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Index of tables

  1. Environment – Leading Sets
  2. Environment – Leading Silks
  3. Environment – New Silks
  4. Environment – Leading Juniors

Environment – Leading Silks

Thirty Nine Essex Street’s Stephen Tromans QC is ‘a doyen among environmental law silks’, and has particular knowledge of waste industry law. The ‘powerfully authoritativeNigel Pleming QC has ‘a wealth of experience on public law issues’; and Richard Harwood, who takes ‘an intellectual approach to environmental matters’, is particularly valued for his ‘knowledge of European law’. The ‘very personableJustine Thornton is also recommended.

FTB provides ‘excellent, speedy and pertinent advice at competitive fee rates’. ‘A real pleasure to work with’, Douglas Edwards QC is ‘excellent at handling all types of clients’, with expertise that covers private nuisance, the agricultural sector and the water industry. Recommended juniors include Meyric Lewis; James Pereira, who is ‘one of the best senior juniors at the set’; and Richard Honey, who is many clients’ ‘preferred junior counsel for environmental matters’.

At Landmark Chambers, the ‘very commercial and authoritativeDavid Elvin QC consistently secures ‘great results for his clients’; and Richard Drabble QC is ‘the first person to instruct where novel or difficult issues arise’ thanks to his ‘immense brain power’ and expertise in parliamentary matters. James Maurici is noted as ‘really user friendly’.

Blackstone Chambers now has seven QCs committed to environmental work, following Thomas de la Mare QC’s recent appointment. The ‘responsive and commercialJohn Howell QC is ‘a real expert on the way that environmental public bodies work’; and the ‘clear and persuasiveMark Shaw QC is noted for his ‘sound judgement and tactical acumen’. Emma Dixon provides ‘extremely savvy advice’, is ‘supremely flexible in meeting client demands’ and is skilled in ‘dealing with political and organisational sensitivities’.

Cornerstone Barristers draws particular praise for its ‘first-class clerking’. Simon Bird QC is ‘an authoritative higher court advocate’ who is appreciated for his ‘calm, considered and very clear’ approach. Mark Lowe QC is ‘forceful but charming’; and Michael Bedfordnever gives less than 100%’, has ‘a keen eye for detail’ and is ‘a tenacious advocate’. Harriet Townsendunderstands local government’ and ‘gives practical advice’.

Timothy Straker QC at 4-5 Gray’s Inn Square is ‘a thorough and excellent tactician’, and recently acted for Chiltern Railways in a public inquiry relating to a proposed railway project. Peter Village QC* is a tenacious and ‘outstanding’ advocate, and ‘as robust as ever’. Lisa Busch** acted in the high-profile case R (Ashley) v SSCLG and London Borough of Greenwich. *Peter Village QC is now at Thirty Nine Essex Street. **Lisa Busch is now at Landmark Chambers

At 6 Pump Court, David Travers QC is ‘very user friendly’ and is often sought out for high-profile cases. The ‘phenomenalMark Watson instils ‘complete confidence’, and acts for both the prosecution and defence in regulatory cases.

One Crown Office Row is ‘very good value for money’ and houses the ‘extremely intelligent’and ‘approachableDavid Hart QC, who is ‘in the top tier for environmental barristers’. Leading junior Jeremy Hyam has an ‘excellent analytical mind’ and ‘considers the commercial element of an issue as well as the legal’.

Henderson Chambers’ environmental offering includes Charles Gibson QC, ‘an adept advocate whose performance in court always inspires confidence’; and Oliver Campbell, who has a ‘calm, unflappable manner’. Campbell continues to represent Ocensa in a group action brought by 100 Colombian farmers citing environmental damage due to the construction of an oil pipeline.

Matrix Chambers’ barristers often work on environmental issues with an international scope, with Philippe Sands QC currently acting in two cases before the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Kate Cook is recommended for her expertise in international treaty law and the EU and UK legislative process. She ‘deals with matters efficiently’ and has ‘a pragmatic and strategic sensibility’.

Monckton ChambersKassie Smith has a good relationship with government departments and recently acted for DEFRA in successfully dismissing a judicial review concerning whether the government had failed to meet its air quality targets. Gerry Facenna is ‘a good public law adviser’ who specialises in all aspects of EU environmental law.

At Old Square Chambers, David Wilby QC’s strengths include his ‘meticulous preparation’ and ‘outstanding tactical advice’. John Bates is ‘first choice’ for complex water law issues, where he is considered ‘a true expert in his field’. Malcolm Galloway joined the set in 2011, and is ‘a very experienced Crown Court trial lawyer’ with experience in prosecuting and defending cases.

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