is always willing to help achieve an appropriate outcome’. The set represents the police in high-profile inquests; John Beggs QC is instructed by Surrey police in a Deepcut inquest, and Sir Robert Francis QC is acting for the National Police Chiefs Council in relation to the undercover police inquiry. The team is also routinely requested to represent coroners when their decisions are challenged.
The Legal 500 2018
Serjeants’ Inn Chambers offers expertise in a broad range of public inquiries and inquests, and has a notable emphasis on those relating to the healthcare sector. Its members routinely represent bereaved families, healthcare professionals, NHS trusts, local authorities and other state agents in complex clinical negligence inquests, including proceedings invoking Article 2. The set is also well known for its adept representation of police officers in inquests. Recently, members have acted in the inquests into the death of 96 fans in the Hillsborough Stadium disaster, as well as the inquest into the death of Private Cheryl James at the Deepcut Army Barracks in 1995.
Chambers & Partners 2017
Serjeants’ Inn Chambers is a ‘very polished set with a truly wonderful and well-deserved reputation for high-profile inquests‘ such as Deepcut and Alexander Perepilichnyy. Members are equally adept at handling headline inquiries such as the Leveson Inquiry and the Undercover Policing Inquiry.
The Legal 500 2017
Serjeants’ Inn Chambers is renowned for its work on inquests and inquiries in regulatory, healthcare and police law matters. It is noted for its particular expertise in deaths following police contact and those following on from the acts or omissions of medical professionals. The set acts for interested persons and as counsel to the inquest. Members of chambers have been involved in some of the most contentious and high-profile proceedings in recent years. Cases include the inquest into the Hillsborough football stadium disaster and the public inquiry into Mid Staffordshire NHS Trust.
Chambers & Partners 2016
Serjeants’ Inn Chambers is ‘one of the first ports of call’ for inquests and inquiries work, particularly relating to police law and clinical negligence. Solicitors are ‘confident that this set provides a plethora of knowledge, skill and experience, as well as reassurance that your matter will be dealt with professionally and with a service that is of the highest standard’.
The Legal 500 2016
Police
Serjeants’ Inn Chambers possesses a formidable bench of barristers adept at handling a broad range of issues on behalf of police forces throughout England and Wales. Members are entrusted with the defence of extremely high-stakes civil claims, including those concerning deaths involving the police. They have also been instructed in numerous inquests examining alleged investigatory failures in cases of homicide. Other significant areas of expertise include the policing of protests: members represented the Metropolitan Police in Baroness Jones’s judicial review challenging its Public Order Act powers in the context of the 2019 Extinction Rebellion protests. The barristers are also well versed in disciplinary matters involving police officers. For example, John Beggs QC and James Berry represented the National Police Chiefs Council in the Court of Appeal case of Officer W80, considering the test for self-defence in police killings.
Chambers & Partners 2022
Serjeants’ Inn Chambers houses ‘an unmatched arsenal of counsel‘ specialising in civil claims, inquests, disciplinary proceedings and judicial reviews. John Beggs QC is ‘one of the top police barristers in the country‘, and successfully represented the National Police Chiefs’ Council in R (officer W80) v IOPC, a case concerning the shooting of an escorted prisoner by the Met Police and the appropriate test for self-defence in police misconduct proceedings; the IOPC sought to replace the criminal test in misconduct proceedings with a civil one. At the junior end of chambers, Mark Ley-Morgan represented Devon & Cornwall Police in an employment tribunal case brought by a constable who, citing a number of health conditions rendering her disabled under the Equality Act, alleged that the force failed to make reasonable adjustments such as home working and attending tai chi classes during working hours.
‘Serjeants Inn is a very strong set for police law. It has strength in depth and always finds available and suitable counsel to assist.’
‘They are the best set in the country for police misconduct work. They have an embarrassment of riches at both silk and senior junior level. It is a fairly regular feature of police misconduct work to have the set acting on both sides.’
‘In my view it is the top chambers for police law. The barristers I instruct have a good understanding of police law, and provide detailed and helpful advice that applies the law in a practical, common sense way.’
‘An unmatched arsenal of counsel with a guarantee of quality throughout. Great support from clerks who do all they can to help.’
