BYROM STREET CHAMBERS - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Specialist
- Well Regarded by Counsel
Darrel is a true specialist in personal injury with two and a half decades of uninterrupted experience in this field. For the last 15 years his practice has not been diluted by other forms of work.
Darrel has acted for and against Claimant's who have sustained multiple serious injuries. He is now routinely instructed in such matters. He is able to advise on which experts to source and in which order of priority.
Darrel also undertakes work in a range of spinal injury cases involving Cauda Equine, arachnoiditis and complete spinal cord damage. He has been junior in tetraplegic cases and is versed in the complexities of the arguments over suitable care regimes.
Darrel Crilley is well regarded by counsel and solicitors for his work in a range of clinical negligence matters, acting exclusively on behalf of claimants. He has acted in complex birth injury claims and is well versed in cases involving the misdiagnosis of cancer.
Strengths: "Incredibly bright and has a superb analytical brain. He thinks of things that solicitors may not have thought of." "Very authoritative, incisive in his questioning and not afraid to explore or consider unusual points when required to construct a case. He thinks outside of the box."
Darrel Crilley is a specialist in catastrophic injury claims, especially those relating to the brain or spine. He regularly acts in industrial disease claims, amputations and cases involving accidents at work, including upper limb disorder and hand-arm vibration claims. He acts for both claimants and defendants.
Strengths: "He has a thorough, forensic approach." "Highly experienced, detailed, analytical and brilliant with clients." "Darrel is meticulous in his preparation and advice, often seeing a different angle to a case."
Emma joined Chambers in April 2011 as an Administration Clerk. Emma has an NVQ Level 3 in Business Administration and works Tuesday to Thursday. Emma deals with the CFA's and the general administration of Chambers.
In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her young family and enjoys cooking and socialising with friends.
Jason Wells is a talented junior barrister with experience handling birth injury cases, as well as amputations and fatalities. His background as an NHS surgeon helps inform his practice when dealing with medically complex clinical negligence cases. He demonstrates a good command of issues such as delayed diagnosis.
Strengths: "Very thorough and provides realistic advice, but is not overcautious and willing to plead difficult cases if necessary. He has a collaborative approach, and as a former surgeon he obviously has excellent medical knowledge." "A very logical thinker with very good judgement."
Job Titles:
- Chambers Fees Administrator
Kyle joined Chambers in May 2017.
Prior to joining Chambers Kyle worked in legal costs for 10 years. Kyle's experience in legal costs spans all aspects of personal injury work and group litigation. He has a particular interest in group litigation having worked in several high profile group actions over the last few years.
Kyle is responsible for all fee related work, including negotiation of fees and costs management.
Outside of Chambers, he enjoys socialising with friends and spending time with his young family.
Lucy joined Chambers in February 2012.
Her roles in Chambers include monitoring the Clerk's email box, dealing with Listing appointments and assisting in the day-to-day running of Chambers.
‘The clerks are great and always do their best to meet needs. Lucy Bardsley is particularly brilliant!' - Legal 500 2024
Lucy has recently passed her BTEC Advanced Award in Chambers Administration.
In her spare time, she enjoys reading and attending comedy & music gigs.
Matt previously worked as a Civil Clerk with the Faculty of Advocates in Edinburgh and has over eighteen years' experience in both Scotland and England.
He brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to complement our strong clerking team. Matt directly assists the Senior Clerk and is responsible for diary management, negotiating fees, handling enquiries, all information technology and business development of Chambers.
Megan joined from another Manchester based chambers in May 2021 as the Administrative Assistant and has recently been appointed to Junior Clerk.
Her roles in Chambers include dealing with the general administration and assisting in the day-to-day running of Chambers.
In Megan's spare time she enjoys following the F1, travelling, reading, and spending time with friends and family.
Michelle joined Chambers in 2002 as the Office Junior. In 2015 she was promoted to the role of Chambers' Administrator. Her duties include arranging seminars/marketing events, ensuring Chambers' protocols remain up to date, reviewing directory submissions and dealing with the general administration of Chambers.
Outside of work she enjoys going to comedy gigs, travelling & eating out.
Stephen McNamara has particular expertise in psychiatric harm cases and claims brought under the Human Rights Act 1998, alongside a broader practice that includes complex spinal cases and failure to diagnose claims. His experience extends to claims relating to lifelong disabilities as a result of clinical negligence. He has acted in cases before the Court of Appeal.
Strengths: "He has an excellent manner with clients and is great at resolving complicated issues and advising on difficult points of law." "He is meticulous in his approach and has a great eye for detail so all evidence is tested at each stage of the case. He is great with clients and experts, and his medical knowledge is excellent. He is able to respond to evidence as it arises in conference and is a skilled negotiator at joint settlement meetings."
Senior clerk Steve Price is "very commercially minded, forward-thinking and innovative."
Steve's career as a barristers clerk commenced in January 1980 as the Junior Clerk at 60 King Street (now 9 St John Street). He joined Byrom Street in August 1987 as the 1 st Junior Clerk and was promoted to Deputy Senior Clerk in April 2006. In April 2016 he was appointed Senior Clerk.
As Senior Clerk, together with his excellent team, Steve is responsible for the strategic management and development of Members practices and Chambers as a whole.
At weekends Steve can be found hiking in the Lake District, attempting to play 5-a-side or catching up with friends and family. He holds a 1 st Dan Black in Zen Do Kai martial arts, enjoys reading, listening to music and assists in managing his sons rock band.
Steve is married to Sue and is the proud father of 5 sons and grandfather of 2 girls.