39 Essex Chambers ‘has particular expertise in environmental law and a broad range of counsel in terms of expertise and experience, and there is great in depth at both QC and junior level’. Environmental law is a key pillar of the work done by its planning, environment and property team, which is heavily involved in the continuation of the promotion of HS2 in Parliament, and the defence of the decision of the Marine Management Organisation to allow a variation to the licence in relation to the construction of Hinkley Point Nuclear Power Station for the dredging and disposal of mud to allow for the construction of the water inlets for the power station in the Severn Estuary. Leading silk Stephen Tromans KC is involved in the Hinkley Point matter and is advising the Nuclear Decommissioning Agency and Magnox Limited on issues relating to transfer of advanced gas-cooled reactor nuclear power stations. The set has a host of capable juniors, among them Victoria Hutton, Christiaan Zwart and Rose Grogan, who are all involved in matters relating to the granting of permission for a tunnel under Stonehenge.
Environment in
London Bar39 Essex Chambers
Testimonials
Set
‘I’ve worked with 39 for the last 15 years and I will always prefer to have them on the team. There is a really warm collaborative culture at 39 that I just don’t experience at other sets. The barristers are all really generous with their time and the clerks aren’t trying to do a hard sell – they’re just genuinely interested in how they can help/find the best solution. They are razor-sharp when needed but you know you have a pretty unique set when you look forward to instructing them because you know its going to be fun.’
‘I find the set as a whole extremely good, with an unparalleled depth of knowledge of environmental law, which is the area that I have instructed on. They have in the past trialled innovative methods of preparing for cases, such as mock hearings, that have proved incredibly useful in honing a case, identifying areas for further research ahead of the hearing. They have also always been incredibly flexible in the service they provide.’
‘Broad range of counsel in terms of expertise and experience. The clerks are very strong and they have great in depth at both KC and junior level.’
’39 Essex is really growing as a planning and environmental set with greater strength and depth than ever before. There is a significant range of strong juniors with particularly strong women barristers.’
’39 Essex is a fantastic set of chambers if you want really good planning, environmental public law advice.’
’39 Essex are one of the best sets of chambers we work with and have always been very supportive of us. We have worked with many of 39 Essex public law barristers and have never been disappointed.’
Clerks
‘Andy Poyser is a legend. He’s the only clerk I have on speed-dial.’
‘We mainly deal with Andy Poyser who is very accommodating. Andy addresses any queries or concerns we have fully and will try and fit us in where we are working to a tight deadline. Andy is also quick to respond.’
‘Mark Winrow is very knowledgeable and capable.’
‘Prompt, courteous and professional. Andy Poyser, senior clerk always responds promptly to requests from us and will do his best to find someone to assist.’
‘First-class service from the clerks, nothing too much trouble. Special mention to Andy Poyser.’
Francis Taylor Building
At Francis Taylor Building is ‘solicitors are impressed by the standard of advice and the positive, collaborative attitude of the barristers’. The set’s expertise encompasses all aspects of environmental regulation, particularly the overlap between environmental law and land use planning, together with common law and criminal environmental liability. James Pereira KC is currently advising London Luton Airport on an application to increase capacity, with specific focus on climate change, greenhouse gas emissions, noise and environmental impact assessments. Standout junior Ned Westaway is handling a judicial review under the Planning Act 2008 on environmental impact assessment grounds to major offshore wind farm development.
Testimonials
Set
‘Francis Taylor Building is an excellent set and always my first choice. Over the years I have worked with ten members (a mix of juniors and silks) and have always been impressed by the standard of FTB’s advice and the positive, collaborative attitude of the barristers.’
‘The Chambers has good strength in depth on licensing matters from my experience.’
‘A very capable planning set we have sent the majority of our planning instructions to this year.’
‘FTB are one of the top planning sets, particularly on infrastructure work. Their breakfast briefings are well-known in the market and well-attended.’
‘Very strong depth of experience, particularly in the area of infrastructure. All members are of a consistently high quality.’
Clerking
‘All the clerks are an asset to FTB. I mainly deal with Harry Killick, Harry Gamble and James Kemp and they are very helpful and responsive.’
‘Andrew Britton at FTB is a super chap, always so nice to deal with and always keen to help us. Otherwise we find all the clerks really friendly and courteous.’
‘James Kemp has been exemplary. Very available and very courteous.’
‘Harry Gamble in particular seems like an indispensable asset to the team.’
