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Leading Silks

David Elvin KCLandmark Chambers ‘David is a formidable barrister to have on your side.’
David Hart KC1 Crown Office Row 'A resourceful statesman.'
Stephen Hockman KCSix Pump Court ‘Stephen is a true expert – dedicated, accessible and hugely conscientious.'
James Maurici KCLandmark Chambers James is easy to work with, responsive, and sensible. His good instinct and opinion is valuable to clients and instructing solicitors.’ 
James Pereira KCFrancis Taylor Building ‘James has a first-class mind and an excellent knowledge of environmental law.’
David Travers KC – Gough Square Chambers ‘David has a phenomenal mind and is tactically very astute. He knows the law inside out and is particularly strong where there are difficult commercial or reputational issues.’
David Wolfe KCMatrix Chambers ‘David is a star of the environment and planning world. He is very popular with clients due to his direct and clear approach.’
Oliver Campbell KCHenderson Chambers ‘An unflappable advocate who is extremely astute and provides pragmatic advice.'
Richard Harwood OBE KC39 Essex Chambers 'A silk with a firm cross-examination style.'
Gwion Lewis KC – Landmark Chambers ‘Gwion is very bright, clear-thinking and perceptive, with an excellent grasp of complex matters.'
James Strachan KC39 Essex Chambers ‘James is a very impressive silk, thoughtful and smooth in his presentation. He can disarm even the most hostile judge.'
Stephen Tromans KC39 Essex Chambers 'An opinion from him will silence the opposition within minutes.'
Marc Willers KCGarden Court Chambers ‘A committed and knowledgeable barrister who is calm and unflappable on his feet.'
Thomas de la Mare KCBlackstone Chambers 'Thomas has an impressive ability to see the whole picture. His advocacy before the Supreme Court is in a manner which the judge respects.'
Adam Heppinstall KC – Henderson Chambers ‘Adam has an encyclopaedic knowledge of environmental and climate case law.’
Richard Honey KC – Francis Taylor BuildingRichard is an excellent barrister, thoughtful and strategic in his approach to cases.
Dominic Kay KCCrown Office Chambers ‘Dominic grasps the technical detail of cases quickly. He is friendly and calm as well as authoritative.’
Prashant Popat KCHenderson Chambers ‘Prashant is excellent at condensing complex technical matters into straightforward advice.'
Jessica Simor KCMatrix Chambers ‘Jessica has the ear of the court and knows how present arguments in a way which are heard.'
Mark Watson KCSix Pump Court ‘A silk who has excellent environmental and regulatory legal knowledge, and delivers pragmatic advice well.’
Geraint Webb KCHenderson Chambers 'He is a fantastic commercial litigator, and possesses authority, gravitas and experience. His approach is always innovative.'
Charles Banner KCKeating Chambers ‘Charles has a charming and disarming advocacy style, and he is very effective at getting to the heart of a matter.’
John Cooper KCCrown Office Chambers 'A strategic and super-smart silk.'
Wendy Miles KC – Twenty Essex ‘Wendy is a leading thinker on climate law.'
Matthew Reed KC – Landmark Chambers ‘Matthew has excellent knowledge of environmental law. A silk who makes you feel you are in safe hands.’
Toby Riley-Smith KCHenderson Chambers 'A well-established silk. He is urbane, meticulous and astute.'

2022 Silks

Estelle Dehon KC – Cornerstone Barristers ‘Estelle has one of the top climate practices at the Bar. She is extremely hard-working, attentive, empathetic and methodical.'
Zoë Leventhal KC – Matrix Chambers ‘Zoë is a real star. She is a brilliant negotiator and fantastic with clients.’
Hanif Mussa KC – Blackstone Chambers ‘Hanif has a super brain and impeccable judgement. He’s also got a great court manner and is a pleasure to work with.’

2023 Silks

Kathleen Donnelly KCHenderson Chambers ‘Kathleen is decisive and robust. A calm and collected advocate.'
Alex Goodman KC – Landmark Chambers ‘A compelling, fearless advocate. He is great at thinking outside the box.'

2024 Silks

Rebecca Chalkley KCRed Lion Chambers ‘Rebecca is approachable, knowledgeable and proactive. She is always well-prepared.’
Richard Moules KCLandmark Chambers ‘Richard is technically excellent, and his advice is of the highest quality.’
Colin Thomann KC39 Essex Chambers ‘A phenomenally hardworking barrister, who has a colossal intellect and good judgement.'

