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

12-22 Newhall Street
BIRMINGHAM
B3 3EW
England
Cornerstone Barristers > The Legal 500 Rankings
London Bar > Licensing Tier 1
Powerhouse set Cornerstone Barristers remains a leader in licensing, specialising in acting for operators involved in licensing disputes related to gambling, alcohol, sex shops, and taxi and private hire licensing. In Uber London Limited v Transport for London and LTDA, Ranjit Bhose QC was instructed by Uber in its successful appeal against TfL's 2019 decision not to renew its Private Hire Vehicle Operator’s licence in London. James Findlay QC acted for LB of Waltham Forest in Hussain v LB of Waltham Forest, an HMO licensing case in the Upper Tribunal, which concerned whether the local authority had the right to consider spent convictions for lying about gas safety certificates. Asitha Ranatunga represented the Metropolitan Police in its objection to We Are FSTVL’s application for a new 10-year premises licence in Barking & Dagenham.
Leading Silks
Leading Juniors
Testimonials
Set
‘Cornerstone is our preferred set. ‘
Clerking
‘Excellent. I rate Daniel Gatt very highly.’
‘Excellent clerking. Dan Gatt is a standout clerk.’
London Bar > Local government (including rating law) Tier 1
Noted for its ‘excellent strength in depth in most, if not all, areas of local government and public sector law‘, Cornerstone Barristers is a prominent set in social housing, community care, planning, licensing, electoral law and environmental law matters. Matthew Feldman joined from 42 Bedford Row, bringing expertise in business rates, housing and judicial review law. Ranjit Bhose QC represented Hertsmere BC in a Court of Appeal decision concerning the circumstances in which local authorities may retrospectively ratify previous unlawful decisions. Matt Hutchings QC continues to act for LB Camden in The West End Project (a transport scheme in Bloomsbury, the headline aspect of which is to ban motor cars from Tottenham Court Road), in a statutory challenge brought by United Trade Action Group and Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association.Rising stars
Leading Silks
Leading Juniors
Testimonials
Set
‘They are always our first choice for both quality and value for money.’
‘I have always found Cornerstone to be a very good, intellectually sharp set of chambers. You feel there is a good level of knowledge and expertise available at chambers.’
Clerking
‘The clerks are all very good and easy to deal with. Sam Collins is always helpful and engaging.’
‘All the clerks are competent and helpful.’
‘Always friendly and accommodating – the Clerks do what they say they are going to do when they say they are going to do it.’
London Bar > Social housing Tier 1
'One of the best known housing sets' Cornerstone Barristers has a formidable reputation for cases concerning social housing law, including niche aspects regarding the traveller encampments. In 2021, Wayne Beglan acted in Anderson v Basildon DC, a key Court of Appeal case regarding the circumstances in which local authorities can successfully obtain interim mandatory injunction orders ejecting travellers from land they are currently on. In Adesotu v Lewisham LBC, Dean Underwood represented Lewisham LBC regarding the issue whether the County Court has jurisdiction to determine claims of alleged disability and indirect discrimination under ss.15, 19 and 29 Equality Act 2010 in a homelessness appeal under s.204 Housing Act 1996. Sarah Salmon joined from Field Court Chambers.
Rising stars
Leading Juniors
Testimonials
Set
‘Cornerstone Barristers are very professional and have excellent expertise in specific areas and a variety of professionals to choose from at all levels in Social Housing law. This makes it a very attractive chambers in Social Housing law, especially for those practising for Landlords. All of the barristers I have worked with there have always given the time to explain and discuss matters in further detail wherever necessary.’
‘Well versed, with a range of highly knowledgeable advocates.’
‘Cornerstone is a great set with some real quality. They regularly put on very well received training, they are the authors of some very good publications, we rely on heavily including ‘Cornerstone on Anti-social Behaviour’ and Cornerstone on Social Housing Fraud.’
‘Known for acting for local authorities and social landlords. One of the best known housing sets.’
‘The chambers have a wide range of counsel with excellent facilities.’
Clerks
‘The clerks are friendly, ever ready to help, they go over and above to assist. Elliot Langdorf, George Regan, Daniel Gatt and Chelsea Thomas are an absolute pleasure to work with.’
London Bar > Environment Tier 3
Cornerstone Barristers is a ‘helpful and supportive set with positive, polite and friendly people’. Clients note that it is ‘one of the top planning sets in London and is has a strong environmental law team’. The set has a long track record in environmental law due to its prominent planning and public law practices. Its members have particular expertise in green belt and countryside matters, energy and renewables, fracking, minerals, waste, habitats and species protection. Estelle Dehon QC has carved out a reputation as a leading junior in matters concerning climate change and challenges to the extractive industries. She recently acted for local group South Lakeland Against Climate Change – Toward Transition (SLACC) in connection with the hotly-contested proposed West Cumbria coalmine, which is one of the UK’s most high-profile environmental cases.
Leading Silks
2022 Silks
Leading Juniors
Testimonials
Set
‘Cornerstone have a strong environment law team.’
