Clinical Negligence
Rory undertakes work in a broad range of clinical disputes.
He acts for claimants, various medical defence organisations and medical insurers.
Examples of Rory’s work include:
- V v S (2024) – Acting for a claimant in relation to hernia surgery giving rise to seroma development, scarring and chronic pain. Claim concerns issues of consent and breach relating to ‘novel’ surgical techniques.
- S v RS (2024) – Acting for a dependant following fatal epileptic fit.
- G v T (2024) – Acting for a claimant following lumbar shunt surgery giving rise to CE compromise and profound neurological deficit.
- F v C&W (2023) – Acting for claimant in relation to development of sepsis following alleged delay to treat perforated colon.
- F-H v P (2023)- Acting for a claimant in relation to alleged negligent fusion surgery of ankle joints and subsequent failure to diagnose and/or inform of non-union.
- L v V (2022) – Acting for a claimant in relation to mesh implantation giving rise to chronic pain and the need for removal.
- G v H (2022) – Acting for a defendant in relation to alleged onset of chronic facial pain following distal canal instrumentation
- B v W (2020) – acting for a claimant following failed sigmoid colectomy giving rise to anastomotic leak.
- B v SW AT (2019)- acting for executrix of the estate following negligent transfer of geriatric patient giving rise to ankle fracture.
- T v O & G (2019) – acting for a claimant following negligent misdiagnosis and removal of a dermoid cyst giving rise to chemical peritonitis.
- C v C (2018) – Acting for a claimant following obstetric failures giving rise to a somatoform disorder.
- P v B (2018) – Acting for a Claimant on claim involving issues of consent and surgical negligence following failed knee surgery.
Selected Cases
View full profile »Awards
- Erasmus Scholar (2005)
- St John’s College Cambridge, McMahon Post-graduate law scholarship (2007, 2008)
- Middle Temple Lord Diplock Scholar (2008)
- Pegasus Scholar (Singapore) (2013)
News
- Hybrid bullying / harassment and stress at work claim dismissed – Rory Holmes and Barbara Goddard (DAC Beachcroft Claims Ltd) act for the successful defendant
- Rory Holmes obtains strike out/summary judgment of workplace assault claim
Articles
- Rory Holmes’ observations on the recent COA judgment in Griffiths v TUI
- Case note on Cameron v Liverpool Victoria Insurance Co Ltd
Qualifications
- Modern and Medieval Languages BA (Hons) (Cantab) (2003-2007)
- La Universidad de Complutense, Madrid (2004-2005)
- GDL (City University) (2007-2008)
- BVC (City University) (2008-2009)
- BVC-LLM (City University) (2010)
- MA (Cantab) (2010)
Before coming to the Bar, Rory read Modern and Medieval Languages at St. John’s College, Cambridge, and at La Universidad de Complutense, Madrid.
In 2013 Rory was seconded to the commercial department of Rajah & Tann, Singapore, as a Pegasus Scholar.
Appointments
In Autumn 2024 Rory was appointed to sit as judicial member on the Rugby Football Union Panel dealing with on-field/off-field disciplinary cases.
Languages
Spanish and French.
Scholarships
- Erasmus Scholar (2005)
- St John’s College Cambridge, McMahon Post-graduate law scholarship (2007, 2008)
- Middle Temple Lord Diplock Scholar (2008)
- Pegasus Scholar (Singapore) (2013)
Memberships
- PIBA
Recommendations
“Rory is an excellent advocate – intelligent and tactically astute.”…He “is a brilliant all-rounder – he just gets it from the insurance and risk point of view.”… “Rory is highly detail-oriented, steely when he has to be, and can control difficult individuals.”
Chambers & Partners, 2025
“Rory is approachable, knowledgeable and detailed.”
Legal 500, 2025
“Rory is very forensic in his approach and his attention to detail is excellent. He knows the cases inside out and can identify the key issues in a case.”… “He is excellent in court and quick at turning things around.”
Chambers & Partners, 2024
“Rory is always calm, collected and highly effective. He is a brilliant advocate and a joy to watch when on his feet.”
Legal 500, 2024
“Rory is a pleasure to deal with. He is excellent with clients and he always goes the extra mile.”
Chambers & Partners, 2023
“Rory is always up for the challenge of taking on technically complex procedural arguments.”
Chambers & Partners, 2023
“Rory is very capable and exceptional on his feet.”
Chambers & Partners, 2023
“Rory is unflappable and provides clear and concise advice at all times.”
Legal 500, 2023
“A soft-spoken but robust advocate, who is very good at drawing out technical legal points from complex cases and is very reliable too.”
Chambers & Partners, 2022
“He has a first-rate mind, pays great attention to detail and produces first-rate drafting. He is in a class of his own when it comes to difficult multiparty negotiations.”
Chambers & Partners, 2022
