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John Beggs QC

CALLED TO THE BAR 1989

Queen's Counsel


Medical Profile

Background

 

2009: Appointed joint head of chambers, 3 Serjeants' Inn

2009: Appointed silk
1987: Brunel University LL.B (Hons) 2:1
1975 – 1982: Chislehurst and Sidcup Grammar School, Kent

 

Email: jb@3sinn.com



General Information

 


Directory Comments

 

Until taking silk in March 2009, John was for many years recognised as the UK's top junior for police work in Chambers & Partners and Legal 500. He was also highly ranked in the Professional Discipline section of Chambers and Partners.  As the quotations from clients and practitioners below illustrate, John is a first rate advocate and trial lawyer, renowned in particular for his tactical skills and his effective cross-examination. 

 

Since taking silk his practice has included libel, judicial review, regulatory proceedings (including the SDT, GMC and police gross misconduct panels), High Court and County Court civil actions involving the police, serious inquests and specialist criminal defence work. 

 

 

John Beggs QC, whose varied practice has seen him representing superintendent and federated officers in several major discipline inquiries and misconduct matters. He further specialises in defending police forces in defamation cases where the defence is one of qualified privilege. Beggs is highly thought of throughout the profession and is considered “one of the best and most efficient practitioners around." Commentators note that he is "imaginative, has a great eye for detail and does not suffer fools gladly.” Chambers and Partners 2010


 John Beggs QC has also recently taken silk. He is known for the "excellent professional service" and "clear and concise views" he furnishes his clients with. Chambers and Partners 2010

 
'John Beggs is renowned for his tough advocacy skills: “If you have a case with really heavy facts, and you want somebody to cross-examine it into the ground, he’s your man.”' Chambers & Partners 2009
 
'“Robust, approachable and pragmatic,” Beggs "is your man if you’re looking for a good, forceful advocate.”' Chambers & Partners 2009

 

‘As one solicitor said: "Beggs' mantra is 'I win cases.' He's not wrong."’ Chambers & Partners 2008
 
'John Beggs has "superb presentation skills." Interviewees singled him out for his "polished delivery and his skill in examining every angle of a case," lauding him as a "siren voice in the courtroom." Those lucky enough to instruct him do so because he is a "proven winner".’ Chambers & Partners 2008
 
'“Robust advocate” John Beggs is "the best jury advocate of his generation by a long way and understands juries and how they work”.' Chambers & Partners 2008



Nature of Practice

 

John has a reputation as an outstanding trial advocate. He has been described as “the best jury advocate of his generation”. John’s medical law practice relates principally to criminal work, professional disciplinary matters and inquests.

 

Professional discipline – particular experience in representing medics at the GMC
Inquests and inquiries – represents families hospitals and doctors; counsel in the Marchioness Inquiry  



Specialist Information

 


Reported and other cases of Interest

 
Avon CC v Hooper The Times (1997) 1 WLR 1605: damages; recoverability of costs care by local authority from disabled person
El-Morrsy v. Bristol and District HA (1996) 7 Med L.R. 232
Rastin v British Steel [1994] 1 WLR 732
Salih v Enfield (1991) 3 All ER 400; (1991) 2 Med L.R. 235

Findlay v. MOD: first successful claim against Army for failure to diagnose or treat Falklands-induced PTSD
Thompson v Dr James & others: failure of GP to arrange measles immunisation


Clients

 


Publications

 


Lectures and Seminars

 


Related Professional Activities

 


Other Information