With a strong track record of representing leading clients in the hospitality and gambling sectors, Three Raymond Buildings has built a strong reputation in licensing which has ‘been maintained by a strong presence of licensing specialists across all levels of experience.’ One such barrister, who is one of a deep bench of juniors in the set, is Sarah Le Fevre. Le Fevre is entrusted by police forces inside and outside of London for licensing matters. Its silks include Saba Naqshbandi KC, who is prolific in high-end premises licensing in Westminster, particularly in Mayfair and Soho, as well as Matthew Butt KC who has a strength in firearms licensing. Among other senior counsel is Stephen Walsh KC, who represented the local authority in Walksafe Security Services v LB Lewisham, a case concerning the lawfulness of remote licencing hearings.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Profile
Position
A leading Silk practising in inquests and inquiries, police regulation, criminal and extradition law. Matthew has particular expertise in cases relating to terrorism, national security and firearms tactics. He is currently acting in the Manchester Arena, Grenfell Tower and Jermaine Baker public inquiries. He represented the Metropolitan Police Service and Counter Terrorism Policing Headquarters in the inquests arising out of the Fishmongers Hall, London Bridge and Palace of Westminster terrorist attacks. An expert in international criminal law, Matthew successfully acted for Colonel Kumar Lama when he was tried at the Old Bailey for war crimes allegedly committed during the Nepalese civil war. Regularly instructed to represent accused officers in police disciplinary hearings and appeals, recent cases include the Sean Rigg and Henry Hicks misconduct cases. Advises and represents on all matters connected with licensed activities, including gambling, alcohol, regulated entertainment, street trading, firearms and taxis before licensing committees and on appeal to the Magistrates’ Court, the Administrative Court and the Court of Appeal. Clients include major casino operators, licensing authorities, the police, national pub operators and festivals.
Career
Call, 2002, Recorder of the Crown Court 2015, Bencher (Gray’s Inn) 2017, Silk 2020, Deputy High Court Judge 2021
Attorney General's B Panel 2012
Specalist Advocates' A Panellist for Health & Safety and Environmental Law
Lead Advocacy Trainer, Gray's Inn
Education
University College London (LLB; Dip Law); Gray’s Inn (2002 Atkin Scholar; 2000 Lord Justice Walker Scholar); English Union American Scholar 2001.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'A brilliant set. Experts in all that they do, and their background in criminal law means that they are some of the most effective advocates out there. What’s more, they are some of the most delightful people to work with.'
- 'Three Raymond Buildings' excellent reputation in the field of licensing law has been built over many decades, during which members of the chambers have represented all the major operators in the hospitality and gambling sectors. That reputation has been maintained by a strong presence of licensing specialists across all levels of experience.'
- 'Excellent Clerks. They are very responsive and progressive, and they achieve results.'
- 'Excellent set. Well respected and rightfully so. They have seasoned counsels often available alongside a range of 'up and coming' stars following in the footsteps of those ahead of them.'