Barristers

• Louise Gillett

  Call: 2022

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  Louise joined Ropewalk Chambers as a tenant in 2024 and enjoys a busy and varied practice, being instructed across all of Ropewalk’s practice areas, from personal injury to inquests, contract disputes and professional negligence.  Recently, Louise has advised on liability in a dog strike claim under the Animals Act 1971 and in respect of negligently performed cosmetic treatments; and on quantum in a high-value crush injury case involving a claim for provisional damages. Louise prides herself on being approachable, insightful and empathetic to professional and lay clients alike. She is a confident and measured advocate who produces quality work to tight deadlines. She is a particularly adept trial advocate as a result of her previous experience practising in the Crown and Magistrates’ courts on a daily basis, having originally completed a pupillage in criminal, police and family law. Before coming to the Bar, Louise worked as an Executive Assistant providing support to business founders in the tech industry. Prior to this, she worked for a leading equestrian publication and organised an international Olympic-qualifying three-day event. Louise has also worked as a charity project manager and expedition leader in Southern and East Africa.  Louise completed her law degree at the University of Sheffield earning a First Class LLB (Honours) and went on to study the BTC at Nottingham Law School. Throughout her studies, Louise received a number of awards including the Lord Denning Scholarship from Lincoln’s Inn and the Taylor Award for outstanding academic contribution on the BTC. At undergraduate level, she was awarded the Oxford University Press Law Prize for achieving the best overall grade in her cohort and the Kirkland and Ellis Prize for the top performance in property law. In her spare time, Louise enjoys walking her dog in the Peak District, equestrian sport and a nice glass of wine – preferably on a beach somewhere hot.

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• Jack Stuart

  Call: 2021

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  Jack read German at St Hilda’s College, Oxford before returning to Nottingham to complete his GDL and BPTC. Whilst at law school Jack won Nottinghamshire Law Society’s President’s Cup, the Taylor Prize for Best Overall Performance on the BPTC and the Richard Bagley Pro Bono Prize. Jack was later named ‘Volunteer of the Year: Rising Star’ in the East Midlands Charity Awards for his Pro Bono work at Nottingham Law School’s teaching law firm, NLS Legal, having secured over £780,000 for his clients, including over £110,000 recovered/defended specifically in employment cases. Since joining Ropewalk, Jack has been keenly building a diverse practice in a number of Chambers’ different practice areas. As well as regularly acting in personal injury cases, Jack also has also been instructed in clinical negligence matters as well as in varied High Court chancery work. In addition, Jack has been instructed in inquest work, and welcomes instructions in this area. Before joining Chambers, Jack spent time at a local authority working in civil litigation, environmental prosecutions and planning disputes. Jack has since received instructions on local government and planning work in Chambers, areas in which Jack has a developing interest. Jack also previously worked as a Paralegal at Nottingham Law School’s teaching law firm, NLS Legal, where he built a strong employment practice including both Claimant and Respondent work. Jack appeared in the Employment Tribunal on varied cases, from Unfair Dismissal to TUPE disputes and claims involving multiple forms of alleged discrimination. Jack has represented in case management hearings and final hearings, including appearing before a three-member panel, and boasts a 100% success rate on the Tribunal hearings he conducted. Jack also successfully appeared in the firm’s first Judicial Mediation. For his Pro Bono practice, Jack was named ‘Volunteer of the Year: Rising Star’ in the East Midlands Charity Awards 2020 and was awarded Nottingham Law School’s Richard Bagley Pro Bono Prize. Whilst at law school, Jack received several awards and scholarships, including the Dean’s Scholarship for Academic Excellence and the Taylor Prize for Best Overall Performance on the BPTC. Jack also participated in and won a number of moots, and in 2019, Jack won the Nottinghamshire Law Society’s President’s Cup. One of Jack’s more niche areas of interest is in ecclesiastical law, particularly in clergy discipline and the faculty jurisdiction. Jack is on the Dean of Arches’ list of advocates offering their services in ecclesiastical cases, and has previously delivered training in ecclesiastical procedure. Jack has previously been instructed to advise in work involving questions of canon law, and Jack looks forward to exploring this interest further alongside a dynamic and varied practice at Ropewalk. Outside Chambers, Jack enjoys walks in the countryside, going to the theatre and travelling, having spent a year living and working in Germany.

