Pumfrey faces £72,000 suit over alleged negligence

Leading IT and intellectual property silk Nicholas Pumfrey QC is being sued by a former client for more than £72,000 for alleged negligence.

A High Court writ has been issued by IT company Integrated Technologies of Ashford, which is based in Kent. The company accuses Pumfrey of involving it in "three wasted hearings" during March and April last year.

Integrated Technologies is claiming the sum of £72,432 as costs incurred and is also seeking damages and interest.

Jolyon Patten, a partner with City firm Elborne Mitchell, which is acting on behalf of the IT company, said it would be "inappropriate to comment" on the case.

Pumfrey, a barrister at 11 South Square, also declined to comment on the proceedings.

The case would appear to mark the latest of several recent attempts to erode the immunity against legal action currently enjoyed by barristers when appearing in court.

Last year, the House of Lords rejected a negligence claim against barrister Ghulam Yazdani by Mohammed Patel, who accused him of conducting a negligent defence in court.

Patel's lawyers, Hickman & Rose, are now taking his case before the European Court of Human Rights.