Charles Gibson KC
"He is a brilliant advocate, very good with clients and has very good commercial judgement."
Chambers UK
- Call
- 1984
- Silk
- 2001
- Tel:
- +44 (0)20 7583 9020
- Email:
- clerks@hendersonchambers.co.uk
Head of Chambers, Charles Gibson KC, is identified in the Legal 500 and Chambers UK as a leading silk in group litigation, product liability, environmental law and commercial litigation. In 2023 he was named the Legal 500 Group Action and Consumer Silk of the Year and was awarded Environmental Silk of the Year at the Chambers UK Bar awards in 2019. A Lawyer magazine Barrister of the Year finalist in 2008 and 2010, he was runner up Barrister of the Year in 2012. He was the Times Lawyer of the Week in November 2020 and was nominated in the Barrister of the Year category at the Legal 500 Bar Awards 2022.
He is a leading expert in group actions, commercial law, product liability (contract and tort claims and related insurance and regulatory issues) and has acted in many major domestic and international group actions for over 30 years. He has represented numerous multinationals defending claims against parent companies and subsidiaries operating around the world.
He has recently represented:
- The Dyson Group in an international group action
- VW in the Diesel Emissions Litigation
- BHP in the Fundao Dam Litigation
- Bayer PLC in the Primodos Litigation
- British American Tobacco PLC & Others in claims brought by Malawian tenant tobacco farmers
- Vedanta in environmental claims arising out of a Copper mine in Zambia
- BP in the Colombian Pipeline Litigation
- Unilever in claims arising out of election violence in Kenya
- Glaxo in the Seroxat Litigation
- Shell in the Bomu-Bonny Pipeline Litigation
- The Ministry of Defence in the Atomic Veterans Litigation from the first instance to the Supreme Court
- Trafigura in the Abidjan Personal Injury Litigation
- Glaxo in the MMR litigation
- Sanofi in the Sabril litigation
- The MPS in the Hip Litigation
- Johnson & Johnson in the Mesh Litigation
He practises primarily as an advocate and is comfortable leading large teams and working with experts in a wide range of scientific, technical and financial disciplines. He has considerable experience conducting lengthy trials with large numbers of factual and expert witnesses. He has also acted in many appeals in the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court.
Through his international work he has developed a good understanding of jurisdiction, private international law and conflict of laws issues and has a working knowledge of various foreign laws and legal systems e.g. US, Colombia, Kenya, Zambia, Tanzania, Nigeria, Peru and Malaysia.
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Expertise
Commercial and International Group Actions
Charles has represented corporate Defendants in the successful defence of many domestic and international group actions over the last 25 years. As a result, he has worked extensively with experts in a variety of scientific, technical and industrial disciplines and with accountants dealing with business losses.
He has represented a number of multinationals facing claims against parent companies and subsidiaries in various African and South American countries. He recently represented the Dyson group in claims arising from working conditions at factories in Malaysia.
His general commercial and insurance law experience covers cases involving the construction of contracts (including insurance and energy service contracts) and sale of goods/products and services contracts. He has conducted cases involving claims arising out of the manufacture and distribution of industrial components scientific instruments, food, drink, chemicals, cosmetics and consumer and agricultural products.
He has also acted on behalf of local authorities, the fire brigade, the NFU and other organisations in cases arising from factory explosions, fires, negligent auditing, local government fraud and negligent advice.
“Charles is undoubtedly the leading silk in these areas. He has total command of the law and is tactically very savvy. The fact that he has been in the trenches so often inspires huge trust and confidence with clients, who hang on his every word.” Legal 500 2024
Representative cases
grid list-
Kumar and others v Dyson 2023
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The Fundao Dam Litigation 2023
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The Diesel Emissions Litigation 2023
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Milasi Josiya & 793 Others v BAT 2022
-
AB and others v Vedanta 2016-2019
International group action- parent company/subsidiary, jurisdiction.
-
AB and others v Unilever 2016-2019
International group action- parent company/subsidiary, jurisdiction.
-
The Colombian Pipeline Litigation
Costs/Group Action/Indemnity.
