Richard is a barrister with experience on both sides of the profession spanning over 20 years, having trained and qualified as a solicitor at a leading City law firm and then transferring to the bar in 2014; this gives him an unique insight into the litigation process, enabling him to support lay and professional clients at every stage. He is described in the leading legal directories as an "accomplished advocate" (Legal500) who provides "pragmatic and commercial advice" (Chambers &amp; Partners).Richard has progressed his career at the bar by developing a busy and broad <strong>civil and commercial practice</strong>, within Chambers' areas of expertise but with a particular emphasis on: <ul> <li><strong>Employment</strong> (across the whole spectrum of claims, whether in the tribunal or civil courts, commensurate with his previous experience as an employment solicitor and including any day-to-day HR support or more generally strategic or policy advice on complex/sensitive/high value matters, particularly with a discrimination element);</li> <li><strong>Internal investigations/Regulatory proceedings </strong>(including as an adviser to internal disciplinary panels, DBS appeals, or representing individuals before their professional body, including in the sports, medicine or accountancy sectors);</li> <li><strong>Education </strong>(including special education provision, disability-related access/needs, attending SEND tribunals, etc);</li> <li><strong>Personal Injury/Human Rights/negligence</strong> (including employer and public liability claims in the employment context, such as work-place related stress and harassment claims; he also acts on behalf of government departments and agencies, dealing with all types of private law claims based on the the state's duty of care, ranging from prisoner assault/negligence claims, to privacy and confidentiality); and</li> <li><strong>Inquests</strong> (notably with a professional discipline element, but also inquests involving deaths in state detention / the community  - and the regulatory, civil or public law proceedings that can sometimes follow).</li> </ul> &nbsp;He has a nationwide practice and is happy to travel beyond Circuit particularly for multi-day cases or to accommodate client needs.Richard has a down-to-earth approach and can give robust and realistic advice, whilst not losing sight of points of principle.He is also qualified to accept instructions on a direct access basis, allowing him to act for individuals who are offered settlement agreements.Richard is a member<span style="font-size: 1rem;"> of the Attorney General's regional panel of junior Counsel to the Crown and regularly acts for a variety of government departments and agencies including the Ministry of Justice, HMPPS (the Prison and Probation Service), the DWP and HMRC. </span><span style="font-size: 1rem;">His sports practice is focused on contractual and regulatory disputes, as well as employment-related advice and litigation.</span>

An outstanding advocate with a reputation for all-round excellence, Roger has been recognised by the guides to the profession for many years. Popular with clients and respected by judges, his common-sense approach, strategic thinking and dedication to the cause make him a firm favourite with the UK’s leading law firms.

Stuart is the Head of the Civil Team at Parklane Plowden and sits as a Recorder and a Deputy District Judge on the North Eastern Circuit.He is also the elected Personal Injury Bar Association representative for Circuit and sits on the Executive Committee at national level.Stuart is a specialist in high value, complex clinical negligence and personal injury disputes.Stuart is instructed by leading personal injury, abuse and clinical negligence solicitors with a national reputation, undertaking both Claimant and Defendant work.Stuart, “<strong><em>pays high attention to detail and works through issues in a very logical and clear</em> <em>manner</em>”</strong> [<em>Legal 500</em>, 2021]The <em>Legal 500</em> [2021] states that Stuart, “<strong><em>always provides top quality, down-to-earth advice in the field of PI and medical</em></strong><strong><em> </em></strong><strong><em>negligence</em></strong><strong>”</strong><em>Chambers and Partners</em> [2019] finds, <strong><em>“His level of service, willingness to help and general competence is above reproach – he is excellent all round.”</em></strong>Stuart is, “<strong><em>great with clients and has great communication skills,”</em></strong><em> </em><strong> </strong>[<em>Chambers and Partners</em>, 2021]Stuart, “<strong><em>pays high attention to detail and works through issues in a very logical and clear</em></strong><strong> </strong><strong><em>manner</em>”</strong> [<em>Legal 500</em>, 2021]In clinical negligence Stuart is particularly experienced in claims involving delay in diagnosis of cancer or sepsis, brain injury and those resulting in death, fatal accident dependency claims.In personal injury his particular specialisms are in claims under the Animals Act 1971, accidents at work, road traffic accidents and those involving a human rights element.In clinical negligence it is noted that Stuart, “<strong><em>is able to identify the key issues quickly and identify a clear direction the case needs to take”</em></strong><strong> </strong>[<em>Legal 500</em>, 2021]Stuart’s specialism in hybrid common law and Human Rights Act claims is complemented by his prior experience of undertaking local authority child protection cases earlier in his career in him now undertaking claims made on behalf of children or adults that have suffered serious physical, sexual or emotional abuse.Stuart acts for, “<strong><em>both claimants and defendants in complex personal injury cases. He regularly acts for clients with life-altering injuries arising from accidents at work as well as serious traffic accidents</em></strong>” [<em>Chambers &amp; Partners</em>, 2020].It is noted that Stuart, <em>“</em><strong><em>Performs impressively in joint settlement meetings.</em></strong><em>”</em><em> </em>[<em>Legal 500</em>, 2020]Recent cases include:<em>M. (a protected party) v Strainge</em>– approved settlement of £2,500,000 in a claim by a profoundly injured motorist who had suffered brain damage and with liability in dispute.<em>DC on behalf of RH, deceased</em> – High value clinical negligence claim heard at trial in the High Court and involving death following delay in the diagnosis of cervical cancer.<em>GXM on behalf of JXM, a protected party</em> – Approval of settlement before HHJ Mark Gargan, in a claim for the delay in diagnosis of sepsis, breach of duty and causation disputed throughout contested proceedings.

