Set Profile > Francis Taylor Building > London, England

Francis Taylor Building Offices

Francis Taylor Building
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

Environment Tier 1

Francis Taylor Building is 'a planning and environment set with a strong emphasis on planning but also adept in air quality, nuisance and EU law matters'. Its members frequently handle environmental challenges to planning applications and their work covers all aspects of environmental regulation and the crossover between environmental law and land use planning, together with common law and criminal environmental liability. Members are called upon for a broad range of standalone environmental matters, as well as those overlapping with planning and infrastructure matters. Robert Mccracken QC has brought several challenges to grants of planning permission and adoption of air quality policies based on European air quality directives. Increasingly prominent silk James Pereira QC handled high-profile challenges to planning decisions on European environmental grounds concerning the habitats directive. Clients remark that the clerks are 'all excellent and really good to deal with'.

Leading Silks

Robert McCracken QC - Francis Taylor Building ‘He is deservedly in the top tier of silks - fearlessly bold and individualistic.’
Ranked: Tier 1
James Pereira QC - Francis Taylor Building ‘He is supremely bright, extremely focused, a master of his subject and the doyen of statutory nuisance matters.’
Ranked: Tier 1
Jeremy Phillips QC - Francis Taylor Building ‘Responsive, unflappable and thoroughly prepared, his experience and commerciality make him a real asset.’
Ranked: Tier 1
Morag Ellis QC - Francis Taylor Building ‘A top planning silk, she leaves no stone unturned and is always refreshingly fair and candid.’
Ranked: Tier 2

Gregory Jones QC - Francis Taylor Building ‘A real trailblazer who takes on matters from which others would run a mile and who easily wins the trust and confidence of clients.’

Ranked: Tier 2
Douglas Edwards QC - Francis Taylor Building ‘He is a superb advocate with a broad knowledge of many areas of law who has really good range across environmental cases.’
Ranked: Tier 4

2021 Silks

Richard Honey QC - Francis Taylor Building ‘Organised and efficient, he is highly effective in public inquiries and excellent for environmental crime and group actions.’

Leading Juniors

Ned Westaway - Francis Taylor Building ‘He is excellent, a real star performer who is heavily involved in pure environmental work.’
Ranked: Tier 2
Sarah Sackman - Francis Taylor Building ‘One of the best of her generation, she has very strong interpersonal skills and great legal creativity.’
Ranked: Tier 4
Charles Streeten - Francis Taylor Building ‘A very bright and committed advocate – it is refreshing to work with someone who provides unambiguous advice.’
Ranked: Tier 4

Licensing Tier 1

Francis Taylor Building attracts many of the most complex or high-profile licensing cases. Gerald Gouriet QC acted for the London Taxi Drivers’ Association in one of the cases involving Uber, while David Matthias QC acts for local authorities and trade and residents’ associations on major licensing matters. Of particular note was his involvement for Westminster City Council in a case that went to the Supreme Court regarding an EU Directive which precluded licensing authorities from including costs of enforcement in licence fees. He is also called upon to advise licensing authorities on the formulation of statutory licensing policies. Jeremy Phillips QC acts for well-known UK and overseas clients on areas such as taxi/private hire, and gambling/casino  matters. Gary Grant, James Rankin and Leo Charalambides are the highly experienced junior members of chambers.

Leading Silks

Gerald Gouriet QC - Francis Taylor Building ‘He has a wealth of knowledge and experience concerning the interpretation and application of gambling legislation. He is also acutely aware of the practical implications of the way in which the legislation is implemented. His forensic ability is complemented by his advocacy skills.’
Ranked: Tier 1
David Matthias QC - Francis Taylor Building ‘He is very good with clients and explains things thoroughly - putting them at ease with his calm and considered style. His encyclopaedic knowledge of licensing law and procedure is obvious and provides the rest of the legal team with a good leader and excellent counsel for the client.’
Ranked: Tier 1
Jeremy Philips QC - Francis Taylor Building ‘He will take time to really consider matters, always giving a detailed, thorough, response.’
Ranked: Tier 2

