Francis Taylor Building > London, England > Set Profile

Francis Taylor Building Offices

Francis Taylor Building
FRANCIS TAYLOR BUILDING, INNER TEMPLE
LONDON
EC4Y 7BY
England
Visit website 020 7353 8415 020 7353 7622

Profiles

Francis Taylor Building > The Legal 500 Rankings

London Bar > Planning Tier 2

Francis Taylor Building is ‘excellent, with considerable strength in depth‘ when it comes to planning matters, with members who are ‘second to none and excellent to work with‘. Known for their expertise in infrastructure, members advise on energy projects, highways, and residential schemes. Melissa Murphy KC successfully acted for the Mayor of London in West Ferry Printworks, a politically divisive public inquiry concerning the impact the redevelopment scheme would have on the setting of Tower Bridge, in addition to complex viability matters. Michael Humphries KC and Mark Westmoreland Smith  appeared for EfW Group Ltd in the Wheelabrator DCO Challenge against the Secretary of State’s decision to grant consent for an extension to an energy from waste project, but to withhold consent for a new one. Hereward Phillpot KC  acted for BP in the promotion of Net Zero Teesside, a carbon capture and storage scheme of national importance. Saira Kabir Sheikh KC acted for the appellants, and Charles Streeten for the respondent, in Ikram v Secretary of State for Housing and Communities & Another at the Court of Appeal. The case confirmed that the permitted use of land must be limited to the use which was applied for; the appellants sought to reverse the decision to quash planning permission for the use of land as a mosque.

2023 Silks

Meyric Lewis KC –Francis Taylor Building  ‘Meyric has the ability to rapidly assimilate facts and provide clear opinions that clients understand easily. He is a tenacious cross examiner.’
Ranked: Tier 1

Rising stars

Daisy Noble  - Francis Taylor Building  'Daisy is an extremely bright and hardworking junior barrister. She has a really great written style in advice, pleadings and submissions and manages to get right to the heart of the problem with a precision that belies her junior years. Daisy is a clear and pursuasive advocate who clients adore and opponents respect. Watch this space, she is a star in the making!'
Ranked: Tier 1

Leading Silks

Morag Ellis KC –Francis Taylor Building  'Morag has very strong analytical skills with an ability to distil advice on complex regulation in a way that identifies the most important issues concisely. She also has an extremely valuable practical knowledge of corporate governance issues, which assists greatly on public law matters and is equally at home advising on policy and regulation in both England and Wales.'
Ranked: Tier 1
Michael Humphries KC –Francis Taylor Building  ‘Michael’s knowledge is encyclopaedic, and he is able to condense a lot of complex information into terms easily digestible by the client.’
Ranked: Tier 1
Hereward Phillpot KC –Francis Taylor Building  ‘Hereward dispenses very clear advice both orally and in writing, using his ability to review, absorb and analyse a lot of information. He can shepherd a large client team who are not used to the consenting process through key issues and public hearings.’
Ranked: Tier 1
Ranked: Tier 2
Andrew Tait KC –Francis Taylor Building  ‘Andrew is incredibly hard working, immaculately well prepared, and always on top of the case. He creates imaginative solutions, sees the target, and steers the client to it. He inspires confidence in the whole team and his advocacy skills are understated, he just gets on with it and allows the arguments to do the talking.’
Ranked: Tier 3
Alexander Booth KC – Francis Taylor Building  'Alexander is super smart, on top of all the detail, and never loses sight of the big picture. He has a persuasive and incisive advocacy style, but is also down to earth. Alexander is a true team player and is easy to work with.'  
Ranked: Tier 3
Ranked: Tier 3
Gregory Jones KC – Francis Taylor Building 'Gregory is a tenacious and determined advocate. He wins the respect of judges, other advocates and clients.'
Ranked: Tier 3
Ranked: Tier 3
Craig Howell Williams KC –Francis Taylor Building ‘The trust you can place in the quality of his case preparation is without comparison – and that thoroughness shines through with the clients come the execution of the case at the inquiry of hearing.’
Ranked: Tier 3
Simon Bird KC –Francis Taylor Building  ‘Simon is very assured and calm with a wealth of experience. He takes a measured approach to analysis and the determination of next steps, and is very mindful of the competing objectives of the client and the project. His advocacy is particularly smooth, with Simon being completely able to take the lead on matters during an examination and to provide confidence to the panel and his team.’  
Ranked: Tier 4
Andrew Fraser-Urquhart KC –Francis Taylor Building ‘Andrew brings clarity to complex issues and is very easy to work with. He is calm and considered and understands the client’s strategic objectives, and has been extremely accommodating in dealing with urgent matters. He is a pleasure to work with and clients have absolute faith in his advice.’
Ranked: Tier 4
Ranked: Tier 4
Ranked: Tier 4

2021 Silks

Richard Honey KC – Francis Taylor Building  ‘Richard's ability to digest key facts, raise pertinent issues, advise on evidence, consider conflicting matters and put together a strategy are excellent.  At public inquiries, he is a moderate but highly skilled advocate who performs in the cross examination of the other side’s witnesses to devastating effect.’

