Peter Wade
Barrister
Peter is currently a practicing barrister, with authority to conduct litigation at the Bar, and his career has been dedicated to advocating for people who have been impacted by poor medical care, successfully recovering millions in compensation for affected families.
Before being called to the Bar in 2018, Peter was a former director within Longden Walker & Renney’s Clinical Negligence department and a highly-experienced solicitor with a proven track record in litigation. His expertise extends to inquest representation, where he guides families through Coroner’s Court proceedings. He has represented clients across the North East, regularly appearing at Coroner’s Courts in Newcastle, Sunderland, Durham, Middlesbrough, and Carlisle.
A member of the Honourable Society of the Middle Temple and North of England Medico-Legal Society, Peter previously established his own SRA authorised solicitor practice. As a self-employed barrister, he has successfully represented both claimants and defendants at trial, inquests and other court hearings. He has experience of preparing formal legal advice on liability and quantum, and in drafting a variety of legal pleadings for court.
A former Paramedic in the North East and overseas, Peter brings unique insight into healthcare law, underpinned by his dual qualification in law (LLB Hons) and health science (BSc). Peter has also served as a Director, Trustee and Chairman of local charity, the North East Special Needs Network. Previously employed as a defendant medical malpractice solicitor for a leading international law business, Peter also has experience of advising and representing NHS Foundation Trusts, doctors and nurses faced with allegations of medical negligence and in Coroners’ Court.
Peter’s first-hand experience of frontline NHS care, delivering advanced trauma life-support and managing complex emergencies, as well as his expertise in defendant litigation, provides a unique insight into the challenges faced both by patients and healthcare professionals. His diverse background provides him with both legal acumen and practical experience, allowing him to navigate complex cases with balance, clarity and empathy.
Away from work
Peter has lived with his wife in Northumberland for the last 30 years and is the father of two grown up children. He enjoys following the fortunes of Newcastle United and likes to attend games at St James’ Park whenever he can get his hands on a ticket.
What are your main interests or hobbies?
I play the guitar and try to stay fit and healthy by going for a run. I have previously completed the Edinburgh half marathon and the Great North Run a handful of times – although I seem to be a fair-weather runner in recent years!
What music do you like – any specific genre or artists?
Where do I start?! My musical tastes are hugely varied, but my perennial favourites include Rolling Stones, The Jam, Paul Weller, Oasis, Mark Knopfler, Simon & Garfunkel, Bob Dylan and Eminem.
What’s your favourite food?
I’m not a foodie, but I do like a wide variety of foods and would probably opt for any type of Italian dish as my favourite as I love both pasta and pizza. You also cannot beat a good home-cooked Roast Dinner on a Sunday afternoon.
What film or boxset would you recommend to others?
The film I always recommend to people is Scent of a Woman with Al Pacino, who won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance. He plays a retired, blind Army officer called Frank Slade and the coming-of-age journey he takes to New York City with Charlie Simms, a young student who he hires to look after him.
Do you have a favourite book and why?
The book that lit my fire for reading as a child was The Hobbit by JR Tolkien because it was truly magical, but nowadays I do like to read John Grisham and his genre of thriller and courtroom drama books.
Is there a smartphone App you could not live without?
WhatsApp is definitely an essential for keeping in touch with family and friends because everyone can see it and it’s so easy to use.
How would you describe yourself in 5 words?
Personable, professional, loyal, dependable and diligent.
If you could go back in time, what advice would you give your younger self?
Feel the fear and do it anyway.
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