Howard Elgot
An extremely astute counsel who is quickly able to see the salient issues in the most difficult of claims. He has formidable cross-examination skills, and is always thoroughly prepared. A match for any KC.
The Legal 500 (2025)
About
Howard Elgot is one of the very few provincial barristers to have been shortlisted as Barrister of the Year by the Law Society.
He has acted as both leading and junior counsel in many cases of national importance in the High Court, Court of Appeal, House of Lords and the Supreme Court. He practices principally in the fields of clinical and professional negligence, and personal injury litigation. He is accredited as an adjudicator by the Professional Negligence Bar Association. He previously practised at 3 Paper Buildings, Temple, London.
Independent guides refer to Howard as a “well-prepared, fearsome cross-examiner and negotiator”, a “marvellously innovative thinker”, who is “admired for his client-friendly demeanour and sympathetic attitude.”
Howard is a keen cricketer and a long-suffering supporter of Leeds United.
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Howard Elgot
An extremely astute counsel who is quickly able to see the salient issues in the most difficult of claims. He has formidable cross-examination skills, and is always thoroughly prepared. A match for any KC.
The Legal 500 (2025)
About
Howard Elgot is one of the very few provincial barristers to have been shortlisted as Barrister of the Year by the Law Society.
He has acted as both leading and junior counsel in many cases of national importance in the High Court, Court of Appeal, House of Lords and the Supreme Court. He practices principally in the fields of clinical and professional negligence, and personal injury litigation. He is accredited as an adjudicator by the Professional Negligence Bar Association. He previously practised at 3 Paper Buildings, Temple, London.
Independent guides refer to Howard as a “well-prepared, fearsome cross-examiner and negotiator”, a “marvellously innovative thinker”, who is “admired for his client-friendly demeanour and sympathetic attitude.”
Howard is a keen cricketer and a long-suffering supporter of Leeds United.
Howard has been short-listed nationally as the Law Society Barrister of the Year.
Howard has acted as both leading and junior counsel in many cases of national importance in the High Court, Court of Appeal, House of Lords and the Supreme Court. He has a large high profile clinical negligence practice, including many cerebral palsy and other obstetric claims, brain and spinal injury cases, and amputation cases.
Recently Howard led Megan Crowther of Parklane Plowden Chambers successfully in the High Court in the 2025 case of HQA v Newcastle NHS Trust [2026] PIQR, P1 , a landmark case on consent and other issues https://www.lexisnexis.co.uk/legal/news/when-planning-missed-the-mark-consent-missed-the-point-navigating-duty-in-cardiac-care-hqa-v
The Claimant suffered severe brain damage as a result of failures in the planning of her congenital heart surgery.
He also led Abigail Telford of Parklane Plowden Chambers in HTR v Nottingham University NHS Trust, a cerebral palsy case. The case was successfully fought on liability only in 2021 before Cotter J https://www.parklaneplowden.co.uk/how-to-approach-issues-of-fact-in-clinical-negligence-cases/ and eventually settled in 2024 for the lump sum equivalent of £23.7 million a few days before the quantum trial was scheduled to begin https://www.parklaneplowden.co.uk/howard-elgot-and-abigail-telford-appear-in-approval-of-compensation-settlement-worth-23-7m-in-cerebral-palsy-birth-injury-case/#:~:text=Liability%20was%20established%20after%20a,by%20Foster%20J%20this%20week.
That claim was one of the many clinical negligence claims worth in excess of £10,000,000 that Howard has acted in either alone or with the assistance of a junior counsel.
Amongst other cases, he is currently leading Leila Benyounes of Parklane Plowden Chambers in AXS v South Tees NHS https://www.parklaneplowden.co.uk/axs-v-south-tees-hospitals-nhs-trust-interim-payment-of-1-8-million-awarded-to-brain-damaged-claimant/
where a mother was severely brain damaged during a routine operation. Peri-operative negligence was eventually admitted on the part of the anaesthetists, but quantum remains outstanding.