2022 Silks

Melissa Murphy KC – Francis Taylor Building ‘Melissa is a brilliant advocate. She leaves no stone unturned and grasps the most complex matters very quickly. Melissa is excellent with clients and always gives advice with the client’s strategic concerns and objectives in mind.’
Melissa Murphy KC – Francis Taylor Building ‘Melissa is a brilliant advocate. She leaves no stone unturned and grasps the most complex matters very quickly. Melissa is excellent with clients and always gives advice with the client’s strategic concerns and objectives in mind.’

Leading Juniors

Hugh Flanagan  – Francis Taylor Building  'Hugh is a very good advocate. He is fair as an opponent and is succinct, articulate, and intellectual. Hugh has good knowledge of planning law.'  
Ranked: Tier 2
Kate Olley – Francis Taylor Building  'Kate is a superb advocate, who speaks and writes with great clarity; she is persuasive and sees things with a focus others don't have. Kate is first-class. '
Ranked: Tier 3
Merrow Golden  – Francis Taylor Building  ‘Merrow has a busy and thriving practice as a junior and is always in demand.  She’s really good at bringing ideas from her wide experience to bear on a case.  Merrow has a built-up an impressive track record in acting in planning and environmental judicial reviews in the high court, but also has a good practice in inquiry and tribunal advocacy where she is an effective cross-examiner.’
Ranked: Tier 3
Rebecca Clutten  – Francis Taylor Building  'Rebecca is outstandingly diligent and supportive; intelligent and enthusiastic; and good on her feet. She is fun to work with and is the leading junior of her generation at the planning bar.'
Ranked: Tier 3
Ranked: Tier 3
Mark Westmoreland Smith – Francis Taylor Building  'Mark has a great depth of knowledge on DCOs and is a safe pair of hands.  He is very client friendly and provides sound and authoritative advice.  He does not over-complicate matters and is always pragmatic.  Mark's amenable and calm manner goes down particularly well with examiners, and indeed clients.  He is always responsive and supportive of team members.'
Ranked: Tier 3
Charles Streeten  –Francis Taylor Building  ‘Charles is a firm favourite. He is extremely user-friendly, making every effort to meet the client and professional team’s needs, and his advice is always clear, decisive and top drawer; particularly given his breadth of experience in planning, environmental and administrative law. He is a true all-rounder and well loved by clients and solicitors alike.’  
Ranked: Tier 3
Isabella Tafur  – Francis Taylor Building  'Isabella is technically excellent, with a calm and reassuring manner.  While very easy to work with, she retains a distinct gravitas and marshals professional teams deftly towards a common goal.  Her advice is clear, pragmatic and turned around at a lightening pace.  Isabella consistently exceeds expectations.'
Ranked: Tier 3
Ranked: Tier 3
Michael Fry  –Francis Taylor Building  'Michael is always extrememly personable and unflappable even under pressure. His advice and advocacy is clear and concise and delivery was pitch perfect, never over the top but always firm and to the point.'
Ranked: Tier 4
Ranked: Tier 4
Ranked: Tier 4
Esther Drabkin-Reiter  - Francis Taylor Building  'Esther is sharp, informed, and very able. She is a genuine team player who is open, honest, and generous with her time.'
Ranked: Tier 4
Michael Brendan Brett  - Francis Taylor Building  'Michael is very technically savvy and knows his way around case law impressively well for a young junior barrister.'
Ranked: Tier 4
Caroline Daly  –Francis Taylor Building  'Caroline is extremely detailed in her preparation, considers every angle, and is not afraid to go in for the kill on her feet. She is popular and charming with clients and not afraid of any amount of heavy lifting, even on mammoth CPOs. Caroline is an absolute go to for technical CPO queries.'  
Ranked: Tier 4

Testimonials

Set

‘They have enormous strength in depth, and are a top set in the field. I would be confident in recommending this set to my most important clients. They are always thinking ahead to how this field of law might evolve and change.’

‘Having worked with many members of the FTB set, I have found them to be excellent, with considerable strength in depth in planning matters, which they specialise in. They are always my go-to set.’

‘FTB is the top set of chambers for planning with some really excellent barristers.’

‘Francis Taylor Building are known as the leading Chambers for infrastructure planning work for a reason, they have the most experienced and generally most skilled barristers in this area of work. This applies equally to the KCs and also to the juniors in chambers. In particular, the juniors are very confident in their work and provide a very good and timely service.’

‘I have worked with FTB for decades and have found their planning barristers to be second to none and excellent to work with.’

Clerking

‘The clerks are particularly good and user-friendly. Uniquely amongst clerks at the sets we use they are also commercial in their business development activities and are willing to explore opportunities for collaboration and work referrals.’

