Darren is a tenacious advocate who presents his clients’ cases with true passion. He is a formidable presence in court; he consistently demonstrates tenacity and rigour and is fearless in cross-examination.”

Legal 500 2023, Personal Injury

Darren specialises in personal injury and employment matters, and was called to the Bar in 2004. He is a leading junior on civil fraud, fundamental dishonesty, S57 defences as well as committal for contempt of court. He has extensive expertise in strategy, tactics and risks defending dishonest claims from their inception to stike out/dismissal and even committal for contempt of court. He has lectured extensively on all aspects of civil fraud for defendants.

Darren is one of the leading personal injury costs barristers in the South West, and ranked in tier 1 by The Legal 500. He has appeared in some of the leading cases following the recent rule changes arising from Jackson, QOCS and fixed fees.

He has extensive experience in industrial disease litigation and employers’ liability, with an emphasis on emerging fields such as non-freezing cold injury claims and MoD claims as well as NIHL, asbestosis and upper limb disorders. His clients range from heavy industries, for example Tata Steel, to public services.

He works in all aspects of local authority liability ranging from highways, employers and occupiers liability, to very sensitive claims arising from secure units, specialist schools and respite centres. He has a loyal following among local authorities ranging from Walsall MBC in the West Midlands to Cornwall County Council in the South West. He also represents owners of privatised housing estates, housing associations and arm’s-length management organisations.

Darren has specialist knowledge and is frequently instructed concerning accidents abroad, Rome II, jurisdictional disputes and choice of law. In addition he represents both claimants and defendants in Athens and Montreal Convention cases, and in Admiralty and aviation personal injury matters.

Darren also has a respondent employment law practice that complements his industrial disease and employers liability work. He specialises in the crossover between personal injury and employment law with an emphasis on stress at work and cases featuring whistleblowing, as well as and discrimination matters with a focus on disability.

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Darren is a trusted name in costs matters on the Western circuit. Solicitors have the same confidence in entrusting him with work as one would a barrister from a specialist London set. His knowledge is current and broad, his advocacy is sharp and effective, and his advice is to the point.”

Legal 500 2023, Costs

Darren is very approachable and always happy to discuss complicated cases in detail. Good written advice on wasted costs arguments.”

Legal 500 2022, Costs

Darren is an excellent advocate. He responds promptly to written instructions and is well organised. In court, he has a calm but effective approach. He is able to adapt the degree of intensity required on any given case. He communicates well with clients and in my own experience has a proven successful track record at trial.”

LEGAL 500 2021, Personal Injury

The go-to in the South West on costs issues. Down to earth, commanding presence in court.”

Legal 500 2021, Costs

  • Qualifications & awards:

    • LLB (Hons) Warwick
    • Duke of Edinburgh Entrance Scholarship (Inner Temple)

  • Professional memberships:

    • Personal Ijury Bar Association

  • Additional information:

    In addition to his professional responsibilities he is Deputy Head of the Personal Injury team, and Chambers Wellbeing Officer.

  • Darren Lewis is regulated by the Bar Standards Board (BSB) and holds a current practising certificate. If you are not satisfied with the service provided, please read here.