David Evans KC

David Evans KC specialises in clinical negligence litigation, almost exclusively in cases involving perinatal brain injury and spinal injury. He has developed a particular expertise and interest in the quantification of high value cerebral palsy and paraplegic claims.

He has a sub-specialty in government work, having been on the Attorney-General’s ‘A’ panel of Junior Counsel to the Crown for 8 years until taking Silk and he continues to act for government departments and agencies in serious injury and related claims.

David is an ADR Group Panel Mediator and has conducted mediations as Mediator and as a party.

He is recognised as a leading Silk in clinical negligence by the legal directories:

“Excellent advocate – terrifyingly good at cross-examination.  Good with clients, witnesses and experts in conference.  Very thorough and detailed case analysis.  Written pleadings are extremely persuasive.” (Legal 500 2025)

“He analyses everything to the finest details and puts it in simple terms. He is fabulous in negotiations on liability, very flexible and easy to deal with.” (Chambers and Partners 2025)

“He has exceptional attention to detail and encyclopedic knowledge of case law.” (Chambers and Partners 2024)

“He’s one of the best.” (Chambers and Partners 2024)

“David is excellent at getting to the heart of claims. He is extremely knowledgeable. His advice is always extremely thorough.” (Chambers and Partners 2023)

“David is excellent, extremely good on quantum and very detailed. Experienced, skilled, reliable and able to engage opponents in sensitive cases where negotiations are required.” (Chambers and Partners 2022)

“David is extremely personable and has exceptional legal knowledge and extensive experience.” “He’s incredibly meticulous and has an encyclopedic knowledge of case law relating to clinical negligence.” “Exceptionally client-focused and has a superb eye for detail. He will fight for his client and turn over every stone possible.” (Chambers and Partners 2021)

“A superb barrister whose advocacy skills are second to none.” (Legal 500 2021)

“David is an excellent barrister who is very good on quantum issues. He is also a fierce negotiator.” “He’s very thorough and is detailed and meticulous in his work.” (Chambers and Partners 2020)

“He is very pragmatic and has brilliant attention to detail.” “Exceptional with clients and a great strategist in complex claims.” (Chambers and Partners 2019)

“He is very pragmatic and has brilliant attention to detail.” “Exceptional with clients and a great strategist in complex claims.” (Chambers and Partners 2018)

“He is very meticulous in his consideration of cases and secures a good outcome for the client.” (Chambers and Partners 2017)

“David Evans QC is an extremely effective barrister. His warm personality ensures that clients trust him whilst his strength of character and superb advocacy skills make him a tough opponent.” (Chambers and Partners 2016)

“He’s a class act.  He’s lovely to deal with, very laid back and totally in command of his brief” (Chambers and Partners 2015)

“He is a superb barrister – he deals with matters quickly and thoroughly, and is a favourite of clients thanks to his genuine empathy for their needs.”  (Chambers and Partners 2014)

“He is a talented practitioner with a broad clinical negligence practice, whose “thorough and approachable manner wins people over. ”Solicitors value him as he is “straightforward and gets to the point quickly.” (Chambers and Partners 2012)

Selected Cases

• P v NHS Trust (2020): Complex cerebral palsy case. For the Trust.
• J v NHS Trust (2020): High value cerebral palsy claim. For the Claimant.
• Eagling v. Calderdale & Huddersfield NHS Trust (2020): Complex perinatal brain damage case. For the Trust.
• LXA v Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust (2018): Cerebral palsy. For the Claimant.
• JRM v King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust [2017] EWHC 1913 (QB): Cerebral palsy. For the Trust. Gilbart J.
• DS v Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust [2016] EWHC 1246 (QB): Cheema-Grubb J Cerebral Palsy. For the Trust.
• Jones v Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust [2014] EWHC 42 (QB): Supperstone J. For the Trust.
• AB v. EF. Perinatal brain damage (2015): for the Claimant.
• Jones v. Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust [2014] EWHC 42 (QB): for the Trust.
• Ministry of Defence v. AB and others (Nuclear Test Veterans Litigation) Supreme Court [2012] UKSC: for MOD.

David Evans KC has very considerable experience in Public Inquiries and has worked on some of the highest profile Inquiries in recent years.

Selected Cases

• Litvinenko Inquiry 2015: for MOD and Atomic Weapons Establishment.
• Al-Sweady Inquiry 2013: for MOD.
• Baha Mousa Inquiry 2009-2011: for MOD.
• Strangeways Inquiry: Counsel to the Inquiry.
• Ladbroke Grove Rail Inquiry: for the Train Operating Companies.

David Evans KC has considerable experience in civil litigation cases representing government and institutions.

Selected Cases

• Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis v A Local Authority and X, Y (Intervener) and Z (by his Children's Guardian)  [2016] EWHC 2400.  MacDonald J: Acted for the Metropolitan Police regarding disclosure of confidential court documents concerning terrorism and the Syrian conflict to the Security Service.
• DS v Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHSFT [2016] EWHC 1246 (QB), Cheema-Grubb J.:Perinatal brain damage, acting on behalf of the Defendant.
• Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis v ZR. (2017) PII:(limits of disclosure regarding police informants.
• Jones v Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust [2014] EWHC 42 (QB).
• SNATCH Landrover claims 2014-16:Test cases on combat immunity in Iraq war
• Challenger 2 claims. ‘Blue on blue’ tank engagement in Iraq.
• Vector and Pinzgauer claims: Test cases on combat immunity in Iraq war.
• MOD v AB and others [2012] UKSC 9L: Nuclear Test Veterans' failed action against MOD re 1950s UK nuclear bomb tests
• Iraqi civilian claims (2012-13): Group action for personal injury and false imprisonment arising from the Iraq war.
• Kenya Training Area Claims Group Action:(personal injury - unexploded UK Armed Forces ordnance in Kenya.
• NIS Express bombing claims:Appeal to NATO KFOR claims UN appeal commission in Pristina.
• Bici v Ministry of Defence [2004] EWHC 786: Scope of "combat immunity."

David Evans KC has very wide experience in high profile inquests in the Coroner’s Court including medical, military, air, rail and marine accidents and cases involving highly technical engineering failures.

Selected Cases

• The Alexander Perepilichny Inquest.
• The Alexander Litvinenko Inquest.
• The Nimrod crash in Afghanistan.
• G-XCEL helicopter crash Inquest (Twin Squirrel) Andover.
• Re Fusilier Gentle: Snatch Land Rover IED in Iraq war.
• Re Sergeant Roberts: Missing body armour in Iraq war.
• The 'Marchioness' disaster on the Thames.