Leading Juniors

Gary Grant - Francis Taylor Building ‘A smart and smooth advocate - a good addition to any team.’
Ranked: Tier 1
James Rankin - Francis Taylor Building ‘A formidable opponent with an excellent presence in court and a delight to instruct.’
Ranked: Tier 1
Leo Charalambides - Francis Taylor Building ‘Never afraid to push the boundaries and find solutions.’
Ranked: Tier 2

Agriculture Tier 2

The ‘excellent’ and ‘user friendly’ members of Francis Taylor Building are experts in town and village greens, rights of way and a broad array of other countryside matters including the Highways Act 1980, the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and cattle grids. In the matter of Lancashire CC v Environment Secretary, Douglas Edwards QC has successfully obtained permission on behalf of the claimant to appeal to the Supreme Court; the matter holds significance as it considers the principle of registering land used for education purposes as a town green.

Leading Silks

Douglas Edwards QC - Francis Taylor Building ‘He is clear and concise in his advice and happy to answer all questions. He is an excellent advocate who presents and explains complicated issues very clearly.’
Ranked: Tier 3

2021 Silks

Richard Honey QC - Francis Taylor Building ‘An expert in village green, countryside laws and protected habitats.’

Leading Juniors

Ned Westaway - Francis Taylor Building ‘A star performer. He is very approachable and gets on well with clients.’
Ranked: Tier 3

Local government (including rating law) Tier 2

Francis Taylor Building is 'great for business rates matters, with a width breadth of counsel in this area'. Richard Glover QC and Cain Ormondroyd represented the taxpayer in Supreme Court case Telereal Trillium v Hewitt, a matter concerning the valuation of properties which cannot find tenants, while Sarah Sackman represented the valuation officer in a case concerning if the rateable value of the DW Stadium declined when Wigan Athletic were relegated to League One.

Leading Silks

Richard Glover QC - Francis Taylor Building ‘Richard is the leading rating silk and in the top division in this area. If the case involves economics or numbers, his appreciation of concepts and numeracy is a superb added value skill.’
Ranked: Tier 1

2021 Silks

Richard Honey QC - Francis Taylor Building ‘A tenacious and detailed practitioner who leaves no stone unturned. Always willing to roll sleeves up as part of the project team - will set out parameters and risks with a view to reaching a negotiated solution.’

Leading Juniors

Hugh Flanagan - Francis Taylor Building ‘Hugh is developing a reputation as one of the Government's preferred panelists for rating disputes in the tribunals. The clarity and incisiveness of his written arguments is particularly impressive.’
Ranked: Tier 1
Cain Ormondroyd - Francis Taylor Building ‘An impressive advocate with excellent technical knowledge. Very responsive to enquiries and prompt in dealing with papers. Has a great rapport with clients.’
Ranked: Tier 1
Sarah Sackman - Francis Taylor Building ‘Sarah is highly driven and motivated. She is a great junior who is really excellent to work with. She is extremely knowledgeable and writes very clearly and concisely. She is also great with the clients and at dealing with practical matters.’
Ranked: Tier 2

Planning Tier 2

For some 'the pre-eminent set for infrastructure work, with huge strength in depth for this and the related areas of Parliamentary and CPO work' Francis Taylor Building has members instructed across elite infrastructure projects and more complex issues of planning law. Michael Humphries QC  and Isabella Tafur represented Riveroak Strategic Partners, the applicant, on a proposal to re-open Manston Airport in Kent for cargo flights; the site was owned by a company with plans to turn the site into housing. Gregory Jones QC's recent instructions have included the Wiltshire Council v Cooper Estates Strategic Land, a Court of Appeal case concerning the registration of land as village greens. Among the set's juniors, Richard Honey advised the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on making special development orders for Brexit-related lorry parks and customs facilities in Kent and Essex, while Hugh Flanagan was sole counsel for Heathrow Airport in the public examination of the new London Plan.

