Christopher Wilson is a specialist civil litigator who advises and defends organisations, insurers and public bodies in complex and often sensitive claims. He is particularly recognised for his expertise in abuse, safeguarding, social care, care and neglect, and failure to educate litigation, as well as claims involving defamation, misfeasance in public office, assault, battery, false imprisonment, malicious prosecution and offender-related matters.
Chris acts for a wide range of clients, including local authorities, schools, care providers, insurers, religious organisations, charities, sporting bodies, police authorities and offender service providers. He is regularly instructed in high-value and high-profile cases involving allegations of historic and contemporary abuse, where legal, reputational and safeguarding issues frequently intersect.
He has particular expertise in defending civil claims arising from allegations of abuse, care failures and neglect, advising organisations facing complex litigation and significant public scrutiny. Chris also has extensive experience acting for insurers, governing bodies, clubs and sporting organisations in relation to safeguarding issues, abuse allegations and liability disputes, making him a trusted adviser within the sports sector.
In addition to defending civil claims, Chris regularly advises on policy coverage issues, regulatory investigations and public inquiries. He has been extensively involved in the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) and Clive Sheldon KC's Independent Inquiry into Historic Child Sexual Abuse in Football, supporting organisations participating in some of the most significant inquiries of recent years.
Chris is a member of the Forum of Insurance Lawyers (FOIL) Sports Sector Focus Team Roundtable, where he contributes to discussions on emerging legal and insurance issues affecting sporting organisations and their insurers.
His notable cases include Blackpool Football Club Ltd v DSN [2021] EWCA Civ 1352, London Borough of Haringey v FZO [2020] EWCA Civ 180, and EXE v The Governors of the Royal Naval School [2020] EWHC 596 (QB).
Chris has been recognised by The Legal 500, where a client described him as:
“Undoubtedly the rising star in this area of litigation. He has already been involved in numerous complex and high-profile matters, including at least two that have reached the Court of Appeal. Never one to shirk hard work, his meticulous attention to detail and willingness to go the extra mile in the interests of his clients is invaluable.”
