Clinical Negligence: Scotland

THE SET Ampersand is home to "an excellent practice unit with a breadth and depth of experience in clinical negligence cases that is almost unrivalled in any other advocates chambers in Scotland." Its members are recognised for their expertise in complex, high-value clinical negligence claims, and sources note that "their knowledge of medicine and the issues which arise in brain injury cases is phenomenal." Instructing solicitors are also quick to pay tribute to the stable's "friendly and helpful" clerking team.

SILKS Maria Maguire QC is an experienced practitioner operating in both personal injury and clinical negligence cases. In terms of clinical negligence, she represents both medical professionals and pursuers, and is highly regarded for her expertise in claims relating to cerebral palsy. Commentators were quick to pay tribute to her advocacy skills, noting that "she is simply awesome in court."  

JUNIORS Archie MacSporran focuses his practice on complex, high-value medical and clinical negligence cases, although he does also undertake personal injury cases. His expertise encompasses a broad range of claims, including those relating to delayed diagnosis, pre-natal injury and Fatal Accident Inquiries.

Lisa Henderson has a broad personal injury practice which covers clinical negligence work and severe brain and spinal injury cases. On the clinical negligence side, she is noted for her considerable expertise in cerebral palsy claims.

Lauren Sutherland receives considerable praise from instructing solicitors, who highlight her as an advocate who is "highly focused on clinical negligence" and who "has huge experience in high-value complex medical negligence cases, particularly those concerning cerebral palsy and birth injuries."

THE SET Arnot Manderson has developed a strong presence in the clinical negligence field, and its members are experts across the full spectrum of claims.

SILKS Marion Caldwell QC is "a fierce negotiator" who "is at the top of her game." She is commended for her expertise in medical claims, and is praised by instructing solicitors for possessing "huge attention to detail - she leaves nothing to chance."

Colin MacAulay QC is "highly experienced in high-value complex medical negligence cases," and is highlighted for his considerable expertise in claims concerning cerebral palsy and birth injuries.

Andrew Young QC has a broad practice which takes in a range of medical negligence, professional negligence and catastrophic injury claims.

Gerald Hanretty QC focuses his practice on complex and high-value medical negligence claims, and receives regular instructions from both defendants and claimants.

JUNIORS Arabella Tait is a highly experienced practitioner, who "is clear in her advice to clients, and tenacious in negotiations on their behalf." Her practice covers both personal injury and clinical negligence claims.

THE SET Compass Chambers' clinical negligence team receives a broad range of instructions, including from NHS health boards and trusts, private sector health providers, and claimants. Its members are experts across the complete gamut of claims, including those concerning delays in diagnosis of cancer, and complications following orthopaedic and neurosurgery.

SILKS Iain Armstrong QC is one of Scotland's leading clinical negligence silks. He receives instructions across a broad range of claims, and is highly regarded for his expertise in cases concerning obstetrics.

Andrew Smith QC has a wide-ranging practice which encompasses a wealth of regulatory work alongside personal injury and clinical negligence claims. He is praised by commentators for his "dogged and determined" approach to negotiations.

Susan O'Brien QC covers the full range of personal injury and clinical negligence claims. She represents both claimants and defendants, although most of her instructions are on behalf of pursuers. She is particularly experienced in claims relating to cerebral palsy.

JUNIORS Malcolm McGregor's practice is fairly broad in scope, and encompasses professional discipline and insurance alongside his personal injury and clinical negligence practice. He is highly regarded by market commentators for his strong track record in representing medical professionals.

Astrid Smart's clinical negligence practice takes in a wide variety of claims, including those relating to catastrophic injuries, industrial disease and occupational stress.

THE SET Axiom Chambers is growing its clinical negligence practice, and has been receiving increasing instructions from a broad range of clients, including medical and dental defence unions. The team principally focuses on complex and high-value clinical negligence claims, and commentators note that "it has a high number of experienced counsel who you can take the knotty cases to."

SILKS Iain Ferguson QC has considerable expertise in a broad range of clinical negligence claims, and is noted by commentators for his strong track record in complex obstetric cases. Instructing solicitors believe that "his key strengths are his attention to detail and oratory skills," stating that "he is a master in questioning witnesses in a clinical yet courteous manner."

Roddy Dunlop QC is "an outstanding advocate who always has the ear of the court." He has a broad practice, and tackles media law, professional negligence, professional discipline and intellectual property cases, alongside his clinical negligence work.