Rising stars

Caroline Daly - Francis Taylor Building ‘A consummate professional. Caroline is my first choice junior counsel not least because she understands risk and her judgement is trustworthy as has been proved in the many positive outcomes.’
Ranked: Tier 1
Charles Streeten - Francis Taylor Building ‘Charles is very bright and committed. The client really appreciated that he did not sit on the fence and gave a sound commercial steer throughout the process. He delivered a very good result and I would have no hesitation in recommending him to others. A superstar.’
Ranked: Tier 1

Leading Silks

Morag Ellis QC - Francis Taylor Building ‘Morag is a very knowledgeable, experienced and thorough barrister, who prepares her cases rigorously. She is an excellent advocate and a tenacious cross-examiner.’
Ranked: Tier 1
Michael Humphries QC - Francis Taylor Building ‘Michael is the pre-eminent practitioner in infrastructure planning. He knows more about the sector than anyone else. He has a comprehensive knowledge of the law, and his exposure to most of the highest profile and most complex cases means that he has a huge wealth of experience to draw upon in finding imaginative solutions to issues that present themselves.’
Ranked: Tier 1
Hereward Phillpot QC - Francis Taylor Building ‘He is a pleasure to work with - always calm, pragmatic and thorough in his approach. He works hard to deliver advice at short notice and fits in well with client and consultant teams - being a natural team player.’
Ranked: Tier 2
Andrew Tait QC - Francis Taylor Building ‘He has the experience to see the long game and how an Inspector or a Committee or Tribunal would look the case. So he is strategically excellent and know where and how to develop a case. Also tremendously good with clients. Polite but firm, quietly spoken and understated but commands the room.’
Ranked: Tier 2
Simon Bird QC - Francis Taylor Building ‘Simon is not only highly experienced and respected in this field, his advice has been robust as well as pragmatic. He responds promptly and his advice is clear and concise and he has the ability to explain the most complex areas in a way that you can understand, which engenders confidence from colleagues, and also elected members.’
Ranked: Tier 3
Alexander Booth QC - Francis Taylor Building ‘A delight to work with. Alex really cares about his clients and his passion and drive mean that he consistently achieves great results. A highly effective advocate. He is rare in that he sees the big picture, but never forgets the detail.’
Ranked: Tier 3
Douglas Edwards QC - Francis Taylor Building ‘Great for detail; very client friendly commercial and practical advice and very user friendly. Very responsive and helpful.’
Ranked: Tier 3
Gregory Jones QC - Francis Taylor Building ‘Very experienced and steeped in planning case law and knowledge. Willing to take on new ideas and develop novel arguments. Strong written work.’
Ranked: Tier 3
James Pereira QC - Francis Taylor Building ‘Very pleasant to deal with. Very good with the client in conference. Great expertise in planning law - and excellent judgment about the merits of a case. Very focused and clear in his drafting and advocacy. One of the top planning silks at the Bar.’
Ranked: Tier 3
Saira Kabir Sheikh QC - Francis Taylor Building ‘She is outstanding. Approachable, great to work with, formidable advocate both in the High Court and public inquiry area.’
Ranked: Tier 3
Craig Howell Williams QC - Francis Taylor Building ‘Extraordinarily hard working, thorough and on top of his brief and successful at generating a great team ethos when preparing for inquiries or hearings. He brings out the best in the whole consultancy team, is an absolute pleasure to work have with, and always leaves clients praising him to the hilt and impressed with his organisation and highly effective advocacy.’
Ranked: Tier 3
Andrew Fraser-Urquhart QC - Francis Taylor Building ‘Andrew provides clear, straightforward advice, breaking down complex multi dimensional problems into manageable chunks and providing clear advice on actions and priorities. I have always found his advice reliable and practical. His cross examination style is polite but probing. Persistent without being hectoring.’
Ranked: Tier 4
Richard Glover QC - Francis Taylor Building ‘Great ability to master complicated papers and to see the wood for the trees. He handled client and experts in a friendly but firm manner and gained their complete confidence. Simply he took the weight on his shoulders.’
Ranked: Tier 4

2021 Silks

Richard Honey QC - Francis Taylor Building ‘Calm and confident, he is a very strong advocate and he offers succinct advice.’

