Professional discipline comments

Members of this set are routinely instructed in an impressive mixture of high-profile medical and police disciplinary work. Clients appreciate the excellent service received from these barristers, pointing out that “nothing is too much trouble for them.” Typifying the quality on offer here, Nicola Davies QC is “a formidable cross-examiner who can get a panel eating out of her hand.” Her fighting spirit impresses interviewees, who say that “no one has more drive than her.” A barrister with an “incisive mind and a good healthy dose of pragmatism,” she is never short of a brief. Robert Francis QC is similarly busy: a “classy operator” with a “formidable mega-brain,” he is particularly appreciated for his ability to use humour to lighten a situation. Francis regularly represents doctors and dentists at the GMC and GDC, and has also sat as legal assessor to a professional disciplinary committee of the General Optical Council and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapists. Praised for his skill and good judgement, John Grace QC is noted for his ability to handle complex and difficult cases in a professional manner. Professional disciplinary work makes up a major part of his practice and he is regularly instructed to represent doctors and dentists in the GMC and GDC. The “flawless” Adrian Hopkins QC offers “great attention to detail, combined with the ability to step back and look at the broader issues of a case.” His “low-key, quietly courteous and moderate approach” stands him in good stead with disciplinary tribunals. Recent cases for Hopkins include defending Professor Simon Murch in an action arising out of the MMR controversy. Angus Moon QC is “conscientious and detailed - he gets to grips with all the issues.” He has extensive experience in disciplinary cases relating to the medical professions, regularly acting on behalf of doctors and dentists at the GMC and GDC. Juniors here include John Beggs, a specialist in police disciplinary work and an undoubted leader in the field. “Robust, approachable and pragmatic,” Beggs "is your man if you’re looking for a good, forceful advocate.” He acts for a number of forces in misconduct cases, but has also acted for individual offices in several major disciplinary inquiries. The “elegant and understated” Philip Gaisford “definitely knows the right buttons to push on a panel,” with interviewees concurring that he “can charm the birds out of the trees.” He specialises in medical disciplinary cases. Michael Horne has extensive experience of representing doctors in front of the GMC and is a “very thorough advocate who doesn’t miss anything.” Observers note that he “always works very hard in his clients’ best interests.” Horne has a strong following as does Mary O’Rourke. Renowned for her “no-nonsense approach,” she is “a real scrapper” who approaches her cases with “fervour and energy, going at it hell for leather.” Her recent matters include Biswas v GMC, GMC v O’Brien and GMC v Holton. Richard Partridge is “exceptionally able at handling difficult clients” and “amazingly resourceful.” He recently acted for Professor Simon Murch at the GMC in action arising out of the MMR controversy. The “blood and thunder” style of Malcolm Fortune attracts much comment from the market. His professional discipline work has grown out of a criminal practice and is none the worse for that, with interviewees praising his “well-crafted cross-examination skills.” Also recommended here, Andrew Hockton is “very committed and dedicated.” He has “a low-key approach;” clients comment that “he’s not a battering ram, but approaches things sensibly, calmly and meticulously.” Disciplinary cases on behalf of doctors and dentists form the bulk of his practice. With a range of experience in both police and medical disciplinary work, Jonathan Holl-Allen is “more than able to deal with most things thrown at him - very astute, he picks up on the issues and presents them to the court very well.” George Hugh-Jones has an excellent reputation in medical professional discipline, and is appreciated for his “ability to deal with complex and voluminous cases efficiently and effectively.” One notable case for him in the past year was GMC v Dutt. Gerard Boyle, in common with many others at the set, handles both medical and police disciplinary work. “Utterly reliable and pragmatic,” he gains market approval alongside Christopher Johnston, who is “very incisive and good at pinpointing issues and dealing with difficult clients.” Other recommended barristers at the set include Mark Ley-Morgan, “a fighter in court who doesn’t give in,” and the “very skilled and effective” Fiona Neale, who regularly prosecutes and defends at the GMC. They are expected to be stars of the future alongside the “exceptionally good” Clodagh Bradley, “a younger barrister who has the confidence to take on more experienced counsel.”

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