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Edward is a formidable advocate and wonderful with clients
Legal 500
Inquests
Ed has been instructed to attend numerous Inquests on behalf of a range of interested parties, including the family of the deceased, insurers, employers and individuals.
Over the years, Ed’s exceptional client care skills have been particularly sought after in these difficult and sensitive hearings in the Coroner’s Court.
Notable Cases:
Inquest touching on the death of Melanie Chalklen
Represented Consultant as part of the complex and long running Ian Paterson, Consultant Breast Surgeon, Inquest in the Birmingham Coroner’s Court (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cpv82l9xvp1o)
Inquest touching on the death of Adam Hussain
Represented the family at a lengthy Inquest in Nottingham Coroner’s Court, touching on death of Adam Hussain. Deceased failed by NHS and Prevention of Future Death (PFD) report secured at Inquest (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cn81162gpqpo)
Inquest touching on the death of Tommy Kneebone
Represented a Paediatric Consultant during this near two week Inquest in Maidstone Coroner’s Court, touching on the death of Tommy Kneebone. Infant tragically died of cardiomyopathy. Finding of neglect against the NHS. (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/clyl9w43ex0o)
Inquest touching on the death of Gavin Wheale
Represented one of several Interested Persons at this two week death in custody Jury Inquest in Birmingham Coroner’s Court, touching on the death of Gavin Wheale (https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/hmp-birmingham-prisoner-who-hid-32037871)
Inquest touching on the death of Maureen Gilbert
Represented Derbyshire County Council at this week long Inquest in Chesterfield Coroner’s Court, touching on the death on Maureen Gilbert. Deceased tragically drowned in flooding at Tapton Terrace during Storm Babet (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cg7d809key0o)
Inquest touching on the death of Robert Cake
Represented the family at this Inquest in Lincoln Coroner’s Court, touching on the death of Robert Cake. Surgeon ligated the deceased’s vena cava causing circulatory failure and death. Claim settled at JSM.
Inquest touching on the death of Janet Jasper
Represented the family at a 5 day Jury Inquest in the Loughborough Coroner’s Court, touching on death of Mrs Janet Jasper. Deceased was fatally injured in a residential gas explosion caused by a gas pipe failure in her kitchen. Prevention of Future Death (PFD) report secured at Inquest (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leicestershire-51109607)
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Notable Cases
Weston v Hepworth
Represented wife and children of the deceased who tragically lost his life when riding his motorcycle along a country road, when an elderly lady pulled out into his path. Settled for substantial damages at JSM. Settlement and apportionment approved by Master Sullivan.
Jenson v Topps Tiles PLC
Represented Claimant in sepsis claim, leading to amputation (leg and hand). Settled for £850,000 at JSM.
Gazi v Exlabesa Ltd
Represented wife and children of the deceased fatally injured at work when he fell into tank of boiling water. Succumbed to injuries several weeks later and died. Settled by Part 36. Judicial approval secured.
Jenkins v Haythorne
Represented Claimant, a 14 year old boy, struck by a motor vehicle whilst running with friends across a road. Catastrophic injuries sustained, including severe traumatic brain injury. Liability resolved with judicial approval. Quantum ongoing.
Hales v Ministry of Defence
Representing Claimant involved in a road collision on the M1. Diagnosed with complex pain condition: Fibromyalgia (FMS) Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) and Bodily Distress Disorder (BDD). Claim valued well in excess of £2 million.
Matova v Covea Insurance PLC
Representing Claimant, an infant, a rear seated passenger in a motor vehicle, which collided with a stolen car being chased by the Police. Policy issues due to the ‘use’ of stolen vehicle. Both Defendants represented by Kings Counsel.
Burrows v Wasteney
Represented Claimant who sustained life-threatening injury at illegal ‘car meet’ and was struck by vehicle at speed. Leg amputated. Pleaded value £4.4 million. Settled for substantial damages at JSM.
Inquest touching on the death of Melanie Chalklen
Represented Consultant as part of the complex and long running Ian Paterson, Consultant Breast Surgeon, Inquest in the Birmingham Coroner’s Court (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cpv82l9xvp1o)
Inquest touching on the death of Tommy Kneebone
Represented a Paediatric Consultant during this near two week Inquest in Maidstone Coroner’s Court, touching on the death of Tommy Kneebone. Infant tragically died of cardiomyopathy. Finding of neglect against the NHS. (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/clyl9w43ex0o)
Inquest touching on the death of Gavin Wheale
Represented one of several Interested Persons at this two week death in custody Jury Inquest in Birmingham Coroner’s Court, touching on the death of Gavin Wheale (https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/hmp-birmingham-prisoner-who-hid-32037871)
Inquest touching on the death of Maureen Gilbert
Represented Derbyshire County Council at this week long Inquest in Chesterfield Coroner’s Court, touching on the death on Maureen Gilbert. Deceased tragically drowned in flooding at Tapton Terrace during Storm Babet (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cg7d809key0o)
Inquest touching on the death of Robert Cake
Represented the family at this Inquest in Lincoln Coroner’s Court, touching on the death of Robert Cake. Surgeon ligated the deceased’s vena cava causing circulatory failure and death. Claim settled at JSM.