Work highlights

    London Bar > Agriculture Tier 2

    Francis Taylor Building is active in a range of agricultural and rural work, with particular expertise in town and village green applications, footpath inquiries and rights of way matters. Richard Honey KC appeared for the applicant in Bellway Homes v Kent CC & Dr Van Den Broek, which concerned the registration of land as a village green to protect it from development. Elsewhere in chambers, Ned Westaway acted for the respondent in Garland v Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, a Court of Appeal case concerning whether equestrian use of a bridleway amounts to public nuisance, and prevents the creation of a right of way in the countryside.

    Leading Silks

    Ranked: Tier 3
    Ranked: Tier 3

    2021 Silks

    Leading Juniors

    Ned Westaway –Francis Taylor Building ‘Ned makes a strong and reassuring impression on his clients. ’
    Ranked: Tier 2
    Ranked: Tier 4

    Testimonials

    Clerking 

    ‘Fantastic clerks – available, straightforward and amenable. ’

    London Bar > Local government (including rating law) Tier 2

    Francis Taylor Building has a strong local government law practice which comprises areas such as compulsory purchase and compensation, local government finance, council tax, rating, highways, public health, community care, and standards in local government. A key junior in rating and council tax related matters is Cain Ormondroyd who specialises in these two areas. A highlight of his from the past year was an application of charitable relief from rating to a private members gym and swimming pool. When it comes to compulsory purchase and compensation related work, accredited mediator Richard Glover KC is a name to note.

    Leading Silks

    Richard Glover KC – Francis Taylor Building ‘Richard’s opinion work is always first class, informed by his wealth of experience as well as knowledge of the economic and valuation aspects at play. Solicitors also find him responsive and collaborative in his approach.’      
    Ranked: Tier 1

    2021 Silks

    Richard Honey KC - Francis Taylor Building 'Commercial approach, very detailed, provides a clear direction early on in the case.'

    Leading Juniors

    Hugh Flanagan –Francis Taylor Building ‘A very talented barrister and a pleasant opponent to litigate against, Hugh is one of HMRC's go-to panel counsel for rating work in the VTE and Upper Tribunal.'        
    Ranked: Tier 1
    Cain Ormondroyd –Francis Taylor Building ‘He is precise, succinct and always professional, and knowledgeable with an ability to take into account commercial aspects, and attentive to client needs.'   
    Ranked: Tier 1
    Michael Fry  – Francis Taylor Building 'He combines a tremendous intellect with exceptional knowledge well beyond his call and his tactical and strategic nous is extremely impressive. He has a fantastic manner with clients.'  
    Ranked: Tier 4

    Testimonials

    Set

    ‘They have a strong niche in rating law.’

    ‘The quality of barristers is incredibly high.’

    Clerking

    ‘Very efficient and responsive administration. A particular mention for Paul Coveney who is always helpful and responsive.’      

    London Bar > Environment Tier 1

    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.

    Rising stars

    Merrow Golden –Francis Taylor Building ‘She has scored some notable victories for the underdog, and you can be sure that the research will be thorough and the advice clear and thought through.’
    Ranked: Tier 1

    Leading Silks

    Robert McCracken KC –Francis Taylor Building ‘A leader in his field, his written work and his advocacy are excellent.’
    Ranked: Tier 1
    James Pereira KC –Francis Taylor Building ‘An awesome silk for all things nuisance.’
    Ranked: Tier 1
    Morag Ellis KC –Francis Taylor Building 'She has very strong analytical skills and an ability to distil advice on complex regulation concisely so that clients can easily understand and take action.’
    Ranked: Tier 2
    Gregory Jones KC –Francis Taylor Building ‘An excellent and natural barrister, his attention to detail and ability to provide clear, informative, strategic advice is second to none.’
    Ranked: Tier 2
    Jeremy Phillips KC –Francis Taylor Building ‘He is exceptionally eloquent and persuasive on paper and is able to engage in a positive and constructive manner with the Tribunal when on his feet.’
    Ranked: Tier 3

    2021 Silks

    Richard Honey KC –Francis Taylor Building ‘An outstanding and highly skilled advocate who performs cross-examination to devastating effect.’
    Richard Honey KC – Francis Taylor Building ‘An outstanding and highly skilled advocate who performs cross-examination to devastating effect.’

    Leading Juniors

    Ned Westaway –Francis Taylor Building ‘An extremely strong, fearless and persuasive advocate, he can distil complex issues to a single telling point.’
    Ranked: Tier 1
    Charles Streeten –Francis Taylor Building ‘Extremely user-friendly, his advice is always clear, decisive and top-drawer, and he retains a calm and courteous demeanour while tenaciously pursuing his clients’ interests.’
    Ranked: Tier 3

    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.’

    London Bar > Licensing Tier 1

    The team at Francis Taylor Building is regarded for its representation of clients in the liquor, gambling and entertainment sectors. In Cartledge v Gedling Borough Council, Gerald Gouriet KC successfully appealed a conviction with regard to the driving of a hackney carriage without a license. Members of the set also advise local authorities; David Matthias KC worked with Westminster City Council on its gambling policy, while Leo Charalambides advised it on its plans to implement a system to regulate busking. Charles Holland , for the Metropolitan Police, and Gary Grant  , for the restaurant, were instructed in a review into the premises license of Casa Cruz, which allegedly hosted a birthday party for singer Rita Ora in breach of the “second lockdown” COVID regulations.