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• Robert Poulson

  Call: 2018

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  Robert read History at the London School of Economics.  He returned to his native Nottingham to complete the GDL and BPTC at Nottingham Law School.  He was awarded a Distinction on the GDL and graded Outstanding on the BPTC. Robert joined Chambers in March 2022, following the successful completion of his pupillage under the principal supervision of John Campbell.  During pupillage he gained experience in disease, clinical negligence and personal injury work as well as commercial, property and contested probate cases. He is developing a busy practice and welcomes instructions from claimants and defendants in all areas of Chambers’ expertise. Robert is a Major Scholar of the Inner Temple, won the Taylor Prize for the Best Overall Performance on the BPTC, the Alastair Munt Memorial Advocacy Prize as best Advocate on the BPTC, and the Inner Temple BPTC Prize. Before coming to the Bar, he worked as a Clerk to Her Majesty’s Justices, a County Court Advocate and as a Paralegal on the Infected Blood Inquiry. Away from work Robert enjoys keeping fit, exploring the dustier reaches of a good wine merchant and poking about in antique shops.

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• Alexandra Pountney

  Call: 2014

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  Alex enjoys a busy and fast-paced practice, focusing on personal injury, clinical negligence, inquests and industrial disease. She is regularly instructed in high-value and complex cases, with a skill for unpicking challenging issues of medical causation and knotty factual disputes. Robust in oral and written advocacy, Alex’s practice includes a healthy mix of Claimant and Defendant work. She prides herself on being balanced and approachable to both professional and lay clients. With an eye for detail, Alex is adept at working her way through voluminous documents and conducting conferences with experts across a range of disciplines. Alex assisted with legal research in the landmark case of Zurich -v- Hayward [2017] AC 142. She regularly advises and provides representation in cases involving allegations of fraud or fundamental dishonesty. Before coming to the Bar, Alex worked in a busy clinical negligence team at a firm of solicitors. She has also worked for the Criminal Cases Review Commission, where she drafted submissions to the Ministry of Justice on proposed legislative changes to the law of joint enterprise. Alex studied Philosophy and Politics at the University of Southampton. She completed the GDL and BPTC at the University of Law, where she was awarded the BPTC Advocacy Prize for obtaining the highest advocacy marks in her year. She is a Benefactors’ Scholar of the Middle Temple and received the Kalisher Internship Award in recognition in of her potential to succeed at the Bar. Away from the Bar, Alex enjoys travel, yoga and wine.

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• Thomas Herbert

  Call: 2014

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  Tom is recognised as a leading practitioner in clinical negligence, inquests & inquiries, personal injury (predominantly industrial disease) and commercial litigation. He is described by the legal directories as “an all-round excellent counsel” who “never fails to impress” and is praised for his “mastery of the brief” and “sensitivity to the needs and interests of his instructing solicitors and clients”. He is “approachable, considered, articulate and intelligent” and “often able to think of imaginative solutions”. As such, he is regularly instructed in complex and high-value matters, including those attracting media interest, and is a particularly experienced appeal advocate considering his level of call. In October 2023, he was featured as one of the ‘new leading names … across the UK Bar’ according to Chambers UK. The breadth of Tom’s practice is apparent from his instructions on applications, at trial and on appeal in matters ranging from personal injury and disease to commercial disputes and costs. He was appointed to the Attorney General’s Regional B Panel in 2023. Recent and ongoing cases of note include: Junior to Patrick Limb KC representing the Claimant in Holmes v Poeton Holdings Ltd [2023] EWCA Civ 1377, which resolved the longstanding confusion as to whether the material contribution approach to causation applies in cases of indivisible injury (Parkinson’s disease allegedly caused by occupational exposure to trichloroethylene). Junior to Patrick Limb KC representing easyJet and Virgin Atlantic in ongoing High Court litigation concerning alleged ‘aerotoxicity’ and, as sole counsel, representing easyJet in two related claims arising from alleged ‘fume events’. Advice to and representation of a local authority at a three-week Article 2 inquest arising from the murder of a young girl by her mother. With Philip Turton, advice to and representation of the deceased’s maternal family at a four-week Article 2 inquest into the death of a 13-year-old girl by hanging, including a recusal application made at the pre-inquest review stage. Defending a range of proceedings arising from the breakdown of a high-profile relationship, including a breach of contract claim in the County Court, a claim in the torts of deceit & conspiracy in the King’s Bench Division of the High Court and insolvency proceedings. Advice to and representation of the deceased’s family in relation to coronial and civil proceedings arising from a failure to prescribe anticoagulant medication. The civil claim settled for £400,000 and received court approval on the basis of Tom’s advice. Successfully resisting an appeal against a District Judge’s decision to grant the Defendants’ very late application for their own medical evidence in a noise-induced hearing loss case. Representation of the respondent in a costs appeal in the Family Division of the High Court: C v S (Private Children Proceedings: Costs) [2023] 2 FLR 128. Advice and representation at an appeal concerning CPR Part 11 and common law waiver. Tom read Chemistry at the University of York and graduated with a Master’s degree before studying at Nottingham Law School, where he achieved a distinction in his Graduate Diploma in Law and was graded ‘Outstanding’ on the Bar Professional Training Course, obtaining the highest mark in his year in Civil Litigation. As a result of his scientific academic background, from which his “clients and instructing solicitors benefit”, he has a rigorous and analytical approach. He enjoys dealing with abstract or technical points of law and is particularly well-placed to analyse chemical, pharmaceutical and statistical evidence, and converse with experts in those fields. Tom frequently delivers lectures and seminars to solicitors. Recent topics include vicarious liability, expert evidence and causation in novel chemical exposure cases. He is also a member of the editorial committee for the Ropewalk Blogs, and regularly contributes to publications such as the Journal of Personal Injury Law. Away from the Bar, Tom’s interests include current affairs, good food and fine wine. He is a school governor at his former primary school in Nottinghamshire.