Inquest touching on the death of Janet Jasper
Represented the family at a 5 day Jury Inquest in the Loughborough Coroner’s Court, touching on death of Mrs Janet Jasper. Deceased was fatally injured in a residential gas explosion caused by a gas pipe failure in her kitchen. Prevention of Future Death (PFD) report secured at Inquest (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leicestershire-51109607)
Inquest touching on the death of Adam Hussain
Represented the family at a lengthy Inquest in Nottingham Coroner’s Court, touching on death of Adam Hussain. Deceased failed by NHS and Prevention of Future Death (PFD) report secured at Inquest (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cn81162gpqpo)
Robert Cake v United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust
Represented wife and children of the deceased where a negligently performed open nephrectomy resulted in the tragic death of a young father and husband. Settled at JSM.
If you would like to instruct Edward James or would like help or advice in doing so, please call and talk to our excellent clerking team, led by Chief Executive/Director of Clerking, Paul Cray. Our phone number is +44 (0)20 7583 9241. Alternatively, please email us at chambers@farrarsbuilding.co.uk
For more information about our clerking team, please click here for the clerks page.
Appointments & Memberships
Personal Injury Bar Association (PIBA)
Criminal Bar Association (CBA)
Education & Qualifications
Bryanston School, Dorset
Edinburgh University (MA (hons) History)
College of Law (PgDL and BVC), London
Directory Quotes
- “Edward advocates fearlessly and demonstrates a deep commitment to getting the best outcome for the clients.”
Chambers UK 2026
- “Edward James is very good at advocating and client handling.”
Chambers UK 2026
- “He prepares thoroughly and has a very friendly manner with clients.”
The Legal 500 2026
- “Edward’s legal acumen and advocacy skills are complemented by a clear ability to communicate complex legal and medical issues in a way that clients and their families can easily understand.”
The Legal 500 2026
- “A safe pair of hands who is good to work with.”
Chambers UK 2025
- “Nothing is too much trouble for Ed. He builds strong client relationships and at trial he thrives in the atmosphere.”
Chambers UK 2025
- “Edward is personable, pragmatic and has an excellent manner with clients. His written advice is always clear and confident. He is able to identify a clear path through cases and uses that skill to his advantage when conducting advocacy.”
The Legal 500 2025
- “Ed is good on his feet in court, is very well prepared and puts witnesses at their ease but is robust in cross-examination. He is good with clients and put his advice in concise and straightforward language, exactly as required by clients.”
The Legal 500 2025
- “Edward’s advocacy at inquest is extremely polished and he has a manner with witnesses which is considerate yet straightforward.”
The Legal 500 2025
- “Edward is a safe pair of hands to have on a case.”
Chambers UK 2024
- “Edward is a very skilful advocate.”
Chambers UK 2024
- “Edward has a calm and reasoned approach to dealing with clinical negligence claims. He has an excellent manner with clients enabling them to understand key legal concepts and how they affect the claim. His attention to detail is exceptional.”
The Legal 500 2024
- “Edward is a formidable advocate and wonderful with clients. His attention to detail and trial preparation is superb, and he is not afraid of a challenging case.”
The Legal 500 2024
- “Edward can address the concerns of the family sympathetically and takes on board their concerns and position. He is able to use his advocacy skills to address those key points using tenacious and succinct questions.”
The Legal 500 2024
- “Edward is always well prepared, organised, and has good strategic thinking. He is extremely personable and clients like him on a personal level enormously.”
The Legal 500 2023
- “Edward is a conscientious and diligent barrister with a personable approach. His knowledge of the coronial process is extensive.”
The Legal 500 2023
- “Edward is an excellent communicator and a skilled advocate. He deals with matters in a calm and efficient manner.”
Chambers and Partners 2023
- “A compassionate and professional manner with clients, a thorough attention to detail to the facts of a case and the application of those facts to the law.”
The Legal 500 2022
- “He puts clients at ease.”
Chambers and Partners 2022
- “An excellent advocate both in court and during conference, with a knowledgeable and reassuring manner that puts clients at ease.”
The Legal 500 2021
- “A very good trial advocate. Very professional, knowledgeable and great with clients.”
Chambers and Partners 2021
Personal Interests
Father to three boys
Keen rugby supporter and ex player (Sussex County Captain and Wasps RFU Development Squad)
U11 Cricket Coach
Skiing
RYA Day Skipper