    Leading Silks

    Gerald Gouriet KC –Francis Taylor Building ‘Makes himself available and is supportive of the whole team. Has very deep understanding of case law on gambling.‘
    Ranked: Tier 1
    David Matthias KC –Francis Taylor Building ‘David is truly knowledgeable in licensing, scrupulous in his preparation and clinical in his written arguments. He is client focused, approachable and very likeable with his persuasive style whilst remaining tactically shrewd.‘
    Ranked: Tier 1
    Jeremy Phillips KC –Francis Taylor Building ‘Jeremy is very engaged and accommodating of his time with clients.'
    Ranked: Tier 2

    Leading Juniors

    Gary Grant –Francis Taylor Building ‘Gary is a superb advocate and brilliant lawyer. Determined to win. Fights incredibly hard for clients and has the ability to turn a case through the force of his intellect and advocacy. The go-to barrister for tough licensing cases.’
    Ranked: Tier 1
    James Rankin –Francis Taylor Building ‘His advocacy is a joy to watch and it goes without saying that he is an expert in his field.'  
    Ranked: Tier 1
    Charles Streeten –Francis Taylor Building ‘He has exceptional insight and is one to watch for the future.’
    Ranked: Tier 1
    Leo Charalambides –Francis Taylor Building 'A truly thorough individual. Leo makes the complex seem so easy to understand and does not fear the unknown. He prepares well in advance and gives confidence in his abilities.'
    Ranked: Tier 1

    Testimonials

    Set

    ‘Top set for licensing.’

    ‘FTB can always be relied on to provide an excellent service and good results.’

    ‘Superb. Highly recommended for all local government matters especially all licensing/regulatory matters.’

    ‘FTB is clearly the leading licensing set. It has unrivalled depth in the licensing and regulatory field and they have been a joy to work with.’      

    ‘FTB are one of the premier sets for licensing work. They have excellent strength in depth from KC downwards.’     

    ‘FTB is the leading London chambers in my opinion for licensing as they are able to offer true licensing experts at every level of call.’

    ‘FTB is the strongest of the chambers in terms of strength in depth for work on licensing.’

    Work highlights

      Francis Taylor Building > Set Profile

      Francis Taylor Building (FTB) has a long-standing reputation for excellence in providing advocacy and advisory services. FTB is consistently featured as a leading set in the independent legal directories for its expertise and leading role in planning and infrastructure planning, environmental, licensing, compulsory purchase and land valuation, local government, administrative and public law. and rating. Its position at the forefront of these areas of law is evidenced by members consistently appearing in many of the leading cases.

      The set: Members of chambers appear in courts at all levels in this country and abroad, including specialist tribunals and public inquiries and undertake specialist advisory work. The set owes its long-standing reputation for excellence to its wide range of clients, the major projects it handles and the number and quality of its practitioners. They are also supported by a highly motivated and professional team of clerks, led by Paul Coveney as senior clerk.

      Types of work undertaken: As part of its specialist practice, FTB undertakes work connected with transport and works schemes, utilities, highways,  heritage and conservation, Parliamentary bills, common land and village greens, minerals, statutory nuisance and regulation, health and safety, environmental crime,  property law including easements and covenants, religious liberty and ecclesiastical, education and energy.

      FTB maintains a panel of qualified and specialist CEDR and ADR accredited mediators.

      FTB offers a wide range of client facilities including a dedicated seminar suite to support its established programme of events and an arbitration and mediation suite which complements Chambers’ mediation and ADR expertise. The premises are fully DDA compliant.

      Diversity and Inclusion

      Chambers is committed to promoting and advancing diversity and equality among its members and staff. We do not discriminate on the grounds of race, colour, ethnic or national origin, nationality, citizenship, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, political persuasion, disability, age or religion. We fully endorse the Bar Council’s Equality and Diversity Code. Applications for pupillage/membership/employment are particularly welcomed from women, members of ethnic minorities, people with disabilities and other groups that are currently under-represented in Chambers.

      Access to the profession is an acute issue which Chambers seeks to address. Chambers is involved in initiatives aimed at increasing diversity.

      Wellbeing

      Chambers is committed to well-being. We have an established a mentoring scheme for members, providing structured opportunities for knowledge sharing and for help and advice to be available across all levels of seniority. Our quarterly social events are on hold for the time being, but we uphold the tradition of Chambers’ tea, held remotely.

      We give careful thought to ensuring our marketing events appeal to a wide range of clients, and are held at different times of day, for greatest possible access.  This includes both academic and social events.  .

