Jim Duffy

Clinical Negligence

Jim is frequently instructed in complex and sensitive clinical negligence claims. He has good trial experience on both sides of the claimant/defendant divide. Jim often represents families in civil claims brought following the conclusion of an inquest, and has settled a number of claims related to developmental dysplasia of the hips.

Jim is recognised as a ‘Leading Junior’ for clinical negligence by both Chambers & Partners and the Legal 500. Recent editorial includes:

• “He is fantastic with clients, he is driven to get the best results, and very personable.” Chambers & Partners 2026
• “Jim consistently delivers an exceptionally high service. He is incredibly thorough, excellent with clients and a fierce advocate. He is a pleasure to work with.” Chambers & Partners 2026
• “His advocacy skills are really good and he has an amazing client care skills.” Chambers & Partners 2026
• “Jim is a thoughtful and meticulous junior with excellent soft skills.” Chambers & Partners 2026
• “He is extremely knowledgeable and thorough in conference, and he is good with clients.” Chambers & Partners 2026
• “Jim gives clear advice, and approaches issues creatively to find solutions. Great with clients.” Legal 500 2026
• “Jim’s work is exceptional, he shows incredible technical knowledge and provides clear advice which is tailored to the individual clients.” Chambers & Partners 2025
• “Jim is very approachable and easy to work with. He always gives careful considered advice and is excellent with clients.” Chambers & Partners 2025

“Jim is an excellent tactician. He is measured, dynamic and meticulously prepared. He is exactly who you want to represent you in the most stressful of circumstances.” Chambers & Partners 2025

“Jim is fantastic – he has a real way with clients that puts them at ease and feel confident in his abilities.  He is superb with experts and really gets to the crux of cases.” Legal 500 2025

Selected Cases

• B v Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (2018): Successfully appeared at trial on behalf of the Defendant in a £1m cervical cancer claim.
• KJY v University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (2023): High Court trial for the Claimant where the Defendant was found to have negligently misreported three x-ray scans of a neonate’s abdomen, each of which included views of subluxed hips.
• O’Brien v Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust (2022): High Court trial relating to ototoxity induced by gentamicin administered in intensive care.
• Williams v Betsi Cadwaladr Local Health Board (2022): Acted for the Claimant, whose husband died by suicide after calling his local psychiatric unit earlier the same day seeking help. Six-day High Court trial.
• ABC v St George’s Healthcare NHS Trust (2017): Acted as junior counsel to Elizabeth-Anne Gumbel KC and Henry Witcomb KC in an important Court of Appeal case: did a hospital trust owe a duty to a family member to inform her of her father’s serious – and hereditary – mental health diagnosis?
• B (2020): Successfully defended a GP surgery at the trial of a wrongful life claim.
• XW v University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Trust (2021): Settlement of a fatal accidents claim relating to a patient who took his own life in a hospital ward after developing delirium.
• Daley v Dr H and Dr H (2021): Acted for both Defendants in claim relating to delayed diagnosis of cancer.
• JC (2020): Represented Claimant seeking damages for negligent delay in treatment leading to an amputation.
• PG (2020): Acted for a young teacher who sustained significant visual loss following a violent assault by a psychiatric inpatient.