Chris is Head of the Clinical Negligence Group at No5 and is consistently recommended by the legal directories as a leading Silk who is highly experienced and expert in conducting the highest level of clinical negligence claims, including those arising from medical mismanagement.
Chris is known by solicitors for his approachability in informally screening cases at an early stage and providing constructive advice upon tactics and the instruction of recommended experts, and for his expertise in complex causation and quantum issues and issues relating to CCG/Local Authority statutory funding and PPOs.
Examples of medical cases are:
Re: MR.
Lump sum of GBP 900,000 (provisionally for the development of epilepsy, syringomyelia formation or a recurrence of the thoracic arachnoid cyst), and staged PPOs for care/case management of GBP 60,000 pa rising to GBP 150,000 pa for the later years of life). (Catastrophic claim re a failure of hospital staff promptly to diagnose cerebritis before the development of a cerebral abscess leading to significant cognitive and physical disabilities in a 58 year old Claimant now with restricted mobility, significantly dependent and presently lacking capacity (although with further psychological rehabilitation will regain capacity in the near future).
Re: E.
Lump sum of GBP 450,000 (Post-operative hypertension causing avoidable stroke).
Re: J McD.
Lump sum of GBP 455,000 (Avoidable below-knee amputation).
Re: S.
Lump sum of GBP 455,000 (Failure to diagnose epidural abscess).
Re: AS.
Lump sum of GBP 550,000 (Death of a husband/father due to a delayed diagnosis of epidural abscess).
"Chris has a thorough, and up-to-date understanding of the law applied in a pragmatic way. He has the ability to empathies with clients but also be clear and firm. He has excellent negotiation skills and is a real asset at settlement meetings."
Legal 500 2023 – Clinical Negligence
"He is a very good technical barrister." "Chris demonstrates excellent client care." "Chris is extremely thorough and knowledgeable on complex medical and legal issues." "He is an excellent advocate, extremely client-focused and a pleasure to work with." "Chris is an excellent barrister with an eye for detail."
Chambers UK 2023 – Clinical Negligence
“Superb with clients - he inspires confidence.” “He is a very charming silk and his strength lies in being able to channel numerous complex issues into a coherent argument.”
Chambers UK 2022 – Clinical Negligence
Ranked as a Tier 1 leading silk in Clinical Negligence.
Legal 500 2022 – Clinical Negligence
“Very knowledgeable, communicative and excellent with clients.”
Chambers UK 2021 – Clinical Negligence
“Extremely thorough and knowledgeable about complex medical and legal issues.”
Legal 500 2021 – Clinical Negligence
“He has a brain the size of a planet.” “He is very thorough and very technically accurate.” “Tactically astute and a poised advocate.”
Chambers UK 2020
“Always extremely well-prepared and on top of all the issues.”
Legal 500 2020
Appointments
Recorder - Crown and County Courts
Bencher of Gray’s Inn
Qualifications
BA (Hons) Law/Politics (Durham)
