Clinical Negligence

“The ‘impressive’ Old Square Chambers is well established in the clinical negligence field and members are instructed in a wide range of cases for both defendants and claimants.” (The Legal 500)

Old Square Chambers’ Clinical Negligence Team comprises a group of highly-regarded specialists whose collective experience enables the team to provide advice and advocacy across the full range of clinical negligence and related disputes.

Old Square Chambers has a long-standing tradition of excellence in clinical negligence work, as demonstrated by the involvement of a number of former members in founding the largest UK charity for patient safety and justice, Action against Medical Accidents (AvMA).

Our team of specialists – with depth, experience and excellence at all levels – offers advice and advocacy in all aspects of clinical negligence claims, as well as in inquests and the broadest range of other healthcare issues. Our knowledge and experience is enhanced by our experience in personal injury, product liability, disability and equality law, professional discipline and human rights. This enables Old Square Chambers to provide high-quality advice and representation across the entire spectrum of clinical litigation and associated areas.

Because of our experience across the range of healthcare fields – clinical negligence, professional regulation and discipline, product liability, disability and equality law, inquests and human rights – we provide the highest quality of service across the whole spectrum of healthcare litigation. Our clerks also understand the importance of selecting the right counsel for each case and they too fully understand the requirements of the field.

Barristers specialising in Clinical Negligence

We strongly believe in working as a team, both internally and also externally with our clients. Counsel will come to you for conferences when required and we are equipped for video conferencing in Chambers. We provide a 24/7 service. All barristers and clerks are contactable by email and telephone out of hours.

The head of one of the largest clinical negligence solicitors firms in the country, who regularly instructs Chambers, recently made the following observation of our team:

“I have found the barristers I have used at Old Square Chambers give excellent advice on the cases I handle. Instructions are dealt with quickly and efficiently and the advice received is excellent both in terms of content and the way it is presented. The barristers I have used have all been very approachable and are always happy to discuss cases over the phone if needed. The wealth of experience available at Chambers in dealing with clinical negligence claims ensures that I receive specialist advice from a highly skilled team.”

Chambers is recognised in the legal directories for being“the go-to set for reliable, client-friendly and no-nonsense counsel.” Our clerks are “friendly and approachable” and consistently identified as being “amongst the best.” (Chambers & Partners & The Legal 500)

Fee charging model

There are various different fee charging models available and these will vary according to each individual case. Wherever possible costs will be agreed in writing prior to commencement of any work by the barrister.

Barristers at Old Square Chambers are open to considering accepting instructions on Clinical Negligence cases under a Conditional Fee Agreement. In CFA cases the fees and will be governed by the terms of the CFA.

One of the fee structures commonly used for Clinical Negligence cases is a fixed fee. This means that, wherever possible, we will quote a fee in advance of the work being carried out. For hearings we typically charge a brief fee which includes counsel’s preparation for the hearing and attendance at the first day of the hearing. A refresher fee will be charged for each subsequent sitting day.

Please see below estimates based on the ranges of fixed fees and brief fees for barristers at Old Square Chambers in ordinary Clinical Negligence claims.

Item	Range of fees (estimate)
Hourly rate	£75 to £750 plus VAT
Written advice	£250 to £5,000 plus VAT
Advising in conference	£500 to £5,000 plus VAT
Brief fee for Case Management Hearing in London region	£500 to £5,000 plus VAT
Brief fee for 1 day hearing in London region	£1,000 to £15,000 plus VAT
Brief fee for 2 day hearing in London region	£2,000 to £220,000 plus VAT
Refresher fee	£500 to £6,000 plus VAT

Wherever possible, we will endeavour to achieve the timescales outlined, or any other reasonable timescales agreed at the time of accepting the instructions. Timescales may vary depending on factors such as barristers’ availability, the complexity of your case, the need for additional documents and the other side’s approach. Chambers will, wherever possible, endeavour to provide advice and representation that meets and exceeds the needs of our clients. Unforeseeable factors such as tribunal/court delays, cases overrunning, barrister illness and other factors outside of our control could cause delays. We will always endeavour to work with you to ensure we meet and exceed your expectations wherever possible. Where it is not possible, we will ensure we communicate clearly and regularly with you to guide you through any challenges.