Catherine joined Park Lane Chambers in 2002. Since then her expertise in each of her specialist areas of work has flourished.Catherine acts for clients from a wide range of sectors including Local Authorities, Insurers, Multi-National retailers, Engineering and Manufacturing companies as well as smaller, local corporate bodies.She also acts for members of most major Trade Unions including Unison, the Police Federation, the NASUWT, the GMB, the FBU, the RMT and the National Cyclist's Union.She has a dedicated client following and an extremely busy court practice. She drafts pleadings, including schedules and counter schedules and advises on liability, tactics and quantum in cases of all severity.She is regularly instructed in cases worth in excess of £250k and those arising out of fatal accidents. She has conferences with clients and experts in cases involving life changing injuries, chronic pain conditions and significant psychiatric injury.Catherine is part of the Education team and is keen to develop her practice in this area.Catherine is happy to accept instructions on behalf of local authorities, governing bodies of all schools, colleges, universities, and individuals.Catherine is endorsed by all of the major legal directories, most recently in Chambers and Partners 2017. The Legal 500 observes that she has the expertise of someone who is many years above her call.

Andrew is a leading employment barrister who is consistently recommended by both Chambers and Partners and the Legal 500, described as<em> "fiercely bright", <em>"<em>approachable",</em> "<em>measured</em></em>" and "technical and tactically astute with an engaging personal style." </em> "<em>Andrew is quite simply brilliant</em>".Andrew is regularly instructed by firms around the country to act for respondents (including FTSE 100 companies) and claimants, often against silks, in complex and high value cases across the employment law spectrum. He has a particular interest and specialism in the fields of discrimination and whistleblowing, frequently dealing with sensitive cases and those with far reaching implications, and has a reputation for being thorough, client-focused and easy to work with.Examples of recent cases include: <ul> <li>continuing to act for one of the four leading supermarkets defending high value class action equal pay claims;</li> <li>successfully representing a group of judges in their claims of part-time worker discrimination against the Ministry of Justice;</li> <li>successfully acting for various academics at the University of Oxford in a number of ground-breaking age discrimination claims relating to their force retirement in the ET and at the EAT;</li> <li>advising both the Police and Crime Commissioner for North Yorkshire and Sheffield City Council in relation to large scale organisational change.</li> </ul> &nbsp;In addition to maintaining a busy practice, Andrew sits as an Employment Judge, is the Joint Head of the Employment Team, Head of PLP's Recruitment Committee and sits on the Advisory Panel for Leeds Free Legal Representation.Earlier in his career Andrew practiced at Cloisters in London and spent time working as a judicial assistant in the Court of Appeal with Lady Justice Arden (as she was then) and Lord Justice Mummery.Outside of work, with three young children, Andrew says the chance of a meaningful hobby would be a fine thing, though he tries to squeeze in a bit of 5-a-side football, skiing, mountain biking, photography and scuba diving when he can. He is, some say surprisingly, a former table tennis international and, for a period, was the practice partner of the women's Olympic champion.

