Contact clerking team
Download Charlie's CV
Choose the Expertise to be included in the CV download:
Add to shortlist
Privacy notice
Charlie Cory-Wright KC
Joint Head of Chambers
Year of call: 1984
Silk: 2006
“He is a brilliant advocate with a lovely manner and tone about him. Judges trust him completely.” Chambers and Partners 2022
Charlie Cory-Wright KC specialises in catastrophic injury claims and clinical negligence claims. He also regularly works in the public law field, both in healthcare related matters, and as a vetted special advocate in terrorist related proceedings.
He was appointed in 2018 to be lead counsel for NHS BT in the ongoing Infected Blood Inquiry (IBI).
He has for over 15 years acted as a Special Advocate in National Security cases, in the High Court, in the Special Immigration Appeals Tribunal, and in Employment Tribunals.
He was, in 2015, appointed by an NHS Trust as lead investigator for the purposes of a FPPR investigation into its CEO, prompted by allegations made about her to the CQC; he spent 6 months investigating the allegations and producing his Report.
His private law work in catastrophic and psychiatric injury cases is evenly split between claimants and defendants. Prior to taking silk in 2006, he was on the Attorney General’s A Panel, and dealt with many fatal accidents and other injury and clinical negligence claims for the Government, as well as for insurers. He continues to do both. However since then, his work has also been for claimants – both in catastrophic physical or psychiatric injury and in clinical negligence. He also has a particular interest in secondary victims.
He regularly undertakes catastrophic cases with a foreign element.
He undertakes Costs work, and has a particular interest in misconduct (CPR 44.11) cases
He was appointed Joint Head of Chambers in October 2019
He was Chair of the Personal Injuries Bar Association from 2012-14.
Charlie is consistently rated by Chambers & Partners as a Leading Silk in Personal Injury and Administrative & Public Law and in The Legal 500 for Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence.
Areas of expertise
Inquiries and Healthcare
In May 2022 Charlie was appointed as one of the lead counsel (on the Counsel to the Inquiry team) for The Covid Inquiry.
From 2018 to date Charlie’s work has almost exclusively been as lead counsel for NHS Blood and Transplant (“NHSBT”), instructed by Weightmans solicitors. NHS BT is one of the most significant of the institutional Core Participants involved in the Infected Blood Inquiry.
Charlie also has significant experience generally in healthcare matters, and in particular in the public law regulatory context. He has undertaken a lengthy Fit and Proper Person investigation into a Trust Chief Executive on behalf of a Healthcare Trust. )
This is all in addition to his work in private law clinical negligence claims.
Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence
"He has a fantastic, relaxed manner with clients." "He never gives up and is brilliant in court." Chambers and Partners 2019
'A wonderful courtroom performer with an impressive ability to absorb the complexities and cut through the main issues.' The Legal 500 2018
Administrative and Public
"A powerful advocate who makes his submissions very well and is very comfortable with the court. Clearer than many public lawyers, and someone with that little bit more flair." "One of the most sought-after special advocates - he's very affable, which clients like in stressful situations." Chambers & Partners 2019
Charlie's role as Special Advocate involves protecting the interests of individuals suspected of terrorist-related activity in hearings in the High Court or the Special Immigration Appeal Commission. This is done by seeking to undermine the case advanced by the Secretary of State against such individuals, by reference to the secret material upon which the government wishes to rely (which material cannot be disclosed to the individual or his own representatives).
Alternative Dispute Resolution
As well as court appearances, Charlie has for many years been involved in the ADR process, either at joint settlement meetings or mediations. His approach can fairly be described as user-friendly and “can-do”. Clients appreciate the approach that he has to his cases as much as they do his legal expertise. He likes being part of a team. He recognises both the need to ensure that clients understand the process that they are involved in, and the need to protect the interests of lay and professional clients and witnesses. He believes in being straightforward, friendly and accommodating, but at the same time knowing that robustness (and indeed fearlessness) is crucial if it is in the best interests of the client. He has for some years been an accredited arbitrator in injury-related work.
Recommendations
“He is a brilliant advocate with a lovely manner and tone about him. Judges trust him completely.” Chambers and Partners 2022
“He is very easy-going but can be combative when needed. He is very persuasive.” “A very pragmatic and effective advocate. He is excellent and has a very smooth manner.” Chambers and Partners 2022
“Charlie is thoughtful, calm, astute, and always happy to roll up his sleeves and be part of the team.” The Legal 500 2022
“A powerful advocate who makes his submissions very well and is very comfortable with the court. Clearer than many public lawyers, and someone with that little bit more flair.” “One of the most sought-after special advocates – he’s very affable, which clients like in stressful situations.” Chambers and Partners 2019
“He has a fantastic, relaxed manner with clients.” “He never gives up and is brilliant in court.” Chambers and Partners 2019
“A wonderful courtroom performer with an impressive ability to absorb the complexities and cut through the main issues.” Legal 500 2018
“Really great to work with, thoughtful and meticulous” Chambers and Partners 2017
“Decisive, interested, authoritative and good with clients” Legal 500 2016
“He’s totally team-committed and user-friendly.” “He’s totally committed to the case and it’s unbelievable how hard he works.” Chambers and Partners 2016
“He displays complete dedication to doing the best for his clients; his work ethic is second to none.” Legal 500 2015
“He really knows how to lead and has an inclusive style.” Legal 500 2015
“His main attributes are his knowledge of large, complex and high-profile PI actions, and his approachability.”
Chambers and Partners 2015
“He’s a very sensible and well-prepared opponent.” Chambers and Partners 2015
“Impressive on his feet and in conference, he’s not afraid to give clients a frank appraisal of their cases.” Chambers and Partners 2015
“A leading silk with exceptional skills.” Legal 500 2014
