Cornerstone Barristers > Birmingham, England > Set Profile
Cornerstone Barristers Offices

12-22 Newhall Street
BIRMINGHAM
B3 3EW
England
- Go to...
- Rankings
- Set Profile
- Main Contacts
- Additional Tab
Cornerstone Barristers > The Legal 500 Rankings
London Bar > Social housing Tier 1
Cornerstone Barristers is a ‘leading set in the area of housing’. In Bankole-Jones v Watford BC, Catherine Rowlands argued for Watford Borough Council on the issue whether someone who is homeless and sleeping rough is by that fact “vulnerable” and therefore in priority need for the purposes of section 189 of the Housing Act 1996. In Croydon LBC v Kalonga, Riccardo Calzavara - ultimately successfully - represented Croydon council first in the High Court, then the Court of Appeal and finally the Supreme Court, where he was led by Kelvin Rutledge KC, on the question of how authorities can recover possession against fixed-term tenants, and the proper construction of forfeiture clauses in fixed-term secure tenancies. In June 2022, Lindsay Johnson joined from Doughty Street Chambers.2023 Silks
Leading Juniors
Testimonials
Set
‘A very highly regarded top set of chambers in the housing and local government field. Very professional, approachable, dedicated and friendly team to work with.’
‘An extremely competent set with some of the leading barristers in the field.’
‘Cornerstone Barristers has real strength in depth from the most junior through to silk level.’
‘Excellent for local government law – particularly housing and licensing.’
‘Cornerstone Barristers is excellent at providing first class barristers. Their annual housing conference is a highlight in the housing sector.’
Clerks
‘Clerks provide an excellent service: extremely personable and friendly. No task is too small for them to undertake. They are efficient, providing a prompt service and are always willing to help.’
London Bar > Local government (including rating law) Tier 1
Considered a ‘ go-to set for local government property law issues’ by one client, Cornerstone Barristers barristers represent over 300 local authorities, often in judicial reviews. Local government specialist Kelvin Rutledge KC has a wide ranging practice and has appeared in the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal in the past year for social housing related issues. On the junior side, Andrew Lane recently acted in Stephen Gleeson v Welwyn Hatfield BC, a case which hinged on a novel argument relating to intentional homelessness.2023 Silks
Rising stars
Leading Silks
Testimonials
Set
‘Cornerstone are my go-to set for local government property law issues.’
‘Very strong on public law generally, particularly local government.’
‘Good strength in depth of cover.’
Clerking
‘They continue to offer a great service.’
‘Very helpful and understand public sector.’
‘Clerks as always are exemplary; they are personable and efficient, providing a prompt service and are always willing to help. Daniel Gatt rates a mention. He has proven invaluable identifying the appropriate counsel to instruct on a number of local authority matters.’
London Bar > Licensing Tier 1
Cornerstone Barristers is noted for being ‘excellent’ when it comes to licensing matters, with a focus on representing operators in disputes concerning gambling, sex shops, alcohol, public entertainment and private hire. In Uber London Limited v Transport for London & United Trade Action Group & APCU & Transopco Limited, Ranjit Bhose KC led Josef Cannon, acting on behalf of Uber in proceedings questioning whether the Private Hire Vehicles (London) Act 1998 requires a licensed operator to enter a contract as a principal with a passenger who has booked a journey. Asitha Ranatunga represented Bessington Investments in an objection to One World Festival’s application for a new premises license.Leading Juniors
Testimonials
Set
‘Excellent.’
‘Favoured provider.‘
Clerking
‘Excellent. I work closely with Daniel Gatt and George Regan especially.‘
Work highlights
London Bar > Administrative law and human rights Tier 4
Cornerstone Barristers ‘hosts a number of very good barristers in this area’ advising both private and public sector organisations involved in public law cases. Members regularly appear in a variety of courts in high profile cases of strategic importance. Philip Coppel KC acted in Heathrow Airport Limited v Information Commissioner, a case examining whether Heathrow Airport is a “public authority” for the purposes of the environmental information regime.2022 Silks
Testimonials
Set
‘Cornerstone hosts quite a number of very good barristers in this area.’
Clerking
‘Always responsive and easy to work with.’
London Bar > Environment Tier 3
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.
Leading Silks
2022 Silks
Leading Juniors
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.’