Leading Juniors

Melissa Murphy - Francis Taylor Building ‘She is excellent, very patient and forensic and hard-working.’
Ranked: Tier 2
Rebecca Clutten - Francis Taylor Building ‘Rebecca is refreshingly really-hands on; she is not afraid to mark-up up documents and be involved as a day-to-day part of the team. Her advice is practical, eminently sensible and legally robust. She is down to earth and has a great, and very natural, raport with clients.’
Ranked: Tier 3
Hugh Flanagan - Francis Taylor Building ‘He is shaping up to be a great all-rounder with a particular emphasis on infrastructure projects. I like the fact that he will roll up his sleeves and muck in with everyone when there are jobs to do, especially if they are tasks not normally left to Counsel. He is reliable and sensible and has a bright future ahead of him.’
Ranked: Tier 3
Meyric Lewis - Francis Taylor Building ‘Very strong high court advocate who delivers robust and persuasive submissions and eloquently presents the case for the council. Very impressive and a force to be reckoned with.’
Ranked: Tier 3
Cain Ormondroyd - Francis Taylor Building ‘He is superb. A calm advocate who comes highly recommended.’
Ranked: Tier 3
Sarah Sackman - Francis Taylor Building ‘One to watch. She is developing a formidable practice in planning law and public law more generally. Her strengths appear to lie in High Court challenges, acting (often successfully) for the underdog. She’s extremely approachable and great with clients, who appreciate who can-do attitude, and honesty.’
Ranked: Tier 3
Mark Westmoreland Smith - Francis Taylor Building ‘He is very capable and comes highly recommended.’
Ranked: Tier 3
Isabella Tafur - Francis Taylor Building ‘For us she is one of the best juniors for planning JRs at the Bar. A real expert in planning with excellent drafting skills and superb in court.’
Ranked: Tier 3
Ned Westaway - Francis Taylor Building ‘At inquiry, Ned is calm, measured and knows how far to press a point with an Inspector. He achieved an excellent result. Importantly he is always approachable and ready to help. He’s also a pleasure to work with.’
Ranked: Tier 3
Michael Fry - Francis Taylor Building ‘He is great to work and bounce ideas with as he has a good understanding of planning. He is also a nice person which always helps.’
Ranked: Tier 4
George Mackenzie - Francis Taylor Building ‘He is very thoughtful, efficient and thorough, as well as getting on well with clients, who have the utmost faith in him.’
Ranked: Tier 4
Annabel Graham Paul - Francis Taylor Building ‘Her strengths are in being able to identify the key issues in any given situation and in analysing and presenting those key issues clearly. Annabel is very personable and able to communicate advice clearly.’
Ranked: Tier 4

Administrative and public law (including elections)

Leading Juniors

Sarah Sackman - Francis Taylor Building ‘She is very bright, with good legal knowledge, and a particular strength in dealing with complex tactical issues.’
Ranked: Tier 3

Set overviews: England and Wales

A busy year for leading licensing and planning set Francis Taylor Building has seen former UK Supreme Court Justice Lord Kerr join as an associate member, while Professor Gordon Anthony joined as an academic tenant, and Dr Eloise Ellis and Dr Ciara Brennan as new members of Chambers’ Academic Panel. Michael Brett has joined following his role as an employed barrister in the Governmental Legal Department. Also of note, Jeremy Phillips QC has been appointed to the Professional Conduct Panel of the Teaching Regulation Agency Panel; Richard Honey  and Annabel Graham Paul  joined the Committee of the Planning and Environment Bar Association; and Morag Ellis QC was appointed as Dean of the Arches (Province of Canterbury) and Auditor (Province of York), the most senior ecclesiastical judge in England.  

Clerks:

Paul Coveney (Senior Clerk); James Kemp (Deputy Senior Clerk); Andrew Briton (Principal Clerk Business Development and Research); Harry Killick (Principal Clerk Team Leader); Adam Collins and Billy Brett (Deputy Team Leaders); Nathan Williams (Team Assistant); Danny Hurford and Katie Britton (Junior Clerk)

Testimonials

Clerks:

Always excellent service from the clerks when instructing barristers. Paul Coveney is very approachable. James Kemp also very helpful.

Billy Brett has always been helpful. Billy knows how things work and shares useful tips.

Clerking is very efficient. The team are personable and responsive to our needs. One of the better clerking setups.

Clerks all very helpful and quick to respond, in particular senior clerk Paul Coveney.

Billy Brett is particularly strong in terms of the speed with which he deals with matters and his commercial, no nonsense approach.

First impressions are key and the Clerks office for FTB is always approachable and willing to assist in availability of specific counsel and offering alternative Counsel of equivalent skill and experience.

FTB’s clerks are the best in the business – always very personable and competent. James Kemp and Harry Killick in particular are excellent.

