Andrew’s strong background in the fields of employer’s and public liability work as well as industrial disease, has provided the perfect springboard to develop a thriving health and safety practice on behalf of defendants who face prosecution by the HSE or local authorities.

Andrew has been instructed by various FTSE 100 companies in connection with the defence of criminal proceedings including Tata Steel UK Ltd, Dairy Crest, Vion Foods, and Federal Mogul and is highly regarded by a number of insurers.

Notable successes in recent years include leading the defence of a prosecution against a director of a logistics company following the death of a banksman, and a prosecution against two companies and two individuals by the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead for various alleged breaches of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 following the death of a rigger at the Bray Studios in Reading which resulted in the collapse and acquittal of all concerned.

Andrew has also appeared  before Mr Justice Field to mitigate on behalf of a large hotel following the death of a guest in its swimming pool and is actively involved in a number of ongoing cases which are in the early stages of prosecution.

Andrew understands the anxieties and difficulties faced by companies and their directors whenever a prosecution arises and responds swiftly and flexibly to requests their requests for advice or representation.

Andrew is qualified to undertake public access work in appropriate cases.

Directory Quotes

The quality of his work is second to none. He always gets the right result on any case in which he is instructed. He has a really pleasant and calm demeanour that puts clients at ease.”

Chamber UK 2024, Personal Injury

Andrew is excellent at drafting erudite defences and counter schedules. He is adept at probing cross-examination of witnesses at trial and putting forward complex cases in a straightforward fashion. He has in-depth medical knowledge and is a masterful tactician in mediations and without prejudice settlement meetings.”

The Legal 500 2024, Personal Injury

Andrew is the senior junior of choice for high-value claims. He works ferociously hard, is hugely intelligent, and a truly excellent advocate. ‘He is a superb barrister who can’t be beaten for his eye for detail. He has depth of knowledge and is down to earth, he takes a pragmatic approach to cases.’ “

Chambers UK 2024, Personal Injury

Andrew is the senior junior of choice for high-value claims. He works ferociously hard, is hugely intelligent, and a truly excellent advocate. ‘He is a superb barrister who can’t be beaten for his eye for detail. He has depth of knowledge and is down to earth, he takes a pragmatic approach to cases.’”

Chambers UK 2024, Personal Injury

Andrew’s forensic exploration of the material is his great strength. With Andrew you know he will leave no stone unturned. Clients love him. He is down to earth and personable so that lay and professional clients both equally enjoy working with him. His breadth of experience is a great asset. He is as good dealing with fundamental dishonesty cases as a catastrophic injury case. A superb senior junior.”

The Legal 500 2023, Personal Injury

Andrew is a leading personal injury barrister on the Western Circuit, adept at handling a variety of issues including stress, RTA and industrial disease claims. ‘Andrew is a robust and experienced advocate.’ ‘He inspires confidence in those instructing him.’ ‘Andrew is a first-rate barrister. He is exceptional.’ “

Chambers UK 2023, Personal injury

Andrew has a forensic eye.’ ‘He provides a commercial overview.’ Andrew’s drafting skills are comprehensive, his pleadings are a pleasure to read.’ “

Chambers UK 2023, Personal Injury: Industrial Disease

Andrew is very astute and incredibly hard-working. He has a very forensic approach to breaking down the component aspects of each claim.”

Legal 500 2022, Personal Injury

A forceful advocate. He has a brilliant manner and is sensible and down to earth. A shining star.”

CHAMBERS UK 2022, PERSONAL INJURY: INDUSTRIAL DISEASE

Very hard-working, he never misses a deadline and his work is very detailed. He is absolutely first-rate and one of the most robust leaders in this space.”

CHAMBERS UK 2022, PERSONAL INJURY

Superb advocate, very good in Court. Also provides clear and concise advice which gets to the heart of a case without dwelling on peripheral issues. Very good manner with clients, relatable and engaging.”

LEGAL 500 2021, PERSONAL INJURY

A brave advocate who will stand his corner in front of a difficult judge.” “Clients love him as he speaks their language and provides very sensible and commercial advice.” “He’s excellent with clients, has a keen eye for detail and is a powerful and persuasive advocate.”

Chambers UK 2021, Personal Injury

Andrew is one of the most capable and pleasant opponents. He is a joy to be against and always has a complete handle on his cases. He is clearly an experienced advocate.”

CHAMBERS UK 2021, INDUSTRIAL DISEASE

A brave advocate who will stand his corner in front of a difficult judge. Clients love him as he speaks their language and provides very sensible and commercial advice. ‘He’s excellent with clients, has a keen eye for detail and is a powerful and persuasive advocate.“

CHAMBERS UK 2021, PERSONAL INJURY

Leading personal injury barrister in the Western Circuit, adept at handling a variety of issues including stress, RTA and industrial disease claims. ‘He’s thorough, analytical and provides very commercially pragmatic advice.’ ‘Technically superb and extremely forensic, yet still able to adopt a pragmatic approach to claims.’ ‘Very effective in court.’ “

Chambers UK 2020, Personal Injury

An exceptionally good trial advocate, who is also incisive and pragmatic with his advice.”

Legal 500 2020, Personal Injury

Primarily acts in the defence of clients in significant industrial disease and personal injury cases. He has an impressively deep understanding of areas stretching beyond asbestos diseases, offering enviable expertise in cases involving noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) and hand-arm vibration syndrome. ‘He’s particularly strong on procedure and good on his feet. He’s easy to deal with and turns around papers very quickly.’ “

Chambers UK 2020, PERSONAL INJURY: INDUSTRIAL DISEASE - ALL CIRCUITS

Leading personal injury barrister in the Western Circuit, adept at handling a variety of issues including stress, RTA and industrial disease claims. His cases concern serious injuries sustained in accidents at work. ‘He has a very good understanding of the case law and is an authority on asbestos claims.’ ‘He is knowledgeable, incisive, pays attention to the detail and is extremely efficient with his paperwork. He provides practical and thorough advice.’ ”

Chambers UK 2019, Personal Injury

Formidable on his feet; he takes no prisoners.”

Legal 500 2019, PERSONAL INJURY AND CLINICAL NEGLIGENCE
  • Appointments:

    • A Panel of GLD counsel, dealing with the most complex work on behalf of government
    • Attorney General’s List of Panel Counsel 2012 – 2023
  • Qualifications & awards:

    • BA (Hons) York
  • Professional memberships:

    • Member of the Personal Injury Bar Association Scholarships Benefactor’s and Blackstone scholarships from Middle Temple
  • Andrew McLaughlin 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.