He is a very experienced and versatile advocate and negotiator, and communicates well with clients from all backgrounds. He works efficiently and economically, always having regard to the commercial realities of the individual case, and the client’s wishes and best interests. He combines an excellent knowledge of the law with sensible pragmatism.
Peter is married and lives in Liverpool. He has 4 adult children.
• Oriel College, Oxford. Inns of Court School of Law
• 2018 ACL Qualified
• PhD – Medical Neg / Crime / Ethics
• 2013 University of Southampton
• BPTC
• 2013 BPP Holborn
• LLM Res – Company Law
• 2008 Lancaster University
• LLB (Hons)
• 2007 Lancaster University
• Recorder, both criminal and civil since 1999 - Middle Temple
An extremely established disease practitioner. He is a sensible negotiator who is well prepared in court and in demand in the market.” “Very thorough and experienced.” - Chambers UK Bar Guide 2020
He’s firm, understated and almost always right. He has impeccable judgement and an impeccable court presence.” “Liked by clients, down to earth and able to grasp complex issues very quickly. Excellent in every respect.” - Chambers UK Bar Guide 2018
“He has excellent analytical skills.” & “He has sharp intelligence and an incisive eye.” - Legal 500, 2017 Edition
“He brings a personable approach, which puts clients at ease, even in the most emotive cases” - Legal 500, 2016 Edition
“A skilful, fearless, yet charming advocate” - Legal 500, 2015 Edition
“Sharp as a tack” - Legal 500, 2014 Edition
“He is as good as any Junior on Circuit, and very well respected by his peers....His knowledge is absolutely excellent and he’s really good with the clients - you can totally rely on his advice” - Chambers and Partners, 2014 Edition
“Peter Cowan of Oriel Chambers is a “superb advocate and a particularly talented industrial disease barrister.” He is much admired for his “ability to empathise with clients” and his “comprehensive knowledge of the area.” - Chambers and Partners, 2010 Edition
BARKER v CORUS (UK) PLC & OTHERS HofL [2006] UKHL 20 (Mesothelioma)
EASTWOOD v MAGNOX HofL [2005] 1 AC 503 (Employment/Stress)
HIDE v STEEPLECHASE CO LTD [2013] EWCA Civ 545 (Work Equipment)
JOSE v MACSALVORS PLANT HIRE LTD [2009] EWCA Civ 1329 (Contractual Indemnity)
R (Friend) v CHIEF CONSTABLE OF MANCHESTER POLICE [2009] EWHC 3152 (Admin)
COOKSON v NOVARTIS GRIMSBY LTD (CA) [2007] EWCA Civ 1261 (bladder cancer; causation)
BOTTOMLEY v TODMORDEN CRICKET CLUB (CA) [2004] PIQR P18 (Occupiers’ Liability)
BASSIE v MFCDA [2005] EWCA Civ 1474 (Employers’ Liability)
R (Brehony) v CHIEF CONSTABLE GREATER MANCHESTER POLICE [2005] EWHC 640 (Judicial review & Human Rights)
HSE v SPINDLE SELECT (CA) TIMES 9.12.96 (Health & Safety)
LOCKHEED ARABIA v OWEN [1993] 3 WLR 468 CA (Documentary evidence)
WALTON v KIRK [2009] EWHC 703 (QB) (Contempt of Court