James Kemp, Adam Collins and Billy Bret all first rate clerk, very friendly, always answer the phone. Very polite and responsive.

The clerking service is excellent. Alone of all the sets I work with the clerks are genuinely part of a client team, maintaining a good understanding of the work being transacted as well as being efficient and accessible when planning the availability of their Counsel. A familiarity with the work and clients of Chambers means that they are receptive to collaborating with law firms in business development and have at times made valuable connections for me.

The clerks are always extremely responsive and helpful. I would single out James Kemp for particular praise.

The clerks are excellent and I have a great working relation with them. They understand client needs, are very accommodating and take away a lot of stress. They just get things done.

The clerks are very friendly and pragmatic. They are always very transparent on fees.

The Clerks provide a quality service and work hard to build a rapport with instructing solicitors.

Very good clerking service, Paul Coveney is extremely professional and runs matters for well. All the clerks provide a good service.

Clerks are always very helpful, quick to respond, and ensure counsel is available when required. Good updates offered to instructing counsel, including by webinar during the Coronavirus lockdown.

Set:

Excellent set – have been proactive on the client engagement during lockdown with informative and well organised webinars.

They have put together a great training programme compulsory purchase and public law in the lock down.

FTB are a first class chambers and have a wealth of talented and excellent counsel.

Strong specialist chambers on environmental and planning matters. The foremost licensing set in the UK.

These chambers are very strong in relation to planning, CPO and infrastructure advice.

They are fairly collegiate and able to find counsel at the right level to assist with work that for any reason doesn’t fit with the counsel first approached.

Very good for ‘land’ related work, particularly Highways, Commons and Greens.

Set overviews: England and Wales

A busy year for leading licensing and planning set Francis Taylor Building has seen former UK Supreme Court Justice Lord Kerr join as an associate member, while Professor Gordon Anthony joined as an academic tenant, and Dr Eloise Ellis and Dr Ciara Brennan as new members of Chambers’ Academic Panel. Michael Brett has joined following his role as an employed barrister in the Governmental Legal Department. Also of note, Jeremy Phillips QC has been appointed to the Professional Conduct Panel of the Teaching Regulation Agency Panel; Richard Honey  and Annabel Graham Paul  joined the Committee of the Planning and Environment Bar Association; and Morag Ellis QC was appointed as Dean of the Arches (Province of Canterbury) and Auditor (Province of York), the most senior ecclesiastical judge in England.  

Clerks:

Paul Coveney (Senior Clerk); James Kemp (Deputy Senior Clerk); Andrew Briton (Principal Clerk Business Development and Research); Harry Killick (Principal Clerk Team Leader); Adam Collins and Billy Brett (Deputy Team Leaders); Nathan Williams (Team Assistant); Danny Hurford and Katie Britton (Junior Clerk)

Testimonials

Clerks:

Always excellent service from the clerks when instructing barristers. Paul Coveney is very approachable. James Kemp also very helpful.

Billy Brett has always been helpful. Billy knows how things work and shares useful tips.

Clerking is very efficient. The team are personable and responsive to our needs. One of the better clerking setups.

Clerks all very helpful and quick to respond, in particular senior clerk Paul Coveney.

Billy Brett is particularly strong in terms of the speed with which he deals with matters and his commercial, no nonsense approach.

First impressions are key and the Clerks office for FTB is always approachable and willing to assist in availability of specific counsel and offering alternative Counsel of equivalent skill and experience.

FTB’s clerks are the best in the business – always very personable and competent. James Kemp and Harry Killick in particular are excellent.

James Kemp, Adam Collins and Billy Bret all first rate clerk, very friendly, always answer the phone. Very polite and responsive.

The clerking service is excellent. Alone of all the sets I work with the clerks are genuinely part of a client team, maintaining a good understanding of the work being transacted as well as being efficient and accessible when planning the availability of their Counsel. A familiarity with the work and clients of Chambers means that they are receptive to collaborating with law firms in business development and have at times made valuable connections for me.

The clerks are always extremely responsive and helpful. I would single out James Kemp for particular praise.

The clerks are excellent and I have a great working relation with them. They understand client needs, are very accommodating and take away a lot of stress. They just get things done.

The clerks are very friendly and pragmatic. They are always very transparent on fees.