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• Samuel Shelton

  Call: 2012

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  Sam specialises in all areas of personal injury and industrial disease litigation. Sam has a busy trial and paperwork practice. He is instructed by claimants and defendants at all stages of claims, from preliminary advice through to trials and appeals, and at all levels of track.  He is equally adept at navigating factually complex and witness/document-heavy claims as arguing narrow points of law or procedure. He provides a proactive, tactical and down-to-earth approach to all of his instructions and he prides himself on being personable and approachable. Before joining Chambers, Sam studied law at the University of Durham and undertook the BPTC at Nottingham Law School. He went on to work as a paralegal in a large law firm where he developed an extensive knowledge of the pre-litigation and litigation processes and, in particular, gained a considerable understanding of personal injury practice.  Thereafter, he worked as a county court advocate via a large nationwide advocacy agency and has regularly appeared in courts across the country ever since. Away from the Bar, Sam enjoys running around after his young children and finding a little time for photography or relaxing with his collection of 70s rock vinyl.

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• Clare Haddon

  Call: 1999

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  Clare practices principally in personal injury related claims, clinical negligence, counter fraud, professional discipline and regulation, costs and employment cases. Prior to coming to the Bar, she worked for the British Council for ten years, principally in South America and South Asia. She speaks Spanish fluently.

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• Shilpa Shah

  Call: 1998

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  Shilpa attended BPP Bar School where she won First Prize for Advocacy and gained a final overall mark which put her within the top ten highest achievers of that year. Prior to that she had completed a Masters’ Degree in Law, in which she achieved a Distinction (equivalent to First Class). She won the Gluckstein Prize for Advocacy from Lincoln’s Inn and won a Major Scholarship. During her early years she worked with the Free Representation Unit and for the Citizens Advice Bureau. Shilpa specialises in costs and personal injury-related cases. At the request of the solicitor, Shilpa is happy to consider working under a suitable conditional fee agreement. She is also licenced to undertake direct access work. She has considerable experience of resolving claims during the course of joint settlement meetings. She regularly attends court and is often complimented on her attention to detail and the thoroughness of her preparation and presentation at trial.

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• Mark Diggle

  Call: 1996

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  Mark is a specialist in property and commercial litigation and has a busy and varied practice in these core practice areas whilst maintaining an interest in personal injury-related and housing work. Mark is Direct Access qualified and regularly acts in this capacity in commercial tenancy and real property disputes, both for business and individuals. He read law at the University of Glamorgan and graduated with First Class Honours, he then continued his studies, obtaining a Master’s Degree in International Commercial Law with Distinction from the University of Nottingham.  During his Master’s year, Mark was one of two students who represented the University at the 2nd Annual Willem C Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot finishing as runner-up. Away from the Bar, Mark’s major hobby is the study of Lau Gar Kung Fu and cycling although not necessarily at the same time.  He has two young daughters and never ceases to be amazed at the ingenuity they show in all things electronic.

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• Andrew McNamara

  Call: 1992

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  Andrew was called to the Bar in 1992. He practices in personal injury, including the fatal and catastrophic; all aspects of employers’ liability, especially industrial disease; inquests; and clinical negligence. Andrew draws upon 30 years’ experience at the Bar, as a former Assistant Coroner and a former Judge of the First Tier Tribunal (Residential Property Chamber). Andrew regularly delivers further education by way of lectures and webinars to solicitors and insurers. Andrew has been consistently ranked in legal directories for many years and has been described variously as a ‘superb advocate’ with a ‘robust and penetrative’ style of cross examination; ‘redoubtable in a trial’; and possessing ‘a good rapport with everybody and a very good manner in court’.