‘Excellent. Very recently helpfully and skilfully picked up an urgent request which I could not deal with given other commitments. The clerks liaised with the Court on my behalf and obtained a very favourable outcome.’
Landmark Chambers
‘Probably the best set in this area in terms of breadth and depth’, Landmark Chambers has ‘a large range of top planning, public and environmental lawyers providing solid service’. Its members are ‘very good for environmental law with a lot of very able and experienced practitioners, and the set deserves its reputation as a top-tier chambers’. Members frequently act for government entities, regulators, industry, corporates, private individuals and groups on matters concerning air quality, access to environmental justice, waste, contaminated land, pollution, climate change, emissions trading, environmental permitting and regulation and a host of other issues. David Elvin KC is among the most prominent and experienced silks in this field of law, and James Maurici KC, who is currently handling a group litigation case concerning claims for a terrorist-caused oil spill in Colombia, is also a standout silk. Prominent junior Richard Moules successfully represented the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government in a case concerning the scope of environmental impact assessment of fossil fuel extraction projects.
Testimonials
Set
‘Probably the best set in this area in terms of breadth and depth.’
‘First choice chambers for planning law matters. Real strength and depth, both at the senior and junior end. Good seminars, and the Landmark Chambers NPPF Digest is an invaluable reference tool. Landmark barristers are not the cheapest, but they are amongst the very best, and you get value for money.’
‘Landmark obviously includes a large range of top planning, public and environmental lawyers.’
‘A standout planning set. Many of the leading silks who cover the full range of planning and related areas. In recent years they have grown their profile in the energy and infrastructure space.’
‘Landmark deserves its reputation as a top-tier chambers.’
Clerking
‘Excellent service all-round. Speedy, very helpful and always friendly and efficient.’
‘Michael Gooch in particular is incredibly responsive and accommodating. Also striving to do the best for our mutual clients. Often faced with seemingly impossible situations created by the courts and planning inspectorate listing teams.’
‘The clerks at Landmark are some of the best I’ve worked with. They know the market and are the right mix of affable and professional.’
‘I always found the service top quality and the clerks approachable, friendly and knowledgeable. Quick response times and always willing to go the extra mile.’
‘The clerks room has greatly strengthened in the last few years. It is now led by Ben Connor and Mark Ball who get extremely good feedback from clients as well as members of chambers.’
Work highlights
Six Pump Court
Six Pump Court is ‘a very good approachable environmental set with quality barristers giving a user-friendly service’. The set has numerous specialists in environmental law and planning, who have been involved in the most significant environmental enforcement cases undertaken by the Environment Agency, including acting for the principal corporate defendant in the largest prosecution ever undertaken by the EA, and advising on cutting-edge environmental issues such as the form and substance of the new Office for Environmental Protection. Stephen Hockman KC acted for the defendant in Environment Agency v European Metal Recycling Ltd, which centred on allegations of deliberately dumping waste and risking pollution of a nationally significant water supply. Among the juniors, Mark Harris, who represented the EA in a case against South West Water, and Gordon Wignall, who handled a group litigation case in the High Court concerning dust, odours and noise from a wood chip manufacturing plant, are highly regarded.
Testimonials
Set
‘I have worked with other members at Chambers and they do have strength in depth in this area. 6PC should shout louder about how good they are!’
‘6 Pump Court is one of the leading specialist environmental sets in the country for criminal work. Their counsel are excellent, and chambers has real strength in depth.’
‘6 Pump Court is the leading set in environmental law. I am happy to recommend them to friends and colleagues.’
‘6 Pump Court is a really strong set for environmental work, particularly regulatory matters, criminal defence, and permitting.’
‘A very good, approachable environmental set with quality barristers giving a user-friendly service.’
Clerking
‘Ryan Barrow is great – always helpful, easy to deal with, proactive. Ryan is who I deal with most but all members of the clerking team are good and pleasant to deal with.’
‘Richard Constable and Ryan Barrow are the main clerks for Chris Badger. They provide a high-level service, are easily accessible and promptly deal with any queries.’
‘Responsive. Fair and understanding on fees. A desire to work with solicitors for the client’s benefit.’
‘Richard Constable – the chief clerk at 6 Pump Court is excellent, always accessible and always cheerful. He runs a tight ship and there are never any diary problems.’
‘Ryan Barrow – extremely approachable and pleasant in his dealings. Always responsive and deals with any issues promptly. A real asset to chambers.’
