James Leonard - Outer Temple Chambers
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James Leonard
Year of call Email
1989 james.leonard@outertemple.com
James specialises predominantly in Disciplinary & Regulatory and Health, Safety & Environmental Law.
He has a considerable background in complex industrial accident cases, fraud and corruption cases,
Financial Services, multi-jurisdictional confiscation proceedings and Public Law.
James’ reputation is for prompt assistance to all professional clients in all disciplines; detailed
preparation, calm, reasoned and practical advice for all lay clients as well as robust advocacy, fearless
cross examination and sound tactical sense in Court.
In 2014, James was the Chambers and Partners Professional Discipline Junior of the Year, and in 2017 he
was the Chambers and Partners Health and Safety Junior of the Year.
London Abu Dhabi Dubai
Outer Temple Chambers 24th Floor, Al Sila Tower, Level 15
The Outer Temple Abu Dhabi Global Market Square, The Gate Building
222 Strand Al Maryah Island Dubai International Financial Centre
London Abu Dhabi, UAE Dubai, UAE
WC2R 1BA
T: +971 2694 8596 T: +971 4401 9584
T: +44 (0)20 7353 6381
F: +44 (0)20 7583 1786
E Fax: +44 (0)870 220 3256
DX: LDE 351 (Chancery Lane
1Health, Safety & Environment
James’ Health & Safety and Environmental work leads to appearances in Courts at every level but his
caseload is at the higher end of the scale of seriousness. Those cases invariably include fatalities in the
work place, allegations of gross negligence manslaughter and offences under the Corporate
Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007.
He represents nationally known companies (including Comet Group PLC, Sainsbury Group, Dyfed
Steels Ltd, RWE Npower PLC, Western Power Distribution PLC, Virgin Media Group, Tulip Group PLC,
Sita UK Ltd, BOC (UK) Ltd, BFK Joint Venture on the Crossrail project, Babcock DSG Ltd, Barratt
Developments PLC and ConocoPhilips (U.K.) Ltd) as well as smaller limited companies and their
directors. His most recent work includes representing BBC Studio Works Ltd in respect of a prosecution
arising out of an on-set accident at Elstree Studios, London, UK.
James’ Health and Safety-related work is extensive and nationwide, recently extending to Australia. He
regularly represents corporates and individuals in jury and non-jury inquests particularly when an
individual is thought to be at risk of prosecution. In Inquests, robustly managing an individual’s right
against self-incrimination in a potentially hostile tribunal is a particular specialty. James has extensive
experience in Article 2 Inquest proceedings having appeared in a number of prison death cases and
deaths relating to police activity including the Tomlinson G20 Inquest and the suicide of a mental
health patient in a south Wales hospital. He has particular experience with health and safety issues
arising out of care home facilities, having represented a number of care home owners and service
providers arising out of fatal accidents to and/or unexplained deaths of residents. His health care work
includes experience in the GMC and GDC (see professional discipline tab) and representing registered
Care Homes and Managers in relation to CQC investigations and prosecutions as well as appealing
notices of suspension to the First Tier Tribunal.
James’ Inquest experience includes representing, as Leading Junior, a building sub-contractor in the
three month Lakanal House Fire ‘Super’ Inquest in London. In 2015, he represented the BFK Joint
Venture at an Inquest in relation to a death on the Crossrail project. In July 2016 he represented a PFI
Company in relation to the death of a patient from Legionnaire’s disease in a major public healthcare
facility and in December 2016 was instructed to represent Barratt Developments PLC at an Inquest
arising out of a landslide at Looe in Cornwall.
In the context of Health and Safety prosecution, James’ work is nationwide. He regularly appears in the
Crown Court and, when necessary, the Court of Appeal Criminal Division, recently for the successful
appellant in R (HSE) vs. ATE Ltd (2018). Consideration of relevant regulations and criminal liability (or not)
London Abu Dhabi Dubai
Outer Temple Chambers 24th Floor, Al Sila Tower, Level 15
The Outer Temple Abu Dhabi Global Market Square, The Gate Building
222 Strand Al Maryah Island Dubai International Financial Centre
London Abu Dhabi, UAE Dubai, UAE
WC2R 1BA
T: +971 2694 8596 T: +971 4401 9584
T: +44 (0)20 7353 6381
F: +44 (0)20 7583 1786
E Fax: +44 (0)870 220 3256
DX: LDE 351 (Chancery Lane
2as a result of alleged breaches is a specialty. He regularly advises individuals and companies faced with
HSE or LA enquiries on strategy, response and internal investigation.
