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
Specialist practitioner in licensing, regulatory, inquest, inquiry, and public law with extensive expertise in criminal law. Licensing: instructed to advise and represent licensees, applicants, police and licensing authorities on all matters connected with licensable activity, including sexual entertainment, gambling, alcohol, entertainment of all other kinds, street trading and taxis with extensive appellate and High Court practice. Regulatory: List ‘A’ Specialist Regulatory Advocates in Health and Safety and Environmental Law (HSE/EA/ORR); instructed by enforcing authorities, companies and individuals to advise and represent in civil, criminal, administrative and coronial proceedings, with particular expertise in railway, fire, and safety at sports (football) grounds, environmental and water law. Inquests and public inquiries: instructed by bereaved families, employers, premises operators, enforcing authorities, and police to advise and represent at inquests/public inquiries and in related High Court and civil proceedings. Criminal law: prosecution and defence as led junior and alone.
Career
Qualified 2001, Lincoln’s Inn; appointed ‘A’ List on the Specialist Regulatory Advocates in Health and Safety and Environmental Law Panel 2012.
Education
Cambridge (MA Hons Anglo-Saxon, Norse & Celtic); Diploma in Law (merit); LLM International Law (distinction); Ede & Ravenscourt Student of the Year 2001 (Lincoln’s Inn); Megarry Scholar 2001; Buchanan Prize 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.'