-
The Bomu-Bonny Pipeline Litigation 2014/2015
Group Action – Private International Law – nuisance – conflict of law – damages – statutory construction.
-
Various claimants v Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust 2014
Successfully opposed Group Litigation Order application by 34 claimants who alleged clinical negligence and Human Rights Act breaches by NHS Trust.
-
Kessabo and others v Afrcan Barrick Gold Plc QB 2014
Rules governing extensions of time and pleadings- anti suit injunction.
-
The Atomic Veterans Litigation (C of A 2010/Supreme Court 2012)
Group action – negligence – causation – limitation.
-
The Abidjan (Ivory Coast) Personal Injury Litigation (QB/C of A 2011)
Costs – group action.
-
Guerrero and others v Monterrico Metals PLC (QB 2011)
Parent company liability – negligence – conflict of laws – human rights.
-
Gleeson Group Plc v Frankona Reinsurance (Comm. Court 2006/7)
Construction of insurance policy – building contract – dry rot.
-
The Buncefield litigation (QB 2007/2008)
Oil depot explosion – group action directions.
-
Nash v Eli Lilly & Co
Limitation of action – group actions – personal injuries – power to override time limits.
-
Lubbe v Cape Plc (HL 2000)
Practice – stay – private international law – parent company duty of care to worker for exposure to asbestos.
-
Afrika v Cape Plc (CA)
Group Action – costs sharing.
-
The Organophosphate Litigation (QB and CA)
Strike out for abuse of process.
-
Hodgson v Imperial Tobacco Ltd [1998] 1 WLR 1056 (QB and CA)
Costs – conditional fees – order for costs – interlocutory application – publication of proceedings in chambers.
-
Other unreported judgments in the Tobacco Litigation (QB and CA)
Limitation – costs sharing.
-
Connelly v Rio Tinto Plc [1997] 3 WLR 373 (HL)
Practice – stay of proceedings – foreign causes of action – appropriate forum – legal aid factor.
-
Connelly v Rio Tinto Plc (QB)
Duty of care owed by parent company – foreign limitation periods.
Product Liability
Charles has acted in many leading product liability claims over the last 25 years. As a result he has developed expertise in many product areas (from pharmaceuticals to medical devices and consumer goods) and worked with experts in many scientific and industrial fields. Many of the product claims have been substantial group actions with international dimensions.
“Charles is very much the doyen of this area. He’s a real strategist and go-to silk for some of the biggest defendants in product liability group claims. One thing that really stands out for me is he really fights for his clients. He’s got a real ‘client first’ mentality.” Chambers UK 2024
Representative cases
grid list-
Primodos Claims 2023
Group Action claims arising from Hormone Pregnancy Tests.
-
The Seroxat Litigation (QB 2010) 2017-2019
Product liability – pharmaceuticals – group action.
-
The Metal on Metal Hip Litigation 2016-2019
Various Group Action directions.
-
The Mesh Litigation 2016-2019
Various Group Action directions.
-
The Sabril Litigation (QB 2008)
-
The Sudan Red Litigation (QB 2008)
-
The MMR Litigation (QB 2005)
Service – interrogation of witnesses – delivery up of documents from out of the jurisdiction.
-
Bass Britvic v Terra Industries (CA)
Sale of Goods – product recall – damages.
-
Bacardi V Terra Industries: Manufacturer’s liability in tort
Exclusion clauses – meaning of ’damage’.
-
Nash v Eli Lilly & Co
Limitation of action – group actions – personal injuries – power to override time limits.
-
The Organophosphate Litigation (QB and CA)
Strike out for abuse of process.
-
Hodgson v Imperial Tobacco Ltd [1998] 1 WLR 1056 (QB and CA)
Costs – conditional fees – order for costs – interlocutory application – publication of proceedings in chambers.
-
Other unreported judgments in the Tobacco Litigation (QB and CA)
Limitation – costs sharing.
-
The Norplant contraceptive implant litigation (QB)
Costs sharing and general directions in group actions.
International Jurisdictional Disputes
He has also acted and advised in a number of cases involving jurisdiction disputes, private international law and practice and the potential liability of parent companies in respect of torts committed by subsidiaries.