‘Cornerstone has an excellent reputation and is one of the 4 or 5 top planning sets in London.’
‘A strong set in this area. Able to quickly find a junior to bring on board to assist.’
‘Cornerstone Barristers is always on hand to assist with quotes, allocate the relevant barrister to a case and there has never been any difficulties with availability.’
‘A helpful and supportive set with positive, polite and friendly people.’
Clerks
‘Sam Collins is responsive and easy to work with. My dealings with the clerking team have been limited but they strike me a professional and knowledgeable and efficient.’
London Bar > Planning Tier 3
Cornerstone Barristers advises a range of clients throughout various stages of a planning case. Its planning expertise is complemented by in-depth sector knowledge in related areas including public law, property, energy and local government law. Richard Ground QC successfully represented Hounslow council in Starbones Ltd v Secretary of State, a High Court challenge following a public inquiry into the proposal for the Chiswick Curve, which would be West London's tallest building if constructed. Also of note, Philip Coppel QC, along with Asitha Ranatunga represented Uttlesford District Council in a dispute after its refusal to grant permission for enabling Stansted Airport’s development to allow an increase in passenger throughput. On issues concerning landscape and heritage, Thomas Cosgrove QC succeeded in winning an appeal for Hunstowe Land Ltd for a major housing development in Braintree, which fell in open countryside and was contrary to policy. Unled, Ashley Bowes represented the initial claimant in R (Corbett) v Cornwall Council which dealt with a fundamental planning legislation principle: when a is proposal ‘in accordance with’ the development plan for the purposes of s38(6) Planning & Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 – it is now the leading authority on these issues; James Findlay QC - who is also a Scottish advocate and a member of Terra Firma Chambers in Edinburgh - acted for Cornwall County Council.
Leading Silks
2022 Silks
Leading Juniors
Testimonials
Clerking
‘All of the clerks that I have dealt with at Cornerstone Barristers are very helpful, very pleasant and very organised.’
London Bar > Administrative and public law (including elections) Tier 4
Cornerstone Barristers has a 'good and well-deserved reputation in public law', and is active in a number of high-profile cases. Philip Coppel QC is representing Heathrow Airport Limited in a dispute with the Information Commissioner, concerning issues of whether the airport operator is a public authority. Kuljit Bhogal has specific expertise in public spaces protection orders, including representing Wycombe DC in the first appeal against one to be heard by the High Court, which found that a fine for drinking a supposedly non-alcoholic beverage from a branded lager can was valid. In a high-profile judicial review, Estelle Dehon QC represented the claimants in a proposed challenge to the decision to use an algorithm to grade the 2020 A-level cohort in England, which proposed to downgrade over 40% of teacher assessments in favour of calculations based on previous years' results; the government reversed course.Leading Silks
2022 Silks
Leading Juniors
Testimonials
Set
‘Cornerstone are a chambers with a good and well-deserved reputation in public law, environmental law and planning law.’
Clerking
‘The clerks are very good and always friendly and helpful.’
London Bar > Data protection
2022 Silks
London Bar > Health and safety
Leading Silks
London Bar > Property litigation
Leading Silks
Leading Juniors
London Bar > Aviation
Leading Silks
London Bar > Court of Protection and community care
Leading Juniors
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 QCs 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 QC, Philip (1994) | philipc@cornerstonebarristers.com | |
Joint Head of Chambers | COSGROVE QC, Thomas (1994) | tomc@cornerstonebarristers.com | |
Member of Chambers | LOWE QC, Mark (1972) | markl@cornerstonebarristers.com | |
Member of Chambers | UNDERWOOD QC, Ashley (1976) | aunderwood@cornerstonebarristers.com | |
Member of Chambers | FINDLAY QC, James (1984) | jamesf@cornerstonebarristers.com | |
Member of Chambers | GASZTOWICZ QC, Steven (1981) | sg@cornerstonebarristers.com | |
Member of Chambers | KOLVIN QC, Philip (1985) | philipk@cornerstonebarristers.com | |
Member of Chambers | FORLIN QC, Gerard (1984) | gerardf@cornerstonebarristers.com | |
Member of Chambers | BHOSE QC, Ranjit (1989) | ranjitb@cornerstonebarristers.com | |
Member of Chambers | RUTLEDGE QC, Kelvin (1989) | kelvinr@cornerstonebarristers.com | |
Member of Chambers | BEDFORD QC, Michael (1985) | michaelb@cornerstonebarristers.com | |
Member of Chambers | GROUND QC, Richard (1994) | richardg@cornerstonebarristers.com | |
Member of Chambers | BUSCH QC, Lisa (2000) | lbusch@cornerstonebarristers.com | |
Member of Chambers | SHADAREVIAN QC, Paul (1984) | ps@cornerstonebarristers.com | |
Member of Chambers | HUTCHINGS QC, Matt (1993) | matth@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 | 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 | 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 | TOWNSEND, Harriet (1992) | htownsend@cornerstonebarristers.com | |
Member of Chambers | ROWLANDS, Catherine (1992) | catheriner@cornerstonebarristers.com | |
Member of Chambers | BEGLAN, Wayne (1996) | wayneb@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) | ar@cornerstonebarristers.com | |