Blackstone Chambers
‘Leading, top-end public law set’ Blackstone Chambers handles a diverse range of environmental matters, drawing in expertise in public, regulatory, local government, competition, energy, EU, procurement, planning and civil liberties. Thomas de la Mare KC, who has been running the Dieselgate litigation against VW and other motor vehicle manufacturers, and Mark Shaw KC
are the standout silks. New silk Hanif Mussa KC is ‘exactly the chap you want in your corner’ and he successfully resisted a judicial review challenge to the latest proposals to support badger culling as a means of combatting bovie tuberculosis in cattle. Jane Collier, who frequently advises on matters concerning the Paris Agreement and renewable energy developments, and Emma Dixon are among the set’s high-profile juniors.
Testimonials
Set
‘Blackstone is excellent – a market-leading, top end of town public law set.’
‘I have instructed Blackstone on everything from civil fraud to human rights issues and barristers are always top-class.’
Clerking
‘Billy Brian is a pleasure to work with.’
‘Adam Sloane is responsive and readily available.’
‘Smooth and professional.’
Work highlights
Henderson Chambers
Henderson Chambers is heavily involved in the Volkswagen emissions litigation and clients remark that it is ‘an excellent set with experienced counsel who are also friendly to work with’. Highly regarded silk Charles Gibson KC is involved in a multinational group action for defendants, involving more than 200,000 claims by Brazilian peopleand institutions following the collapse of the Fundão dam in Brazil. He is also handling the claims as part of the VW litigation and is also defending claims brought by more than 1,800 Zambian citizens bringing a claim against Vedanta Resources Plc, an English domiciled parent company, and KCM, a Zambian subsidiary company that owns and operates a mine in Zambia. Prashant Popat KC is another prominent member acting for VW, as is junior Kathleen Donnelly.
Testimonials
Set
‘Henderson Chambers has genuine strength and depth in health, safety and environmental matters.’
‘Henderson Chambers is an excellent set and one of my go-to chambers. The quality of counsel is excellent and I also enjoy working with them.’
‘Hendersons are my chambers of choice for more significant and technically complex cases particularly involving defence of major corporations.’
Clerking
‘Highly responsive and professional, always trying to meet and exceed the client’s expectations.’
‘The clerks are always really approachable and nice to work with. I contact Daniel Smith most often and he is great to work with.’
‘Jason Housden is the Senior Clerk and is first-class, as are the more junior clerks.’
Cornerstone Barristers
Cornerstone Barristers is ‘a good planning set, one of the strongest in this area and is particularly well-known for doing local authority work’. One client remarks that ‘there is strength and depth in the environmental team; with good experience across a range of high-profile and leading High Court claimant cases’. Members frequently handle matters involving green belt and countryside issues, the historic environment, fracking, energy and renewables, habitats and species protection, and waste. New silk Estelle Dehon KC is ‘well-known to be one of the leading counsel on climate cases, with an an astounding breadth of knowledge and handle of the detail’. In R (Finch & Weald Action Group) v Surrey County Council & Horse Hill Developments Ltd, she is handling the first climate-based judicial review challenge to a grant of permission for commercial oil production. Experienced junior Jonathan Clay is adept in town and country planning matters.
Testimonials
Set
‘One of the strongest sets in this area.’
‘Cornerstone is a good planning set. They are particularly well-known for doing local authority work.’
‘A very strong set in my area of work – planning and environment. Counsel generally available, although clearly very busy. Cornerstone’s annual case law update is about the best among the planning/environmental law chambers.’
Clerking
‘Always responsive and easy to work with.’
‘Clerks are very responsive. Daniel Gatt is good to work with; very responsive and takes a practical view matter such as negotiating fees.’
‘Clerks are effective and approachable.’
‘Great clerks. Lovely to deal with.’
Work highlights
Matrix Chambers
Matrix Chambers is increasingly instructed in matters which address the impact of international law and standards in domestic law, particularly in relation to climate change and marine protection. The set is ‘brilliant across the board, and it is always a pleasure to instruct their members’, and according to some ‘the environment and human rights team is head and shoulders above the rest, particularly in taking on the more difficult and controversial environmental and climate cases’. Richard Hermer KC, who frequently handles large-scale international environmental disasters claims litigated before the London courts, and David Wolfe KC, who is challenging the legality of the UK government’s £28bn road building plan by reference to the need to tackle climate change, are the standout silks. New silk Zoë Leventhal KC is ‘an all-round excellent barrister, good on her feet and careful in how she presents cases’.
Testimonials
Set
‘The environment and human rights team at Matrix are head and shoulders above the rest, particularly in taking on the more difficult and controversial environmental and climate cases.’
