Predominantly acting alone, but with substantial experience of being led in cases of the utmost severity, John has conducted many claims involving obstetric, paediatric and adult acquired brain injury.
These cases inevitably require a detailed understanding and analysis of the mechanisms of brain injury, insight into the needs of a severely injured Claimant and the requirements and a comprehensive work-up to quantify high value claims.
John’s current workload includes several birth injury claims of very high value, and he has recent experience of claims involving stroke, neurosurgical error and delay in treatment leading to incrementally worsened outcomes.
John is particularly adept handling expert witnesses in conference and at Trial and enjoys working closely with the solicitor client on difficult cases. He is regularly commended for his client care skills.
John is consistently recommended in the directories and has in recent years achieved Top Ranked status from Chambers UK Bar and Leading Individual Tier 1 status from Legal 500.
Recommendations
"John’s strengths are his attention to detail, practical advice, and view of the bigger picture. He is a fantastic advocate, calm and measured whilst getting his points across skillfully. He is also very good with witnesses, putting them at ease and very approachable. Overall, he is a very safe pair of hands."
Legal 500 2023 - Clinical Negligence
“He is responsive, meticulous in his written work and unflappable in court.”
Chambers UK 2022 - Clinical Negligence
“Fantastic level of attention to detail, excellent client care skills and sublime advocacy skills at Trial or hearing. One of the best in his field.”
Legal 500 2022 - Clinical Negligence
“A very insightful barrister - he is calm, measured and gets to the heart of issues quickly.” “An undoubted talent. His advice is first-class and he can be relied upon to produce the very best results possible, regardless of value and complexity. He is an extremely talented advocate and his attention to detail is second to none.”
Chambers UK 2021 - Clinical Negligence
“A formidable advocate with razor-sharp knowledge and excellent client care skills with catastrophically injured clients.”
Legal 500 2021 - Clinical Negligence
“He is an absolutely standout barrister who can turn around any kind of case.” “He is able to advise clients in very technical issues in a concise, straightforward manner.” “He has a brilliant manner with clients and has an aura which makes all of those involved feel at ease.”
Chambers UK 2020
“An extremely diligent barrister with a keen eye for the details.”
Legal 500 2020
Notable Cases
SA v UHBNHST [2020] EWHC 3384 QB
Acting for Defendant at Trial and in High Court appeal covering many aspects of the law on limitation, including detailed analysis of the application of the s.33 discretion in clinical negligence cases
AM v University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust (April 2018)
Acting with Leading Counsel for the Claimant in an obstetric cerebral palsy claim, settling shortly before trial for damages of 4.5m
AB v Tameside Hospital NHST (November 2017)
Acting alone for a Claimant who acquired traumatic brain injury following mismanagement of an endoscopic procedure, causing lifelong effects on his balance, smell and hearing. Settled at JSM for 375,000
DK v various GP Defendants (April 2015)
Acting for the Claimant with Leading Counsel in a case arising from serial failures to act on signs of a growing cerebral aneurysm. Case settled at JSM for damages of 1.3m
DM v Dudley Group of Hospitals NHST (February 2014)
Acting with Leading Counsel in a claim arising from hypoxic damage sustained during a mismanaged birth. Liability admitted. The Claimant suffered bilateral asymmetrical cerebral palsy with a mild right hemiplegia, visual difficulties and substantial neuropsychological sequelae. Claim settled at JSM shortly prior to Trial for 2.15m plus PPOs of 80,000pa
Carver v BAA [2008] EWCA Civ. 412
Appearing below and in the Court of Appeal in controversial case relating to Part 36 Offers
Collins v Tesco [2003] EWCA Civ 1308
Court of Appeal guidance in relation to the approach to knowledge under Limitation Act 1980 s.14
Appointments
Queen’s Counsel (forthcoming, 2021)
Director and Member of Chambers Management Committee, No5 Barristers’ Chambers
Advocacy Trainer, Midland Circuit
Memberships
Midland Circuit
Personal Injuries Bar Association
AvMA
Qualifications
BCL (Oxon) 1998
LLB (Hons) (Bris) 1997
