James Purnell to be appointed King’s Counsel

Henderson Chambers is delighted to announce that James Purnell is to be appointed King’s Counsel in 2026.

James is recommended in the legal directories for his expertise in product liability, group actions, personal injury, health and safety and environment law.  James has particular expertise in representing defendants facing group litigation, or multiple claims which are the subject of co-ordinated case management.  James’s clients frequently are multi-national concerns which involves consideration of issues of jurisdiction, applicable law, and the co-ordination of case management with litigation in other jurisdictions.  Recent examples include: diesel emissions litigation, hormone pregnancy test litigation, surgical mesh litigation; cross-border Governmental litigation.

Chambers UK 2026 describes James as “highly regarded” barrister who is “very good at providing very complex technical advice in an uncomplicated manner”, as well as “responsive and really lovely to work with”.  Legal 500 2026 describes him as “a first-rate barrister at the very top of his game”, “a very experienced advocate and a safe pair of hands” who is “very well-liked by clients”.

James will formally take Silk when he makes his declaration before the Lord Chancellor at the official swearing in ceremony on 23 March 2026 at Westminster Hall.

The members and staff of chambers warmly congratulate James on his Silk appointment.

To subscribe to Henderson Chambers news, alerters and updates please click here.