‘Matrix has a good number of barristers specialising in Environmental/Public law. It is my go-to Chambers for this area of work as its members are, without exception, phenomenally bright and strategic in approach.’
‘Matrix is brilliant across the board, and it is always a pleasure to instruct its members.’
Clerking
‘Always helpful; Frankie Penton is great.’
‘The clerks are great – really responsive to emails and very friendly and helpful on the phone.’
39 Essex Chambers
Testimonials
Set
‘I’ve worked with 39 for the last 15 years and I will always prefer to have them on the team. There is a really warm collaborative culture at 39 that I just don’t experience at other sets. The barristers are all really generous with their time and the clerks aren’t trying to do a hard sell – they’re just genuinely interested in how they can help/find the best solution. They are razor-sharp when needed but you know you have a pretty unique set when you look forward to instructing them because you know its going to be fun.’
‘I find the set as a whole extremely good, with an unparalleled depth of knowledge of environmental law, which is the area that I have instructed on. They have in the past trialled innovative methods of preparing for cases, such as mock hearings, that have proved incredibly useful in honing a case, identifying areas for further research ahead of the hearing. They have also always been incredibly flexible in the service they provide.’
‘Broad range of counsel in terms of expertise and experience. The clerks are very strong and they have great in depth at both KC and junior level.’
’39 Essex is really growing as a planning and environmental set with greater strength and depth than ever before. There is a significant range of strong juniors with particularly strong women barristers.’
’39 Essex is a fantastic set of chambers if you want really good planning, environmental public law advice.’
’39 Essex are one of the best sets of chambers we work with and have always been very supportive of us. We have worked with many of 39 Essex public law barristers and have never been disappointed.’
Clerks
‘Andy Poyser is a legend. He’s the only clerk I have on speed-dial.’
‘We mainly deal with Andy Poyser who is very accommodating. Andy addresses any queries or concerns we have fully and will try and fit us in where we are working to a tight deadline. Andy is also quick to respond.’
‘Mark Winrow is very knowledgeable and capable.’
‘Prompt, courteous and professional. Andy Poyser, senior clerk always responds promptly to requests from us and will do his best to find someone to assist.’
‘First-class service from the clerks, nothing too much trouble. Special mention to Andy Poyser.’
Francis Taylor Building
At Francis Taylor Building is ‘solicitors are impressed by the standard of advice and the positive, collaborative attitude of the barristers’. The set’s expertise encompasses all aspects of environmental regulation, particularly the overlap between environmental law and land use planning, together with common law and criminal environmental liability. James Pereira KC is currently advising London Luton Airport on an application to increase capacity, with specific focus on climate change, greenhouse gas emissions, noise and environmental impact assessments. Standout junior Ned Westaway is handling a judicial review under the Planning Act 2008 on environmental impact assessment grounds to major offshore wind farm development.
Testimonials
Set
‘Francis Taylor Building is an excellent set and always my first choice. Over the years I have worked with ten members (a mix of juniors and silks) and have always been impressed by the standard of FTB’s advice and the positive, collaborative attitude of the barristers.’
‘The Chambers has good strength in depth on licensing matters from my experience.’
‘A very capable planning set we have sent the majority of our planning instructions to this year.’
‘FTB are one of the top planning sets, particularly on infrastructure work. Their breakfast briefings are well-known in the market and well-attended.’
‘Very strong depth of experience, particularly in the area of infrastructure. All members are of a consistently high quality.’
Clerking
‘All the clerks are an asset to FTB. I mainly deal with Harry Killick, Harry Gamble and James Kemp and they are very helpful and responsive.’
‘Andrew Britton at FTB is a super chap, always so nice to deal with and always keen to help us. Otherwise we find all the clerks really friendly and courteous.’
‘James Kemp has been exemplary. Very available and very courteous.’
‘Harry Gamble in particular seems like an indispensable asset to the team.’
‘Excellent. Very recently helpfully and skilfully picked up an urgent request which I could not deal with given other commitments. The clerks liaised with the Court on my behalf and obtained a very favourable outcome.’