International law and jurisdiction cases have involved South Africa, Nigeria, Tanzania, Namibia, Colombia, Peru, Ivory Coast, various US states, Malaysia and Brazil.
Representative cases
grid list-
Kumar and others v Dyson 2023
-
The Fundao Dam Litigation 2023
Claims arising from 2015 dam collapse that led to Brazil’s worst ever environmental disaster
-
Milasi Josiya & 793 Others v BAT 2022
International Group Action.
-
AB and others v Vedanta 2016-2019
International group action- parent company/subsidiary, jurisdiction.
-
AB and others v Unilever 2016-2019
International group action- parent company/subsidiary, jurisdiction.
-
The Bomu-Bonny Pipeline Litigation 2014/2015
Group Action – Private International Law – nuisance – conflict of law – damages – statutory construction.
-
The Colombian Pipeline Litigation
Costs/Group Action/Indemnity.
-
Kessabo and others v Afrcan Barrick Gold Plc QB 2014
Rules governing extensions of time and pleadings- anti suit injunction.
-
The Abidjan (Ivory Coast) Personal Injury Litigation (QB/C of A 2011)
Costs – group action.
Commercial & Insurance
He has been instructed in a large number of major commercial cases – some of which are commercial disputes arising out of products and installations – but many of which are not product related. In recent years his Commercial Court cases have concerned explosions and catastrophic failures, power plants, ship propellers, sale of goods disputes, product-related claims, business losses and related insurance issues. These cases also often involve international contracts and conflict of law issues. His general insurance work includes policy disputes, Lloyds insurance disputes and fire, building/plant damage claims and contamination claims causing business losses.
Representative cases
grid list-
The Fundao Dam Litigation 2023
-
Milasi Josiya & 793 Others v BAT 2022
-
AB and others v Vedanta 2016-2019
International group action- parent company/subsidiary, jurisdiction.
-
AB and others v Unilever 2016-2018
International group action- parent company/subsidiary, jurisdiction.
-
Columbian Pipeline Litigation 2014/2016
International Group Action, conflict of laws, environmental damage, construction, contract and tort.
-
The Colombian Pipeline Litigation
Costs/Group Action/Indemnity.
-
The Bomu-Bonny Pipeline Litigation 2014/2015
Group Action – Private International Law – nuisance – conflict of law – damages – statutory construction.
-
Arroya v BP TCC 2013
Measure of loss for damage to land- Wrotham Park Damages.
-
Colombian Pipeline Litigation QB 2012/2013
Group action – conflict of laws – commercial contracts – jurisdiction and environmental damage.
-
Guerrero and others v Monterrico Metals PLC (QB 2011)
Parent company liability – negligence – conflict of laws – human rights.
-
Eskom v Alstom Energy Ltd (Comm. Court 2008)
Turbine explosion – contract – tort – choice of law.
-
Gleeson Group Plc v Frankona Reinsurance (Comm. Court 2006/7)
Construction of insurance policy – building contract – dry rot.
-
The Buncefield litigation (QB 2007/2008)
Oil depot explosion – group action directions.
-
Celtech v Dalkia (Comm Ct 2005)
Energy services contract – combined heat plant – construction – rectification – termination clauses – penalty clauses.
-
FA de Muynch v Farha (TCC 2005)
Guarantee – whether applicable to past debts.
-
Arkin v Borchard Lines (CA 2005)
Shipping conference contracts – liability of third party funder for costs – apportionment of liability for costs as between party and funder.
-
Bass Britvic v Terra Industries (CA)
Sale of Goods – product recall – damages.
-
Bacardi v Terra Industries
Manufacturer’s liability in tort – exclusion clauses – meaning of ’damage’.
-
UCC v Todd Construction (TCC)
Tort, contract, damages, remoteness.
Life Sciences, Healthcare, Pharmaceutical Medicines & Devices
Through his general product liability, pharmaceutical, personal injury and clinical negligence work he has developed a sound knowledge and understanding of scientific and medical issues. He has worked extensively with leading scientists and clinicians in numerous fields including nuclear physics, ophthalmology, immunology, virology, genetics, microbiology, pharmacology, gastroenterology, respiratory diseases, cancer research, psychiatry, toxicology, epidemiology and general medicine.