The Clerks provide a quality service and work hard to build a rapport with instructing solicitors.

Very good clerking service, Paul Coveney is extremely professional and runs matters for well. All the clerks provide a good service.

Clerks are always very helpful, quick to respond, and ensure counsel is available when required. Good updates offered to instructing counsel, including by webinar during the Coronavirus lockdown.

Set:

Excellent set – have been proactive on the client engagement during lockdown with informative and well organised webinars.

They have put together a great training programme compulsory purchase and public law in the lock down.

FTB are a first class chambers and have a wealth of talented and excellent counsel.

Strong specialist chambers on environmental and planning matters. The foremost licensing set in the UK.

These chambers are very strong in relation to planning, CPO and infrastructure advice.

They are fairly collegiate and able to find counsel at the right level to assist with work that for any reason doesn’t fit with the counsel first approached.

Very good for ‘land’ related work, particularly Highways, Commons and Greens.

Regional Bar > Set overviews: England and Wales

A busy year for leading licensing and planning set Francis Taylor Building has seen former UK Supreme Court Justice Lord Kerr join as an associate member, while Professor Gordon Anthony joined as an academic tenant, and Dr Eloise Ellis and Dr Ciara Brennan as new members of Chambers’ Academic Panel. Michael Brett has joined following his role as an employed barrister in the Governmental Legal Department. Also of note, Jeremy Phillips QC has been appointed to the Professional Conduct Panel of the Teaching Regulation Agency Panel; Richard Honey  and Annabel Graham Paul  joined the Committee of the Planning and Environment Bar Association; and Morag Ellis QC was appointed as Dean of the Arches (Province of Canterbury) and Auditor (Province of York), the most senior ecclesiastical judge in England.  

Clerks:

Paul Coveney (Senior Clerk); James Kemp (Deputy Senior Clerk); Andrew Briton (Principal Clerk Business Development and Research); Harry Killick (Principal Clerk Team Leader); Adam Collins and Billy Brett (Deputy Team Leaders); Nathan Williams (Team Assistant); Danny Hurford and Katie Britton (Junior Clerk)

Testimonials

Clerks:

Always excellent service from the clerks when instructing barristers. Paul Coveney is very approachable. James Kemp also very helpful.

Billy Brett has always been helpful. Billy knows how things work and shares useful tips.

Clerking is very efficient. The team are personable and responsive to our needs. One of the better clerking setups.

Clerks all very helpful and quick to respond, in particular senior clerk Paul Coveney.

Billy Brett is particularly strong in terms of the speed with which he deals with matters and his commercial, no nonsense approach.

First impressions are key and the Clerks office for FTB is always approachable and willing to assist in availability of specific counsel and offering alternative Counsel of equivalent skill and experience.

FTB’s clerks are the best in the business – always very personable and competent. James Kemp and Harry Killick in particular are excellent.

James Kemp, Adam Collins and Billy Bret all first rate clerk, very friendly, always answer the phone. Very polite and responsive.

The clerking service is excellent. Alone of all the sets I work with the clerks are genuinely part of a client team, maintaining a good understanding of the work being transacted as well as being efficient and accessible when planning the availability of their Counsel. A familiarity with the work and clients of Chambers means that they are receptive to collaborating with law firms in business development and have at times made valuable connections for me.

The clerks are always extremely responsive and helpful. I would single out James Kemp for particular praise.

The clerks are excellent and I have a great working relation with them. They understand client needs, are very accommodating and take away a lot of stress. They just get things done.

The clerks are very friendly and pragmatic. They are always very transparent on fees.

The Clerks provide a quality service and work hard to build a rapport with instructing solicitors.

Very good clerking service, Paul Coveney is extremely professional and runs matters for well. All the clerks provide a good service.

Clerks are always very helpful, quick to respond, and ensure counsel is available when required. Good updates offered to instructing counsel, including by webinar during the Coronavirus lockdown.

Set:

Excellent set – have been proactive on the client engagement during lockdown with informative and well organised webinars.

They have put together a great training programme compulsory purchase and public law in the lock down.

FTB are a first class chambers and have a wealth of talented and excellent counsel.

Strong specialist chambers on environmental and planning matters. The foremost licensing set in the UK.

