James Purnell appointed King’s Counsel

Henderson Chambers’ members and staff warmly congratulate James Purnell KC on his appointment as King’s Counsel following a ceremony at Westminster Hall, Palace of Westminster and the Royal Courts of Justice on Monday 23 March 2026.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our clients for their continued, valued support and assistance. We congratulate all of those appointed King’s Counsel this year.

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”.

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