Professional Liability
Suzanne has considerable experience of claims for and against professionals, including solicitors and barristers, all types of construction professionals, insurance brokers, surveyors, financial advisers, teachers, education authorities and social services.
Construction Professionals
She is experienced in dealing with claims against architects, design and build contractors, engineers and other construction professionals. She is frequently engaged in relation to cases arising out of fire, flood or collapse.
Legal Professionals
She is regularly instructed to deal with claims against solicitors arising out of both contentious and non-contentious business. Issues have included limitation, apportionment, the measure of damages recoverable and the application of the SAAMCO cap.
Insurance Brokers
With increasing frequency, Suzanne is instructed in relation to claims against brokers or concurrent claims against insurers and brokers.
Selected Cases
- A claim in the TCC against architects and main contractors arising out of the flooding of residential apartment blocks in a development at Merryhill shopping centre, Birmingham. Issues included the meaning and scope of collateral warranties provided by the professionals and the adequacy of the design of rainwater drainage systems.
- A claim against project managers arising out of a major fire in the course of construction works at the Football Association’s premises.
- A subrogated recovery action in the TCC by building guarantee insurers against architects and developers arising out of defects in a row of newly built terraced houses.
- Acting for the Claimants in a claim against solicitors for failure to register an option to purchase and a subsequent claim against solicitors for failing to pursue professional negligence claim. The key issue in the case is the measure of damages recoverable.
- Acting for a sub-contractor in multiple multi-party proceedings arising out of flooding at a luxury apartment block in Knightsbridge due to the failure of PCVs. At issue is whether the failures are due to manufacturing / design defects or poor specification / design.
- Acting for the brokers in relation to a £1 million claim in the Commercial Court against insurers and insurance brokers arising out of a fire at commercial premises. At issue was the materiality of non-disclosures, inducement and the scope of the duty of care of brokers.
- Defending a claim by a Trust against solicitors and a Trustee arising out of the sale of Trust property and the conduct of subsequent litigation against the Trust. Issues included the scope of the duty of care owed by solicitors, trustees and professional trustees.
- Claims on behalf of former miners in respect of claims brought by them against their former solicitors for negligent advice and under-settlement of the VWF claims against the National Coal Board.
News
- On appeal, Suzanne Chalmers upholds trial Judge’s application of the ‘ex turpi causa’ maxim…
- Joyce v O’Brien & Tradex Insurance Co Ltd: Richard Lynagh KC & Suzanne Chalmers successfully defend the claim in the Court of Appeal
Qualifications
- Recorder (2009)
- Awarded Lord Justice Holker Scholarship (1994)
- MA (Hons), Magdalen College, Oxford (1994)
Memberships
- Commercial Bar Association
- London Common Law & Commercial Bar Association
- Personal Injury Bar Association
- Professional Negligence Bar Association
- Technology & Construction Bar Association
Recommendations
“She is very highly rated by clients and has excellent commercial awareness and understanding of costs implications.”…”Her advocacy is superb.”
Chambers & Partners, 2025
“Suzanne’s attention to detail is exemplary. She very responsive and always alive to economic opportunities to achieve the best possible outcome for the client.”…”She is extremely clear and straightforward. Her advice is very sound and well thought through.”
Legal 500, 2025
“Her analysis of cases and drafting of pleadings and other documents is extremely detailed and persuasive.”
Chambers & Partners, 2024
“Suzanne is a very capable insurance coverage counsel, and pleasant to deal with.”…”Suzanne’s attention to detail and ability to get into the minutiae of the case quickly in order to make a difference to the final outcome sets her apart.”
Legal 500, 2024
“Suzanne’s advice is very clear, straight to the point and very easy to follow. She is a good listener and very sympathetic.”
Legal 500, 2024
“She is helpful and delivers high-quality written advice.”
Chambers & Partners, 2022
“Knowledgeable competent and approachable.”…”Suzanne takes an excellent, thoughtful and methodical approach to cases.”
Legal 500, 2022
“She offers the sort of sound advice you hope for when going to a barrister, and really steps up when you need her.”
Chambers & Partners, 2021
“Extremely clever and the quality of her work (advice and drafting) is exceptionally good; at the same time, she can explain complex points of law in a way that can be understood. A credit to the Bar and her chambers.”
Legal 500, 2021
“She is a polished performer. She is extremely clever and the quality of her advice and drafting is exceptionally good and at the same time she can explain complex points of law in a way that can be understood.”
Legal 500, 2021
“She’s no-nonsense in terms of giving you good, straightforward advice. She’s not afraid to commit to a position.”; “She’s exceptionally user-friendly.”; “Highly intelligent, extremely meticulous and has a great grasp of very technical detail.”
Chambers & Partners, 2020
“Very forensic and thorough in her approach, she is easy to deal with and extremely responsive.”
Chambers & Partners, 2018