These chambers are very strong in relation to planning, CPO and infrastructure advice.

They are fairly collegiate and able to find counsel at the right level to assist with work that for any reason doesn’t fit with the counsel first approached.

Very good for ‘land’ related work, particularly Highways, Commons and Greens.

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

Department Name Email Telephone
Members of Chambers TAIT QC, Andrew (1981)
Members of Chambers ROOTS QC, Guy (1969)
Members of Chambers McCRACKEN QC, Robert (1973)
Members of Chambers HUMPHRIES QC, Michael (1982)
Members of Chambers GOURIET QC, Gerald (1974)
Members of Chambers MATTHIAS QC, David (1980)
Members of Chambers ELLIS QC, Morag (1984)
Members of Chambers HOWELL WILLIAMS QC, Craig (1983)
Members of Chambers GLOVER QC, Richard (1984)
Members of Chambers HILL QC, Mark (1987) (QC-2009)
Members of Chambers BIRD QC, Simon (1987)
Members of Chambers EDWARDS QC, Douglas (1992)
Members of Chambers JONES QC, Gregory (1991)
Members of Chambers ORNSBY QC, Suzanne (1986)
Members of Chambers PEREIRA QC, James (2014)
Members of Chambers KABIR SHEIKH QC, Saira (2014)
Members of Chambers FRASER-URQUHART QC, Andrew (1993)
Members of Chambers PHILLPOT QC, Hereward (1997)
Members of Chambers BOOTH QC, Alexander (2000)
Members of Chambers PHILLIPS QC, Jeremy (2018)
Members of Chambers HONEY QC, 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

