Matthew Barnes

In clinical negligence, his practice includes work for both claimants and defendants, covering a range from low value claims up to the highest value catastrophic brain injuries.

“Astute, quick-thinking and tenacious.” “He is very impressive in court and in cross-examinations.” “He is excellent, particularly in terms of his advice on tactics and in negotiations at settlement meetings.” (Chambers &Partners 2021)

‘An excellent advocate who gets to the nub of the case very quickly.’ (Legal 500 2021)

‘He is skilled at keeping discussions on track on the issues that matter.’ (Legal 500 2019)

“Tenacious and robust on his feet.” “An exceptionally bright mind blended with great pragmatism and tactical thinking.” (Chambers & Partners 2018)

“An excellent practitioner and a very, very good advocate.” “He has an exceptionally bright mind blended with great pragmatism and tactical thinking.” (Chambers &Partners 2017)

He is recommended in this field in Chambers & Partners 2016 as  “a really pugnacious advocate” and “an excellent junior who managed some difficult issues with tricky experts extremely well in conference.”

Selected Cases

• KXM v Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University LHB (2020).
• SM v KB (2020).
• ES (MS) v Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (1) East & North Hertfordshire NHS Trust (2) Hertfordshire Constabulary (3) (2020).
• RH and Ors v Doncaster and Bassettlaw Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (2020).
• RD (GD) v Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust (2020).
• Awofodu v University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust (2019).
• Dr M v Barking, Havering & Redbridge University NHS Trust (2019).
• Carter v Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust (2019).
• Watts v North Bristol NHS Foundation Trust (2019).
• Sales-Lucas v Sheard (2019). 
• Holmes v West London Mental Health Trust (2018).
• Watts v The Secretary of State for Health [2016] EWHC 2835 (QB).
• William Long v Western Sussex Hospitals NHS Trust [2016] EWHC 0251 (QB).
• Julie Connolly v Croydon Health Services NHS Trust [2015] EWHC 1339 (QB).
• R (St Mary Magdalene Academy) v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2015] EWHC 725 (Admin).
• R (JB Jamaica) v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2015] 1WLR 1060.
• Marion Miller v Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust [2014] EWHC 3772 (QB).
• Ahmed Oukhellou v Luton and Dunstable Hospital NHS Foundation Trust [2014] EWHC 2303 (QB).
• Simon Samuda v Secretary of State for Work & Pensions [2014] 3 All ER 201.
• R (Gibson) v Secretary of State for Justice [2014] 1 WLR 2658.
• R (JB Jamaica) v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2014] 1 WLR 836.
• Asmat Ali Shah v North West London Hospital NHS Trust [2013] EWHC 4088 (QB).
• Michael Gordon Matthews v Buckingham Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust [2013] EWHC 753 (QB).

In inquests, he acts for both families and medical staff, and has experience of difficult and high profile cases. By way of example, he has been instructed in complex inquests, including acting for the family in a recent inquest into the death of Mr Andrew Pimlott, who died in circumstances where a police officer fired a taser at him whilst he was covered in petrol.

He is recommended in the Legal 500 as ‘he has a natural talent for advocacy and getting to the nub of complex issues with ease.’ Whilst Chambers & Partners 2021 say “he is experienced in healthcare regulation.” “He offers very solution-based advice and takes a common-sense approach.”

He is regularly instructed to act for Defendants in regulatory proceedings, including the GDC, the GMC, the NMC, the British Acupuncture Council, internal NHS Trust disciplinary hearings, and the Performers Lists for GPs and dentists. Generally, he acts for defendants, although he has prosecuted in cases involving removal from the Performers List. He has experience of cases involving criminal charges, and has been instructed to defend doctors in the magistrates’ court and crown court.

“A very confident advocate with a lovely style that manages to get people on his side and that demonstrates his really detailed knowledge.” “He was extremely pleasant and relaxed in his manner, which was very reassuring for the client.” (Chambers & Partners 2018)

“Excellent on the papers, quick on his feet and a source of tactical advice throughout.” (Legal 500 2018)

“He is a very relaxed yet direct advocate with a refreshing style. He’s very good at identifying the approach that should be taken in a case and is an excellent strategist.” (Chambers & Partners 2017)

Selected Cases

• R (on the application of RB) v First-tier Tribunal [2010] MHLR 192
• R (on the application of O'Connor) v HM Coroner for the District of Avon [2009] EWHC 854 Admin
• Magdi Bassilious v GMC [2008] EWHC 2857 Admin
• R (on the application of Ross) v West Sussex PCT [2008] EWHC B15 (Admin)
• R(on the application of B) v South Region Mental Health Review Tribunal [2008] EWHC 2356 (Admin)
• R (Rogers) v Swindon PCT [2006] 1 WLR 2649