Leading Juniors

Christopher BadgerSix Pump Court ‘Christopher is a true environmental specialist.'
Kate CookMatrix Chambers 'A committed junior, who stands out for her depth of knowledge, particularly in respect of climate change issues.'
Mark HarrisSix Pump Court ‘Mark is a very safe pair of hands on all manner of environmental matters.’
Charles MorganSix Pump CourtA pragmatic and very organised junior.'
Samantha Riggs25 Bedford Row ‘Samantha is fantastic. She is incredible on the details and formidable in court. Brilliant with clients.'
Gordon WignallSix Pump Court ‘Gordon is practical, robust and provides sterling advice.’   
Richard BanwellSix Pump Court ‘Richard is adaptable, pragmatic and takes the bigger picture into account.'
Kate Boakes – Matrix Chambers 'Kate is a fantastic barrister who provides timely and superb advice.'
James Burton39 Essex Chambers 'He is good on his feet in the courtroom.'
Edward CravenMatrix Chambers ‘A junior with a brilliant and creative legal mind.’
Emma DixonBlackstone Chambers ‘A phenomenally bright junior.'
Catherine Dobson39 Essex Chambers 'Catherine is exactly the advocate who you want next to you in the Supreme Court.'
Monica Feria-TintaTwenty Essex 'Monica has particular expertise in the climate change space, with a sharp, clear understanding of the law.'
Malcolm GallowayCrown Office Chambers ‘Malcolm is extremely personable and builds good relationships with clients and instructing solicitors alike. He is particularly adept at anticipating how a judge will view a case.’
Juan Lopez39 Essex Chambers 'A junior with a forensic approach to cases.'
Sailesh MehtaRed Lion Chambers 'A junior who commands respect. He is always up to date on the law.'
James PurnellHenderson Chambers ‘His work rate is phenomenal and his advice pragmatic.’
Heather SargentLandmark Chambers ‘Heather's ability to understand the key pertinent points within an argument is exemplary.'
Daniel Stedman Jones39 Essex Chambers ‘Daniel is highly organised and disciplined in his approach and works extremely well to bring a case together.'
Charles StreetenFrancis Taylor Building ‘Charles is fiercely intelligent, thinks outside the box and fights for his clients.'
Sasha BlackmoreLandmark Chambers ‘A high-quality junior.'
Matthew Dale-Harris Landmark Chambers ‘He has a very good grasp on the details of a case.'
Stephanie David39 Essex Chambers ‘Stephanie has a brilliant legal brain: she is able to see problems and work them through before arriving at the best answer.’
Jonathan Darby 39 Essex Chambers 'Jonathan is an exceptionally bright barrister with sound judgement.'
Emma Foubister – Matrix Chambers Emma is a quick study and has good tactical sense. A star of the future.’
David HercockSix Pump Court ‘An extremely bright barrister, whose levelheaded manner helps to put clients at their ease.’
Brendon Moorhouse Six Pump Court ‘Brendon is particularly excellent in cases of immense technical complexity. He presents them in a comprehensible narrative.’
Ruchi Parekh Cornerstone Barristers ‘Ruchi is an outstanding barrister.'
Katherine Barnes 39 Essex ChambersKatherine is dedicated and particularly receptive to the needs of vulnerable clients.’
John BatesOld Square Chambers ‘John is excellent in his field and always gives prompt written advice.’   
Toby Fisher – Matrix Chambers Toby is very intelligent, and hones in on the key legal issues of a case swiftly and confidently.’
Leon Glenister – Landmark Chambers ‘Leon has a real in-depth understanding of the law and a superb ability to present complex technical issues clearly and persuasively.’
Merrow GoldenFrancis Taylor Building ‘Merrow is a creative legal thinker.'
Nick Grant – Landmark Chambers 'Nick provides clear and comprehensive advice.'
Rose Grogan39 Essex Chambers 'Rose's advocacy is direct, and she has extremely good judgement.'
Victoria Hutton39 Essex Chambers 'A confident and effective advocate.'
Stuart Jessop – Gough Square Chambers ‘A real fighter.’
Jacqueline Lean – Landmark Chambers ‘Jacqueline is a precise and very sound advocate.’
Lucy McCormick – Henderson Chambers ‘Lucy is an extremely diligent and intellectually rigorous junior.'
Andrew McGee – 2 Bedford Row 'A first port-of-call for all environmental defence matters.'
Nina Pindham – Cornerstone Barristers 'Nina has a keen knowledge of environmental law. She gives 110% on every case.'
Oliver PowellOuter Temple Chambers ‘A very committed junior.'