      Main Contacts

      DepartmentNameEmailTelephone
      Members of Chambers TAIT KC, Andrew (1981)
      Members of Chambers ROOTS KC, Guy (1969)
      Members of Chambers McCRACKEN KC, Robert (1973)
      Members of Chambers HUMPHRIES KC, Michael (1982)
      Members of Chambers GOURIET KC, Gerald (1974)
      Members of Chambers MATTHIAS KC, David (1980)
      Members of Chambers ELLIS KC, Morag (1984)
      Members of Chambers HOWELL WILLIAMS KC, Craig (1983)
      Members of Chambers GLOVER KC, Richard (1984)
      Members of Chambers HILL KC, Mark (1987) (KC-2009)
      Members of Chambers BIRD KC, Simon (1987)
      Members of Chambers EDWARDS KC, Douglas (1992)
      Members of Chambers JONES KC, Gregory (1991)
      Members of Chambers ORNSBY KC, Suzanne (1986)
      Members of Chambers PEREIRA KC, James (2014)
      Members of Chambers KABIR SHEIKH KC, Saira (2014)
      Members of Chambers FRASER-URQUHART KC, Andrew (1993)
      Members of Chambers PHILLPOT KC, Hereward (1997)
      Members of Chambers BOOTH KC, Alexander (2000)
      Members of Chambers PHILLIPS KC, Jeremy (2018)
      Members of Chambers HONEY KC, Richard (2020)
      Members of Chambers PETCHEY, Philip (1976)
      Members of Chambers COMYN, Timothy (1980)
      Members of Chambers RANKIN, James (1983)
      Members of Chambers MEYRIC, Lewis (1986)
      Members of Chambers GRANT, Gary (1994)
      Members of Chambers HOLLAND, Charles (1994)
      Members of Chambers CHARALAMBIDES, Leo (1998)
      Members of Chambers JONES, Emyr (1999)
      Members of Chambers MURPHY, Melissa (2001)
      Members of Chambers JOLLIFFE, John (2005)
      Members of Chambers WESTMORELAND SMITH, Mark (2006)
      Members of Chambers ELEFTHERIADIS, Prof. Pavlos (2006)
      Members of Chambers ORMONDROYD, Cain (2007)
      Members of Chambers GRAHAM PAUL, Annabel (2008)
      Members of Chambers FLANAGAN, Hugh (2008)
      Members of Chambers CLUTTEN, Rebecca (2008)
      Members of Chambers WESTAWAY, Ned (2009)
      Members of Chambers TAFUR, Isabella (2009)
      Members of Chambers GRAHAM, David (2010)
      Members of Chambers FRY, Michael (2011)
      Members of Chambers MACKENZIE, George (2011)
      Members of Chambers ANTHONY, Prof. Gordon (2011) (
      Members of Chambers GREAVES, Alexander (2012)
      Members of Chambers DALY, Caroline (2013)
      Members of Chambers STREETEN, Charles (2013)
      Members of Chambers FORREST, Charles (2014)
      Members of Chambers GOLDEN, Merrow (2014)
      Members of Chambers WALLER, Horatio (2014)
      Members of Chambers NOBLE, Daisy (2015)
      Members of Chambers MERRETT, Charles (2015)
      Members of Chambers DRABKIN-REITER, Esther (2017) (
      Members of Chambers BRETT, Michael Brendan (2017)
      Members of Chambers FEGAN, Conor (2018)
      Members of Chambers WELCH, Jonathan (2019)