His recent homicide experience includes defending for the Princes Sporting Club Ltd when the
company was prosecuted for Corporate Manslaughter, defending in R v. John Binning (gross negligence
manslaughter arising out of a fall from height in farming/commercial premises) and (in 2016)
defending Dr Errol Cornish (charged with gross negligence manslaughter) arising out of a death in
hospital alongside an NHS Trust charged with Corporate Manslaughter.
In 2016, James defended in R (MKBC) v. Travis Perkins Trading Company Limited – one of the first fatal
accident prosecutions/sentences of a multi-billion pound turnover company under the new Sentencing
Council’s Guideline on Health and Safety Offences, Corporate Manslaughter and Food Hygiene
Offences. He has lectured extensively on the new guideline to the Health and Safety Lawyers
Association (in London and Scotland) and to solicitors and corporate clients alike.
In addition to his experience in relation to major industrial accidents for power, utility and COMAH
installations for RWE nPower PLC and BOC (UK Ltd), he was instructed by Freshfields Bruckhous
Deringer for ConocoPhilips (U.K.) Ltd in relation to a prosecution arising out of the LOGGS gas emission
in the North Sea – one of the biggest ever of its kind – which went to the Court of Appeal (Criminal
Division).
In the autumn of 2016 James was instructed to advise Masuri Group Ltd (manufacturers of cricket
helmets) in relation to its appearance before the NSW Coroner (Australia) for an Inquest into the death
of cricketer Phillip Hughes.
In 2017, James’s prosecution experience included representing, as first Junior, the BFK JV in a
prosecution arising out of a fatality on the Crossrail project and Western Power Distribution (South
West) PLC arising out of the fatality of one of its overhead linesmen.
He is currently instructed for the site owners of the Didcot Power Station, which collapsed in February
2016 leading to four fatalities. James has experience of Public Inquiry work and is currently instructed
for one of the Core Participants in the Grenfell Tower Public Inquiry.
Although predominantly a defence advocate, James is instructed by the Maritime and Coastguard
Agency in relation to prosecutions arising out of fatal accidents at sea and prosecuted R (MCA) v.
Bowman-Davies in 2017 for a double fatality which resulted in the longest prison sentence ever handed
down in an MCA prosecution for offences pursuant to the Merchant Shipping Act and its regulations.
He also has a well-established practice defending death by dangerous driving cases in the Crown Court
London Abu Dhabi Dubai
Outer Temple Chambers 24th Floor, Al Sila Tower, Level 15
The Outer Temple Abu Dhabi Global Market Square, The Gate Building
222 Strand Al Maryah Island Dubai International Financial Centre
London Abu Dhabi, UAE Dubai, UAE
WC2R 1BA
T: +971 2694 8596 T: +971 4401 9584
T: +44 (0)20 7353 6381
F: +44 (0)20 7583 1786
E Fax: +44 (0)870 220 3256
DX: LDE 351 (Chancery Lane
3and Court of Appeal Criminal Division particularly for commercial drivers.
James manages the UK Health and Safety Lawyers Group on LinkedIn and was awarded the prize of
Health and Safety Junior of the Year in the Chambers and Partners UK Bar Awards 2017.
London Abu Dhabi Dubai
Outer Temple Chambers 24th Floor, Al Sila Tower, Level 15
The Outer Temple Abu Dhabi Global Market Square, The Gate Building
222 Strand Al Maryah Island Dubai International Financial Centre
London Abu Dhabi, UAE Dubai, UAE
WC2R 1BA
T: +971 2694 8596 T: +971 4401 9584
T: +44 (0)20 7353 6381
F: +44 (0)20 7583 1786
E Fax: +44 (0)870 220 3256
DX: LDE 351 (Chancery Lane
4Financial Services
His fraud and financial services experience includes allegations of tax fraud, VAT/MTIC fraud, FCA
interventions and investigations, and corruption at the very highest level especially appearing as a
Leading Junior. The management of evidence, disclosure, privilege and unused material in vast cases
are particular specialties.