Work highlights
London Bar > Planning Tier 3
The ‘fantastic range of barristers’ at Cornerstone Barristers use their ‘excellent skills and expertise in the planning law field’ to advise a variety of clients on a full scope of cases. The chambers utilises its extensive sector knowledge of public law, energy, property, and local government law to bolster its planning offering. Michael Bedford KC acted for Suffolk CC in the Sizewell C Nuclear Power Station DCO Examination, concerning the eponymous power plant. In addition to this, Richard Ground KC successfully represented Twickenham Studios in the Twickenham Film Studios Arlington Works Planning Inquiry regarding a scheme which endangered the future of the historic film studio. Thomas Cosgrove KC successfully defended a judicial review claim for Mid Suffolk DC regarding an attempt which sought to quash planning permission for a 300-dwelling scheme in Ewans v Mid Suffolk DC. Wayne Beglan acted for Hackney Council in a series of cases which involved a judicial review, an appeal to the Court of Appeal, and an eight day planning inquiry appeal; the string of matters ultimately concerned prohibitory and mandatory injunctions against art installations which were installed at commercial premises.Rising stars
Leading Silks
2022 Silks
Leading Juniors
Testimonials
Set
‘Cornerstone have a good group of barristers with excellent skills and expertise in the planning law field. I would not hesitate to instruct any of their specialists in this field.’
‘Cornerstone Barristers have always been my go to, having worked with a variey of barristers within the chambers, each assisting with different aspects of planning and being able to support whichever case they are required.’
‘The level of experience amongst it members is very impressive. I have had the opportunity to work with other barristers in the same chambers and have found them to all be knowledgeable and approachable.’
‘Cornerstone has a fantastic range of barristers, from silks to junior juniors, who are regularly instructed in some of the biggest and notable planning cases.’
Clerking
‘The clerks are all friendly, very approachable and efficient.’
‘The clerks at Cornerstone are particularly strong in their communication, and have always ensured a timely response.’
Work highlights
London Bar > Data protection
Leading Silks
2022 Silks
London Bar > Health and safety
Leading Silks
London Bar > Property litigation
Leading Silks
Leading Juniors
London Bar > Aviation
London Bar > Court of Protection and community care
Leading Juniors
London Bar > Inquests and inquiries
Leading Silks
London Bar > Agriculture
Leading Juniors
London Bar > Commercial litigation
Cornerstone Barristers > Set Profile
Leading chambers in which excellence is achieved across a range of practice areas broadly related to public law and property, and through professional client service. With more than 50 barristers and offices in London, Birmingham and Cardiff, Cornerstone Barristers provides advice and representation in areas including administrative and public law, planning, property, housing, licensing, data protection, Court of Protection, health and social care, commercial and regulatory law. Clients include companies, central and local government, private developers, public development agencies and individuals.
The set: Chambers offers expertise at all levels of seniority, from KCs to newly qualified barristers, and at all levels of the court system, from County Court to the Supreme Court. Members are highly regarded and often involved in ground-breaking cases. They are not just legal experts but sector specialists, meaning that clients receive advice from, and are represented by, people who understand their perspective, their business and their challenges.
Types of work undertaken: The set’s expertise takes in the most lengthy, complex and high-profile cases, as well as more routine matters.
Planning and environment: As one of the leading planning sets, Cornerstone Barristers handles the full range of issues including high-profile infrastructure and other nationally important projects involving property, public and environmental law, compulsory purchase and compensation, minerals and waste, rights of way, highways, village greens and commons. Members handle major inquiries and advise on prominent developments, statutory challenges and judicial review.
Social housing: The set is well known for landlord and tenant law, homelessness, asylum, housing benefit fraud, possession claims, contested succession, unlawful subletting, anti-social behaviour and disrepair. Property: As well as advising and representing private and public-sector clients in relation to commercial and residential property, members act as mediators and arbitrators.
Public law and Judicial Review: The set defends and challenges public law decisions in many areas including planning, housing, highways, health and social care, Court of Protection, immigration, human rights, education and employment. Members take part in the most prominent public inquiries and inquests.
Licensing: The set drives professional development in this area by advising, training and educating across the whole field, including alcohol, entertainment, gambling and taxis, on behalf of licensing authorities, police, leading industry operators, trade associations and campaign and community groups.
Information law: The team has particular expertise in profiling, big data and Al, and brings both legal and technical knowledge to advising clients.
