Phil leads a distinguished team of over 60 members. He is credited with establishing a serious injury team that is renowned for being a "stellar team" who are "highly knowledgeable" and an "excellent reputation for its skill and handling of "high-value and complex claims such as birth, spinal and brain injury cases" (Legal 500)
Phil has more than 25 years of experience focusing exclusively on clinical negligence claims and representing only claimants.
Phil is deeply committed to advocating for the rights of injured patients and ensuring the law evolves. He is driven, approachable and empathetic.
Phil manages a variety of complex and high-value claims, including those related to birth injuries, brain injuries, and spinal injuries. He passionately advocates for his clients with personalised, client focused care. Phil’s dedication and energy make him a notable figure in serious injury law.
He is recognised as a Leading Partner in the Legal 500 and quoted as being "one of the leading practitioners in the country" and "Band 1" in Chambers and Partners where he has been ranked for the past 12 years. Chambers describes him as "an excellent and experienced practitioner".
Work highlights
A notable highlight of his career in recent years was his representation of the Claimants at the Supreme Court in the landmark case of Paul and another (Appellants) v Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust (Respondent) - UK Supreme Court [2024]UKSC1 - secondary victim claims arising from clinical negligence.
Quotes & testimonials:
Phil is acknowledged by commentators as having “outstanding communication” and as “very precise and efficient”. Clients describe him as “determined” and “tenacious” and one interviewee says: “He is really thorough and determined - the kind of guy to pull out all the stops to take a case to conclusion.” Legal 500
“The team is led by Phil Barnes, who is one of the leading practitioners in the country.” Chambers and Partners
My education:
2:1 LLB (Hons) (University of Wales - Cardiff)
Legal Practice Course - Commendation (College of Law, Chester)
