Justin Meiland

Call: 2010

Justin specialises in medical law and professional discipline. He offers clear and practical advice combined with a sensitive approach to his clients’ needs.

Justin has a busy and varied clinical negligence practice, acting for both claimants and defendants in cases ranging across the full clinical spectrum and frequently involving complex expert evidence. He appears in the County Court, High Court, and Coroners’ Court. He is recommended in Chambers & Partners and Legal 500 as a leading junior in clinical negligence.

Justin is also instructed to attend regulatory hearings. He has represented practitioners at the NMC, GMC and HCPC and has been instructed in appeals including the Court of Appeal case of Doherty v NMC [2017] EWCA Civ 1344.

Justin graduated with a Double First from Oxford University (Magdalen College). He received a Distinction in the Graduate Diploma in Law and an Outstanding in the Bar Vocational Course.

“He is tremendously intelligent, conscientious and approachable.” Legal 500, 2018

“Very clever, calm and hardworking.” Legal 500, 2020

“He is able to digest large amounts of information and pull out key points extremely well.” Legal 500, 2021.

"Impressive eye for detail on both liability and quantum. Able to quickly assimilate large volumes of evidence and settle concise yet robust pleadings.” Legal 500, 2022

"His analysis and mastery of the facts and issues in the cases he deals with is impressive, as is his tact and handling of clients and experts.” "He has the ability to achieve excellent results in the most testing of cases.” "Justin is a very strong junior who can be trusted to punch above his weight.” Chambers & Partners 2023.

"Justin is a meticulous barrister. He has an extraordinary ability to get to the crux of the issues when dealing with complex cases.” Legal 500 2023.

The bulk of Justin’s practice is focused on medical law. He has been instructed by both claimants and defendants in a wide variety of clinical negligence claims relating to all manner of medical and healthcare professionals. Recent cases include claims relating to surgical negligence (including general surgery, cosmetic surgery and orthopaedic surgery), lack of consent, delay in diagnosis of cancer, ophthalmic errors, immunoglobulin therapy, cauda equina, GP errors, nursing practice, and secondary victim claims.

Justin prides himself on frank as well as sensitive advice, combined with persuasive advocacy in both Court and settlement meetings. He fights hard to achieve the best outcome for his clients.

Justin also has experience in inquests and acts for both families and interested persons.

Justin is recommended in Chambers & Partners and Legal 500 as a leading junior in clinical negligence. 

Justin is regularly instructed to act on behalf of nurses at the NMC and has also represented practitioners at the GMC, GDC and HCPC. Justin’s experience covers a wide variety of cases, including allegations involving dishonesty, abuse, and health. His appellate work includes two successful appeals (compromised between the parties): the first against a striking off order imposed following an erroneous finding on the facts and the second against an order for erasure following an erroneous finding of impairment. He also acted as junior counsel in Doherty v NMC [2017] EWCA Civ 1344, the first Court of Appeal case to consider the approach to be taken by a registration panel at the NMC when assessing good character.

Justin has experience in acting for both claimants and defendants in claims against a range of professionals, including lawyers. He is particularly able to draw on his expertise in medical law to advise in cases against lawyers arising out of alleged under-settlement and lost litigation in the clinical negligence context. 

"His analysis and mastery of the facts and issues in the cases he deals with is impressive, as is his tact and handling of clients and experts.” "He has the ability to achieve excellent results in the most testing of cases.” "Justin is a very strong junior who can be trusted to punch above his weight.” Chambers & Partners 2023.

"Justin is a meticulous barrister. He has an extraordinary ability to get to the crux of the issues when dealing with complex cases.” Legal 500 2023.

"Impressive eye for detail on both liability and quantum. Able to quickly assimilate large volumes of evidence and settle concise yet robust pleadings.” Legal 500, 2022

"He is able to digest large amounts of information and pull out key points extremely well." Legal 500, 2021

"Very clever, calm and hardworking." Legal 500, 2020

"He is tremendously intelligent, conscientious and approachable." Legal 500, 2018

Education

  • 2009 – 2010: Bar Vocational Course (BPP): Outstanding.
  • 2008 – 2009: Graduate Diploma in Law (City University): Distinction.
  • 1999 – 2003: DPhil (Oxford).
  • 1993 – 1997: BA (Hons) Oxford (Magdalen): double first.

Awards & Scholarships

  • Megarry Pupillage Scholarship, Lincoln’s Inn: 2010
  • Buchanan Prize, Lincoln’s Inn: 2010
  • Tort Essay Prize, 1 Chancery Lane: 2009
  • Lord Denning Scholarship, Lincoln’s Inn: 2009
  • Maitland Advocacy Prize: 2008
  • Lord Haldane Scholarship, Lincoln’s Inn: 2008
  • Hardwicke Entrance Award, Lincoln’s Inn: 2008
  • Boden Scholarship, Oxford University: 2003
  • Spalding Prize, Oxford University: 1996.

Personal: A keen linguist, Justin has tried his hand at Danish, Thai, Latin, Greek, Sanskrit and Pali among other languages. He also enjoys photography and trekking.

ICO Data protection registration number: Z2714790

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