Rising Stars

Conor Fegan – Francis Taylor Building ‘Conor works tirelessly to help clients. He conducts cases with authority, and is very impressive.’
Freya FosterHenderson Chambers ‘Freya has a thorough understanding of the interplay between judicial review, climate change, legislation and the European environmental landscape.’
Gayatri Sarathy – Blackstone Chambers ‘Gayatri picks up the details of complicated matters incredibly quickly, and provides very thorough, detailed advice and creative solutions.’
Alex Shattock – Landmark Chambers ‘Alex is a very dedicated barrister. He has strong analytical skills and an impressive work rate.’
Gethin Thomas – 39 Essex Chambers 'An effective and enthusiastic junior.'
Jonathan Welch – Francis Taylor Building 'Jonathan is very intelligent, conscientious and has good judgement.'

Environment in London Bar

39 Essex Chambers


39 Essex Chambers garners praise as 'a premier set for planning and environmental law', with conservation matters forming a key pillar of strength for the group. Stephen Tromans KC is 'an outstanding barrister and an expert in his field'. Richard Harwood OBE KC is acting for a large offshore wind farm in a case involving alleged conflict between the client's operations and the operations of the Net Zero Teesside project, which involves a carbon capture and storage scheme. At the junior end of chambers, James Burton is well known for his expertise in handling group litigation cases; Stephanie David is 'an engaging, courageous advocate'; and the ‘highly organised and disciplined’ Daniel Stedman Jones has established strength in advising on renewable energy matters.

Testimonials

‘Andy Poyser and his team are particularly helpful, understanding and help to deliver to clients’, sometimes very demanding, expectations.’

‘Elliott Hurrell and Oliver York both deal with matters effectively and efficiently.’ 

‘Clerks are all efficient and friendly, especially Charlie Quant.’

‘Elliott Hurrell and Andy Poyser are as good as they come.’

‘For planning and environment, they’re streets ahead.’

‘A very good set for planning, property and environmental matters.’

‘A superb set.’





Francis Taylor Building


Climate change mandates have been a prominent feature of Francis Taylor Building's environmental caseload. Richard Honey KC and Conor Fegan successfully represented the defendant in R (Friends of the Earth) v UK Export Finance & Others, a case concerning the UK government’s financing of the construction of a liquefied natural gas plant in Mozambique which allegedly was in conflict with the Paris Agreement. In another matter, Merrow Golden, unled, successfully defended Mansfield District Council, meaning the proposed residential development of over two hundred new homes can go ahead, despite opposition citing alleged disturbance to local nature and wildlife sites.

Testimonials

‘James Kemp is excellent.’

‘James Kemp is extremely responsive and helpful.’   

‘The set is extremely good. It has real strength-in-depth in the environmental area.’

‘The set is always able to provide advice from somebody who is experienced in any area of environmental law, however obscure.’

‘A very good environmental set.’

‘An excellent set with standout expertise in this area of law.’   

‘The clerks are sound and effective.’   

‘The clerks are highly regarded and extremely efficient.’





Landmark Chambers


Landmark Chambers is 'a leading set on environmental matters' with 'an incredibly deep bench of expertise'. Gwion Lewis KC is representing the Environment Agency in longrunning litigation arising from its decisions to set low catch allocations for salmon fishing in the River Wye, involving claims of alleged human rights breaches. David Elvin KC is 'a superb advocate at the top of his game', and James Maurici KC's workload includes climate change, air quality, waste and habitat and species protection issues. The 'robust' Heather Sargent is sought after for her extensive experience in advising on EU environmental matters. Bolstering the team at the senior end, Alex Goodman KC was elevated to silk in March 2023.

Testimonials

‘The clerks are helpful and responsive, particularly Richard Bolton.’

‘The clerks are all brilliant. They are easy to deal with, quick to respond, and pragmatic, particularly Jason Allen and Michael Gooch.’

‘A team of personable clerks – Ben Connor is particularly helpful and hands-on.’

‘A leading environmental set.’

‘Landmark has tremendous strength in breadth and depth in environmental, planning, regulatory and public law.’

‘ A very strong planning and environmental set.’

‘Landmark is rightly regarded as a first point of call in planning and environmental cases. The set has impressive strength and depth.’

‘The clerks at Landmark Chambers are always responsive and thorough as well as forthcoming with advice.’





Six Pump Court


'Leading set in environmental law' Six Pump Court is well regarded for housing a team of 'specialists in environmental law'. In a prominent highlight for the set, a silk and two juniors - Stephen Hockman KC, Charles Morgan  and Nicholas Ostrowski respectively - appeared before the Supreme Court in The Manchester Ship Canal Company Ltd v United Utilities Water Ltd, a case arising from longrunning litigation over alleged sewage discharges into the Manchester Ship Canal. The main issues in the case focus on the operation of the sewerage system in England and Wales, and the liability of undertakers for polluting discharges. In another matter, Christopher Badger is representing a waste recycling company in judicial review proceedings concerning the company's proposed exportation of hazardous waste to Norway.

