Direct Access Barrister
Robert Whittock, PhD
Direct Access Barrister
Robert Whittock, PhD
Robert appears as sole counsel in the Court of Appeal and is frequently instructed in interlocutory matters, trials and appeals. His client's value his clear advice, creative problem-solving and ability to identify routes through difficult cases.
Robert’s scientific background provides useful supporting context for his practice, particularly in intellectual property and technically-complex professional liability disputes. Before coming to the Bar, he completed a PhD in chemistry, worked as a research scientist at AstraZeneca, and later gained experience in patent litigation at Freshfields.
His precise and curious approach has earned him a reputation for seeing legal problems differently and achieving strong results for clients.
Recent example:
Quistclose trust – near seven-figure settlement obtained at mediation where a previously instructed barrister had given advice that there were no reasonable prospects of success. Robert identified that the terms of the Quistclose trust were not so narrow and therefore could be construed in a different way. The effect of which was that the solicitor, who was not the Claimants solicitor, had breached the terms of the Quistclose trust when not ensuring that all purposes of the Quistclose trust were achieved before releasing the clients’ monies.
Area of Law
Commercial
Robert accepts instructions concerning commercial disputes involving a wide range of issues including breach of contract, consumer credit, breach of trust and undue influence. He has particular expertise in obtaining injunctions and opposing applications for injunctions and related orders including Bankers Trust Orders.
He is experienced in providing advice, drafting and as an advocate in procedural applications, trials and appeals.
Clients value his strategic advice that encompasses analysis of the problem, out of the box thinking and identification of a creative solution.
Intellectual Property
Robert’s intellectual property practice covers trade marks, designs, copyright, confidential information and patent-related disputes. He is particularly well placed to advise and act in technically complex matters, especially those involving pharmaceuticals, specialty chemicals and scientific evidence.
Prior to commencing practice at the bar Robert obtained a PhD in synthetic organic chemistry concerning the synthesis, characterisation and measurement of the physical properties of new photochromic organic chemicals.
Following his PhD studies Robert was a scientist in the pharmaceutical industry for seven years, predominantly at AstraZeneca, where he gained a broad experience of the pharmaceutical research and development process, from early lead identification to Phase III clinical trials.
He is a named inventor, has researched the solid state chemistry (polymorphs, hydrates and salts) of many candidate drugs and AstraZeneca’s marketed drug Brillinta, Brilique (Ticagrelor, AZD6140) – an oral anti-platelet for the treatment of acute coronary syndromes. As a scientist he has undertaken patent infringement testing of both drug substances and drug products.
In 2008 Robert was at the IP/IT department within Freshfields where he worked on both non-contentious and contentious IP matters including multi-jurisdictional patent litigation concerning extended wear contact lenses.
Professional Negligence
Robert has a strong professional liability practice, with particular expertise in claims against solicitors arising from complex conveyancing, investment and property-related disputes.
He has been instructed in numerous high-value, multi-claimant actions concerning solicitors who acted for purchasers of “off plan” property, including claims involving alleged negligence, breach of trust and failed investment schemes.
Robert also acts in clinical negligence claims and regulatory proceedings brought by the General Medical Council (GMC) concerning fitness to practise, giving him experience across both civil claims and professional disciplinary contexts.
He is well placed to act in professional liability matters involving solicitors, medical practitioners, patent attorneys, trade mark attorneys and other professionals. His broad civil litigation experience and technical background enable him to analyse difficult factual and legal material quickly and develop practical, commercially focused strategies.
What sort of work do I do?
Professional negligence claims particularly concerning solicitors negligence.
Commercial disputes.
Intellectual Property disputes.
Who do I work for?
Individuals, business owners, solicitors, patent attorneys and trade mark attorneys.