He is currently instructed on behalf of the MPS and various consultants in the Metal on Metal Hip Litigation. He has also acted on behalf of Johnson & Johnson in the Mesh Group Litigation.
Representative cases
grid list-
The Primodos Litigation 2023
-
The Metal on Metal Hip Litigation 2016-2018
Various group directions.
-
The Mesh Litigation 2016-2017
Various group directions.
-
The Seroxat Litigation (QB 2010) 2017-2018
Product liability – pharmaceuticals – group action.
-
The Sabril Litigation (QB 2008)
-
The MMR Litigation (QB 2005)
Service – interrogation of witnesses – delivery up of documents from out of the jurisdiction.
-
The Norplant contraceptive implant litigation (QB)
Costs sharing and general directions in group actions.
-
AB v John Wyeth & Brother (1997) 8 Med LR 57 (QB and CA)
Group action – abuse of process.
-
Other unreported judgments in the Benzodiazepine Litigation (QB)
Substantiation of medical reports – proof of causation in tort.
Environmental/Human Rights Cases
Recent cases within this field include representing mining and factory owners alleged to have polluted surrounding areas, defending a multinational (Trafigura) being sued by Ivory Coast nationals claiming injuries caused by oil waste, and defending a multinational (BP) sued by Colombian farmers in respect of oil pipeline damage and Peruvian nationals in respect of a mining development.
He has acted on behalf of waste management/disposal authorities, mining corporations facing claims in respect of injuries to employees and residents concerning exposure to pollutants including radiation/asbestos/silicon dust.
He is currently acting in group action (Vedanta) in which local residents in Zambia are claiming damages in respect of alleged pollution to their waterways by a Copper Mine and for BHP Fundao Dam Litigation. He also represented Vedanta and Unilever in Environmental Claims.
“He is a standout member of chambers and has quite deservedly cornered the market for certain types of ESG litigation.” Legal 500 2023
Representative cases
grid list-
Kumar and others v Dyson 2023
-
The Fundao Dam Litigation 2023
-
Columbian Pipeline Litigation 2014/2016
International Group Action, conflict of laws, environmental damage, construction, contract and tort.
-
Colombian Pipeline Litigation (various decisions relating to group directions/procedures) QB 2012/2013
Group action – conflict of laws – commercial contracts – jurisdiction and environmental damage.
-
The Bomu-Bonny Pipeline Litigation (various decisions relating to group actions and costs) QB 2012/2013
Group action – conflict of laws – environmental damage – private international law – jurisdiction.
-
Austin and others v Miller Argent Group (QB/C of A 2011)
Group action – nuisance – environmental regulation.
-
AB and others v Vedanta 2016-2018
International group action- parent company/subsidiary, jurisdiction.
-
Guerrero and others v Monterrico Metals PLC (QB 2011)
Parent company liability – negligence – conflict of laws – human rights.
-
The Abidjan (Ivory Coast) Personal Injury Litigation (QB/C of A 2011)
Costs – group action.
Health & Safety
Health Safety work represents a substantial part of his practice and he is listed in the Legal 500 and the Chambers Directory as a leading silk in the field. He has particular experience in health and safety matters affecting the railway and power industry. He has also acted on behalf of commercial entities in many different sectors including manufacturing, building, leisure, food and beverage, sports and the car industry in health, safety and personal injury matters (both civil and criminal).
He advises and acts on behalf of major corporate and public bodies on health and safety related issues (e.g. corporate manslaughter, risk assessments, product safety issues, the work place, the asbestos regulations etc).
He also conducts civil claims involving diseases caused by exposure to dangerous substances and dust and work-place accidents.
He has most recently defended:
- A major film and entertainment company in respect of an accident on a film set
- An energy company following a fatal accident
- A telecommunications company following a fatal accident
- Various companies in the leisure and entertainment industry following fatal accident
- A construction company following an accident which involved serious injuries
He has also been advising on the health and safety issues arising at a substantial car park servicing a large number of retail outlets and advising a leading corporation supplying electricity.
