1979 -1986 Ballymena Academy, N. Ireland
1988 Worked for a Los Angeles law firm
1989 Trinity Hall, Cambridge: MA (Law): 1st class
1989 Gray’s Inn Scholarship
1999 Appointed by Attorney General: Junior Counsel to the Crown (B Panel)
2001 Publication of Medical Treatment Decisions & the Law
2003 Called to the Northern Irish Bar

Email: cjohnston@3serjeantsinn.com

Christopher is recommended in clinical negligence and professional discipline by leading legal directories the Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners.
 

Christopher Johnston is widely admired for his user-friendly manner: "He is a joy to work with and clients love him." He is also credited with achieving consistently excellent results, with a number of interviewees commenting that his pleadings are extremely accomplished. Solicitors rely on him. Chambers and Partners 2010

'Greatly in demand and a “class apart amongst the juniors,” Christopher Johnston impresses observers as an “incredibly quick, accurate, organised and dedicated individual.”' Chambers & Partners 2009
 
"...draws considerable praise for his 'fine advocacy and drafting skills'..." Legal 500 2008
 
'...“very incisive and good at pinpointing issues and dealing with difficult clients.”' Chambers & Partners 2009
 
"Christopher Johnston has an “approachable, pleasant and calming manner,” say clients who also applaud him for having a “deep intellect." Chambers & Partners 2008

Employment In the medical field Chris has acted for NHS trusts and for doctors in employment tribunals in relation to unfair dismissal, sex and race discrimination claims.  He appeared in the employment appeal tribunal in North Essex Health Authority v Dr David-John [2004] ICR 112. Chris has experience of internal medical disciplinary hearings and significant GMC and GDC experience.  He also has significant human rights’ experience. In the police field Chris has acted for police forces in employment tribunal sex and race discrimination claims. He has primarily worked for West Midlands police. He has experience in police pensions cases, and experience acting as presenting officer in police internal disciplinary hearings. He has also acted as legal assessor.
Professional Conduct work  General Medical Council and General Dental Council disciplinary work (also on appeal the Privy Council) including Professional Conduct Committee and Professional Performance Committee hearings, suspension and restoration hearings. He has represented the Trust in high-profile internal NHS disciplinary inquiries (HC(90)9). Previously undertaken: National Health Service tribunal hearings (for Trust and respondent doctors) and appeared on appeal to the High Court.

Human Rights  Advising extensively on impact of Human Rights Act on all aspects of medical law. He advised the estate of Wayne Jowett (death as a result of erroneous vincristine injection) concerning potential human rights claims.

Divisional Court/Judicial Review  Judicial review (e.g. Tucker v NCS amenability to judicial review; duty to give reasons)

O’Riordan v North West London Hospitals NHS Trust, Watford Employment Tribunal 1.3.06 Chris acted for a locum consultant at Northwick Park Hospital who achieved a maximum award for unfair dismissal. 

North Essex Health Authority v Dr David-John   [2004] ICR 112 (EAT) (General Practitioner not an employee of the Health Authority)

Fennell v Croad   (McKinnon J. 13/1/04): whether associate dentist employed.

Chris has presented numerous lectures and seminars on employment topics to police forces, conferences and individual solicitors' firms.