Howard has acted in many other reported cases. His recent reported cases include the Court of Appeal case of Evans v Betesh Partnership 2022 RTR 1, a case in which the Master of the Rolls gave judgment on the vexed question as to whether it is necessary to reinstate a claim against the original tortfeasor where a claimant without capacity had settled the claim without a court approval. He also acted in the well-known cerebral palsy case of DS v North Lincs and Goole NHS Trust 2016 Med LR 339.
Other high profile clinical negligence cases include the claim of Gianluca Petrachi, an Italian footballer who played for Nottingham Forest, brought against an English surgeon for the loss of his playing career at the highest levels.
Although his clinical negligence practice is almost entirely on behalf of claimants. he was successful in the Court of Appeal in the important case of Murrills v Berlanda, acting on behalf of an Italian doctor https://www.lawgazette.co.uk/legal-updates/civil-procedure-cpr-69/5040252.article
Howard has twice spoken nationally at PIBA on mental capacity, at AvMA annual conference in Brighton on amputation claims, and is a regular speaker at regional meetings of AvMA, on topics including consent to treatment, and service of the claim form. He chaired the AvMA Seminar “Funding & Costs in the Brave New World” and spoke on changes to the discount rate at the Clinical Negligence Debate in Manchester. He has also spoken to the regional conference of the Brain Injury Rehabilitation Trust.
As well as having been short-listed nationally as Law Society Barrister of the Year, Howard has also been short-listed nationally as Personal Injury Barrister of the Year.
Howard has acted in many high profile claims on behalf of claimants, insurers and the Motor Insurers’ Bureau, often acting as leading counsel in claims in the High Court, Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court.
Howard regularly appears in complex personal injury and clinical negligence claims, including brain injury and other catastrophic injury claims, and industrial disease litigation, particularly stress-related claims.
Howard has twice spoken at the Personal Injury Bar Association national conference on the topic of mental capacity, having appeared in the Court of Appeal in both of the landmark cases of Bailey v Warren [2006] C.P. Rep. 26 and Evans v Betesh Partnership [2022] RTR 1. He has also spoken at the national AvMA conference on amputation claims.
Howard acted for insurers in the Court of Appeal in the leading case on ADR, Halsey v Milton Keynes; Steel v Joy [2004] 1 WLR 3002.
He was instructed in the Selby Rail Crash personal injury litigation on behalf of the insurers of Gary Hart and has acted in many other multi-party claims on behalf of claimants. He was one of the lead counsel in the British Coal VWF Professional Negligence claims against solicitors, arising out of industrial disease litigation.
Howard appeared in the Court of Appeal in the leading stress at work case, Hatton v Sutherland [2002] 2 All ER 1, and most recently acted successfully for four Reserve Army officers in bullying claims against their commanding officer.
Additionally Howard has a substantial professional negligence practice arising out of personal injury and clinical negligence claims that were conducted negligently by solicitors and/or barristers.
Howard has been short-listed nationally as the Law Society Barrister of the Year.
He was one of the lead counsel in the British Coal VWF Professional Negligence claims brought against solicitors, arising out of industrial disease litigation, and has acted in many other multiparty professional negligence claims arising out of personal injury and clinical negligence claims, and property and commercial transactions. Howard has advised in various group litigation professional negligence claims relating to property development at home and overseas, particularly in Italy, Egypt and Turkey, and has acted in many claims both for and against surveyors.
In Barton v Wright Hassall LLP [2018] 1 W.L.R. 1119, Howard acted as leading counsel for the claimant in the Supreme Court, leading Abigail Telford, also of Parklane Plowden Chambers.
Howard also acted as counsel for the claimant in the landmark solicitors’ negligence claim of Liddle v Atha and Co [2018] 1 W.L.R. 4953 and as counsel for the solicitor defendant in the High Court and Court of Appeal in Evans v Betesh Partnership [2022] RTR 1. He was counsel for the claimant in Walton v Pickerings Solicitors [2022] 1 W.L.R. 4964.
