12KBW is proud to congratulate Henry Charles on his appointment as Area Coroner for Hampshire, Portsmouth and Southampton. Henry will take up this full-time judicial appointment at the beginning of November 2026.
Henry was called to the Bar in 1987 and joined 12KBW in March 2001. He has built a hugely impressive personal injury and clinical negligence practice and is widely recognised as a leader in both fields. Henry is top ranked in the legal directories and was awarded Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence Junior of the Year by Chambers & Partners.
Henry has played an enormously important role in the success of Chambers. He was Head of the 12KBW Clinical Negligence Team for many years until last year, overseeing a period of significant growth and success, helping to strengthen the team’s standing as one of the leading clinical negligence groups at the Bar.
He has also had stints on 12KBW’s Management Committee.
Henry brings considerable experience to his new role through his longstanding expertise in inquests and coronial work. He is currently an Assistant Coroner for Hampshire, Portsmouth and Southampton and is particularly well placed to take on the responsibilities of Area Coroner within that jurisdiction.
Steven Snowden KC, Head of Chambers, said: “Henry’s appointment as Area Coroner is a tremendous achievement and one that reflects the exceptional qualities he has brought to his practice and chambers throughout his career. Whilst we will be sorry to see Henry leave chambers, we are immensely proud of his appointment and wish him every success in his new role.”
Henry Charles said “I am so looking forward to my new role, but I will obviously miss everyone here. It’s all about the people and 12KBW is a set of chambers with a very special combination of affability, warmth and stellar achievement in its chosen fields.”