      Barrister Profiles

      PhotoNamePositionProfile
      Gordon Anthony photoProf Gordon AnthonyProfessor Gordon Anthony is an Academic Tenant at Francis Taylor Building.  He…View Profile
      Simon Bird photo Simon BirdSimon is Head of Chambers. Simon specialises in planning, local government, administrative…View Profile
      Alexander Booth photo Alexander BoothAlexander Booth KC has a practice which encompasses all aspects of planning,…View Profile
      Michael Brendan Brett photo Michael Brendan BrettMichael welcomes instructions across all of Chambers’ practice areas, including on a…View Profile
      Leo Charalambides photo Leo CharalambidesComplementing his established licensing practice, Leo also accepts instructions in associated areas…View Profile
      Rebecca Clutten photo Rebecca CluttenRebecca Clutten was called to the Bar in 2008 and is recognised…View Profile
      Timothy Comyn photo Timothy ComynThe principal areas of Timothy Comyn’s practice include town and country planning,…View Profile
      Flora Curtis photo Flora CurtisFlora joined Chambers in October 2021 following the successful completion of her…View Profile
      Caroline Daly photoMs Caroline DalyCaroline was called to the Bar in 2013 and is currently ranked…View Profile
      Esther Drabkin-Reiter photo Esther Drabkin-ReiterEsther has a busy practice across all of Chambers’ areas of specialism.…View Profile
      Douglas Edwards photo Douglas EdwardsDouglas Edwards KC practices in the fields of town and country planning,…View Profile
      Pavlos Eleftheriadis photoProf Pavlos EleftheriadisPavlos is an academic tenant specialising in European Union law, public law,…View Profile
      Morag Ellis photo Morag EllisMorag Ellis KC is widely recognised as a leading expert in planning…View Profile
      Conor Fegan photo Conor FeganConor accepts instructions across Chambers’ specialisms in planning, environmental and public law.…View Profile
      Hugh Flanagan photo Hugh FlanaganHugh is ranked as a leading junior in the Legal 500 and…View Profile
      Charles Forrest photo Charles ForrestCharles welcomes instructions to advise and represent clients across all of Chambers’…View Profile
      Andrew Fraser-urquhart photo Andrew Fraser-urquhartAndrew Fraser-Urquhart KC (known universally as “AFU”) practices in planning, environmental and…View Profile
      Michael Fry photoMr Michael FryMichael specialises in planning and public law. His practice encompasses environmental, regulatory,…View Profile
      Richard Glover photo Richard Glover  Richard Glover KC practices in all aspects of town and country…View Profile
      Merrow Golden photo Merrow GoldenMerrow welcomes instructions to act individually or as a part of a…View Profile
      Gerald Gouriet photo Gerald GourietGerald’s licensing practice is principally in alcohol & entertainment, taxi and gambling…View Profile
      David Graham photo David GrahamDavid practises across Chambers’ specialisms, including public, planning and environmental law. David…View Profile
      Annabel Graham Paul photo Annabel Graham PaulAnnabel has acted in a number of leading judicial reviews and planning…View Profile
      Gary Grant photo Gary GrantGary Grant is one of the UK’s leading licensing barristers. He is…View Profile
      Alexander Greaves photo Alexander GreavesSince joining Chambers in 2014, Alexander has developed a busy specialist practice…View Profile
      Mark Hill photo Mark HillSpecialist in ecclesiastical law, religious liberty, judicial review and costs. Broad common…View Profile
      Charles Holland photo Charles HollandCharles Holland’s practice combines licensing work and a broad range of contentious…View Profile
      Richard Honey photo Richard HoneyRichard Honey KC practises as a barrister in the fields of public…View Profile
      Craig Howell Williams photo Craig Howell WilliamsCraig Howell Williams KC specialises in planning, environment and related areas of…View Profile
      Michael Humphries photo Michael HumphriesMichael Humphries specialises in all aspects of property development law, but is…View Profile
      John Jolliffe photo John JolliffeJohn Jolliffe practises across a range of environmental, planning and public law.…View Profile
      Gregory Jones photo Gregory JonesGregory’s practice covers all aspects of administrative law including judicial review and…View Profile
      Emyr Jones photo Emyr JonesEmyr was called in 1999 and practised in Cardiff until joining FTB…View Profile
      Saira Kabir Sheikh photo Saira Kabir SheikhSaira’s practice covers all aspects of planning and environmental law, local government,…View Profile
      Meyric Lewis KC photoMr Meyric Lewis KCMeyric was described by The Lawyer as “standing out” for his expertise…View Profile
      George Mackenzie photo George MackenzieGeorge welcomes instructions to act individually or as a junior across all…View Profile
      David Matthias photoMr David MatthiasDavid Matthias K.C. FCIArb was called in 1980 and took Silk in…View Profile
      Robert Mccracken photo Robert MccrackenRobert McCracken KC is a leading public, planning and environmental lawyer. He…View Profile
      Charles Merrett photo Charles MerrettCharles’ practice spans all areas of Chambers’ planning work. He acts for…View Profile
      Melissa Murphy photo Melissa MurphyMelissa specialises in compulsory purchase and compensation; planning; and associated property, contract…View Profile
      Daisy Noble photo Daisy NobleDaisy has been a member of Chambers since October 2018 and welcomes…View Profile
      Kate Olley photo Kate Olley Kate is an established and highly experienced planning and public law practitioner.…View Profile
      Cain Ormondroyd photo Cain OrmondroydCain Ormondroyd practices in the fields of public and planning law, with…View Profile
      Suzanne Ornsby photo Suzanne OrnsbySuzanne Ornsby KC specialises in planning law and has spent most of…View Profile
      James Pereira photo James PereiraJames Pereira K.C. specialises in planning, environmental, local government and administrative law,…View Profile
      Philip Petchey photo Philip PetcheyPhilip Petchey enjoys unravelling what is complicated, obscure or dense (or all…View Profile
      Jeremy Phillips photo Jeremy PhillipsJeremy Phillips KC offers the highest levels of expertise and advocacy as…View Profile
      Hereward Phillpot photo Hereward PhillpotHereward Phillpot KC took silk in 2015, and has rapidly become recognised…View Profile
      James Rankin photo James RankinPreeminent licensing barrister James Rankin with thirty years’ experience in licensing and…View Profile
      Michael Rhimes photo Michael RhimesMichael Rhimes is free to accept instructions across all of Chambers’ practice…View Profile
      Michael Rhimes photo Michael RhimesMichael Rhimes is free to accept instructions across all of Chambers’ practice…View Profile
      Guy Roots photo Guy RootsGuy Roots KC is an Associate Member of Chambers and is available…View Profile
      Charles Streeten photo Charles StreetenCharles Streeten has rapidly earned a reputation as one of the leading…View Profile
      Isabella Tafur photoMs Isabella TafurIsabella is ranked as a leading junior at the Planning Bar in…View Profile
      Andrew Tait photoMr Andrew TaitAndrew Tait KC’s areas of work are in planning, environmental, administrative and…View Profile
      Horatio Waller photo Horatio WallerHoratio specialises in planning, infrastructure, licensing, judicial review, education, landlord & tenant,…View Profile
      Jonathan Welch photo Jonathan WelchJonathan is ranked as one of the top planning barristers under the…View Profile
      Ned Westaway photoMr Ned WestawayNed is a highly regarded junior who accepts instructions in a wide…View Profile
      Mark Westmoreland Smith photo Mark Westmoreland Smith Mark’s practice covers all aspects of chamber’s expertise and, in particular, planning…View Profile

