Christopher Gillespie now practises exclusively in the regulatory sphere, after 20 years of defending and prosecuting serious crime.
In professional discipline, Chris works primarily for the defence and is instructed by all the major medical and dental insurers to represent doctors and dentists before the MPTS and GDC. He is regularly instructed to represent the interests of doctors at inquests. However, he is also instructed to present cases for the GOsC and has in the past been instructed by GOC, GPhC and RCVS. He has appeared for the NMC in the Divisional Court.
Chris also represents corporate and individual defendants in criminal regulatory cases brought by the HSE, EA and local authorities and at inquests. He was instructed with Jonathan Laidlaw KC to represent the crowd management and security company at the Manchester Arena Inquiry and is currently instructed as junior counsel in the civil proceedings.
Chris also has a substantial advisory practice with a focus on gambling and licensing matters. In 2023, he successfully represented a bookmakers in civil proceedings brought by an alleged problem gambler.
“He is extremely bright and knowledgeable on accounting regulations and has a strong grasp on accounting principles, knowing not only the law but the profession.” – Chambers UK 2025
“His written work is superlative ‒ he writes beautifully and has a very gentle persuasive style. Focused and sophisticated, he inspires confidence in a calm and analytical way.” – Chambers UK 2025
“Christopher is technically brilliant and a great advocate.” – Chambers UK 2025
“Christopher Coltart KC is exactly the type of highly technical and forward-thinking counsel you want on your side.” – Chambers UK 2025
“A deep thinker and practical advocate, Chris is capable of achieving the most unlikely of outcomes for clients in a spot. Perfect for the client with a difficult case to present.” – Chambers UK 2025
“Chris is a details man, giving you the confidence that he’ll be well prepared.” – Chambers UK 2025
“Very knowledgeable in professional discipline. He picks up and advises on complex matters very quickly and is a very clear and persuasive advocate.” – Chambers UK 2024
“A great barrister, who is thoughtful, excellent with clients, and has good strategic awareness. A safe pair hands.” – Chambers UK 2024
“A first-rate advocate, who is diligent and thorough in his preparation.” – Legal 500 UK 2024
“Christopher is very user-friendly and approachable.” – Chambers UK 2023
“Chris is a highly effective barrister. He is elegant, confident and straight-talking.” – Legal 500 UK 2023
“Extremely able, well-prepared, affable and very able. Chris is a very polished performer. He is thorough, careful and right.” – Legal 500 UK 2022
“He’s delightful, very experienced and unruffled, and thoroughly prepared.” “He is very well prepared, robust and has a lovely manner in his advocacy that is very persuasive.” “Extremely professional and excellent with clients. He’s a really polished and very professional barrister.” – Chambers UK 2022
“An extremely effective cross-examiner, but it is done is a respectful manner. He is firm but not aggressive, and also pragmatic – he never takes any bad points.” – Legal 500 2021
“A very able advocate with gravitas, who will go the extra mile.” – Legal 500 2020