The Legal 500

Within Administrative and public law (including local government), 11KBW (Chambers of James Goudie QC) is a second tier firm,

‘A very strong set for public law’, 11KBW is ‘excellent for any local government work’, and leads in public procurement and information law cases. Strong at both silk and junior level, the set also fields ‘friendly and efficient’ clerks. James Goudie QC is ‘extremely quick to grasp the nub of any issue’. Nigel Giffin QC impresses with his ‘exceptional breadth of legal knowledge and ability’, and Clive Lewis QC is ‘incisive, pragmatic and eminently approachable’. Elisabeth Laing QC is ‘very effective’. A new silk in 2010, Daniel Stilitz QC has a ‘clear and diplomatic approach in court’. Top-rated juniors include Jason Coppel, who is ‘top quality for procurement issues’, and the ‘excellent’ Karen Steyn. Also recommended are ‘graciously determined advocate’ Jane Oldham, and Ben Hooper, for his ‘integrity and great respect for the court’.

Within Civil liberties and human rights (including public inquiry law and actions against the police), 11KBW (Chambers of James Goudie QC) is a third tier firm,

At 11KBW, Joanne Clement regularly acts in judicial reviews regarding immigration, asylum, and prison and mental health cases, and has extensive experience acting for local authorities. Jason Coppel was recently involved in two cases regarding complaints made about the continuing ban on the rights of prisoners to vote. A ‘real quality lawyer’ with ‘excellent knowledge’, Ben Hooper is ‘scrupulously careful with great attention to detail’.

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, 11KBW (Chambers of James Goudie QC) is a first tier firm,

11KBW is an ‘exceptional set with a uniformly high quality of counsel’. ‘Response times always match the urgency of the matter and its willingness to work in an informal way is greatly appreciated’. At silk level, Nigel Giffin QC is ‘immensely impressive in whatever he does, owing to his formidable legal mind and humble nature’, and John Cavanagh QC is ‘obviously very good, but also down-to-earth and excellent with clients – a rare combination’. Tim Kerr QC is ‘a formidable barrister’ with ‘one of the great legal minds’, and Peter Oldham QC is a ‘highly respected, exceptional advocate’. Recently appointed silk and ‘innovative thinker’ Clive Sheldon QC is ‘very strong, with a clear, analytic mind’, and at junior level, Holly Stout is ‘unflappable and instils confidence in those who instruct her by her intelligence and draftsmanship’.

Within Employment, 11KBW (Chambers of James Goudie QC) is a first tier firm,

‘First-choice set’ 11KBW is ‘top notch for employment law, demonstrating sound commercial acumen and a down-to-earth approach’. ‘Unequalled in the field’, Christopher Jeans QC is ‘an absolute star, able to work with any type of client’; ‘his approach is both understated and impressive’. John Cavanagh QC provides ‘helpful commercial advice and is always clear, concise and to the point’. James Goudie QC is ‘approachable and easy to deal with’. Alistair McGregor QC is ‘a first-class advocate, who is excellent on strategy’. Praised for his ‘excellent knowledge of the law and shrewd tactical brain’, Clive Sheldon QC took silk in 2011, and is ‘not afraid to tell you how it is’. Top juniors include Seán Jones, who has ‘a phenomenal grasp of the detail and is hugely impressive on cross-examination’; Richard Leiper, who is ‘exceptionally bright, client focused and practical’; and Paul Nicholls, who is appreciated for his ‘can-do attitude’.

Within Media, entertainment and sport, 11KBW (Chambers of James Goudie QC) is a second tier firm,

11KBW’s Tim Kerr QC is ‘extremely smart and hardworking with a very strong grasp of the legal principles and the procedural issues in anti-doping cases’. For other sports-related disputes, James Goudie QC, Christopher Jeans QC and Seán Jones are recommended.

Within Treasury Panel Lists First junior treasury counsel