Chris completed pupillage at a leading common law set and additionally undertook the conversion requirements to qualify as a Solicitor. Chris is authorised to accept direct access instructions and was one of the first self-employed barristers to be authorised by the Bar Standards Board to conduct litigation on behalf of his clients.
Chris spent the first few years of his practice employed by a top tier national law firm where he was in-house Counsel and Head of Costs Litigation. In 2010 Chris moved to the independent bar where alongside his expertise in Costs law, he has developed a successful Commercial, Credit Hire, Personal Injury (including Insurance Fraud) and Inquest practice.
Chris’ practice and experience has been built on a foundation of providing clients with quality and straightforward advice and representation. He is renowned for not being afraid to think outside the box and for his ‘entrepreneurial’ backbone.
Types of work undertaken
Outside of Chris’ broad personal injury practice, he has considerable experience representing (as interested parties) Families, Individuals, Public and Local Authorities and particularly NHS Trusts at Inquests.
In many cases, Chris is instructed to attend pre-inquest conferences with family members, medical staff and other witnesses in order to provide advice and reassurance in respect of the process. Where appropriate Chris will engage with the Coroner and their officers directly in order to ensure that any particular concerns are fully investigated and relevant evidence made available. Such steps can be of critical importance where ‘Article 2’ may be engaged or where a possible verdict of ‘neglect’ could be contemplated.
Following an inquest, Chris is often called upon to advise in respect of any risk management issues or lessons that can be learned by organisations or authorities. Likewise, where litigation may be contemplated on behalf of the estate of the deceased, Chris’ personal injury background ensures that he well placed to provide advice in respect of any potential claim.
Most notably Chris acted for the Probation Service at an ‘Article 2’ inquest held following a high profile prison murder in [2010] Re. C, Leeds Coroners Court.