Health and social care: Members represent clients in the Court of Protection, the Administrative Court and the Supreme Court across the full spectrum of health and social care matters, including adult and child social care, mental capacity and mental health law.
Commercial: The set includes barristers with domestic business law practices encompassing contentious and non-contentious commercial and corporate work.
Regulatory law: In conjunction with a leading reputation in corporate manslaughter, the set provides a comprehensive service in consumer protection, trading standards, health and safety and environmental regulation.
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
CEO | Clare Bello | cbello@cornerstonebarristers.com | |
Senior Clerk | Elliot Langdorf | elangdorf@cornerstonebarristers.com | |
Joint Head of Chambers | COPPEL KC, Philip (1994) | philipc@cornerstonebarristers.com | |
Joint Head of Chambers | COSGROVE KC, Thomas (1994) | tomc@cornerstonebarristers.com | |
Member of Chambers | FINDLAY KC, James (1984) | jamesf@cornerstonebarristers.com | |
Member of Chambers | GASZTOWICZ KC, Steven (1981) | sg@cornerstonebarristers.com | |
Member of Chambers | FORLIN KC, Gerard (1984) | gerardf@cornerstonebarristers.com | |
Member of Chambers | BHOSE KC, Ranjit (1989) | ranjitb@cornerstonebarristers.com | |
Member of Chambers | RUTLEDGE KC, Kelvin (1989) | kelvinr@cornerstonebarristers.com | |
Member of Chambers | BEDFORD KC, Michael (1985) | michaelb@cornerstonebarristers.com | |
Member of Chambers | GROUND KC, Richard (1994) | richardg@cornerstonebarristers.com | |
Member of Chambers | BUSCH KC, Lisa (2000) | lbusch@cornerstonebarristers.com | |
Member of Chambers | SHADAREVIAN KC, Paul (1984) | ps@cornerstonebarristers.com | |
Member of Chambers | HUTCHINGS KC, Matt (1993) | matth@cornerstonebarristers.com | |
Member of Chambers | DEHON KC, Estelle (2006) | estelled@cornerstonebarristers.com | |
Member of Chambers | STOKER, Graham (1977) | grahams@cornerstonebarristers.com | |
Member of Chambers | ALBUTT, Ian (1981) | iana@cornerstonebarristers.com | |
Member of Chambers | CLAY, Jonathan (1990) | jclay@cornerstonebarristers.com | |
Member of Chambers | MARSHALL, Paul (1991) | paulm@cornerstonebarristers.com | |
Member of Chambers | ROWLANDS, Catherine (1992) | catheriner@cornerstonebarristers.com | |
Member of Chambers | TOWNSEND, Harriet (1992) | htownsend@cornerstonebarristers.com | |
Member of Chambers | GREEN, Robin (1992) | rgreen@cornerstonebarristers.com | |
Member of Chambers | GRANT, Edward (1994) | egrant@cornerstonebarristers.com | |
Member of Chambers | EDWARDS, Martin (1995) | medwards@cornerstonebarristers.com | |
Member of Chambers | FELDMAN, Matthew (1995) | mfeldman@cornerstonebarristers.com | |
Member of Chambers | PAGET, Michael (1995) | michaelp@cornerstonebarristers.com | |
Member of Chambers | LINTOTT, David (1996) | dlintott@cornerstonebarristers.com | |
Member of Chambers | BEGLAN, Wayne (1996) | wayneb@cornerstonebarristers.com | |
Member of Chambers | BEGLAN, Wayne (1996) | wayneb@cornerstonebarristers.com | |
Member of Chambers | JOHNSON, Lindsay (1997) | ljohnsons@cornerstonebarristers.com | |
Member of Chambers | BHOGAL, Kuljit (1999) | kuljitb@cornerstonebarristers.com | |
Member of Chambers | LANE, Andrew (1999) | andrewl@cornerstonebarristers.com | |
Member of Chambers | DATTA, Shomik (2000) | shomikd@cornerstonebarristers.com | |
Member of Chambers | RANATUNGA, Asitha (2001) | aranatunga@cornerstonebarristers.com | |
Member of Chambers | PETER, Natasha (2001) | npeter@cornerstonebarristers.com | |
Member of Chambers | ETIEBET, Peggy (2001) | peggye@cornerstonebarristers.com | |
Member of Chambers | UNDERWOOD, Dean (2002) | deanu@cornerstonebarristers.com | |
Member of Chambers | CANNON, Josef (2002) | jcannon@cornerstonebarristers.com | |
Member of Chambers | LAMBERT, Emmaline (2003) | elambert@cornerstonebarristers.com | |
Member of Chambers | PARRY, Clare (2005) | clarep@cornerstonebarristers.com | |
