Lauded as ‘persuasive before any forum, whether it is a court or a licensing panel, with a non-confrontational style that gets results’, Cornerstone Barristers has a large public sector client base within licensing, with local authorities featuring as key clients for senior counsel within the set. In this regard, James Findlay KC is adept in all forms of local authority licensing, in addition to a full range of gambling and alcohol licensing expertise, as well as challenging licensing applications with local councils, including city councils. Ranjit Bhose KC has been involved in high-profile licensing cases, precedent setting work for Uber, including representing the claimant in Uber Britannia Limited v Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council. Josef Cannon KC, who was appointed silk in 2024, was also involved this case. Taxi litigation is a strong area of expertise for Asitha Ranatunga, a key junior within the set, and elsewhere sexual entertainment venue licensing, and public entertainment licensing are also cornerstones of the work for barristers.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Good advocacy with technical knowledge and drafting skills
- 'Helpful clerks, well run chambers.'
- 'Excellent advocates. Good choice if you want to win a complex licensing matter.'
- 'Excellent clerks. We believe that they have unsurpassed expertise in licensing matters.'
- 'Persuasive before any forum (court or licensing panel) with a non-confrontational style that gets results. Excellent with clients.'
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.
James Findlay KC
2024 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.
Josef Cannon KC
'Fantastic KC. Persuasive before any forum (court or licensing panel) with a non-confrontational style that gets results. Excellent with clients.'
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.
Richard Hanstock
Matt Lewin
ood advocacy with technical knowledge and drafting skills.'