The Legal 500 2022
A formidable bench of barristers adept at handling a broad range of issues on behalf of police forces throughout England and Wales. Members are entrusted with the defence of extremely high-stakes civil claims, including those concerning deaths involving the police. They have also been instructed in numerous inquests examining alleged investigatory failures in cases of homicide. Other significant areas of expertise include the policing of protests: members recently represented the Metropolitan Police in Baroness Jones’s judicial review challenging its Public Order Act powers in the context of the 2019 Extinction Rebellion protests. The barristers are also well versed in disciplinary matters involving police officers, as exemplified by their appearance for both sides in the high-profile misconduct proceedings brought against Simon Byrne, the former Chief Constable of Cheshire Police.
Chambers & Partners 2021
An outstanding defendant police law chambers comprising a strong contingent of trial advocates who “excel in their knowledge of policing issues and their aptitude for complex matters.” Members defend police forces against civil claims in relation to false imprisonment, assault and discrimination. They also provide representation in inquests and high-profile public inquires. The set also offers experience in police disciplinary matters, attracting regular instruction from forces in complex misconduct proceedings, and the barristers are well equipped to resist judicial reviews challenging the exercise of police powers, in addition to those that arise from the decisions made in misconduct hearings. Members busy themselves with cases of the utmost prominence, including successfully defending the compensation claim brought by Michael Barrymore over his arrest in connection with the death of Stuart Lubbock, as well as their important roles in the Undercover Policing Inquiry and IICSA. Sources add: “We use this chambers for the strength of its expertise, the breadth of available counsel at all levels of experience and the client care and service they provide.”
Chambers & Partners 2020
The ‘excellent‘ Serjeants’ Inn Chambers is viewed as ‘a first-class set‘ for police law, housing ‘highly respected experts in this field‘. Noteworthy instructions include Dijen Basu QC representing the Chief Constable of Leicestershire Police before the Court of Appeal in a successful challenge to an appeal, brought by parents in care proceedings, against an order for disclosure to police of their witness statements given under compulsion in those proceedings; the parents were returning from Syria to the UK with their children.
The Legal 500 2020
A leading defendant police law set, Serjeants’ Inn draws widespread commendation from instructing solicitors and forces, and is regarded by some as “the best set dealing with police misconduct you can find.” The chambers houses particularly well-regarded trial advocates and its members are regularly instructed by forces in misconduct and employment matters. The barristers also represent forces in civil claims for negligence, assault, false imprisonment and human rights breaches, among other issues. They regularly act for clients at inquests and judicial reviews alongside the full scope of civil litigation. The set’s barristers are well seasoned in appellate advocacy and are frequently called upon to appear before the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court in matters of profound importance for the future of policing. Members continue to represent forces in the most high-profile public inquiries, with recent highlights including appearances by a number of counsel in the Undercover Policing Inquiry.
Chambers & Partners 2019
Serjeants’ Inn Chambers’ John Beggs QC and Cecily White acted for Essex Police in the compensation claim brought by television presenter Michael Barrymore, following his arrest after the discovery of a man’s body in his swimming pool; in a landmark Court of Appeal decision, it was established that nominal damages only were to be paid, as although the arrest was made under unlawful procedure, only nominal damages will be paid where the person could and would have been lawfully arrested had the correct procedures been followed. Other work highlights include Dijen Basu QC representing Greater Manchester Police in a number of human rights claims arising out of prolonged retention of human tissue from murder victims, and Gerard Boyle QC successfully defending the former Chief Constable of Cheshire, Simon Byrne, against more than 70 allegations of gross misconduct; Byrne was cleared of all charges.
The Legal 500 2019
One of the leading sets for police forces with “a strong and large team of barristers dealing with police work who can respond at short notice.” Barristers here regularly advise forces on claims for negligence, assault, false imprisonment and human rights breaches. Sources say: “They have a breadth of extremely good people and are able to combine intelligence with persuasive advocacy.” In addition to representing forces in civil claims, inquests, inquiries and judicial reviews, the members also act in misconduct and employment matters in the police law area, including issues relating to the obligation to record police conduct and refer it to the IPCC. Members have acted in a number of recent high-profile matters, including the Undercover Policing Inquiry, the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse and the negligence claim that emerged out of the shooting of PC Rathband by Raoul Moat.