His financial services work includes money laundering offences and investigations and complex multi-
jurisdictional confiscation proceedings involving Switzerland, the Channel Islands, Spain, Andorra, the
Turks and Caicos Islands, Gibraltar and the United States of America.
James has an established practice representing corporate clients, Trusts and fiduciary services
companies in relation to financial structures and in particular the impact of proceedings/investigations
on property held in off shore structures and/or international jurisdictions.
This practice includes, where appropriate, intervening as on behalf of third parties in confiscation
proceedings and advising on the management of and reaction to Restraint Orders and the
appointment of Receivers.
James provides guidance on the nature scope and conduct of internal investigations concerning
employee conduct.
London Abu Dhabi Dubai
Outer Temple Chambers 24th Floor, Al Sila Tower, Level 15
The Outer Temple Abu Dhabi Global Market Square, The Gate Building
222 Strand Al Maryah Island Dubai International Financial Centre
London Abu Dhabi, UAE Dubai, UAE
WC2R 1BA
T: +971 2694 8596 T: +971 4401 9584
T: +44 (0)20 7353 6381
F: +44 (0)20 7583 1786
E Fax: +44 (0)870 220 3256
DX: LDE 351 (Chancery Lane
5Disciplinary & Regulatory
His Regulatory experience of representing health care and legal professionals extends to Inquests, the
GMC, the GDC, the GPhC, the Tribunal Chamber for Education Health and Social Care and SRA
disciplinary tribunals.
He regularly appears in the High Court and Court of Appeal concerning the challenge of regulatory
orders. In the medical tribunals, James represents clients up to Consultant level in relation to health
and misconduct issues with a particular emphasis on serious clinical incompetence, dishonesty, fraud
and suspected sexual impropriety.
He has a background in serious crime (and is a veteran of innumerable murders, manslaughters,
sexual offences and investment/ tax frauds). When dealing with conduct allegations against
professionals which involves criminal behaviour, James appears in the Crown Court. During the
summer of 2010 James was Junior to Adrian Hopkins QC in the GMC, representing Forensic Pathologist
Dr Freddie Patel in relation to innumerable allegations relating to Dr Patel’s appearance at Inquests.
In 2011 he went on to represent Dr Patel at the G20 Protest Inquest into the death of Ian Tomlinson,
one of the most high profile inquests of recent years. As part of his GMC experience, James
represented a Shropshire GP charged with deliberately administering a fatal dose of diamorphine to
one of his patients in a so called “mercy killing”. The case amounted to an allegation of murder,
attracted national publicity but was resolved by the Doctor receiving a formal warning.
In 2014 he conducted FtPP hearings for Consultants and Senior Clinicians in relation to misconduct and
performance issues including a consultant Breast Cancer Surgeon in relation to apparent missed
cancer diagnoses. He represented a Senior Pathology Consultant at the 2014 Northern Ireland Inquiry
into Hyponatraemia Related Deaths. His case load for 2016 is similar and includes allegations of sexual
impropriety by a GP with a patient and allegations against a consultant Psychiatrist concerning the
discharge of a patient who went on to commit a violent criminal offence on a member of the public.
In recent years, his experience has extended to representing the partner of a firm of solicitors for
allegations of wrongdoing relating to client funds, a junior solicitor in a high profile media firm
apparently forging the signature of a client on a mortgage deed, a senior Obstetric consultant for fraud
in the Crown Court, GMC and in relation to High Court Judicial Review, a consultant anaesthetist for
manslaughter in the Crown Court, at Inquest and in GMC proceedings and in 2018/9 a dentist charged
with over 2000 offences of misconduct in relation to record keeping and dishonesty.
James manages the Professional Discipline Lawyers Group on LinkedIn.
