John’s broad experience in medical law beginning with his MA in Medical Law and Healthcare Ethics. He began a part time PhD in Bioethics and Medical Jurisprudence but was unable to complete it due to his growing barrister practice. He has lectured extensively including previously co-writing & presenting a 1 week lecture series on clinical negligence to government lawyers in Kuala Lumpur.

John is regularly instructed in clinical negligence cases involving surgical and pharmaceutical negligence, misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis, inappropriate treatment and lack of consent. He also undertakes cases involving allied professions including nurse practitioners, dentists, etc.

John has defended before the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service.

Example cases:

For claimant with complex pre-existing disabilities including blindness in one eye. Alleged failure to treat detached retina in one remaining ‘good’ eye caused complete blindness.
Claim against GP for prescribing naproxen causing exacerbation of asthma leading to cardiac arrest.
Claim by dependents of man who committed suicide whilst sectioned under the Mental Health Act.
Instructed direct access in defence of claim against dental practice arising out of alleged negligence of self-employed dentist.

John’s background as the co-founder and owner of a law firm gives him a greater experience in costs and related disputes than the vast majority of barristers. He can offer specialist advice and representation in relation to a wide variety of contentious and non-contentious costs disputes. He has experience of cost budgeting, security for costs, provisional and detailed assessments, fixed costs disputes,exceptions to QOCS, solicitor own client disputes, BTE/ATE arguments, wasted or non-party costs orders and allegations of misconduct. He acts for both paying and receiving parties.

John’s heavyweight personal injury (recommended in the Legal 500 2021 and 2022), clinical negligence and professional negligence practice means he has an understanding of the underlying litigation and is an experienced trial advocate. This is useful in solicitor/own client disputes and also where cross-examination is required in matters concerning conduct, misconduct, wasted costs and non-party costs orders.

He is a Recorder and a Tribunal Judge. He is public access qualified and also litigation qualified. He is also a qualified mediator.

Legal 500 Leading Junior: Personal Injury, Northern Circuit.

2024- "John is a champion for those wronged by the negligence of others. His advocacy is always focused on the issues with an exceptional forensic analysis as a foundation, and his mediation skills enhance his reputation too."

2023 - “‘John cuts through the issues and is sensible and pragmatic. He is a superb tactician and can turn even a weak case into a winner. Exceptional on his feet, he is a worthy match for any KC. When challenged at court, John is usually firm but fair which successfully leads to him often gaining the respect of any opponent and judge.’”

2022 - “He has a persuasive, charismatic style in the courtroom. Judges respect him”

2021 - “John Gray is instructed in high-value litigation, including subtle brain injury cases, permanent restriction/diminution in the ability to work, industrial disease claims, and overseas accident claims.” and “He is thorough, meticulous and has an eye for detail. He is a very able Barrister and his knowledge of the rules is exemplary.”

John is regularly instructed in matters of professional negligence especially those involving solicitors and surveyors. Many of his cases have involved complex issues of causation and limitation.

Example cases:

Currently representing 100+ householders in the ‘leasehold scandal’ litigation where numerous conveyancing solicitors failed to properly advise purchasers of new build homes as to the onerous terms of their leases.
Claim by property developer against solicitor for failing to warn unable to develop property into a Home of Multiple Occupation. Settled JSM.
Claim against former insurer and insurance broker for avoiding 3 insurance policies and retaining the premiums paid which amounted to c. £150,000.