      Staff Figures

      Paul Coveney, Senior Clerk : Clerk
      James Kemp, Deputy Senior Clerk, Team Leader : Clerk
      Andrew Briton, Principal Clerk Business Development and Research : Clerk
      Harry Killick, Team Leader : Clerk
      Harry Gamble, Team Leader : Clerk
      Grant James, Team Assistant : Clerk
      Molly Dumbleton, Team Assistant : Clerk
      Vicki Cousins, Chambers' Manager : Administrative Staff
      Deirdre Mahon, Marketing Manager : Administrative Staff
      Erja Gunn, Receptionist : Administrative Staff

      Languages

      English

      Francis Taylor Building > Set Profile

      Francis Taylor Building (FTB) has a long standing reputation for excellence in providing advocacy and advisory services.  FTB is consistently featured as a leading set in the independent legal directories for its expertise and leading role in planning, land valuation, compulsory purchase compensation, infrastructure, environmental, licensing, rating, local government, public law and regulatory law.  Its position at the forefront of these areas of law is evidenced by members consistently appearing in many of the leading cases.

      Members of chambers appear in courts at all levels in this country and abroad, including specialist tribunals and public inquiries and undertake specialist advisory work.  The set owes its long-standing reputation for excellence to its wide range of clients, the major projects it handles and the number and quality of its practitioners.  They are also supported by a highly motivated and Professional team of clerks led by Paul Coveney, Senior Clerk.

      As part of its specialist practice, FTB undertakes works connected with planning, environment, licensing, major infrastructure projects, transport and works schemes, utilities, highways, rating heritage and conservation, Parliamentary Bills, common land and village greens, minerals, statutory nuisance and regulation, health and safety, environmental crime, compulsory purchase and compensation, land valuation, property law including easements and covenants, religious liberty and ecclesiastical, education and energy.

      FTB maintains a panel of qualified and specialist CEDR and ADR accredited mediators.

      FTB offers a wide range of client facilities including a dedicated seminar suite to support its established programme of events and an arbitration and mediation suite which complements Chambers’ mediation and ADR expertise.  The premises are fully DDA compliant.

      Main Contacts

      DepartmentNameEmailTelephone
      Senior Clerk Paul Coveneypaul.coveney@ftbchambers.co.uk020 7353 8415

      Staff Figures

      58 Members of Chambers. 13 Members of Staff :

      Francis Taylor Building > Set Profile

      Francis Taylor Building (FTB) has a long-standing reputation for excellence in providing advocacy and advisory services. FTB is consistently featured as a leading set in the independent legal directories for its expertise and leading role in planning environmental, major infrastructure projects, licensing, compulsory purchase and land valuation, local government, administrative and public law, rating and ecclesiastical and religious liberty. Its position at the forefront of these areas of law is evidenced by members consistently appearing in many of the leading cases.

      The set: Members of chambers appear in courts at all levels in this country and abroad, including specialist tribunals and public inquiries and undertake specialist advisory work. The set owes its long-standing reputation for excellence to its wide range of clients, the major projects it handles and the number and quality of its practitioners. They are also supported by a highly motivated and professional team of clerks, led by Paul Coveney as senior clerk.

      Types of work undertaken: As part of its specialist practice, FTB undertakes work connected with transport and works schemes, utilities, highways,  heritage and conservation, Parliamentary bills, common land and village greens, minerals, statutory nuisance and regulation, health and safety, environmental crime,  property law including easements and covenants, religious liberty and ecclesiastical, education and energy.

      FTB maintains a panel of qualified and specialist CEDR and ADR accredited mediators.

      FTB offers a wide range of client facilities including a dedicated seminar suite to support its established programme of events and an arbitration and mediation suite which complements Chambers’ mediation and ADR expertise. The premises are fully DDA compliant.

      Diversity and Inclusion

      Chambers is committed to promoting and advancing diversity and equality among its members and staff. We do not discriminate on the grounds of race, colour, ethnic or national origin, nationality, citizenship, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, political persuasion, disability, age or religion. FTB is ani-racist and committed to increasing its diversity. We fully endorse the Bar Council’s Equality and Diversity Code. Applications for pupillage/tenancy/employment are particularly welcomed from women, members of ethnic minority groups, people with disabilities and other groups that are currently under-represented in Chambers.