Chambers & Partners 2018
Serjeants’ Inn Chambers is ‘an ever-growing police set with excellent juniors and nationally recognised silks’. John Beggs QC continues to act for Essex Police in ongoing litigation brought by television presenter Michael Barrymore (known in litigation under his real name of Michael Parker). Both parties accept Barrymore was unlawfully arrested, following the discovery of a man’s body in his swimming pool, due to the arresting officer not being in possession of adequate information at the time of the arrest; what was in dispute was if nominal damages were adequate or not. In a landmark Supreme Court decision, Ian Skelt represented the defendant force in Robinson v Chief Constable of West Yorkshire Police, which found the force liable for injuries to an elderly woman who was knocked over during a struggle between two officers and an alleged drug dealer.
The Legal 500 2018
An exceptional set that handles a wide range of police law matters such as discipline hearings, civil actions, restraining orders and judicial reviews, it is “an excellent resource for police work.” Members of the set also provide advice on operational matters, and have represented the police in the Hillsborough and Deepcut inquests as well as in several high-profile claims for wrongful arrest. One interviewee enthuses: “The barristers are tactically aware and alive to possibilities.”
Chambers & Partners 2017
Serjeants’ Inn Chambers covers the gamut of force representation, including inquests and professional disciplinary work. With regards to the former, John Beggs QC and Oliver Williamson represented Surrey Police in the second inquest into the death of Private Cheryl James, who took her own life during army training at the Deepcut barracks in 1995.
The Legal 500 2017
Serjeants’ Inn has a robust police team that defends the interests of police officers and forces. It deals with many complicated police cases, including civil actions, disciplinary hearings, inquests and judicial reviews, and also offers general compliance advice. These cases concern matters such as malicious prosecution, false imprisonment, human rights breaches and uninvestigated complaints. “They are a very reputable set in this area“, observes one solicitor.
Chambers & Partners 2016
Product Liability
Drawing on the set’s recognised strength in clinical negligence law, the barristers at Serjeants’ Inn Chambers offer considerable expertise in the handling of high-profile product liability claims involving defective medical devices and pharmaceutical products. Members are regularly instructed in large group actions and act for both claimants and defendants. Recent cases handled by the team include the representation of the claimants in the JJML Pelvic Organ Prolapse Litigation, a complex case involving the use of vaginal mesh to treat abdominal hernias.
Chambers & Partners 2021
Maintains a strong practice predominantly acting for claimants in product liability disputes. Members are particularly well equipped to handle cases involving defective medical devices or pharmaceutical products, drawing upon their renowned clinical negligence offering.
Chambers & Partners 2020
The ‘very well resourced and organised‘ Serjeants’ Inn Chambers is instructed in class actions – predominantly in the medical devices and pharmaceutical field – primarily on the claimants’ side. Christopher Johnston QC and Heidi Knight have been kept busy being instructed in various litigation proceedings in connection with metal-on-metal hips claims. Furthermore, Eloise Power is acting for claimants in the Oculentis litigation.
The Legal 500 2020
Serjeants’ Inn Chambers has a strong reputation as a set specialising in product liability cases, predominantly those involving claims of injury arising from malfunctioning or non-functioning medical and pharmaceutical products. Members are able to bring additional expertise in clinical negligence to bear in such cases. Barristers from the chambers have recently acted in prominent and widely reported matters, such as the cases involving metal-on-metal hip replacements and defective transvaginal meshes.
Chambers & Partners 2019
Serjeants’ Inn Chambers has notable experience in product liability litigation involving injury caused by pharma or medical devices. More recently, it has expanded its work into other areas, including white goods. Christopher Johnston QC and Heidi Knight acted for claimants in the metal on metal hip litigation against manufacturer Zimmer Plc.
The Legal 500 2019
Serjeants’ Inn Chambers is a “very competitive” set in the product liability field that has members who appear mainly, though not exclusively, on behalf of claimants. The core of the set’s practice in this sector consists of claims concerning injury caused by medical or pharmaceutical products. This combines well with the set’s much-lauded reputation of handling clinical negligence claims and cases relating to the healthcare sector in general. Members here have recently been involved in the high-profile metal on metal hip and PIP breast implant litigation, and are noted for having developed extra expertise in defective consumer product litigation.
