Keith has earned a superb reputation during his 20-plus years at the Bar, particularly in the field of health and safety law. He has appeared, mainly for the defence, in many of the most high profile health and safety cases of recent years. He also has a strong presence in employment, personal injury and administrative law, acting for both claimants and defendants.

In addition to representing some of the UK’s largest corporations and public bodies, Keith also assists a wide variety of medium-sized organisations and individuals, especially in the financial, construction and leisure industries. He frequently works alongside the client’s in-house Counsel.

Before becoming a QC in 2011, Keith was widely acknowledged as a leading junior barrister in the health and safety field.

Over the years, he has been variously described in Chambers and Partners as "an absolutely fabulous advocate", “a calm advocate who reflects wisely" and "a ferocious cross-examiner". The directory has also noted that he "works tirelessly and ceaselessly" and "outshines just about any other" with a "solid grasp of the law" and "great attention to detail". The Legal 500 says that he has “an excellent reputation for his tremendous manner in court”, is “direct, focused and incisive” and that he “reaps positive feedback from clients.”

As well as appearing in the Courts and at numerous Inquests and Public Inquiries, Keith also undertakes a considerable amount of behind-the-scenes work, acting in an advisory capacity.

When it comes to clients, he believes it’s all about developing good relationships: “I lead the discussion, but I don’t assume I’m always right. My approach is very collaborative. I have a deep appreciation of the fact that this is unfamiliar territory for every client. They come to me at a time of great vulnerability, whether corporately or individually, and I’m always sensitive to that.”

Keith is based in London and away from work enjoys travel, cycling and architecture.

Notable cases

R v Cotswold Geotechnical Holdings Limited (2011, Winchester Crown Court and Court of Appeal) – first prosecution under the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007

Inquests into the London Bombings of 7 July 2005 – presided over by Lady Justice Hallett: Counsel for Transport for London

Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust Inquiry (2010) – presided over by Robert Francis QC: Counsel to the Inquiry

Gurung and others v Ministry of Defence (2007) – one of a series of cases in which Keith represented the Ministry of Defence in claims brought by former Gurkha soldiers seeking to challenge the terms and conditions of service of soldiers serving in the Brigade of Gurkhas

R v Office of the Commissioner for Police of the Metropolis (2007, Central Criminal Court) – prosecution arising out of the Stockwell Shooting

R v Collins (2005) – Defence counsel for landowner prosecuted following electrocution of visitor to his premises

R v Edge (2004) – defence of company director prosecuted under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974

R v Thames Trains Ltd (2004) – prosecution arising out of the Ladbroke Grove rail crash

R v Sir John Stevens and Lord Condon (Central Criminal Court, 2003) – duties owed to police officers under Health and Safety legislation

Ladbroke Grove Rail Inquiry (2001) – presided over by Lord Cullen: Counsel for Thames Trains Ltd

Appointments

Appointed Junior Counsel to the Crown (London A Panel) 2003-2008 and 2009-2011

Previously appointed to London B Panel, 1997-2003

Memberships

Administrative Law Bar Association

Employment Lawyers Association

Health and Safety Lawyers Association

Justice