David Blundell KC
'David is an excellent lawyer and advocate. Coupled with that he is extremely pleasant, and a pleasure to work with. He is an expert on public law and leaves no stone unturned.'
Landmark Chambers has ‘a good administrative law team, with impressive juniors as well as more senior counsel’. James Maurici KC acts for a a claimant group of investors in R (Abacus Land) v SSHCLG, one of a series of judicial reviews that allege that provisions of the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 are an expropriation in violation of A1P1 of the ECHR, leading Natasha Jackson in the high-profile litigation. David Blundell KC is a ’really excellent government silk’ and recently represented the defendant in R (FTDI Holding) v Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, the second challenge to reach court under the National Security and Investment Act 2021's provisions requiring divestment from countries on national security grounds. ‘An iron first in a silk glove’, Julia Smyth KC took silk in 2025 and has an established public law practice acting for defendants including the GLD - she acts for the SSWP in a Court of Appeal case regarding if a person who is absent from the UK can claim Employment and Support Allowance.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Ben Connor is a highly experienced and well-respected senior clerk for the planning team. Mike Gooch is a superstar clerk with unparalleled industry knowledge and expertise. Jonathan Barley is a highly reliable clerk, well liked by clients for his fast turnaround and attention to detail.'
- 'The clerks' room are great and incredibly responsive. Richard Bolton and Jason Allen are easy to work with and very attentive.'
Lawyers
Leading Silks
KCs at the very top of their field, with a long-established record of market-defining cases, and widespread endorsement from clients and peers. All silks appointed in the last two rounds are listed further below.
Alex Goodman KC
‘Alex is particularly good at identifying potential legal grounds of claim in unusual cases. He is not fazed by difficult arguments or difficult opponents, and is able to maintain clarity in the overall strategy of the case. He is also willing to undertake extensive research and produce textbook-like legal submissions which are incredibly persuasive to defendants and courts.’
Galina Ward KC
'Galina's written work is exceptional. She has an ability to simplify the most complex legal issues in a clear and concise way. Galina applies a strategic focus to any case at the outset which clients appreciate.'
Alex Goodman KC
'An excellent advocate, who reads the court well but also fights the client's corner tenaciously. Knows how to win cases.'
2025 Silks
KCs at the very top of their field, with a long-established record of market-defining cases, and widespread endorsement from clients and peers. All silks appointed in the last two rounds are listed further below.
Julia Smyth KC
'She really interrogates the case and in that first call with the client, she is immediately up on the detail and is not only knowledgeable, but warm and personable. She is a great barrister who is not only supremely clever but is commercial, pragmatic and clients love her.'
Sasha Blackmore KC
‘Sasha is a very effective public law barrister. Her written submissions are good and her oral advocacy is effective. She deserved her recent appointment as Kings Counsel.’
Leading Juniors
Leading juniors are those with significant experience of key cases, strong market recognition from both peers and clients, and are seen as future candidates for silk.
Natasha Jackson
‘Natasha gets to the heart of cases very quickly. She has excellent judgement. Her drafting is extremely persuasive and concise. She works very hard for the client and is clearly very gifted.’
Matthew Fraser
‘Matthew is excellent at organising arguments and dealing with complex factual and scientific situations and presenting them to clients and court. His advocacy is clear and persuasive.’
Miranda Butler
‘Miranda is an exceptional barrister with an incredible eye for detail. She can analyse a case and dissect the most minute of details within an impressively short period of time. Miranda is always willing to make time to provide ad hoc advice. Her knowledge and expertise in trafficking cases is second to none.’
Ben Fullbrook
'Ben has a very thorough approach to case analysis and evaluation which follows through to his written submissions. His drafting skills are top notch and he is particularly impressive and persuasive when 'on his feet'. Ben is amply able to calmly and professionally address new information and unforeseen issues during a hearing.'
Admas Habteslasie
'The breadth and depth of his knowledge is particularly notable for a junior barrister. It is always a delight working with Admas.'
Siân McGibbon
‘Sian is a superb public law advocate. From legal research to submissions in court she is simply one of the most well-prepared and persuasive advocates. She is delight to listen to and engages the full attention of the court when she speaks.’
Rising stars
Rising stars at the Bar are defined as barristers between four and eight years’ call who are seen as up-and-coming members of the Bar in their respective practice areas by clients and peers alike. They will already be instructed in high-profile, complex, and high-value contentious and non-contentious matters, working with and opposite more experienced leading counsel.
Barney McCay
‘Barney is a stellar junior. His drafting is incredibly clear and concise. He has a clear perspective on the best and simplest way to achieve the client’s objectives.’
Barney McCay
‘Barney is a stellar junior. His drafting is incredibly clear and concise. He has a clear perspective on the best and simplest way to achieve the client’s objectives.’