Claire Millns is a specialist employment, discrimination &amp; education practitioner with over 20 years’ experience. <ul> <li>"Claire Millns is a well-regarded barrister who has a strong reputation in employment litigation, with particular expertise in complex discrimination and whistle-blowing claims. She is highly rated for her knowledge of difficult and technical areas of employment law." Chambers and Partners (2023) - Employment (Band 3)</li> <li><span style="font-size: 1rem;">"Claire is incredibly thorough and forensic in her preparation for a case, and her cross examination is professional and robust where it needs to be. Clients her seek out for her personable approach and ability to put witnesses at ease." Legal 500 (2023) - Employment (Tier 2)</span></li> <li>"Very client-friendly and a very good advocate who grasps the facts quickly." "A fantastic knowledge of law and procedure, and she's very reassuring to clients in stressful situations (Chambers &amp; Partners Band 3 Employment 2022)</li> <li>"Claire is excellent to work with. She is unflappable in all situations and offers great reassurance to clients. It is very obvious that Claire is respected and liked by the local employment judges. (Legal 500 Tier 2 Employment 2022)</li> <li>"A first-rate counsel" (The Legal 500 2021 Tier 2 Leading Individual)</li> <li>“Claire Millns gets to grips with cases very quickly." (The Legal 500 2020)</li> <li>"Claire Millns is a very solid advocate and is robust in cross examination.” (The Legal 500)</li> <li>“Claire Millns was extremely helpful, approachable and responsive throughout the case... the client was delighted with her advocacy style and the successful outcome.” (Instructing solicitor)</li> <li>“Claire’s calm logic and advice kept us both sane during what were some fairly stressful times and I am very grateful for her input and her skilled performance. We will certainly continue to recommend her to all who need employment counsel.” (Lay client)</li> <li>“She has a wonderfully balanced manner when representing our clients in Tribunal, convivial and engaging and not over-bearing or domineering but can quickly become equally robust and incisive with witnesses when required…she is a top-class communicator both with clients in conference and with all parties in Tribunal and we are always happy when we can instruct her knowing our clients are in safe hands.” (HR professional)</li> </ul> &nbsp;Claire is qualified to accept instructions on a Direct Access basis. Claire happy to provide talks and mock tribunal training in person or via Teams.Claire sits as a Fee-Paid Employment Judge in the Midlands East Region.

Alex joined Chambers in 2011 having spent the previous decade at Park Court Chambers in Leeds. He practices in all areas of family law and has conducted cases in the High Court, Court of Appeal, County Court and Family Proceedings Court.

Nicola is a specialist Personal Injury, Clinical Negligence, and Employment barrister, with over 20 years’ experience.Nicola prides herself on delivering excellent service standards, working collaboratively with solicitors throughout the life of a claim, to achieve the best results for her lay clients. She is known to be extremely personable, working well with business clients as well as individuals. She is astute and meticulous in preparation and is recognised as having excellent advocacy skills.In all areas of her work Nicola is routinely instructed in complex and high value cases.Nicola welcomes work on a Direct Access and Conditional Fee basis.She conducts hearings, JSMs/ RTMs/ Mediations, and conferences remotely.Within Chambers Nicola is currently on the Executive Committee and is the Equality &amp; Diversity Officer.Nicola is a keen (ultra) runner and cyclist. When not working, or with her family, she loves nothing more than being out on the Yorkshire moors.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Tom is ranked as a leading junior by both Chambers UK and the Legal 500.He is a specialist in personal injury litigation, acting for both Claimants and Defendants.While he continues to deal with some fast track work, generally road traffic fraud and credit hire, employers’ liability, public liability and disease claims, most of his time is spent dealing with multi track work.He is instructed on behalf of Claimants and Defendants in high value personal injury litigation which generally arises out of accidents on the road, at work and in public places.He deals with claims involving fatal accidents and life changing injuries, including brain injuries, spinal injuries, significant orthopaedic injuries, injuries leading to amputation and injuries leading to chronic pain.&nbsp;

Dominic is recognised as one of the leading employment law barristers in the North East; which he combines with an eclectic mix of other (predominantly commercial and property related) practice areas.  He is joint head of chambers' Employment Team.For a number of years Dominic has been recommended by both Chambers and Partners (Band 1), and the Legal 500 (Tier 1). They have described him variously as <em>‘</em><strong>incredibly intelligent, articulate, and good at winning client confidence</strong>’; as being ‘<strong>a strong and formidable opponent</strong>’; and as ‘<strong>having a wonderful manner in Court</strong>’.  Judicial comments have included praise for ‘<strong>his thorough and well-presented written and oral submissions’</strong> and for his ‘<strong>astute and effective</strong>’ cross examination.Dominic has over 20 years of experience appearing in the High Court, County Court, and Employment Tribunals, and has appeared in appellate Courts up to and including the Supreme Court.  He predominantly represents public authorities, NHS Trusts, and private sector employers of all sizes; but has a significant minority of Claimant clients.  He brings to his work experience across a broad range of practice areas, but has a particular specialism in discrimination in the workplace. He prides himself on being approachable and pragmatic, and in providing easily accessible client-focused advice.In 2012 he was appointed to the Attorney General’s regional panel of Counsel to the Crown (Panel A), and in 2019 he was appointed as a Recorder.  He is a contributing editor of Tolley's Employment Law Service; and a volunteer with the Employment Tribunal Litigant in Person Support Scheme.