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• Samuel Ford

  Call: 2021

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  Samuel completed his law degree at the University of Leicester earning a 1st class LLB (Honours).  He achieved a grade of Outstanding on the BPTC at Nottingham Law School and was awarded a Taylor Prize for achieving the second best results overall in the year. Samuel joined Ropewalk as a tenant in 2021.  His practice since then has included small claims and Fast Track trials, applications, CMCs, stage 3 hearings, and infant settlement hearings.  He has a busy paperwork practice both drafting and advising across a range of areas including personal injury, housing disrepair claims, commercial disputes, property disputes, and motor. As an undergraduate Samuel was awarded the 36 Bedford Row prize at the University of Leicester for the best overall second year results for an aspiring barrister. Samuel has participated in and won a number of moots including winning the University of Leicester’s Senior Mooting Competition, which was judged by a panel chaired by Sir Terence Etherton MR.  He also won KCH Garden Square’s Civil Advocacy Competition 2018-2019 at UoL and was on the winning team for BPP’s Advocate of the Year Midlands Regional Heat 2018-2019. Nottingham Law School awarded Samuel an Academic Excellence Scholarship and he is a William Shaw Scholar at Gray’s Inn. Prior to coming to the Bar, Samuel had a successful career in insurance, spanning 9 years where he handled home insurance claims for an insurer and a loss adjuster. Away from the Bar, Samuel is kept busy by his young family, but when time permits he is an enthusiastic, if untalented, bass guitar player and loves to immerse himself in all aspects of the Warhammer 40,000 hobby.

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• Jack McCracken

  Call: 2012

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  Jack McCracken specialises in personal injury, industrial disease and data protection, information and privacy cases. Jack’s advocacy experience includes multi-day trials, inquests and tribunal hearings.  He has experience of cross-examining expert witnesses who are often the leading experts in their fields. He often works in other practise areas which overlap with these core areas, dealing with technical issues connected to employment and contractual matters, including insurance policy disputes.

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• Georgina Cursham

  Call: 2007

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  Georgina is a top-ranked leading junior in the Legal 500 directory for personal injury and inquest work, as well as having been recommended in Chambers & Partners Guide for Personal Injury every year for the last 7 years. She has a wide-ranging personal injury and clinical negligence practice, with a particular focus on catastrophic injury and fatal accident claims. She is esteemed for her specialist expertise in personal injury claims involving the Animals Act, as well as equine contractual disputes. She knows her way around the Coroner’s Courts, with extensive experience in Article 2 jury inquests arising from deaths in custody, as well as inquests into deaths arising from suspected failures in diagnosis and medical treatment. Georgina combines a strong academic background and thorough attention to detail with an approachable, down-to-earth attitude, which enables her to relate well to clients.

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• Alex Denton

  Call: 2014

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  Alex has been described by her clients as a ‘very impressive’ advocate with a ‘robust’ approach to drafting.  She accepts instructions in Chambers’ key practice areas on behalf of claimants and defendants alike, with particular experience and interest in personal injury law. Alex regularly delivers seminars (and particularly in the midst or wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, webinars) on developments within civil law.  Recent topics include employers’ liability, occupiers’ liability and procedural changes following the implementation and progress of the Damages Claims Portal. Alex studied law at the University of Leeds.  She graduated in 2013 with a first class degree in the top 5% of her year and was awarded the University Prize for Jurisprudence.  She completed the BPTC in London and was awarded a Harmsworth Scholarship by the Middle Temple. Prior to joining Ropewalk Chambers, Alex worked within litigation teams in law firms based in the UK and abroad, gained experience as a County Court advocate and undertook pro bono casework for the Free Representation Unit and Citizens Advice Bureau. Prior to a career in law, Alex lived and worked in Shenyang, China as an English language teacher, obtaining a teaching qualification from Beijing University of International Business and Economics in 2009. Away from the Bar, you will likely find Alex wakeboarding or attempting to walk her enormous Alaskan malamute dog.  She also (for unknown reasons) enjoys completing gruelling fitness challenges, including most recently Tough Mudder, Rough Runner and a half marathon.  Alex volunteers as a legal consultant on the Consultative Council of a national children’s charity.

