Call: 1982 QC: 2003
Simon’s main area of practice is professional indemnity litigation, acting mainly for but also against lawyers, accountants, and surveyors and valuers, with a particular emphasis on fraud and property-related claims. Simon has for a number of years been mentioned in the “Professional Negligence” section of Chambers & Partners’ UK Guide to the Legal Profession, where he has been described as “careful and thorough” and “experienced in handling solicitor claims, as well as claims involving barristers and accountants”. The entry for 2011 states that he “draws admiration for his commitment and leadership in defending solicitors against negligence claims. Clients say his defining strength is his ‘tenacity when the odds seem stacked against him.’” In addition, Simon acts in the developing field of information technology and computer-related litigation.
Simon also advises in a wide range of commercial litigation including, insurance and reinsurance (particularly but not exclusively in relation to professional liability and indemnity issues), partnership disputes and product liability. He regularly appears in arbitrations and mediations, and has experience of representing many professions at disciplinary tribunals. He recently represented the principal respondent in the longest ever hearing before the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal.
Simon is an accredited mediator (ADR Chambers 2009) and has mediated (as sole mediator and as a joint mediator) disputes concerning professional indemnity claims and commercial contract disputes.
He also accepts appointments as an arbitrator in commercial and professional liability and insurance cases.
Simon is an Independent Reviewer appointed by the Architects Registration Board (2010).
In 2010 Simon was appointed as a Recorder (Civil).
Simon has been a member of the Bar Standards Board since its inception in 2006 and is Chair of the Qualifications Committee. Simon chaired the Bar Council’s Pupillage Board in 2005 and was a member of the Bar Council’s Education & Training Committee, 2004-5.
He is a Master of the Bench of Middle Temple (2004) and sits on Middle Temple’s Scholarships & Prizes and Education Committees.
Simon is a member of the Professional Negligence Bar Association, the Chancery Bar Association, the London Common Law & Commercial Bar Association, COMBAR, and the Western Circuit.
Education
Alleyn’s School, Dulwich, University of Manchester (1978-1981) LLB Hons