Member of Chambers | PARKHILL, Lee (2005) | lparkhill@cornerstonebarristers.com | |
Member of Chambers | OSCROFT, Jennifer (2006) | jennyo@cornerstonebarristers.com | |
Member of Chambers | KOHLI, Ryan (2006) | ryank@cornerstonebarristers.com | |
Member of Chambers | SALMON, Sarah (2007) | ssalmon@cornerstonebarristers.com | |
Member of Chambers | WILLIAMS, Robert (2008) | robertw@cornerstonebarristers.com | |
Member of Chambers | DRING, Emma (2009) | emmad@cornerstonebarristers.com | |
Member of Chambers | WHITTINGTON, Zoe (2009) | zoew@cornerstonebarristers.com | |
Member of Chambers | PAREKH, Ruchi (2010) | ruchip@cornerstonebarristers.com | |
Member of Chambers | CAMPBELL, Alexander (2010) | acampbell@cornerstonebarristers.com | |
Member of Chambers | CANTOR, Alistair (2011) | acantor@cornerstonebarristers.com | |
Member of Chambers | PARKER, Jack (2011) | jackp@cornerstonebarristers.com | |
Member of Chambers | HANSTOCK, Richard (2012) | richardh@cornerstonebarristers.com | |
Member of Chambers | DU FEU, Ben (2013) | bend@cornerstonebarristers.com | |
Member of Chambers | Dr BOWES, Ashley (2013) | ashleyb@cornerstonebarristers.com | |
Member of Chambers | LEWIN, Matt (2013) | matthewl@cornerstonebarristers.com | |
Member of Chambers | CALZAVARA, Riccardo (2013) | rcalzavara@cornerstonebarristers.com | |
Member of Chambers | O'LEARY, Tara (2014) | tarao@cornerstonebarristers.com | |
Member of Chambers | FITZSIMONS, John (2016) | johnf@cornerstonebarristers.com | |
Member of Chambers | Dr WILLIAMS, Alex (2017) | awilliams@cornerstonebarristers.com | |
Member of Chambers | Dr FOWLES, Sam (2017) | sfowles@cornerstonebarristers.com | |
Member of Chambers | CLAPP, Rowan (2018) | rclapp@cornerstonebarristers.com | |
Member of Chambers | DAVIES, Olivia (2016) | odavies@cornerstonebarristers.com | |
Member of Chambers | Dr LIENEN, Christina (2019) | clienen@cornerstonebarristers.com | |
Member of Chambers | BARBER, Jack (2019) | jbarber@cornerstonebarristers.com |
Diversity
As a firm committed to diversity and equality, Mathys & Squire actively supports the diverse make-up of its members and staff. To this end, the firm has appropriate policies and procedures in place across recruitment; training and professional development; reward and remuneration, to foster a working environment that supports this goal. Mathys & Squire’s policies, which are monitored and regularly reviewed by the management board, are free of discrimination on the grounds of race (including colour, nationality and ethnic origin), disability, gender reassignment, age, sexual orientation, sex, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, religion and/or belief. Mathys & Squire is proud to be an employer of choice, and promote a workplace that is diverse, inclusive and welcoming. Staff come from a wide range of nationalities, educational backgrounds and cultural heritages.
The firm’s recruitment process reaches out to a wide range of universities, while the interview style adopted across all teams throughout the hiring process is designed to allow individuals to relax and perform to their best ability. Maintaining a best practice, supportive environment where all Mathys & Squire staff can develop and reach their full potential is paramount.
An active member of IP Inclusive, an organisation committed to making the IP profession more inclusive, Mathys & Squire is part of the high-level ‘think tank’ devoted to improving diversity and inclusion (D&I) in the industry. This project brings together senior and managing partners to share ideas and best practices across numerous IP firms. The collaboration underlines the patent and trade mark professions’ commitment to create genuine, lasting changes to working practices and cultures. As part of this commitment, HR partner Alan MacDougall is proud to have signed IP Inclusive pledge.
- Social housing
- Local government (including rating law)
- Licensing
Top Tier Set Rankings
- Administrative law and human rights