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• Abigail Scott

  Call: 2019

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  Abigail holds a First Class (Honours) degree in Law and was graded Outstanding on the BPTC (1st in year). She joined Ropewalk Chambers as a tenant in 2020. Abigail has a busy court practice encompassing trials, applications, CMCs and CCMCs. She enjoys a thriving paperwork practice and is regularly instructed in multi-track cases to draft advices, pleadings, schedules and counter-schedules of loss. She is regularly instructed in PI/clinical negligence, inquest, disease and employment matters. Abigail’s recent instructions include: Representing the family at inquest following the death of their mother who developed a grade 4 pressure sore and sepsis whilst in nursing care. Abigail secured a finding of neglect (read more). Pleading, representation and settlement of a claim for significant abdominal injuries following a road traffic accident. The claim settled at JSM for over £400,000. Pleadings and advice arising from claims for alleged asbestos-induced injury (including lung cancer, asbestosis and mesothelioma). Providing junior counsel assistance to the claimants in Munícipio de Mariana and others v BHP Group in their class action for damages arising from the collapse of the Fundão Dam in Brazil. Defending a sexual harassment claim in the Employment Tribunal, securing a significant costs order against the claimant following a five-day hearing (see judgment and reasons). Abigail is a Harmsworth Scholar (Middle Temple) and received the Dean’s Scholarship for Academic Excellence, the Richard Bagley Prize for Outstanding Achievement in Pro Bono Activity and the Taylor Prize from Nottingham Law School. In 2022, she was shortlisted for Advocate’s Young Pro Bono Barrister of the year. As an undergraduate, Abigail won four major mooting competitions, each judged by Supreme Court, Court of Appeal and/or High Court judges. Her presentation was described by Lord Hodge as “particularly impressive”. Abigail is a member of the Government Legal Department’s Junior Junior scheme.  She is a member of Chambers’ Editorial Committee and an Editor for the Ropewalk Personal Injury Blog. In her spare time, Abigail enjoys running, cycling, hiking and kayaking. She is a keen horsewoman. Prior to joining the Bar, Abigail was a senior manager in a motorcycle dealership where she gained varied experience in commercial, employment and business matters.

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• Jessica Woodliffe

  Call: 2016

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  Jessica holds a double first-class degree in Law from Downing College, University of Cambridge.  She was graded Outstanding on the Bar Professional Training Course at Nottingham Law School. Jessica accepts instructions from claimants and defendants across all areas of Chambers’ work. Jessica joined Ropewalk Chambers in December 2020 after 12 months of pupillage under the principal supervision of Jonathan Owen.  During pupillage, Jessica gained experience in personal injury, disease and clinical negligence work and is keen to develop a broad practice. Before joining Chambers, Jessica volunteered for the Free Representation Unit in disability benefit appeals and worked at the housing charity Framework. She received an Exhibition Scholarship and Allan Levy award from the Inner Temple and a Senior Harris Scholarship from Downing College, Cambridge.  As an undergraduate, Jessica won the University of Law National Mooting Competition in 2015 and was a semi-finalist in the Oxford French Law Mooting Competition in 2013. Jessica speaks fluent French (certified C2 level) and conversational German. Away from the Bar, Jessica is a keen surfer and enjoys playing racketlon and volunteering at her local church.

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• Kate Longson

  Call: 2013

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  Kate enjoys a fast-paced practice focussed on personal injury, disease, commercial and property litigation. She was appointed to the Attorney General’s Regional C Panel in 2020. She accepts instructions in Fast and Multi-Track matters, both at first instance and on appeal. She regularly appears in the County and High Courts on behalf of both Claimants and Defendants. Kate is a first-rate advocate with a wealth of trial experience. She is often instructed in complex and high-value matters and prides herself on outstanding analytical ability and attention to detail. Kate also has a busy paperwork practice and is regularly asked to draft pleadings and schedules, and to advise, in complex and high value cases, including catastrophic personal injury claims and fatal accidents. Friendly and approachable, Kate strives to make herself available to those who instruct her to promote a collaborative approach to litigation. Kate frequently delivers seminars to solicitor and insurer clients. Recent topics include the Animals Act, vicarious liability, claims against the MIB and Force Majeure. Before coming to the Bar, Kate completed an internship at the Ghana Legal Aid Scheme in Accra, Ghana. She is a Hardwicke, Denning and Buchannan scholar of Lincolns Inn. Kate studied the BPTC at Manchester Metropolitan University and was graded Outstanding, receiving the Deans Excellence Award for achieving the highest overall marks in her year. Kate spends much of her free time caring for her two Icelandic horses and can often be found tölting around the South Nottinghamshire countryside. She also enjoys travel, having visited over 70 countries, and speaks conversational Spanish.

