The Legal 500

Within Administrative and public law (including local government), tier 4

A renowned planning set and known for property-related judicial reviews, FTB is noted for its ‘exceptionally high-quality work’ and ‘superb clerking’. Robert McCracken QC has a ‘clever brain and a thorough dedication to preparation’. Richard Glover QC and Guy Roots QC are a ‘formidable combination’, and Robin Purchas QC is recommended. James Pereira has ‘exceptional analytical skills’, and Meyric Lewis is ‘nimble on his feet’.

Within Consumer and product liability, tier 5

At FTB, Kevin de Haan QC has ‘a thorough knowledge of the betting and gaming industry’ and is recommended for his expertise in teleshopping and e-commerce law.

Within EU and competition,

Other recommended individuals include: Gregory Jones QC at FTB, who is ‘at the top of his game’, and has ‘deep knowledge and experience’; the ‘very well-regarded’ Deok Joo Rhee at 11KBW; and ‘brilliant advocate’ Conor Quigley QC at Serle Court.

Within Education Education – New Silks

Within Employment,

Other recommended silks include: Robert Griffiths QC at 4-5 Gray’s Inn Square; FTB’s Simon Mehigan QC; Andrew Hogarth QC at 12 King’s Bench Walk, who is ‘a robust and forthright advocate and persuasive on paper’; and Gavin Millar QC of Doughty Street Chambers, who ‘always seeks strategic solutions’. At the junior end, the ‘exceptional’ Rachel Toney at Stone Chambers ‘demonstrates a keen grasp of the law and is a formidable asset in any Employment Tribunal case’; Ben Collins of One Crown Office Row has a ‘very calm, measured approach’; Tooks Chambers’ Jane Russell shows ‘excellent legal knowledge and very strong cross-examination skills’; and the ‘ten out of ten’ David Brook and ‘extremely bright’ Patrick Green at Henderson Chambers, who are also well respected in the field.

Within Energy,

Also recommended are Christopher Nugee QC at Wilberforce Chambers; Stuart Isaacs QC of 3-4 South Square; Hodge Malek QC of 4-5 Gray’s Inn Square; Peter McMaster QC at Serle Court, who is ‘a strong performer on his feet’; and Andrew Newcombe QC from FTB, who has ‘in-depth knowledge of the energy sector’.

Within Environment, FTB (Chambers of Robin Purchas QC) is a first tier firm,

FTB has ‘a good blend of skills, experience and seniority’. Robert McCracken QC ‘does not overawe but quietly impresses with his erudite advice and measured approach. His advocacy is persuasive and to the point’. Charles George QC led on Morge v Hampshire CC at the Supreme Court, which considered the Habitats Regulations 2009. Meyric Lewis is ‘nimble on his feet and able to react and respond to unusual turns of events’. Richard Honey is ‘quick thinking, an excellent advocate and unflappable under pressure’.

Within Health and safety Health and safety – Leading Silks

Within Licensing, FTB (Chambers of Robin Purchas QC) is a first tier firm,

FTB has strength in depth among silks and juniors, and has excellent clerking. Kevin de Haan QC is ‘a “go-to” barrister for betting and gaming issues’, and provides ‘clear, efficient and cost-effective advice. He is a master of the subject, but also considers issues that may not have been immediately apparent’. The ‘very formidable’ and ‘very charming’ Gerald Gouriet QC ‘has a keen eye for detail and is always thoroughly prepared. His courtroom manner is impeccable’. Simon Mehigan QC is ‘extraordinarily good – he knows his stuff’. James Rankin is ‘the “go-to” junior, with a huge wealth of experience acting for applicants and objectors. He is an effective cross-examiner of witnesses but with guile, style and aplomb enough to charm most committees and courts’. Former solicitor Jeremy Phillips is ‘superb’, ‘a very competent, thorough, courteous and hardworking barrister with in-depth knowledge in licensing, who handles intricate and delicate cases very well’. Juan Lopez is ‘accessible and tenacious’.

Within Planning, FTB (Chambers of Robin Purchas QC) is a second tier firm,

FTB is ‘a very strong set with great strength in depth’, and ‘an excellent clerking team’. The highly regarded Michael Humphries QC is ‘incredibly bright, a very clear and precise advocate and very “hands on” in teamwork’. Charles George QC appeared at the Supreme Court in Lewis v Redcar and Morge v Hampshire CC. Andrew Tait QC ‘exudes calm confidence. An extremely able advocate – well prepared, and his almost laid-back style is very well suited to the public inquiry format’. Andrew Newcombe QC is ‘crisp in delivery, focuses on the key issues and does not beat around the bush. He commands respect as an advocate’. A ‘technically excellent, extremely composed advocate’, James Pereira provides ‘attention to detail, a courteous and immediate response, and accurate, concise and commercial advice’. ‘Undoubtedly a rising star’, Hereward Phillpot is ‘one of the “new breed” of barristers who are down-to-earth, extremely bright and likeable’. ‘Clearly authoritative’, Robert Fookes ‘grasps complicated planning issues effortlessly’.

Within Treasury Panel Lists Junior Counsel to the Crown – B Panel