Howard has spoken at national conferences held by the Professional Negligence Law Association in 2022 and 2025 and has been invited to speak again at the March 2026 PNLA conference.
Howard has acted in very many mediations and appeared in the Court of Appeal in the leading group of cases on ADR, reported collectively as Halsey v Milton Keynes [2004] 1 W.L.R. 3002. He has given many talks on mediation viewed from counsel’s perspective.
Chambers and Partners (2026) - Clinical Negligence - "He is great at finding avenues I might not have considered and he has a really great perspective on cases." "Howard is our first choice for senior counsel in high value clinical negligence cases. He gets what's required out of experts, hones in on the important issues, is approachable, and is effective." "He is extremely experienced with a wealth of knowledge. He is very useful."
Chambers and Partners (2026) - Personal Injury - "Howard Elgot is really smart and does good work."
Legal 500 (2026) - Clinical Negligence (Tier 1)
Legal 500 (2026) - Personal Injury
Legal 500 (2026) - Professional Negligence (Tier 1)
Chambers and Partners (2025) - Clinical Negligence - "Howard is extremely knowledgeable and always totally prepared. He is good with clients and medical experts and is a strong advocate who is very skilled in cross-examination."
Chambers and Partners (2025) - Personal Injury - "He provides great service and his knowledge is unmatched."
Legal 500 (2025) - Clinical Negligence (Tier 1) - "An extremely astute counsel who is quickly able to see the salient issues in the most difficult of claims. He has formidable cross-examination skills, and is always thoroughly prepared. A match for any KC."
Legal 500 (2025) - Personal Injury - "An analytically strong, considered and pragmatic barrister."
Legal 500 (2025) - Professional Negligence (Tier 1)
Chambers and Partners (2024) - Clinical Negligence - "I am always impressed with Howard's knowledge and ability to advise and negotiate, particularly in high-value claims." "Howard's experience and expertise makes him indispensable when a complex case arises. He has a dedication to his clients and cases that means he really will look into every possible aspect or angle of a case." "He has a vast knowledge of reported case law so he can apply a high standard of expertise."
Chambers and Partners (2024) - Personal Injury - "Howard is an extremely able counsel and deals with papers promptly. As an advocate, Howard is fluent, quick to grasp the nub of matters, persuasive in argument and forensically precise in cross-examination." "Howard has an excellent grasp of the commercial realities of a case and his advices are informed by pragmatism." "He has a vast knowledge of reported case law so he can apply a high standard of expertise."
Legal 500 (2024) - Clinical Negligence (Tier 1) - "Howard is a highly experienced counsel. He understands the most complex medical evidence, and comes up with strategies and new avenues of investigation others may never have thought of. He does not give up on a claim and is always willing to fight for the claimant."
Legal 500 (2024) - Personal Injury - "A formidable litigator and advocate. Howard is determined and resourceful, and has excellent technical knowledge."
Legal 500 (2024) - Professional Negligence (Tier 1) - "A formidable litigator and advocate. Howard is a skilled trial lawyer with strong cross-examination skills."
Chambers and Partners (2023) - Personal Injury - "Howard Elgot is a senior junior known for his superb grasp of claims involving serious spinal and brain injuries. He often acts in complex, high-value paralysis cases, representing both claimants and defendants. He is a frequent speaker at national conferences on personal injury law. He is experienced appearing before the House of Lords, the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal."
Chambers and Partners (2023) - Clinical Negligence (Band 1) - "Howard Elgot assists with long-running and typically high-value claims on behalf of both claimants and defendants. He has demonstrated expertise in child brain injury including cerebral palsy, as well as failings in psychiatric care and amputation claims."
Chambers and Partners (2023) - Personal Injury - "Howard Elgot is a senior junior known for his superb grasp of claims involving serious spinal and brain injuries. He often acts in complex, high-value paralysis cases, representing both claimants and defendants. He is a frequent speaker at national conferences on personal injury law. He is experienced appearing before the House of Lords, the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal."