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• Philip Godfrey

  Call: 2010

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  Philip prides himself on providing a tactical insight into the cases on which he is instructed.  He provides a proactive approach and is often involved at the earliest stages of claims to provide input and guidance. Philip specialises in all areas of personal injury, industrial disease and clinical negligence litigation. His practice encompasses high-value multi-track work involving cases valued up to £1 million. Philip has extensive experience of trial advocacy and interim hearings, incorporating the full range of personal injury litigation. Philip has a wide-ranging paperwork practice, advising both claimants and defendants, as well as settling pleadings.  He regularly advises on liability, quantum and issues of medical causation. He has a particular specialism in cases involving the Defective Premises Act 1972, and was counsel for the Respondent in the leading case of Lafferty v Newark and Sherwood DC [2016] HLR 13. Philip studied Law at the University of Nottingham.  At University, he was awarded the Law Graduates’ Association Moot Prize.  He undertook his Bar Vocational Course at Nottingham Law School where he was graded “Very Competent”. Prior to joining Chambers, Philip spent three months working for the International Arbitration team at a leading international law firm in Paris. Away from the Bar, Philip’s interests include travel, cooking, golf, spending time with family and friends and trying (in vain) to keep his two terriers under control.

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• Cassandra Williams

  Call: 2010

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  Cassandra has a successful civil law practice.  She accepts instructions in all areas of civil law but has a special expertise in personal injury, disease and counter fraud work.  Cassandra acts for both claimants and defendants in Fast and Multi Track matters in the County Court and High Court.  Cassandra also undertakes some employment work. Cassandra is a down-to-earth, fearless and tenacious advocate.  She represents her clients with steadfast determination.  She prides herself on being approachable and attentive to her client’s needs, whilst also recognising the importance of being realistic and appropriately managing her client’s expectations. Cassandra is a popular choice for clients and lay clients who are seeking a robust, no-nonsense advocate who will relentlessly fight their corner and who they can rely on to identify and master the key issues in complex and/or vigorously contested cases. Cassandra is well regarded for her comprehensive, sound, practical and skilled advice.  Her considerable paperwork practice also includes drafting pleadings and drafting questions to experts. Cassandra’s most recent successes include: Successfully representing defendants at the final hearing of the committal proceedings in the case of Jet2 Holidays Ltd v Hughes & Hughes. Securing findings of fundamental dishonesty against multiple claimants whilst acting for a Defendant insurer. Successfully representing claimants whose personal injury claims were defended on the grounds that they were fundamentally dishonest as well as bettering the Part 36 offers made by the claimants. Successfully representing both claimants and defendants in employer’s liability claims for personal injury arising out of accidents in the workplace. Cassandra is happy to accept instructions on a conditional fee and pro bono basis.  Cassandra is qualified to undertake direct access work and is happy to consider instructions from members of the public. Cassandra graduated from the University of Birmingham with an LLB Law degree in 2007.  She was awarded an Exhibition Award by Inner Temple and obtained a Very Competent on the Bar Vocational Course at Nottingham Law School in 2009.  She became a tenant of Ropewalk Chambers after successful completion of pupillage in 2010. Before coming to the Bar, Cassandra spent a year teaching English as a Foreign Language at a middle school in Nanjing, China.  She also spent a year working with the Citizens’ Advice Bureau and volunteered as a Youth Advocate for Paralympic Sport. When not at work, Cassandra can be found exploring country parks across Nottinghamshire with her husband and their two young sons.  Cassandra’s interests include vegan cookery, baking, house renovations, badminton and travel.

  data-roles="junior" data-services="clinical-negligence,commercial-dispute-resolution,costs-litigation-funding,counter-fraud,credit-hire,disease,inquests,motor,personal-injury" data-year_of_call="2010" data-month_of_call="1" data-id="1550"