Landmark Chambers
‘Probably the best set in this area in terms of breadth and depth’, Landmark Chambers has ‘a large range of top planning, public and environmental lawyers providing solid service’. Its members are ‘very good for environmental law with a lot of very able and experienced practitioners, and the set deserves its reputation as a top-tier chambers’. Members frequently act for government entities, regulators, industry, corporates, private individuals and groups on matters concerning air quality, access to environmental justice, waste, contaminated land, pollution, climate change, emissions trading, environmental permitting and regulation and a host of other issues. David Elvin KC is among the most prominent and experienced silks in this field of law, and James Maurici KC, who is currently handling a group litigation case concerning claims for a terrorist-caused oil spill in Colombia, is also a standout silk. Prominent junior Richard Moules successfully represented the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government in a case concerning the scope of environmental impact assessment of fossil fuel extraction projects.
Testimonials
Set
‘Probably the best set in this area in terms of breadth and depth.’
‘First choice chambers for planning law matters. Real strength and depth, both at the senior and junior end. Good seminars, and the Landmark Chambers NPPF Digest is an invaluable reference tool. Landmark barristers are not the cheapest, but they are amongst the very best, and you get value for money.’
‘Landmark obviously includes a large range of top planning, public and environmental lawyers.’
‘A standout planning set. Many of the leading silks who cover the full range of planning and related areas. In recent years they have grown their profile in the energy and infrastructure space.’
‘Landmark deserves its reputation as a top-tier chambers.’
Clerking
‘Excellent service all-round. Speedy, very helpful and always friendly and efficient.’
‘Michael Gooch in particular is incredibly responsive and accommodating. Also striving to do the best for our mutual clients. Often faced with seemingly impossible situations created by the courts and planning inspectorate listing teams.’
‘The clerks at Landmark are some of the best I’ve worked with. They know the market and are the right mix of affable and professional.’
‘I always found the service top quality and the clerks approachable, friendly and knowledgeable. Quick response times and always willing to go the extra mile.’
‘The clerks room has greatly strengthened in the last few years. It is now led by Ben Connor and Mark Ball who get extremely good feedback from clients as well as members of chambers.’
Work highlights
Six Pump Court
Six Pump Court is ‘a very good approachable environmental set with quality barristers giving a user-friendly service’. The set has numerous specialists in environmental law and planning, who have been involved in the most significant environmental enforcement cases undertaken by the Environment Agency, including acting for the principal corporate defendant in the largest prosecution ever undertaken by the EA, and advising on cutting-edge environmental issues such as the form and substance of the new Office for Environmental Protection. Stephen Hockman KC acted for the defendant in Environment Agency v European Metal Recycling Ltd, which centred on allegations of deliberately dumping waste and risking pollution of a nationally significant water supply. Among the juniors, Mark Harris, who represented the EA in a case against South West Water, and Gordon Wignall, who handled a group litigation case in the High Court concerning dust, odours and noise from a wood chip manufacturing plant, are highly regarded.
Testimonials
Set
‘I have worked with other members at Chambers and they do have strength in depth in this area. 6PC should shout louder about how good they are!’
‘6 Pump Court is one of the leading specialist environmental sets in the country for criminal work. Their counsel are excellent, and chambers has real strength in depth.’
‘6 Pump Court is the leading set in environmental law. I am happy to recommend them to friends and colleagues.’
‘6 Pump Court is a really strong set for environmental work, particularly regulatory matters, criminal defence, and permitting.’
‘A very good, approachable environmental set with quality barristers giving a user-friendly service.’
Clerking
‘Ryan Barrow is great – always helpful, easy to deal with, proactive. Ryan is who I deal with most but all members of the clerking team are good and pleasant to deal with.’
‘Richard Constable and Ryan Barrow are the main clerks for Chris Badger. They provide a high-level service, are easily accessible and promptly deal with any queries.’
‘Responsive. Fair and understanding on fees. A desire to work with solicitors for the client’s benefit.’
‘Richard Constable – the chief clerk at 6 Pump Court is excellent, always accessible and always cheerful. He runs a tight ship and there are never any diary problems.’
‘Ryan Barrow – extremely approachable and pleasant in his dealings. Always responsive and deals with any issues promptly. A real asset to chambers.’
Blackstone Chambers
‘Leading, top-end public law set’ Blackstone Chambers handles a diverse range of environmental matters, drawing in expertise in public, regulatory, local government, competition, energy, EU, procurement, planning and civil liberties. Thomas de la Mare KC, who has been running the Dieselgate litigation against VW and other motor vehicle manufacturers, and Mark Shaw KC
are the standout silks. New silk Hanif Mussa KC is ‘exactly the chap you want in your corner’ and he successfully resisted a judicial review challenge to the latest proposals to support badger culling as a means of combatting bovie tuberculosis in cattle. Jane Collier, who frequently advises on matters concerning the Paris Agreement and renewable energy developments, and Emma Dixon are among the set’s high-profile juniors.
