Brian McCluggage
Appointments:
Fee-paid Employment Judge (2010 on)
Attorney-General's Panel for Civil Work - "Treasury Counsel" (2002 on)
Barrister Member, Bar Disciplinary Tribunal (BTAS) (2017 on)
Associations:
Personal Injury Bar Association
British Insurance Lawyers Association
Employment Lawyers Association
Education:
MA (Hons) Law, Cambridge University
LLM, University of Toronto
Middle Temple Fox Scholar
Brian McCluggage specialises in complex personal injury and insurance-related litigation ranging in value from six figures to multi-millions. He has particular expertise in catastrophic cases, psychiatric injury, fatal accidents and indemnity issues.
Brian is an experienced trial lawyer who is robust and eloquent in court. He adopts a detailed and forensic approach to his work. He is an experienced and confident negotiator in JSM's and mediations. Brian is adept at technical issues both in law and expert evidence.
His main areas of practice are:
a. Large Loss personal injury claims including those involving brain damage, spinal injury, amputation, PPO and Capacity issues
b. Psychiatric injury claims, including nervous shock/secondary victim claims, PTSD, Somatoform conditions, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Personality Disorder, together with associated conditions such as Fibromyalgia, pain conditions, and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. He has significant experience of clinical negligence claims in the context of missed diagnosis of conditions such as PTSD.
c. Fatal Accidents Act cases. He has been instructed in cases involving high profile deaths and also in those involving complex financial affairs of high earners
d. Cases involving allegations of malingering and dishonesty
e. First Party Insurance claims: indemnity, policy construction, non-disclosure, co-insurance and also technical issues pertaining to the Road Traffic Act, MIB, Domestic Regulations
f. Professional liability claims relevant to personal injury, insurance and employment law
g. Property damage, with an emphasis on fire damage and arson.
In earlier years at the Bar, Mr. McCluggage enjoyed a broad-based civil practice and gained considerable experience in areas as diverse as employment law, General Medical Council regulatory work, road traffic fraud and VAT. This breadth of experience adds value to Brian's output today.
See specialist CV's for further information.
Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence – ranked Tier 1
“An excellent court advocate.”
Legal 500 2019
Personal Injury – Northern (Bar): Leading Barrister (Band 1)
"He is very measured, extremely clever and professional."
"He is a genuine trial advocate who really enjoys working on a case from preparation all the way through to a contest before the judge."
Chambers and Partners UK Bar 2019
Motor Insurance Fraud – All Circuits: Leading Barrister (Band 2)
"He gives very clear advice."
Chambers and Partners UK Bar 2019
"Particularly good at grasping the minute detail and seeing the bigger picture."
Chambers and Partners 2018
"Excellent. Really thorough, great with clients, very sensible and fantastic on his feet."
Chambers and Partners 2018
'His practice includes psychiatric injury cases.'
Legal 500, 2017
He is known for his involvement in high-value cases and those involving an element of insurance fraud. "Incredibly knowledgeable and highly reliable."
Chambers & Partners 2017
"Specialist personal injury and insurance practitioner with a strong track record of acting in high-value catastrophic injury claims. He is very familiar with cases that concern amputations, psychological damages and chronic pain conditions, and also acts in matters involving allegations of fraud or dishonesty. 'Pro-active, client-focused, professional and approachable.' 'He is a good, hard-working, competent opponent.'"
Chambers and Partners 2017
"A highly capable barrister recognised for his ability in high-value personal injury matters and alleged fraudulent claims. Commentators are quick to highlight his thorough approach and frank advice: - ‘He is good to have on board if you know that there is a storm coming'.
- 'He is very tenacious; a real street fighter.’
- ‘He is always thorough and thinks outside the box.’"
Chambers & Partners, 2016
"Often instructed by high profile businesses and government departments to handle long, large-scale, or complex matters..."
Chambers & Partners, 2016
“very good and feisty”; "good attention to detail"
Legal 500, 2015 & 2016
“He is technically very good and his strategic advice is always spot-on.” “He is definitely leading the way, particularly in terms of complex fraud rings: he just gets it.” "He's a favourite because he gets results."
Chambers & Partners, 2015
"A very good junior on high-value claims."
Legal 500, 2014
"He's pragmatic, personable and proactive."
Chambers & Partners, 2014
"Has extensive experience in handling disability discrimination matters and regularly advises law firms in relation to employment issues."
Chambers & Partners, 2014
"is 'impressive with clients and experts'."
Legal 500, 2013
"Brian McCluggage has a broad practice which encompasses employment and insurance law alongside his personal injury caseload."
Chambers & Partners, 2013
"One commentator calls Brian McCluggage 'one of the very best senior juniors in the North. Praised for his 'fantastic communication skills', he mainly acts for government departments and corporate clients."
Chambers & Partners, 2013
"recommended"
Legal 500, 2012
"... one of the best juniors in Manchester"
Legal 500, 2012
"The 'absolutely superb' Brian McCluggage has established a thriving employment law practice alongside his personal injury work. His recent efforts include Keith Baker v Totesport, where he successfully defended bookmakers against a £500,000 DDA claim brought by a senior manager"
Chambers & Partners, 2012
"Brian McCluggage joins the rankings on the strength of praise for his 'steady hands on the tiller' in large PI cases. He also handles insurance and fraud cases"
Chambers & Partners, 2012
"9 St John Street's Brain McCluggage handles high value catastrophic claims and is one of the "best juniors in Manchester"
Legal 500, 2011
"Brilliant with clients and expert in conference, and always shows sound judgement"
Legal 500, 2011
"Brian McCluggage offers 'consistently excellent service' and impresses all who encounter him."
Chambers & Partners, 2009
Specialist Areas of Practice:
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