Gerard McDermott KC | Manchester, Leeds & Birmingham

Profile

Is one of the most sought after personal injury silks in the country. He is consistently top-ranked by the two main legal directories. He also practices in cross border claims of all kinds and has an unrivalled list of connections across the United States reflecting his long time involvement at the heart of the American Bar Association. A former leader of the European Circuit he also has real expertise in EU Law, conflicts of law and comparative law. Many of his cases have an international dimension.

Although much of his work in Silk has involved catastrophic personal injury and the most serious claims of clinical negligence he accepts instructions across the common law and commercial fields particularly where issues of conflicts of law or cross border issues arise. He is widely praised not only for his legal acumen and advocacy but his client handling skills and good judgment.

He also continues to accept instructions in Employment in which he has had long experience across the range of claims and is currently instructed in a very significant case involving disability discrimination by a Bank.

Year of call: 1978

Year of Silk: 1999

Areas of Expertise

Memberships

PIBA

American Bar Association

         (Presidential Citation 2015)

          Co-Chair International Litigation Committee Section of Litigation

          Bar European Group

          European Circuit (Former Leader)

Qualifications

LLB (Hons) Manchester University 1977

Attorney at Law ( non-practising) New York 1990

Appointments

Deputy High Court Judge 2008        

Recorder (1999 – 2014)

Bencher Middle Temple (2005)

Vice President Spinal Injuries Association 

Recommendations

Chambers UK 2023

"He turns complex issues into workable solutions. He is a fierce advocate and a master of tactics."

"Gerard is a remarkable silk."

"He provides sophisticated, practical advice and is a giant in the industry."

Legal 500 2023

‘Gerard’s client skills are second to none. He is able to to connect with clients who have sustained the most catastrophic injuries with genuine empathy. Gerard can diffuse the most difficult situations with ease and his longstanding relationships with opponents are invaluable.’

Chambers UK 2022

"You can trust his judgement completely and know that when he comes to a conclusion it is backed up by logic and experience. He is also excellent with people." "A fierce negotiator."

Legal 500 2022

"Gerard is a fierce negotiator who is happy to walk away from the negotiations without a deal if that is not in the best interests of his client."

Legal 500 2021

Personal Injury

"Gerard is my go-to silk for catastrophic injury cases. He leads on domestic and international injury (including medical negligence) cases with aplomb. His client handling skills are second to none. He has a real empathy for and understanding of the consequences of life changing injuries."

Travel

Visible in complex, high-value cross-border claims relating to RTAs and outdoor pursuits, often dealing with claims concerning catastrophic brain and spinal injury. He is highlighted for his understanding of Rome II, and advises on quantum and applicable law issues both in Europe and further afield. 
"He's excellent with seriously injured clients; he puts them at ease, explains things in a clear language they will understand and is very reassuring." "He is excellent on his feet and really insightful." 
Recent work: Instructed in a case concerning a parachutist who was injured in California on a trip organised by officer cadets. The case involved issues as to supervision, systemic failures and the vicarious liability of the MoD.