Photo Name Position Profile
Gordon Anthony photo Gordon Anthony Professor Gordon Anthony is an Academic Tenant at Francis Taylor Building.  He… View Profile
Simon Bird photo Simon Bird Simon specialises in planning, local government, administrative and environmental Law. He is… View Profile
Alexander Booth photo Alexander Booth Alex Booth has a practice which encompasses all aspects of planning, infrastructure… View Profile
Michael Brendan Brett photo Michael Brendan Brett Recent work undertaken by Michael includes: Junior to Ned Westaway in the… View Profile
Leo Charalambides photo Leo Charalambides Licensing Leo is noted for his extensive expertise and experience of Licensing.… View Profile
Rebecca Clutten photo Rebecca Clutten Rebecca Clutten was called to the Bar in 2008 and is recognised… View Profile
Timothy Comyn photo Timothy Comyn The principal areas of Timothy Comyn’s practice include town and country planning,… View Profile
Ms Caroline Daly photo Ms Caroline Daly Caroline was called to the Bar in 2013 and is currently ranked… View Profile
Esther Drabkin-Reiter photo Esther Drabkin-Reiter Recent and current work includes: Acting for local residents and businesses, joined… View Profile
Douglas Edwards photo Douglas Edwards   Douglas Edwards QC practices in the fields of town and country… View Profile
Dr Pavlos Eleftheriadis photo Dr Pavlos Eleftheriadis EU Law He is regularly instructed to advise on general aspects of… View Profile
Morag Ellis photo Morag Ellis Morag Ellis QC is widely recognised as a leading expert in planning… View Profile
Conor Fegan photo Conor Fegan Conor is ranked as one of the top planning barristers under the… View Profile
Hugh Flanagan photo Hugh Flanagan Hugh is ranked as a leading junior in the Legal 500 and… View Profile
Charles Forrest photo Charles Forrest Charles welcomes instructions to advise and represent clients across all of Chambers’… View Profile
Andrew Fraser-urquhart photo Andrew Fraser-urquhart Andrew Fraser-Urquhart QC (known universally as “AFU”) practices in planning, environmental and… View Profile
Mr Michael Fry photo Mr Michael Fry Michael specialises in planning and public law. His practice encompasses environmental, regulatory,… View Profile
Richard Glover photo Richard Glover   Richard Glover QC practices in all aspects of town and country… View Profile
Merrow Golden photo Merrow Golden Merrow welcomes instructions to act individually or as a part of a… View Profile
Gerald Gouriet photo Gerald Gouriet   Gerald’s licensing practice is principally in alcohol & entertainment, taxi and… View Profile
David Graham photo David Graham Planning David’s practice takes in a variety of planning matters, for private… View Profile
Annabel Graham Paul photo Annabel Graham Paul Annabel has acted in a number of leading judicial reviews and planning… View Profile
Gary Grant photo Gary Grant   Gary Grant is one of the UK’s leading licensing barristers. He… View Profile
Alexander Greaves photo Alexander Greaves Since joining Chambers in 2014, Alexander has developed a busy specialist practice… View Profile
Mark Hill photo Mark Hill Mark has more than twenty years experience of common law practice advising… View Profile
Charles Holland photo Charles Holland   Charles Holland’s practice combines licensing work and a broad range of… View Profile
Richard Honey photo Richard Honey Richard Honey QC practises as a barrister in the fields of public… View Profile
Craig Howell Williams photo Craig Howell Williams   Craig Howell Williams QC specialises in planning, environment and related areas… View Profile
Michael Humphries photo Michael Humphries Michael Humphries specialises in all aspects of property development law, but is… View Profile
John Jolliffe photo John Jolliffe John Jolliffe practises across a range of environmental, planning and public law.… View Profile
Gregory Jones photo Gregory Jones Gregory’s practice covers all aspects of administrative law including judicial review and… View Profile
Emyr Jones photo Emyr Jones Emyr was called in 1999 and practised in Cardiff until joining FTB… View Profile
Saira Kabir Sheikh photo Saira Kabir Sheikh Saira’s practice covers all aspects of planning and environmental law, local government,… View Profile
Mr Meyric Lewis photo Mr Meyric Lewis Meyric was described by The Lawyer as “standing out” for his expertise… View Profile
George Mackenzie photo George Mackenzie Since joining Chambers in 2012 George has developed a busy specialist practice… View Profile
Mr David Matthias photo Mr David Matthias David Matthias Q.C. FCIArb was called in 1980 and took Silk in… View Profile
Robert Mccracken photo Robert Mccracken Robert McCracken QC is a leading public, planning and environmental lawyer. He… View Profile
Charles Merrett photo Charles Merrett Charles’ practice spans all areas of Chambers’ planning work. He acts for… View Profile
Melissa Murphy photo Melissa Murphy Melissa specialises in compulsory purchase and compensation; planning; and associated property, contract… View Profile
Daisy Noble photo Daisy Noble View Profile
Cain Ormondroyd photo Cain Ormondroyd Cain Ormondroyd practices in the fields of public and planning law, with… View Profile
Suzanne Ornsby photo Suzanne Ornsby Suzanne Ornsby QC specialises in planning law and has spent most of her… View Profile
James Alexander Pereira photo James Alexander Pereira James Pereira Q.C. specialises in planning, environmental, local government and administrative law,… View Profile
Jeremy Phillips photo Jeremy Phillips Jeremy Phillips QC offers the highest levels of expertise and advocacy as a barrister following,… View Profile
Hereward Phillpot photo Hereward Phillpot Hereward Phillpot QC took silk in 2015, and has rapidly become recognised… View Profile
James Rankin photo James Rankin Preeminent licensing barrister James Rankin with thirty years’ experience in licensing and… View Profile
Guy Roots photo Guy Roots Guy Roots QC is an Associate Member of Chambers and is available… View Profile
Charles Streeten photo Charles Streeten Charles Streeten has rapidly earned a reputation as one of the leading… View Profile
Ms Isabella Tafur photo Ms Isabella Tafur   Isabella is ranked as a leading junior at the Planning Bar… View Profile
Mr Andrew Tait photo Mr Andrew Tait Andrew Tait QC is Head of Chambers. Andrew’s main areas of work… View Profile
Horatio Waller photo Horatio Waller Horatio specialises in planning, infrastructure, licensing, judicial review, education, landlord & tenant,… View Profile
Jonathan Welch photo Jonathan Welch Notable examples of Jonathan’s recent and ongoing work include:  Acting for local… View Profile
Mr Ned Westaway photo Mr Ned Westaway Ned is a highly regarded junior who accepts instructions in a wide… 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

Department Name Email Telephone
Senior Clerk Paul Coveney paul.coveney@ftbchambers.co.uk 020 7353 8415

Staff Figures

58 Members of Chambers. 13 Members of Staff :

Top Tier Set Rankings

Set Rankings