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.
Environment in
London Bar
39 Essex Chambers
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‘. Sarah Sackman was elected as Member of Parliament for Finchley and Golders Green in the 2024 general election, and shortly after Richard Hermer KC was appointed Attorney-General.
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.’
39 Essex Chambers
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‘. Sarah Sackman was elected as Member of Parliament for Finchley and Golders Green in the 2024 general election, and shortly after Richard Hermer KC was appointed Attorney-General.
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.’