• Philip Davy

  Call: 2009

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  Philip specialises in personal injury, professional negligence and clinical negligence work. His caseload has an equal claimant/defendant split across what are now almost exclusively higher-value or complex cases. Personal Injury All types of PI work undertaken, including: Accidents at work Public liability claims Industrial disease (noise, vibration, asbestos etc) Clinical negligence and dental negligence Animals Act claims Catastrophic and life-changing injuries Inquests Abuse claims (historic sexual and physical abuse), an area of particular expertise Professional Negligence Recent and current caseload involves claims against solicitors, barristers, expert witnesses, accountants, surveyors, aestheticians and social workers. In his last 5 cases for Claimants, all have settled either following close of pleadings or at early mediation/JSM, securing substantial compensation at an early stage in the litigation process. Conversely, in the last two cases in which he was involved for the Defendant (relating to alleged solicitor negligence), the solicitor was entirely exonerated; in one case at Trial and in the other at an early Defendant application to strike-out the claim (which was successful). Philip is keen to continue developing his practice in this area but is already handling several cases with pleaded values in excess of £100,000. General Philip is regularly instructed on JSMs and CCMCs, alongside his paperwork practice. He is available to conduct remote hearings, as well as being able to travel nationally. He has been on the winning side in the Court of Appeal (where he appeared as sole counsel against a KC), and in the Supreme Court in the case of Armes (now regarded as the ‘high water mark’ of the doctrine of vicarious liability). He has twice been nominated for PI Junior of the Year at the Legal 500 Bar Awards, in 2022 and 2023, alongside considerably more senior practitioners. He is the only junior to have been nominated in both consecutive years and one of only two outside London. He is always at the end of the phone to answer any queries, believing that early and continued collaboration with instructing solicitors is the best way to a successful outcome in any case. He is valued for being a straightforward communicator in court and for his personable manner with clients.

  data-roles="junior" data-services="abuse,clinical-negligence,costs-litigation-funding,counter-fraud,credit-hire,data-protection-information,disease,inquests,motor,personal-injury,professional-negligence,property-real-estate" data-year_of_call="2009" data-month_of_call="2" data-id="1548"

• Rachel Young

  Call: 2006

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  Rachel was called to the Bar in 2006.  As part of her degree, she completed a Diploma in French Law (Diplome d’Etudes Juridiques Francaises) at the Universite de Limoges, France. Thereafter, she obtained a Very Competent on the Bar Vocational Course at Nottingham Law School. She successfully completed pupillage at Ropewalk Chambers and became a tenant in 2007. Rachel is a specialist in high-value clinical negligence and personal injury claims, and related inquests. Interests away from the Bar include netball, athletics and swimming. Rachel also enjoys spending time with family and friends.

  data-roles="junior" data-services="clinical-negligence,counter-fraud,inquests,personal-injury,serious-injury" data-year_of_call="2006" data-month_of_call="4" data-id="1547"

• Georgina Crawford

  Call: 2006

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  Georgina is typically instructed in catastrophic and other high-value claims in the High Court and multi-track matters in the County Court.  Her particular expertise is in Animals Act claims.  Georgina was successful in the much publicised High Court case of Ford v Seymour Williams in 2021, against a silk.  With leading counsel in the Court of Appeal, she went on to win the appeal [2021] EWCA Civ 1848. Her practice also routinely includes inquests, clinical negligence, disease work, road traffic accidents and the full raft of public and employer’s liability claims.  Her practice is both claimant and defendant.

  data-roles="junior" data-services="animals-equine,clinical-negligence,disease,inquests,personal-injury,professional-negligence,serious-injury" data-year_of_call="2006" data-month_of_call="3" data-id="1545"

• Rochelle Rong

  Call: 2005

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  Rochelle was educated in China, Singapore and England. She graduated from the University of Warwick.  Upon completion of her Bar Vocational Course at the Nottingham Law School, Rochelle commenced her pupillage at Ropewalk Chambers and became a tenant in 2006. She has travelled extensively and speaks fluent Chinese (Mandarin). Rochelle is a very experienced and highly regarded personal injury barrister with a busy paperwork and court practice in the areas of personal injury, industrial disease and clinical negligence claims.

  data-roles="junior" data-services="clinical-negligence,disease,inquests,personal-injury,serious-injury" data-year_of_call="2005" data-month_of_call="1" data-id="1542"

• Kam Jaspal

  Call: 2005

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  Kam is a specialist practitioner in industrial disease cases and has been routinely recognised as a leading junior in this field by published guides to the legal profession. Kam specialises principally in disease, all aspects of personal injury (including catastrophic injury) clinical negligence and insurance work. He has been recognised as a leading junior by the Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners for a number of consecutive years. He regularly appears in the County and High Courts and has also appeared in the Court of Appeal. Interests away from the Bar include rugby, football, squash, skiing and snooker.

  data-roles="attorney-generals-panel-of-counsel,junior" data-services="clinical-negligence,disease,group-actions,inquests,insurance,motor,personal-injury,serious-injury,sports" data-year_of_call="2005" data-month_of_call="2" data-id="1526"

