Professional Negligence
Hamish is experienced in advising on claims brought against an assortment of different professionals, including architects and engineers, solicitors, financial advisors, accountants, and insurance brokers. His recent work includes:
- Norman Hay plc v Marsh Ltd [2025] EWCA Civ 58. Appeal concerning the correct test for causation in professional negligence claims brought against insurance brokers alleged to have failed to put in place an appropriate scope of cover (led by Daniel Shapiro KC).
- SSB Group Litigation. Hamish is instructed in relation to potentially thousands of claims arising out of the collapse of a nationwide law firm, SSB Group (led by Daniel Shapiro KC).
- Hamsard One Thousand and Forty-Three Ltd v AE Insurance Brokers Ltd [2024] EWHC 262 (Comm). £8m Commercial Court trial successfully representing a firm of insurance brokers alleged to have negligently failed to arrange an appropriate scope of cover and to disclose material facts such that the insurer avoided the policy for non-disclosure and misrepresentation (led by Daniel Shapiro KC).
- Instructed in relation to a £12m claim against a firm of solicitors in relation to a substantial residential housing development (led by Daniel Shapiro KC). Hamish appeared unled at the CMC (against KC opponent).
- Instructed as sole counsel in relation to a £0.5m claim that a national law firm failed to properly advise the Claimant in relation to a separate piece of professional negligence litigation brought against a separate national law firm.
- Instructed (led by Ben Quiney KC) in relation to a c.£10m professional negligence claim against a firm of insurance brokers alleged to have negligently failed to notify losses to insurers.
- Representing a firm of solicitors retained in relation to the acquisition of £6.5m of commercial debt. It was alleged that the solicitors had negligently failed to advise about certain title issues which rendered some of the debt valueless (led by Daniel Shapiro KC).
- Representing a firm of solicitors alleged to have caused the claimant to lose the opportunity of bringing successful litigation against a well-known delivery company by missing a contractual limitation period. The underlying matter concerned a breach of contract and negligent/fraudulent misrepresentation claim.
Selected Cases
View full profile »Awards
- Buchanan Prize for outstanding performance on the BPTC (Lincoln’s Inn, 2020)
- Advocacy Scholarship (BPP, 2019)
- Tancred Scholarship (Lincoln’s Inn, 2019)
- Winner, the Crowther Shield for public speaking (Lincoln’s Inn, 2019)
- Winner, the Crown Office Mooting Competition (2018)
- The Janet Quigley Prize for Middle English studies (Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford, 2016)
News
- Hamish Fraser interviewed by Advocate in relation to pro bono work at the Bar
- Our second six pupils are now accepting instructions
Articles
- Forever Chemicals: Litigation, Liability and Insurance Coverage
- Waiver of disclosure under the Insurance Act 2015
Blogs
Events
- Carlo Taczalski and Hamish Fraser to speak at BILA on 10th June
- Crown Office Chambers at The National Pupillage Fair 2024
Qualifications
- BPTC (Outstanding), BPP
- GDL (Distinction), City University
- English Language & Literature (First Class), University of Oxford
Recommendations
“Hamish is exceptional for his level. The quality of his advice, written work, and advocacy is well beyond his years. He is a pleasure to work with and not afraid to offer his views even when he is being led by Leading Counsel. He doesn’t have any weaknesses.”
Legal 500, 2026
“He is hardworking, dedicated and works well under pressure.”
Legal 500, 2025
“Excellent drafting. Thoughtful. Highly intelligent. Well ahead of his years in terms of drafting, research and views.”
Legal 500, 2025