      Access to the profession is an acute issue which Chambers seeks to address. Chambers is involved in initiatives aimed at increasing diversity.  That includes its partnership with the Planning and Environment Bar Association (PEBA) and other planning/public law sets in the Planning and Public Law Mentoring Scheme for Underrepresented Groups at the Bar. Further information about our work can be found on chambers’ website.

      Main Contacts

      DepartmentNameEmailTelephone
      Members of Chambers BIRD KC, Simon (1987)
      Members of Chambers ROOTS KC, Guy (1969)
      Members of Chambers McCRACKEN KC, Robert (1973)
      Members of Chambers TAIT KC, Andrew (1981)
      Members of Chambers HUMPHRIES KC, Michael (1982)
      Members of Chambers GOURIET KC, Gerald (1974)
      Members of Chambers MATTHIAS KC, David (1980)
      Members of Chambers ELLIS KC, Morag (1984)
      Members of Chambers HOWELL WILLIAMS KC, Craig (1983)
      Members of Chambers GLOVER KC, Richard (1984)
      Members of Chambers HILL KC, Mark (1987) (KC-2009)
      Members of Chambers EDWARDS KC, Douglas (1992)
      Members of Chambers JONES KC, Gregory (1991)
      Members of Chambers ORNSBY KC, Suzanne (1986)
      Members of Chambers PEREIRA KC, James (2014)
      Members of Chambers KABIR SHEIKH KC, Saira (2014)
      Members of Chambers FRASER-URQUHART KC, Andrew (1993)
      Members of Chambers PHILLPOT KC, Hereward (1997)
      Members of Chambers BOOTH KC, Alexander (2000)
      Members of Chambers PHILLIPS KC, Jeremy (2018)
      Members of Chambers HONEY KC, Richard (2020)
      Members of Chambers MURPHY, Melissa KC (2022)(2001)
      Members of Chambers PETCHEY, Philip (1976)
      Members of Chambers COMYN, Timothy (1980)
      Members of Chambers RANKIN, James (1983)
      Members of Chambers MEYRIC, Lewis (1986)
      Members of Chambers GRANT, Gary (1994)
      Members of Chambers HOLLAND, Charles (1994)
      Members of Chambers CHARALAMBIDES, Leo (1998)
      Members of Chambers JONES, Emyr (1999)
      Members of Chambers OLLEY, Kate (1999)
      Members of Chambers JOLLIFFE, John (2005)
      Members of Chambers WESTMORELAND SMITH, Mark (2006)
      Members of Chambers ELEFTHERIADIS, Prof. Pavlos (2006)
      Members of Chambers ORMONDROYD, Cain (2007)
      Members of Chambers GRAHAM PAUL, Annabel (2008)
      Members of Chambers FLANAGAN, Hugh (2008)
      Members of Chambers CLUTTEN, Rebecca (2008)
      Members of Chambers WESTAWAY, Ned (2009)
      Members of Chambers TAFUR, Isabella (2009)
      Members of Chambers GRAHAM, David (2010)
      Members of Chambers FRY, Michael (2011)
      Members of Chambers MACKENZIE, George (2011)
      Members of Chambers ANTHONY, Prof. Gordon (2011) (
      Members of Chambers GREAVES, Alexander (2012)
      Members of Chambers DALY, Caroline (2013)
      Members of Chambers STREETEN, Charles (2013)
      Members of Chambers FORREST, Charles (2014)
      Members of Chambers GOLDEN, Merrow (2014)
      Members of Chambers WALLER, Horatio (2014)
      Members of Chambers NOBLE, Daisy (2015)
      Members of Chambers MERRETT, Charles (2015)
      Members of Chambers DRABKIN-REITER, Esther (2017) (
      Members of Chambers BRETT, Michael Brendan (2017)
      Members of Chambers FEGAN, Conor (2018)
      Members of Chambers WELCH, Jonathan (2019)
      Members of Chambers RHIMES, Michael (2019)
      Members of Chambers CURTIS, Flora (2019)

      Staff Figures

      Paul Coveney, Senior Clerk : Clerk
      James Kemp, Deputy Senior Clerk, Team Leader : Clerk
      Harry Killick, Deputy Senior Clerk,Team Leader : Clerk
      Andrew Briton, Principal Clerk Business Development and Research : Clerk
      Harry Gamble, Deputy Team Leader : Clerk
      Molly Dumbleton, Deputy Team Leader : Clerk
      Grant James, Team Assistant : Clerk
      Luke Holland, Team Assistant : Clerk
      Paris Osborn, Junior Clerk : Clerk
      Ellie Furnival, Junior Clerk : Clerk
      Vicki Cousins, Chambers' Manager : Administrative Staff
      Deirdre Mahon, Marketing Manager : Administrative Staff
      Dani Alaka, Marketing Assistant : Administrative Staff
      Erja Gunn, Receptionist : Administrative Staff

      Languages

      English