Legal 500 (2023) - Clinical Negligence (Tier 1) - "Howard's tenacity is unmatched. He is able to get straight to the issues of a case, no matter how complicated it is."
Legal 500 (2023) - Personal Injury (Tier 1)
Legal 500 (2023) - Professional Negligence
Chambers and Partners (2022) - Personal Injury (Band 1) - "He is very good technically."
Chambers and Partners (2022) - Clinical Negligence (Band 1) - "His strengths are his determination to succeed for the benefit of his client, his attention to detail, and tactical acumen"
Legal 500 (2022) - Clinical Negligence (Tier 1) -"A first-class lawyer and advocate who always operates at the highest level. His technical knowledge and case strategy is second to none."
Legal 500 (2022) - Professional Negligence (Tier 1) - "He spots the key issues early and focuses on the best approach going forward. He establishes very good rapport with lay clients."
Legal 500 (2022) - Personal Injury - "A formidable advocate and a clear, concise communicator. Clients trust him."
Chambers and Partners (2021) - Personal Injury (Band 1) - "A sound advocate who always returns papers promptly. A pragmatic and commercially-informed approach is his hallmark."
Chambers and Partners (2021) - Clinical Negligence (Band 1) - "Very approachable and gets truly involved in cases to get the best result for the client." "He is really very impressive in face-to-face negotiations and argues his cases eloquently but forcefully."
Legal 500 (2021) - Professional Negligence (Tier 1) - "Go-to barrister."
Legal 500 (2021) - Clinical Negligence (Tier 1) & Personal Injury - "Tenacious In pursuit of a case. Always willing to examine every angle of the evidence and to come up with new avenues to explore. Skilled at pinning down experts and getting to the root of their evidence in conference. Excellent in negotiations. Very capable at arguing costs budget issues in these types of cases."
Personal Injury Bar Association (PIBA); Professional Negligence Bar Association (PNBA); Action Against Medical Accidents (AvMA); Professional Negligence Law Association (PNLA).
HQA v Newcastle upon Tyne NHS Trust [2026] PIQR P1 - The Claimant suffered severe brain damage as a result of failures in the planning of her congenita heart surgery. The case is laso a landmark case on the law relating to consent to treatment.
DXC v South Tees NHS Trust and Newcastle Upon Tyne NHS Trust 24th October 2025 - Settlement and Approval of liability at 90% in claims on behalf of a child aged 20 months infected with E.coli 157 at a day nursery and treated in Newcastle. Claims were brought against the nursery and the hospital. As a result of her infection the Claimant suffered permanent severe brain and renal damage and she underwent a kidney transplant. The claim is likely to be worth several million pounds https://www.parklaneplowden.co.uk/howard-elgot-and-abigail-telford-succeed-in-e-coli-157-and-critical-illness-brain-damage-claims/
HTR v Nottingham University NHS Trust Nov 2024 - Settlement and Approval of quantum for equivalent of £23.7M lump sum https://www.parklaneplowden.co.uk/howard-elgot-and-abigail-telford-appear-in-approval-of-compensation-settlement-worth-23-7m-in-cerebral-palsy-birth-injury-case/#:~:text=Liability%20was%20established%20after%20a,by%20Foster%20J%20this%20week.
BJM v University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust Nov 2023 - Approval of settlement of claim for negligent failure to diagnose and treat the claimant’s genetic disorder. The claim was settled for the equivalent of a lump sum in excess of £14M.
AXS v South Tees NHS Trust 31st July 2023 - Interim payments of £1.95M awarded in anaesthetists negligence claim.
Evans v Betesh Partnership - Court of Appeal [2022] RTR 1 - Is it necessary to reinstate a claim against the original tortfeasor where a claimant without capacity had settled the claim without a court approval, or may the claimant simply sue his/her original solicitor alone?
Walton v Pickerings – [2022] 1 WLR 4964 - Can a claimant take any “reasonable steps” comply with CPR 7.5 (service) if he is not in possession of a valid claim form? If not, does the court still have a discretion to refuse an extension of time to serve the claim form? Does the court have the power to back date a claim form?
