James Findlay KC > Cornerstone Barristers > London, England > Barrister Profile
Cornerstone Barristers Offices
2-3 GRAY'S INN SQUARE
LONDON
WC1R 5JH
England
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James Findlay KC
Work Department
Planning and environment; licensing; local government law.
Position
Specialist in planning and environment, compulsory purchase, licensing and local government law in both England & Wales and Scotland. Also undertakes a wide range of contract/commercial work.
In last 10 years Supreme Court cases include Multilink Leisure Developments v North Lanarkshire Council (lease interpretation), Morge v Hampshire (resisting interim relief application), Welwyn Hatfield v SOSCLG (deceit and planning), Tesco Stores Ltd v Dundee City Council (interpretation of policy and sequential test), Uprichard v Scottish Ministers (local plan challenge) and Trump v Scottish Ministers (implied conditions). Numerous other related Court cases in both jurisdictions.
Likewise numerous planning inquiries, including recent significant experience in windfarms, waste to energy facilities and acted for Guildford Borough Council promoting its local plan.
Licensing work at all levels in both jurisdictions.
James advises on all aspects of local authority law, including governance, elections, highways and procurement.
Career
Called England and Wales 1984; Queen’s Council (England and Wales) 2008; admitted Scotland 2008; Joint Head of Chambers (Cornerstone Barristers) 2011-14; Standing Junior to Scottish Ministers (2013); Chair of Scottish Planning Local Government and Environmental Bar Group 2015.
Memberships
Planning and Environment Bar Association (PEBA); Constitutional and Administrative Law Bar Association (ALBA); National Infrastructure Planning Association (NIPA); UK Environmental Law Association (UKELA).
Education
Magdalene College, Cambridge.
Lawyer Rankings
London Bar > Licensing
(Leading Silks)Ranked: Tier 2‘One of the leaders in the field of licensing‘, Cornerstone Barristers is home to a team with ‘exceptional licensing expertise‘. Members handle the full range of licensing work, and is well known for acting for national authorities, public sector clients and operators in licensing disputes. James Findlay KC is highly regarded for his excellent track record in advising on private hire, alcohol, and gambling licensing matters. Ranjit Bhose KC is regularly instructed by licensing authorities on a range of work, and Josef Cannon KC has been kept busy handling contentious mandates concerning licenses for sexual entertainment venues, music festivals and hotels. Asitha Ranatunga has ‘an exceptional understanding of licensing law and procedure, as well as the ability to provide insightful, bespoke and practical advice‘.
London Bar > Environment
(Leading Silks)Ranked: Tier 4London Bar > Planning
(Leading Silks)Ranked: Tier 3James Findlay KC – Cornerstone Barristers ‘James has an unrivalled ability to tackle complex issues and get to the heart of the matter. In consultation, he asks the right questions, understands his client’s perspective and gives clear and helpful advice. His written advices and pleadings are clear, succinct and persuasive. James is top drawer.’
London Bar > Local government (including rating law)
(Leading Silks)Ranked: Tier 3James Findlay KC – Cornerstone Barristers ‘Very experienced and level-headed. James knows how to pitch a case at the right level of detail.’