Clinical Negligence

Peter has been instructed by claimants and defendants in several major international personal injury cases. Recently, this includes a claim brought by the son of a former undercover police officer for psychiatric injuries.

These include (1) the Guantánamo Bay litigation, which focused on allegations of extraordinary rendition and torture by the US and UK governments, (2) Pike v Indian Hotels Co Ltd [2013] EWHC 4096 (QB), which arose from the Mumbai terrorist attack in 2008, (3) Kalma v African Mineral Ltd, a multiparty human rights action arising from allegations of police brutality in Sierra Leone, and (4) the Kenyan Emergency Group Litigation arising from allegations of mistreatment by the colonial authorities during the Mau Mau Emergency in Kenya in the 1950s.

“He’s very bright and an absolutely excellent advocate. He puts clients at ease.” “Very hard-working, thorough and bright.” (Chambers & Partners 2021)

‘His written work and advocacy are impeccable, and his manner in hearings is just right.’ (Legal 500 2021)

“A very impressive barrister.” “He is calm, excellent on his feet and very pragmatic.” (Chambers & Partners 2020)

‘He has a relaxed bedside manner that hides a ruthless streak that cuts to the core of any issue.’ (Legal 500 2019)

“Very personable and pragmatic.” “Very good with clients.” “Excellent on his feet.” (Chambers & Partners 2019)

“He’s very bright and an absolutely excellent advocate. He puts clients at ease.” “Very hard-working, thorough and bright.””Excellent to work with. He is very knowledgeable and provides clear accurate advice.” “A shrewd tactician who is willing to push hard on difficult cases. He has an empathetic manner with vulnerable clients.” (Chambers & Partners 2018)

“An approachable silk with a first-rate brain.” (Legal 500 2018)

“Very assiduous and very practical.” (Chambers & Partners 2017)

Selected Cases

  • Kenyan Emergency Group Litigation: (‘Mau Mau’ litigation)
  • Kalma v African Mineral Ltd
  • Pike v Indian Hotels Co Ltd [2013] EWHC 4096 (QB)
  • Guantánamo Bay litigation
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“He is a delight to work with. He only speaks when it is absolutely necessary and is incredibly knowledgeable about inquests and inquiries. He is very collaborative and supportive of junior members of the Bar.”

Chambers & Partners 2023

“Very responsive, collegiate, strategic, and able to process voluminous documentation and spot the key issues arising. Very effective advocate in isolating key propositions of fact and law, and very good at reading when the court has taken on board his arguments.”

Legal 500 2023

“Peter is a very, very accomplished inquests and inquiries practitioner. He really gets it and he uses the law to his client’s best advantage.”

Chambers & Partners 2023

Appointments

  • Deputy High Court Judge
  • Attorney General’s A Panel of Counsel (2014-2016)
  • Special Advocate (2009)
  • Attorney General’s B Panel of Counsel (2009)
  • Attorney General’s C Panel of Counsel (2004)

Awards

  • Harmsworth Scholarship from Middle Temple to the Inns of Court School of Law (1996)
  • Economic & Social Research Council Scholarship to the University of Cambridge (1995)
  • Harmsworth Scholarship from Middle Temple to the College of Law (1994)
  • Academic Scholarship to the University of California (1992)

Education

  • Called to the Bar of Northern Ireland (2006)
  • Master of Philosophy, University of Cambridge (1996)
  • Common Professional Examination, College of Law London (1995)
  • BA Hons English Literature (First Class), University of York (1994)

Memberships

  • PIBA
  • PNBA

Publications

  • Law Pod UK Ep. 111 & 35 – 37.
  • Contributing author of The Inquest Casebook Neil Garnham QC and Caroline Cross, Hart Publishing, 2016.
  • Contributing author of Public Inquiries Jason Beer QC, Oxford University Press, 2011, Second Edition forthcoming.

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