Testimonials
Set
‘Blackstone is excellent – a market-leading, top end of town public law set.’
‘I have instructed Blackstone on everything from civil fraud to human rights issues and barristers are always top-class.’
Clerking
‘Billy Brian is a pleasure to work with.’
‘Adam Sloane is responsive and readily available.’
‘Smooth and professional.’
Work highlights
Henderson Chambers
Henderson Chambers is heavily involved in the Volkswagen emissions litigation and clients remark that it is ‘an excellent set with experienced counsel who are also friendly to work with’. Highly regarded silk Charles Gibson KC is involved in a multinational group action for defendants, involving more than 200,000 claims by Brazilian peopleand institutions following the collapse of the Fundão dam in Brazil. He is also handling the claims as part of the VW litigation and is also defending claims brought by more than 1,800 Zambian citizens bringing a claim against Vedanta Resources Plc, an English domiciled parent company, and KCM, a Zambian subsidiary company that owns and operates a mine in Zambia. Prashant Popat KC is another prominent member acting for VW, as is junior Kathleen Donnelly.
Testimonials
Set
‘Henderson Chambers has genuine strength and depth in health, safety and environmental matters.’
‘Henderson Chambers is an excellent set and one of my go-to chambers. The quality of counsel is excellent and I also enjoy working with them.’
‘Hendersons are my chambers of choice for more significant and technically complex cases particularly involving defence of major corporations.’
Clerking
‘Highly responsive and professional, always trying to meet and exceed the client’s expectations.’
‘The clerks are always really approachable and nice to work with. I contact Daniel Smith most often and he is great to work with.’
‘Jason Housden is the Senior Clerk and is first-class, as are the more junior clerks.’
Cornerstone Barristers
Cornerstone Barristers is ‘a good planning set, one of the strongest in this area and is particularly well-known for doing local authority work’. One client remarks that ‘there is strength and depth in the environmental team; with good experience across a range of high-profile and leading High Court claimant cases’. Members frequently handle matters involving green belt and countryside issues, the historic environment, fracking, energy and renewables, habitats and species protection, and waste. New silk Estelle Dehon KC is ‘well-known to be one of the leading counsel on climate cases, with an an astounding breadth of knowledge and handle of the detail’. In R (Finch & Weald Action Group) v Surrey County Council & Horse Hill Developments Ltd, she is handling the first climate-based judicial review challenge to a grant of permission for commercial oil production. Experienced junior Jonathan Clay is adept in town and country planning matters.
Testimonials
Set
‘One of the strongest sets in this area.’
‘Cornerstone is a good planning set. They are particularly well-known for doing local authority work.’
‘A very strong set in my area of work – planning and environment. Counsel generally available, although clearly very busy. Cornerstone’s annual case law update is about the best among the planning/environmental law chambers.’
Clerking
‘Always responsive and easy to work with.’
‘Clerks are very responsive. Daniel Gatt is good to work with; very responsive and takes a practical view matter such as negotiating fees.’
‘Clerks are effective and approachable.’
‘Great clerks. Lovely to deal with.’
Work highlights
Matrix Chambers
Matrix Chambers is increasingly instructed in matters which address the impact of international law and standards in domestic law, particularly in relation to climate change and marine protection. The set is ‘brilliant across the board, and it is always a pleasure to instruct their members’, and according to some ‘the environment and human rights team is head and shoulders above the rest, particularly in taking on the more difficult and controversial environmental and climate cases’. Richard Hermer KC, who frequently handles large-scale international environmental disasters claims litigated before the London courts, and David Wolfe KC, who is challenging the legality of the UK government’s £28bn road building plan by reference to the need to tackle climate change, are the standout silks. New silk Zoë Leventhal KC is ‘an all-round excellent barrister, good on her feet and careful in how she presents cases’.
Testimonials
Set
‘The environment and human rights team at Matrix are head and shoulders above the rest, particularly in taking on the more difficult and controversial environmental and climate cases.’
‘Matrix has a good number of barristers specialising in Environmental/Public law. It is my go-to Chambers for this area of work as its members are, without exception, phenomenally bright and strategic in approach.’
‘Matrix is brilliant across the board, and it is always a pleasure to instruct its members.’
Clerking
‘Always helpful; Frankie Penton is great.’
‘The clerks are great – really responsive to emails and very friendly and helpful on the phone.’