Testimonials

‘Richard Constable and Ryan Barrow engage and take active control of case management.’

‘Richard Constable and Ryan Barrow are excellent. They make a formidable team.’

‘The clerks are all fantastic but Ryan Barrow really stands out – he is a pleasure to deal with, nothing ever feels too much trouble and he’s very proactive.’

The clerks provide an excellent service.’

‘This set punches above its weight and have a number of counsel who are absolutely at the top of the game.’

‘The set’s regulatory and environmental work is particularly strong.’

‘The clerks are highly efficient and proactive.’

‘I always feel in safe hands with the clerks at Six Pump Court.’





Henderson Chambers


Henderson Chambers has particular expertise in handling environmental litigation. Multiple members of the set continue to act for various parties in the high-profile Volkswagen emissions litigation, alongside advising on complex environmental damage claims arising from pollution and large-scale oil spills. Oliver Campbell KC is 'incredibly approachable' and 'adept at advising on complex group litigation matters'. Prashant Popat KC is sought after for his strength in handling regulatory issues in the environmental arena. The senior end of the team was bolstered by the elevation of Kathleen Donnelly KC to silk in March 2023.

Testimonials

‘Daniel Smith is a star.’

‘Jason Housden is stellar – so pragmatic, so experienced, so good.’

‘A set with a very good range of barristers.’

‘A set with excellent barristers.’

‘The clerks are always friendly, approachable and reliable.’

‘Clerks at the chambers are very responsive and helpful.’

‘Clerks willingly provide information about fees at short notice.’





Matrix Chambers


Matrix Chambers is home to 'a deep pool of extremely skilled barristers', with notable strength in handling climate change, biodiversity and marine protection matters. David Wolfe KC is 'a fearless advocate, who always goes the extra mile for his clients' and continues to assist environmental NGO company Wild Justice with ongoing challenges to public bodies on a wide spectrum of environmental issues. The 'authoritative' Zoë Leventhal KC has expertise in relation to the Habitats Directive. Among the junior end of chambers, Kate Cook is 'knowledgeable, flexible, pragmatic and calm', with an excellent track record in advising on international environmental issues, and the 'fiercely bright' Emma Foubister is 'deeply enthusiastic about claimant environmental law'.

Testimonials

‘Sarah Walker is very responsive, professional, and friendly, and able to organise and orchestrate with ease.’

‘Matrix is a very strong set for public environmental law.’

‘The barristers at Matrix are of first-rate intellect and professionalism.’

‘An excellent chambers.’

‘The clerks are professional and helpful.’

‘A team of excellent clerks.’

‘The clerks are supremely efficient.’

‘The clerks take a fresh approach that reflects our values and motivations.’





Blackstone Chambers


Blackstone Chambers' team of 'expert counsel' is well versed in handling a broad spectrum of environmental work. Thomas de la Mare KC brings expertise in water regulatory issues, and the 'brilliant' Hanif Mussa KC is well versed in handling mandates involving renewable energy matters. Mussa's recent caseload includes appearing before the Court of Appeal for the defendant in R (Wild Justice) v Water Services Regulation Authority, a claim involving an application for judicial review of alleged failures by the regulator to monitor water pollution from sewage treatment works; the Court dismissed the appeal and refused permission for judicial review. Emma Dixon is a highly regarded junior in the space, with an excellent track record in acting for environmental NGOs.

Testimonials

‘This set boasts exceptionally bright juniors.’

‘Blackstone is our go-to set for their range and depth of expertise and because they are uniformly a pleasure to work with.’

‘The clerking team is very helpful.’

‘The clerks are highly responsive and deliver a high level of client service.’

‘A friendly and efficient team.’





Cornerstone Barristers


At Cornerstone Barristers, recent work for the team includes Estelle Dehon KC acting for the claimant in R (South Lakes Action on Climate Change) v SSLUHC & West Cumbria Mining, a climate-based challenge to a grant of permission for a new underground coal mine and its associated development in Whitehaven in Cumbria. At the junior end of chambers, the 'exceptionally knowledgeable and organised' Ruchi Parekh stands out for her expertise in handling climate change litigation and contentious waste-related matters.

Testimonials

‘Daryl Hughes is always responsive and is easy to work with.’

‘Cornerstone is one of the leading public law and planning sets in the country.’

‘The set has really strong senior juniors in the ranks who specialise in planning and environmental work.’

‘We have received excellent service from Cornerstone. The clerks are helpful and the set is building a very impressive selection of environmental counsel.’

‘All the clerks are extremely responsive and helpful.’

‘The clerks provide an efficient service.’