Chambers & Partners 2018
Serjeants’ Inn Chambers is ‘an astute set’ with ‘exceptionally intelligent’ barristers, who continue to act in many of the ‘metal-on-metal’ hip cases, and in matters involving large pharmaceutical companies, including Merck and Bayer. Members also have expertise outside the medical and pharmaceutical space in defective consumer product litigation.
The Legal 500 2018
Specialists in medical and pharmaceutical matters, members at Serjeants’ Inn are known for their skill at representing claimants on cases that straddle the line between clinical negligence and product liability. This year, the set can claim deep involvement in many of the ongoing group actions arising in regard to defective hip implants, as well as claims relating to a range of other medical devices. The set also has a growing focus on claims involving other kinds of consumer products and takes on an increasing amount of defendant work in this regard.
Chambers & Partners 2017
Serjeants’ Inn Chambers is ‘a very strong set’ with ‘approachable’ barristers, who have been involved in many of the metal-on-metal hip cases. Members also have expertise outside the medical and pharmaceutical space in defective consumer product litigation.
The Legal 500 2017
Serjeants’ Inn is noted for having a strong focus on medical and pharmaceutical-related product liability work which is complemented by its broader clinical negligence and medical regulatory expertise. Its barristers are experienced at dealing with large-scale group litigation.
Chambers & Partners 2016
Serjeants’ Inn Chambers is ‘really developing its expertise in product liability group actions, with an ever-increasing number of marvelous barristers in this area’. Members are involved in the DePuy and Zimmer hip disputes, for example.
The Legal 500 2016
Professional Discipline and Regulatory
Serjeants’ Inn Chambers has a deep bench of 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. Members have been instructed in high-profile cases including W80 v IOPC, a matter concerning the shooting of Jermaine Baker and considering the test for self-defence in police misconduct. According to one interviewee, “the quality of barristers is very high. I’ve never had a bad service from Serjeants’ Inn and I know I’m in safe hands there.”
Chambers & Partners 2022
Serjeants’ Inn Chambers is ‘a powerhouse in professional misconduct work’, with a strong record in handling healthcare-related cases. Jonathan Holl-Allen QC defended a consultant cardiologist, who allegedly had when on call given the wrong drug to a young woman suffering from tachycardia, who had then later suffered a heart attack. The ‘outstanding advocate’ Sarah Clarke QC is sought after for her expertise in prosecuting and defending in healthcare disciplinary matters.
‘Serjeants’ Inn Chambers has a great depth of counsel in the regulatory field. You would always have confidence that anyone they propose for a case has the requisite expertise to assist.’
‘One the foremost chambers in healthcare regulation.’
The Legal 500 2022
A deep bench of 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. In recent times the barristers have continued to appear in highly visible cases including those of the liver surgeon Simon Bramhall, Inspector Anthony Lumb, and Chief Constable Simon Byrne. Counsel exhibit additional strength in inquests and clinical negligence, which only goes to enhance their knowledge of regulatory practice in medicine and the police. Sources identify the set as “the go-to for healthcare matters.”
Chambers & Partners 2021
An extensive practice consisting of leading silks and juniors who are regularly trusted to represent the interests of regulators, individuals and forces in the medical profession and the police. The barristers lead the field in the prosecution and defence of the most serious charges against police officers, from rank and file to chief constable. They have recently acted in a number of legally important Court of Appeal cases in the area, were instructed by the Metropolitan Police in its proceedings against the officers who arrested Sean Rigg in 2008, and successfully defended the former Chief Constable of Cheshire against numerous allegations. Other members can boast an extraordinary track record of success in the representation of doctors and dentists accused of all manner of wrongdoing, including sexual misconduct, unethical research methods and dishonesty. Their expertise here is bolstered by chambers’ pedigree in the related areas of inquests and clinical negligence.
Chambers & Partners 2020
‘A very strong and reputable set‘, Serjeants’ Inn Chambers is ‘one of the premier sets for healthcare law and especially defence regulatory work‘. Jon Holl-Allen QC represented an orthopaedic surgeon who was suspended for 12 months after performing the wrong kind of knee replacement on a patient and then lying to her as to why revision surgery was required. Angus Moon QC represented a dentist in an appeal against proposed imposed conditions including surprise blood and hair tests. Among the set’s juniors, Ranald Davidson represented an anaesthetist who was suspended by the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) after claiming sick leave to carry out locum work. While most work comes from the context of health, John Beggs QC is active in Bar Standards Board (BSB) cases.