London Abu Dhabi Dubai
Outer Temple Chambers 24th Floor, Al Sila Tower, Level 15
The Outer Temple Abu Dhabi Global Market Square, The Gate Building
222 Strand Al Maryah Island Dubai International Financial Centre
London Abu Dhabi, UAE Dubai, UAE
WC2R 1BA
T: +971 2694 8596 T: +971 4401 9584
T: +44 (0)20 7353 6381
F: +44 (0)20 7583 1786
E Fax: +44 (0)870 220 3256
DX: LDE 351 (Chancery Lane
6Appointments & Memberships
Association of Regulatory & Disciplinary Lawyers
Criminal Bar Association
Health & Safety Lawyers Association
London Abu Dhabi Dubai
Outer Temple Chambers 24th Floor, Al Sila Tower, Level 15
The Outer Temple Abu Dhabi Global Market Square, The Gate Building
222 Strand Al Maryah Island Dubai International Financial Centre
London Abu Dhabi, UAE Dubai, UAE
WC2R 1BA
T: +971 2694 8596 T: +971 4401 9584
T: +44 (0)20 7353 6381
F: +44 (0)20 7583 1786
E Fax: +44 (0)870 220 3256
DX: LDE 351 (Chancery Lane
7Recommendations
London Abu Dhabi Dubai
Outer Temple Chambers 24th Floor, Al Sila Tower, Level 15
The Outer Temple Abu Dhabi Global Market Square, The Gate Building
222 Strand Al Maryah Island Dubai International Financial Centre
London Abu Dhabi, UAE Dubai, UAE
WC2R 1BA
T: +971 2694 8596 T: +971 4401 9584
T: +44 (0)20 7353 6381
F: +44 (0)20 7583 1786
E Fax: +44 (0)870 220 3256
DX: LDE 351 (Chancery Lane
8Testimonials
“A go-to barrister with brilliant client care skills and excellent attention to detail. He goes the extra
mile.” Health & Safety, Chambers & Partners 2021
“An excellent barrister who not only brings a wealth of experience, but also an indispensable
commercial awareness which allows him to deal effectively with even the most complex and
challenging of circumstances.” Health & Safety, Chambers & Partners 2021
“A very pleasing advocate who is very client-friendly.” Professional Discipline, Chambers & Partners
2021
“He is useful in front of tribunals, always well prepared and thorough, and is well liked by tribunals and
juries. He is extremely realistic and good at guiding people to sensible conclusions, and he promotes
confidence in his clients.” Professional Discipline, Chambers & Partners 2021
“James is always very well prepared with an excellent eye for detail, a strong advocate who is also very
good at putting clients at ease.” Professional Discipline & Regulatory, Legal 500 2021
“James is a fantastic all-rounder. His advice is practical, analytical and commercial. In court James wins
over judges and coroners. He is expert in his application of health and safety law. He is our go-to
barrister for health and safety and inquest work.” Health & Safety, Legal 500 2021
“A fine strategic thinker who has an air of authority about him.” Health & Safety, Chambers &
Partners 2020
“He has a brilliant eye for detail and he is very good at putting anxious individuals at
ease.” Professional Discipline, Chambers & Partners 2020
“An outstanding practitioner.” Professional Discipline, Chambers & Partners 2019
“He has a fantastic way of presenting in court and fights in the most effective way.” Health & Safety,
Legal 500 2019
“Very focused and strategically minded.” Health & Safety, Chambers & Partners 2018
“He has a phenomenal encyclopaedic knowledge.” Health & Safety, Chambers & Partners 2018
London Abu Dhabi Dubai
Outer Temple Chambers 24th Floor, Al Sila Tower, Level 15
The Outer Temple Abu Dhabi Global Market Square, The Gate Building
222 Strand Al Maryah Island Dubai International Financial Centre
London Abu Dhabi, UAE Dubai, UAE
WC2R 1BA
T: +971 2694 8596 T: +971 4401 9584
T: +44 (0)20 7353 6381
F: +44 (0)20 7583 1786
E Fax: +44 (0)870 220 3256
DX: LDE 351 (Chancery Lane
9“One of the best in his field. Strong in giving advice and really empathetic.” Professional Discipline,
Chambers & Partners 2018
“First-class judgement.” Professional Discipline, Chambers & Partners 2018
“His charming approach is a winner, whether with clients or before the tribunal.” Professional
Discipline, Legal 500 2017
“He delivers impartial and commercial advice, while striking the right chord with judges.” Health &
Safety, Legal 500 2017