Representative cases
grid list-
R v Foodles
Sentencing Guidelines.
-
R v UK Power
-
R v Mitchells and Butlers
-
R v UK Power
-
The Potters Bar Inquest
Consumer Law
Charles is recognised in the Directories as an expert in consumer law. He has wide experience in consumer related litigation particularly in the commercial and product liability fields. He has also acted in many of the major group actions brought in the UK by consumers against commercial entities for over 25 years. Throughout his career he has been heavily involved in the development and application of the law in relation to group actions.
The consumer claims in which he has acted have covered a range of products (from pharmaceutical to food and drink to industrial plant) and financial and other services (eg involving valuers, share-holders, building societies and financial advisers).
Representative cases
grid list-
The Primodos Litigation 2023
-
The Metal on Metal Hip Litigation 2016-2018
Various group directions.
-
The Mesh Litigation 2016-2017
Various group directions.
-
The Seroxat Litigation (QB 2010) 2017-2018
Product liability – pharmaceuticals – group action.
-
The Sabril Litigation (QB 2008)
-
The Sudan Red Litigation (QB 2008)
-
The MMR Litigation (QB 2005)
Service – interrogation of witnesses – delivery up of documents from out of the jurisdiction.
-
Bass Britvic v Terra Industries (CA)
Sale of Goods – product recall – damages.
-
Bacardi v Terra Industries
Manufacturer’s liability in tort – exclusion clauses – meaning of ’damage’.
-
Nash v Eli Lilly & Co
Limitation of action – group actions – personal injuries – power to override time limits.
-
The Organophosphate Litigation (QB and CA)
Strike out for abuse of process.
-
Hodgson v Imperial Tobacco Ltd [1998] 1 WLR 1056 (QB and CA)
Costs – conditional fees – order for costs – interlocutory application – publication of proceedings in chambers.
-
Other unreported judgments in the Tobacco Litigation (QB and CA)
Limitation – costs sharing.
-
The Norplant contraceptive implant litigation (QB)
Costs sharing and general directions in group actions.
Inquests/Tribunals
He has significant experience of major inquiries, namely:
- the Grenfell Tower Inquiry
- the Kings Cross Underground Fire Inquiry
- the Clapham Rail Accident Inquiry
- the Severn Tunnel Rail Accident Inquiry
He assisted the inspectors with the Inquiry conducted by DTI Inspectors into London Underwriters Limited (Lloyds).
He has also appeared before many employment, disciplinary and regulatory tribunals (including the HFEA) and has gained experience of Judicial Review in the course of his commercial and disciplinary/regulatory work and on behalf of HM Customs and Excise.
Mediation
He is a CEDR Accredited Mediator and he advises on, and acts in, mediations. He has successfully mediated a number of multi-party commercial disputes. He is currently mediating a multi-handed commercial dispute.
What the directories say
"He was first-rate and really got stuck into the law and was a brilliant analyst."
Chambers UK 2025
"He's a very thoughtful barrister."
Chambers UK 2025
"He has very high standing at the Bar and he is very experienced."
Chambers UK 2025
"Charles is a very effective advocate."
Chambers UK 2025
"Charles is very knowledgeable and impressive."
Chambers UK 2025
News and articles
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Instructing Charles Gibson KC
If you require help or advice please contact our clerking team
Call +44 (0)20 7583 9020
or email
- Recorder (2001)
- King’s Counsel (QC 2001)
- CEDR Accredited Mediator
- Bencher of Inner Temple
- Chair of the charity Carney’s Community
- Contributor to Clinical Negligence (6th Ed) Product Liability for Medical Products (Bloomsbury, 2023)
- Contributor to: Clinical Negligence (5th Ed), Product Liability for Medical Products (2015)
- Group Action in Product Liability Law and Insurance
- Product Liability in the Commercial Context
- London Commercial & Common Law Bar Association
- Professional Negligence Bar Association
- CEDR (Accredited Mediator)
- COMBAR
- Health & Safety Lawyers’ Association
- BA Hons (Dunelm) Classics
- Dip. Law
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