The Legal 500 2020
Serjeants’ Inn Chambers houses an impressive range of silks and juniors who practise professional discipline law. It accepts instructions from both regulators and individuals, primarily in the healthcare and police sectors. Members handle disciplinary hearings, appeals, criminal trials and inquests as well as judicial reviews of disciplinary decisions. Their instructions pertain to a diverse array of misconduct allegations including sexual misdemeanours, deceit, dishonesty, bullying, fraud and breaches of ethical procedures. Sources say the set is “very professional” and “really well regarded.”
Chambers & Partners 2019
Viewed as ‘a very strong set in the professional disciplinary arena‘, Serjeants’ Inn Chambers has a prominent reputation for its members’ capabilities in the medical sector, as well as police law. Recent instructions of note saw Anthony Haycroft represent a biomedical scientist before the Health and Care Professions Council over charges of incorrect labelling of blood samples, which had potential risks of causing harm to patients; he received a year-long conditions of practice order.
The Legal 500 2019
Serjeants’ Inn Chambers is roundly acclaimed for its professional discipline work, particularly in the police and healthcare sectors. It has an impressive range of barristers, who regularly act for and against regulatory bodies such as the GMC, GDC and Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC), amongst others. Recent cases handled by members include Dowson v GMC, a potentially significant case about the meaning of dishonesty, and Williams v PAT and Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis, a judicial review which confirmed that the Salter principle is not restricted solely to cases of dishonesty. Sources remark that “the barristers are extremely knowledgeable and very approachable.”
Chambers & Partners 2018
Serjeants’ Inn Chambers is ‘a strong team with an excellent reputation’. The set, which is notable for including several members with medical expertise prior to joining the Bar, has a strong offering across all the medical disciplines. Angus Moon QC successfully defended a doctor against the GMC’s appeal of his suspension for an affair with a patient. In the High Court, David Morris represented a doctor cleared by the MPT with regards to the relevant test for dishonesty in fitness to practice proceedings following the Supreme Court’s decision in Ivey v Genting Casinos, which replaced the previous Ghosh test with a simple objective one; the matter was remitted to tribunal. Also among the junior ranks, Ranald Davidson is instructed to represent a male paramedic accused of sexual misbehaviour when carrying out pre-fight checks on women in a ‘white-collar boxing’ competition.
The Legal 500 2018
Outstanding set that continues to excel in the field of profession discipline, and has particular prominence in the healthcare sector. Market commentators consider Serjeants’ Inn Chambers to be “strong and skilled throughout,” housing an extensive selection of advocates who are experienced representatives of numerous professionals, from accountants, actuaries and architects, to solicitors, social workers and sportsmen. Interviewees explain that it is “reassuring to know that there is a set whose members have such a thorough understanding of professional regulation and such an ability to always get to the heart of a matter.”
Chambers & Partners 2017
Serjeants’ Inn Chambers covers a range of work, principally regarding medical regulators, including tribunal hearings as well as judicial reviews in the higher courts. Sir Robert Francis QC represented Dr Waney Squier, a leading neuropathologist and critic of ‘shaken baby syndrome’, in a successful High Court challenge to her striking off by the GMC following alleged dishonest expert evidence in criminal trials.
The Legal 500 2017
Serjeants’ Inn Chambers is ‘a go-to set for professional discipline’, in which Sir Robert Francis QC represented Dr Waney Squier, a consultant neuropathologist and expert in shaken baby syndrome, who was found to have provided dishonest expert evidence, in a case subject to media interest due to the number of murder convictions based on the marvelous triad of symptoms.
The Legal 500 2016
Members regularly play an active role in the shaping of disciplinary and regulatory ethics in various fields, particularly in the healthcare sector. Its enviable team of highly regarded practitioners handles complex, large-scale matters in both the medical and police spheres, and clients include the GMC, GDC and the Police Federation. Interviewees enthuse: Serjeants’ Inn is one of the sets at the absolute pinnacle of the professional discipline field. They have particularly impressive strength in depth.
Chambers & Partners 2016