Robert Seabrook KC

Robert Seabrook KC has wide-ranging experience across multiple jurisdictions. His extensive common law expertise has led him to be instructed in some of the most high profile matrimonial finance cases of recent decades, including the royal divorce of HRH Prince Charles. He has also developed extensive experience mediating matrimonial finance cases. This has led him to be recognised as a leader by the legal directories, who write “Robert Seabrook QC has a practice as broad as that of the set as a whole, and has handled some very high-profile matrimonial cases over the years. He is described as good in cases where you need a broader common law background.” (Chambers & Partners 2008)

Robert Seabrook KC has a distinguished practice in Clinical Negligence. He has been recognised as a top tier practitioner by Chambers & Partners since 2008. In recent years he has become a popular mediator with a strong emphasis on clinical negligence.

“He was very approachable, putting the client at ease and he was calm and measured.” (Mediation, 2019)

“He can come in on complex cases and provide experience. He sees the wood for the trees.” (Chambers & Partners 2014)

“Robert Seabrook QC, who has had a long and esteemed career at the Bar. Testament to his standing he recently appeared in the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court in Bell v Crossdale and the BVI Health Authority.” (Chambers & Partners 2013)

“[He] is an immensely experienced practitioner with a wide ranging and useful knowledge of complex medical issues.” (Chambers & Partners 2012)

“(He) remains a popular choice for solicitors due to the fact that he is energetic, tenacious and lightning quick on the uptake.” (Chambers & Partners 2008)

Selected Cases

• Kapfunde v Abbey National Plc [1998] IRLR 583 CA.
• Cornelius v De Taranto [2001] EWCA Civ 1511.
• Warrilow v Norfolk & Norwich Hospitals NHS Trust [2006] EWHC 801 Q B.
• Romy Smith v East & North Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust [2008] EWHC 2234 [2008] EWHC 2234.
• Manning v King's College Hospitals NHS Trust [2009] EWCA Civ 832.
• Hughes & Waltham Forest HA L Med 2 R 155 CA.
• Manna v Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Trust [2015] EWHC 2279 QB.

Robert Seabrook KC has extensive experience in Professional Discipline. Chambers & Partners have recognised him as a leading practitioner since 2008.

“[He] is a silk with an impressive level of experience in professional discipline work.” He has an assured style of advocacy, and the “ability to handle the most difficult cross-examinations in a very smooth way.” One impressed instructing solicitor recommended that he be employed “when you need the big guns.” (Chambers & Partners 2013)

“Few, if any, can rightly claim to have the advocacy experience of Seabrook, who is widely applauded for his “excellent work” in GMC hearings and criminal medical malpractice cases.” (Chambers & Partners 2012)

“[He is]really good at tough cross examinations”, a legacy of his background in criminal law. “If you want someone with natural authority who the tribunal will listen to, he’s your man.” (Chambers & Partners 2011)

“Robert Seabrook QC comes highly recommended for his excellent forensic skills.  Police and medical crime and disciplinary work are his forte and he fits neatly into the high-profile case arena, having such cases as the prosecution of Professor Sir Roy Meadows under his belt.” (Chambers & Partners 2008)

Selected Cases

• Dr Magdi Bassilius [2008] EWHC 2857 (Admin).
• Sir Roy Meadow GMC (2005).
• Professor Nicholaides GMC (1998) .
• Rodney Ledwood GMC (1998).
• John Studd GMC (1996).

Robert Seabrook KC specialises in medical mediation work, including cases arising from clinical negligence. In recognition of his expertise in this area, he is one of twelve members of the NHS accredited Trust Mediation Panel. Read more about the importance of mediation and the Trust Mediation Panel by clicking here.

In addition, he has also acted as a mediator in matrimonial finance and historic sexual abuse cases.

“Robert Seabrook QC is an excellent mediator” (2019)

“[He] was friendly and approachable, he recognised the issues which needed to be resolved quickly and made the whole experience less stressful for the client.” (2017)

Robert Seabrook KC has acted for the claimant in high profile child abuse cases such Raggett v Society of Jesus and Preston Catholic College [2009] and, on appeal, [2010] EWCA Civ 1002, which raised significant issues of faith-groups faced with historic abuse claims and allegations of judicial prejudice. In FZO v Adams and LB of Haringey (2019, 2020), he led Iain O’Donnell in what is thought to be the highest award for abuse survivor in the UK.

He has also mediated cases arising from historic sexual abuse.