• Edward James

  Call: 2002

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  Ed is an experienced and successful Barrister of more than 20 years Call. Having undertaken pupillage and secured tenancy with Chambers in London, Ed practiced there for several years before joining Ropewalk Chambers in 2008. Ed specialises in serious injury work (mainly high value personal injury and clinical negligence cases) and regularly deals with claims involving fraud. He is a very experienced barrister who is used to dealing with high value, complex cases and has a number of loyal solicitors, on both sides, who repeatedly instruct him for his sound advice and representation at settlement meeting or trial. Ed is a personable and articulate advocate, who prides himself on getting the best result for his lay and professional clients, whether that be in negotiation through to settlement, or at trial. His practice over the years has provided him with a wealth of litigation and advocacy experience in the Magistrates’ Court, Crown Court, County Court, Administrative Court, Coroner’s Court, High Court, Court of Appeal and the Old Bailey. Ed has been consistently recognised as a Leading Junior in the Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners. Away from the Bar, he is a keen rugby supporter and ex player (Sussex County Rugby Captain and Wasps Development), Lead Coach to an U11 Rugby Team and an RYA Day Skipper.

  data-roles="junior" data-services="animals-equine,clinical-negligence,costs-litigation-funding,counter-fraud,criminal-regulatory,inquests,motor,personal-injury,serious-injury,sports" data-year_of_call="2002" data-month_of_call="1" data-id="1523"

• Patrick Limb KC

  Call: 1987 / Silk: 2006

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  Patrick specialises in all aspects of disease, personal injury and clinical negligence work. With over 15 years in silk, he has substantial experience acting on behalf of Claimants and Defendants in claims of maximum severity, having a particular interest in brain and spinal injuries, as well as claims of intractable pain. He was shortlisted at the Chambers and Partners UK Bar Awards for 2016 for "Personal Injury / Clinical Negligence - Silk of the Year". He was winner of "Regional / Scottish Silk of the Year" at the Legal 500 UK Bar Awards 2017. With a successful track record in test litigation, group and multi-party actions, he has been named in Chambers & Partners’ Spotlight Table nationally for disease practitioners since its inception. His advisory and court work often involves challenging, novel issues (or safeguarding established orthodoxies). Such work has involved him in claims concerning complex damages awards and insurance coverage, both here and in other jurisdictions (Cayman Islands, Jersey, Gibraltar and Scotland). He acts regularly and variously in cases engaging product liability, the police, regulatory bodies and sports law. He is a highly experienced appellate advocate to Supreme Court level, having appeared in the final court on seven occasions. Sure-footed on law and procedure, he provides strategic thinking, commercial nous and seeks to serve each client by leading as an effective team-player. Away from the Bar, Patrick is Chair of the Nottingham UNESCO City of Literature Board and lists his interests as wildlife, trekking along and being half French.

  data-roles="kc" data-services="clinical-negligence,disease,group-actions,inquests,personal-injury,serious-injury,sports" data-year_of_call="1987" data-month_of_call="12" data-id="1233"

• Richard Seabrook

  Call: 1987

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  Richard has survived into his fifth decade at the Bar! After conducting a broad mix of work with a strong criminal and common law focus in his early years, he quickly developed a practice specialising in personal injury and associated areas. Richard was first appointed to the Attorney General’s Panel of Counsel in 1994, having been selectively re-appointed on each occasion he applied. His most recent appointed runs until March 2025. He is experienced in all types of personal injury and fatal accident claims, with a strong focus also on clinical negligence and inquest work as detailed below. His interests away from work include off-piste/big mountain skiing (Verbier, Breckenridge, St Anton, Chamonix and many more) all with a large dose of “Après”, rugby (sadly now as a spectator only), cycling up and down the Cols and mountains in Europe (Ventoux, Alpe D’Huez, Galibier and many more), gardening, travel, fine food and (good cheap) wine and a wide variety of types of loud music. He has still not entirely given up on the idea of attending a music festival, albeit perhaps one with glamping! Married to Jane for 30 years, a musculoskeletal/sports physiotherapist, he has three grown-up children, none of whom have shown the slightest inclination to be mad enough to consider a career at the Bar.

  data-roles="junior" data-services="clinical-negligence,counter-fraud,criminal-regulatory,disease,group-actions,inquests,motor,personal-injury,serious-injury" data-year_of_call="1987" data-month_of_call="12" data-id="12"

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