Professional negligence
"Hailsham Chambers has 'a core of good individuals who are making a bit of a splash both through their work and through putting on seminars'." Chambers UK 2010
"Hailsham Chambers is particularly strong in legal negligence representation, although instructions from the financial, property and insurance sectors have increased in recent years." Legal 500 2009
"Hailsham Chambers 'has an enviable reputation for complex professional negligence work as a result of its numerous strong QCs and many excellent juniors who are coming through the ranks.' Strong across the board, it does well handling both traditional professionals and the newer breed." Chambers UK 2009
"Hailsham Chambers boasts a string of professional negligence experts." Legal 500 2008
"This eminent specialist negligence set has 'a fantastic reputation' in this field and 'excels in dealing with industry specialists in professional negligence cases'." Chambers UK 2008
"This set is best known for its solicitors' negligence expertise but also has broader legal, financial, insurance and property experience." Chambers UK 2007
"Hailsham Chambers has a wealth of leading professional negligence practitioners." The Legal 500 2007
"Professional indemnity and clinical negligence are major specialisms of Hailsham Chambers." The Legal 500 2006
"The best of them is undoubtedly Michael Pooles QC. 'Always sure in his approach, he gives nothing away - he seems to be calm and measured both when he's doing well and when the empire is beginning to crumble. And that's an art,' explained sources. He has recently been involved in the Standard Life v Aon matter, a claim arising out of the construction of an insurance policy." Chambers UK 2010
"Bernard Livesey QC, who continues to handle an impressive volume of solicitor negligence claims'." Chambers UK 2010
"Derek Holwill is another of the set's high-flyers who excels in solicitor negligence claims. He continues to act for Reynolds Porter Chamberlain in Standard Life v Oak Dedicated and others, a £75 million insurance claim arising out of endowment mis-selling." Chambers UK 2010
"Francis Bacon's practice continues to flourish and he is acknowledged as a terrifically able junior. He has enjoyed a busy year, handling a number of substantial cases, such as acting for Quinn and representing a significant number of firms in the CLE litigation. He is tipped for great things." Chambers UK 2010
"William Flenley comes highly recommended for his skill at handling solicitor negligence. He recently defended Cobbetts in a claim brought by Cheshire Building Society." Chambers UK 2010
"Quick-thinking Simon Wilton is 'astoundingly good on his feet' and impresses sources by constantly winning his cases. His practice covers a wide range of professions, including solicitors, surveyors, insurance brokers and accountants. He recently successfully defended an appeal to the Court of Appeal in a ‘lost litigation' case against solicitors, a barrister and an expert witness." Chambers UK 2010
"Tipped for great things is Spike Charlwood... Commentators feel that it 'won't be too long until Charlwood takes silk' such is the strength of his reputation as a leading junior. He acts for a number of insurers and is particularly active when it comes to claims involving solicitors. Recent highlights for him include his involvement in GMAC v Watson & Brown, a multiple lenders' claim against a firm of solicitors." Chambers UK 2010
"Paul Mitchell continues to forge a burgeoning reputation as his work attracts more and more interest. His practice encompasses claims involving accountants, financial advisers and solicitors, and he recently worked alongside Spike Charlwood on GMAC v Watson & Brown. Other highlights include working on Poels v Bank of Scotland Plc." Chambers UK 2010
"Michael Pooles QC, who ‘quickly understands the unusual and exceptional‘ represented solicitors in Standard Life v Aon." Legal 500 2009
"‘Incredibly bright‘ Derek Holwill appeared in Watkins v Jones Maidment Wilson." Legal 500 2009
"Busy Francis Bacon is representing the solicitors in Nationwide v Browne Jacobson." Legal 500 2009
"William Flenley is ‘a good advocate, and a very capable technical lawyer‘." Legal 500 2009
"Spike Charlwood is ‘a very accomplished courtroom advocate‘." Legal 500 2009
"The admirable Michael Pooles QC 'reassures clients with his clear grasp of the issues and unfailing ability to explain the most complex situation simply'." Chambers UK 2009
"Bernard Livesey QC, 'a real team player who is an asset to any solicitor'." Chambers UK 2009
"Derek Holwill is 'commercial, incisive and highly talented.' He was highlighted for his solicitors' negligence work, an area in which he is 'hard to beat.'" Chambers UK 2009
"William Flenley is a lawyer who is particularly commended due to his co-authorship of a book on solicitors' negligence and liability. Solicitors note that his 'brilliance clearly shines through,' and he is much in demand." Chambers UK 2009
"Francis Bacon usually appears on his own or with a junior against silks, a testament to his ability." Chambers UK 2009
"Spike Charlwood is 'academically brilliant and has a sensible approach to the law'." Chambers UK 2009
"Simon Wilton is 'dependable, reliable and a safe pair of hands'." Chambers UK 2009
"Paul Mitchell's growing professional negligence practice comprises claims against lawyers, accountants and financial advisers. He successfully defended Chantery Vellacott in a £100 million professional negligence counterclaim against accountants, which collapsed mid-trial." Chambers UK 2009
"Michael Pooles QC, who 'delivers the goods on the day'." Legal 500 2008
"Francis Bacon, seen as ‘a safe pair of hands', is currently instructed on his own against Justin Fenwick QC and Ben Hubble in Nationwide v Browne Jacobson." Legal 500 2008
"William Flenley and Derek Holwill are highly recommended." Legal 500 2008
"Spike Charlwood, who is 'good at controlling the court'." Legal 500 2008
"Bernard Livesey QC is praised for his accessibility and wins commendation for his 'unwavering performances and advocacy skills'." Chambers UK 2008
"'Outstanding on professional indemnity cases', Derek Holwill is commended by peers for his 'sharp advocacy skills'." Chambers UK 2008
"Spike Charlwood offers 'very practical advice' in professional indemnity cases and is much sought out by solicitors." Chambers UK 2008
"Michael Pooles QC is considered a leading practitioner of note and receives high accolades for his 'ability to break down the most complex matters into their simplest component parts'." Legal 500 2007
"[Simon] Wilton in particular has dealt with an increasingly high-value set of cases which mark out confidence in himself and his leaders in him." Legal 500 2007
"The likeable [Spike] Charlwood has an excellent practice in solicitors' negligence claims" Legal 500 2007
"Michael Pooles QC is a 'leading light' in the professional negligence sector. He is not only a 'particularly strong advocate' but also 'approachable, friendly and flexible'." Chambers UK 2007
"Solicitors praise Bernard Livesey QC for [his] advocacy skills. Livesey is recognised in particular for his construction industry knowledge". Chambers UK 2007
"Derek Holwill is an outstanding junior on all professional indemnity matters. He is extremely sharp with 'a mind like a steel trap'." Clients suggest that he 'ought to take silk'.". Chambers UK 2007
"Michael Pooles QC is considered one of the very best silks and 'a great authority on solicitors' negligence'." Legal 500 2006
"The set has several leading juniors, namely the outstanding Derek Holwill, Francis Bacon, William Flenley, who is 'just excellent' at solicitors' negligence." Legal 500 2006