Member of Chambers | WELFARE, Damien (2001) | damienw@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) | ||
Member of Chambers | DEHON QC, Estelle (2006) | estelled@cornerstonebarristers.com | |
Member of Chambers | OSCROFT, Jennifer (2006) | jennyo@cornerstonebarristers.com | |
Member of Chambers | KOHLI, Ryan (2006) | ryank@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 | PARKER, Jack (2011) | jackp@cornerstonebarristers.com | |
Member of Chambers | HANSTOCK, Richard (2012) | richardh@cornerstonebarristers.com | |
Member of Chambers | DR BOWES, Ashley (2013) | ashleyb@cornerstonebarristers.com | |
Member of Chambers | CALZAVARA, Riccardo (2013) | rcalzavara@cornerstonebarristers.com | |
Member of Chambers | DU FEU, Ben (2013) | bend@cornerstonebarristers.com | |
Member of Chambers | LEWIN, Matt (2013) | matthewl@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 FOWLES, Sam (2017) | sfowles@cornerstonebarristers.com | |
Member of Chambers | Dr WILLIAMS, Alex (2017) | awilliams@cornerstonebarristers.com | |
Member of Chambers | BUONO, Isabella | ibuono@cornerstonebarristers.com | |
Member of Chambers | CLAPP, Rowan | rclapp@cornerstonebarristers.com |
Diversity
The principles of equal opportunity and diversity are a fundamental part of Cornerstone Barristers’ philosophy and are essential to our success as a thriving set. It is our unequivocal policy not to discriminate against anyone, either directly or indirectly, on grounds of race, colour, ethnic or national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy, maternity or paternity, disability, religion or belief, age, part-time, fixed-term or contractual status, or on any other irrelevant or irrational basis.
In particular, Chambers is committed to ensuring that it selects pupils, tenants and employees without discrimination, that discriminatory considerations play no part in the allocation of work within chambers, and that we do not accept instructions from solicitors who seek to select Counsel on a discriminatory basis. We endeavour to treat everyone, both inside and outside Chambers, with attention, courtesy, respect and consideration. We also aim to ensure that our pupillage, work experience, employment and membership opportunities are open and accessible to all based on individual qualities and personal merit.
Each year we host a small number of visits from pupils in state sixth forms who are interested in a career at the bar. The visits involve a tour of legal London and our Chambers and there is an opportunity to meet barristers and take part in a simple advocacy exercise. These visits are funded by the Anthony Scrivener education fund.
Client Testimonials
CLIENT: Elizabeth Smith
COMPANY/FIRM: Uttlesford District Council
TESTIMONIAL: “Cornerstone Barristers are our Chambers of choice. We have always had a first-class service from its members and we have never had to look elsewhere because of an inability to assist us.
The Clerks are all extremely helpful and on occasions have gone above and beyond the call of duty to assist us.
I would thoroughly recommend them.”
CLIENT: Jo Smith
COMPANY/FIRM: Mid Kent Legal Services – Tunbridge Wells Borough Council
TESTIMONIAL: “Cornerstone Barristers is the complete package. Clerks who understand their client’s needs and will move everything to make sure they are met. Barristers who are outstanding in their field. Highly knowledgeable, quick to grasp the facts and the ability to see solutions where they haven’t been identified before – A professional service from start to finish with competitive fees that have kept us coming back for more time and time again. I would have no hesitation in recommending Cornerstone to represent your client (unless they are against us, of course!)”
CLIENT: Ian Chai
COMPANY/FIRM: Francis Wilks & Jones Solicitors
TESTIMONIAL: “I have instructed Cornerstone Barristers for many years now. From the juniors to silks, I have had consistent, excellent drafting, advocacy and tactical skills in cases ranging from the County Court to the Court of Appeal. The clerks are also fantastic and go the extra mile. A seamless operation.”
CLIENT: Linda Trembath
COMPANY/FIRM: Tendring District Council
TESTIMONIAL: “Cornerstone Chambers, aka 2-3 GIS, have pulled out the stops this last year and really feel like part of our team. Frequently, and at very short notice, barristers have both been found and agreed to assist us and all, clerks and barristers alike, have provided a sterling, and importantly, reliable service. That extra resource, our team extension if you like, has been there to support us through more unusually tough times this year than we care to remember.”
CLIENT: Jo Sterakides
COMPANY/FIRM: London Borough of Hackney
TESTIMONIAL: “I regularly use Cornerstone. They are my go to chambers and usually my first choice. This is not just because of the excellent selection of barristers available, but also because of the incredible service that I receive from the clerks there. The clerks are knowledgeable, friendly and professional, and go out of their way to assist in any way they can. Any barrister recommendation for cases are spot on and they are always contactable, which to me is very helpful. Head clerk Elliot and his team leaders have in my view, improved the service of chambers even during the pandemic”
- Licensing
- Local government (including rating law)
- Social housing
Top Tier Set Rankings
- Environment
- Planning