“His easy-going nature puts clients at ease and he has a wonderfully analytical mind. He’s able to get on
the right side of tribunals and carry them with him. A wonderfully persuasive advocate.” Professional
Discipline, Chambers & Partners 2017
“He is always clear, concise and totally on the ball.” Professional Discipline, Chambers & Partners
2017
“He’s a fantastic tactician and incredibly charming.” Health & Safety, Chambers & Partners 2017
“He is extremely approachable and a pleasure to work alongside.” Professional Discipline, Legal 500
2016
“Dynamic and persuasive in court; he wins over judges, magistrates and coroners.” Health & Safety,
Legal 500 2016
“Clients like him. He is good-humoured, friendly and works very hard for them and their instructing
solicitors and advises depending on the merits of each case, adjusting his style as needed.” Health &
Safety, Chambers & Partners 2016
“He’s absolutely superb as he’s very quick on the uptake of issues and has no mannerisms or
posturing.” Professional Discipline, Chambers & Partners 2016
“He addresses things in exactly the right way for each individual client.” Professional Discipline,
Chambers & Partners 2016
“A very good negotiator who is extremely well prepared on the documents front.” “He’s very visible to
those that instruct him and shares his knowledge about important cases.” Health & Safety, Chambers
& Partners 2015
London Abu Dhabi Dubai
Outer Temple Chambers 24th Floor, Al Sila Tower, Level 15
The Outer Temple Abu Dhabi Global Market Square, The Gate Building
222 Strand Al Maryah Island Dubai International Financial Centre
London Abu Dhabi, UAE Dubai, UAE
WC2R 1BA
T: +971 2694 8596 T: +971 4401 9584
T: +44 (0)20 7353 6381
F: +44 (0)20 7583 1786
E Fax: +44 (0)870 220 3256
DX: LDE 351 (Chancery Lane
10“He has an ability to assimilate vast amounts of information at short notice and distil it in coherent
form.” “He is very good at reading the panel when he is doing his advocacy.” Professional Discipline,
Chambers & Partners 201
“Unafraid of getting his hands dirty, and has a fantastic tone which persuades judges.” Health &
Safety, Legal 500 2015
“Regularly defends against silks at the General Medical Council.” Professional Discipline & Regulatory
Law, Legal 500 2015
“He is very impressive, stays on top of the case, and has a good feel for tactics and strategy. He thinks
ahead and is particularly gifted at anticipating problematic issues before they arise.” Chambers &
Partners 2014
“He is a fantastic advocate. He is able to negotiate with the prosecutor and his client-handling skills are
unrivalled.” Chambers & Partners 2014
“He is able to engage with the prosecution and achieves great results.” Health & Safety, Legal 500
2014
“The first choice for a sensitive case.” Legal 500 2014
James Leonard is “exceptionally good” and is noted for his handling of difficult cases involving issues of
dishonesty. He is “excellent with clients” and “extremely good in front of regulatory panels.” A former
criminal advocate, he is “a fierce cross-examiner.” Chambers & Partners 2013
“He is very methodical, exceptionally quick, and he will diligently do anything you send to him as readily
as he possibly can. Clients absolutely love him.” Chambers & Partners 2013
“Goes the extra mile” and “prepares his cases exceptionally well.” Legal 500 2013
“Exceptionally able, very hardworking, and an absolute treat to instruct.” Legal 500 2013
James Leonard, has a background in criminal cases and so “took to professional discipline like a duck to
water.” He has a thriving practice which is strong on GMC and inquest work. Chambers & Partners
2012
James Leonard is “thorough”, “enthusiastic”, “good with clients” and “an excellent advocate.” Legal 500
2012
London Abu Dhabi Dubai
Outer Temple Chambers 24th Floor, Al Sila Tower, Level 15
The Outer Temple Abu Dhabi Global Market Square, The Gate Building
222 Strand Al Maryah Island Dubai International Financial Centre
London Abu Dhabi, UAE Dubai, UAE
WC2R 1BA
T: +971 2694 8596 T: +971 4401 9584
T: +44 (0)20 7353 6381
F: +44 (0)20 7583 1786
E Fax: +44 (0)870 220 3256
DX: LDE 351 (Chancery Lane
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