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

Medical Ethics  Author of Medical Treatment Decisions & the Law (Butterworths). High Court cases include determination of capacity and best interests in relation to all aspects of medical treatment decisions including withdrawal of treatment (e.g. permanent vegetative state; withdrawal of resuscitative support for child; refusal of treatment by Jehovah’s witness) and force feeding of mental patients.

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.

Re M & Re H   [2001] 1 All E.R. 801; [2001] 1 F.C.R. 406, [2001] Lloyd’s Rep Med 27, President, (Permanent vegetative state cases: whether Bland compatible with European Convention on Human Rights)

NHS Trust v D   [2000] All ER (D) 1777 Johnson J (Permanent vegetative state)

Re T (A Minor) (Liver Transplant: Consent)   (Medical ethics: treatment of minor abroad: jurisdiction of Family Division to hear case; appeared for Official Solicitor at jurisdiction argument; appeal reported [1997] 1 WLR 242, [1997] 1 All ER 906

Re L   (Minor Blood Transfusion)(unreported) 1996

B v Croydon Health Authority   [1995] 2 WLR 294; [1995] Fam. 133; [1995] 1 All E.R. 683, CA (force feeding of mental patient)

R -v- Warlingham Park Hospital Managers Ex p. B   Times 28/7/94; Independent, 25/7/94; [1996] C.O.D. 224, CA (Mental Health Act 1983 s.20: obligation to examine prior to detention and inform detained patient of reasons for detention)

NHS Trust v D  - (unreported) 1996 (withdrawal of treatment from PVS patient)

Consent to treatment  17th November 1999, Birmingham (spoke on Consent / Capacity; panel discussion)

Medical Ethics, a Practical Approach to Treatment Decisions  London, 15th May 1997 (chaired seminar for full day)

Northern Ireland Bar  Called to the NI Bar in 2003