HTR v Nottingham University NHS Trust [2021] EWHC 3228 (QB) - Cerebral Palsy liability trial. https://www.parklaneplowden.co.uk/how-to-approach-issues-of-fact-in-clinical-negligence-cases/ Cotter J
Liddle v Atha and Co [2018] 1 WLR 4953 QB - Underpayment of issue fee. Abuse of Process? Striking out.
Barton v Wright Hassall LLP [2018] 1 WLR 1119 Supreme Court - Should the courts apply the dispensing provision in CPR 6.15 to allow irregular service of a claim form by a litigant in person?
DS v North Lincs and Goole NHS Trust [2016] Med. L.R. 339 QB - Cerebral Palsy. Breach of Duty and Causation.
Marshall v Hull & East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust - [2015] All ER (D) 76 (Feb) - Do the causation rules expounded in the well-known cases of Chester v. Afshar and Wright v. Cambridge Medical Group apply in all cases of clinical negligence?
Murrills v Dr Berlanda [2014] EWCA Civ 6 - Appropriate place of service of claim form on an Italian doctor. Residence or place of business?
Power v Meloy Whittle Robinson [2014] 1 WLR 2016 - Use of CPR 6.15(2) to validate invalid service of claim form in the British Coal VWF Professional Negligence Litigation. The first judgment of the Court of Appeal in a domestic case on this new provision.
Swift v Dr Edbrooke. Clinical Risk, 2013 - Ectopic pregnancy claim against GP. The negligent GP and her senior partner were described by trial judge as the least satisfactory medical witnesses he had ever come across.
Bryce v Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Trust. Clinical Risk 2012 - Failure to diagnose cauda equina syndrome
Middleton v Thompson [2012] EWCA Civ 231 - The court's approach to psychiatric evidence - somatoform disorder.
Lovell v Leeds City Council [2009] EWHC 1145 (QB) - Allegation of negligent design and siting of new roundabout causing catastrophic injury.
Lough v Intruder Detection and Fulton [2008] EWCA Civ 1099 - Occupiers' Liability claim. Apportionment of liability between residential occupier and employer.
Bailey v Warren [2006] EWCA Civ 51 ; The Times, 20 February 2006: [2005] PIQR P15 - The leading case on the court's discretion to ex post facto validate an agreement with a claimant lacking litigation capacity.
Halsey v Milton Keynes NHS Trust [2004] 1 WLR 3002 - The leading case on the effect of a refusal to mediate.
Beck v Ministry of Defence [2004] PIQR P1 - When will the Court permit change of an expert witness?
Hatton v Sutherland [2002] 2 All ER1 - Stress at work - the leading case.
D & D v Donald [2001] PIQR Q5 - Impact of marital infidelity on the multiplier in a fatal accident claim.
Burke v Leeds Health Authority [2001] All ER (D) 209 (Jan) - Parental consent to treatment.
Cullen v Harman and MIB, Court of Appeal 18th Feb 2000 - MIB liability
Hurd v Stirling Group Plc, Court of Appeal 26th May 1999 - reg.18(1) Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992.
Clarke v Kato [1998] 1 W.L.R. 1647 (H.L.) - When is a car park a "road" for the purposes of Road Traffic Act liability?
Dickson v Barrington Black, Austin, Court of Appeal 13th May 1997 - Solicitors’ negligence.
Liddell v Middleton [1996] P.I.Q.R. P36 - Admissibility of expert evidence in motor claims.
Hill v Bruce [1995] P.I.Q.R. P300 - Causation of damage - contributory negligence.
Roebuck v Mungovin [1994] 2 A.C. 224 - Strike out for want of prosecution.
Dale v British Coal [1992] 1 W.L.R. 96 Limitation Act - whether leave to appeal required.
Formerly tutor in law, Queen Mary College, University of London
BA, B.C.L., New College, Oxford
