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
Mentions
Profile
Position
Saba is an expert in Health & Safety, Licensing, Inquests and Public Inquiries and Crime/Financial crime, having been instructed in some of the most important cases in these areas for many years.
Health & Safety, Licensing and Regulatory Law:
Saba represents major companies and enforcing authorities, including the HSE, fire and local authorities and the police nationally in both criminal proceedings and inquests in:
- Fire safety
- Health & safety
- Data protection and Freedom of Information
- Licensing
- Gambling
- Consumer protection
- Environmental
- Food safety
- Trading standards
Inquests & Public Inquiries
Saba is an expert in high profile, sensitive inquiries instructed by all participants.
She is an Assistant Coroner for Inner North London.
Cases include the Manchester Arena, Grenfell Tower, Alexander Litvinenko Public Inquiries and the Inquests into the deaths following the London Bridge and Westminster terror attacks.
Crime/Financial Crime
Saba’s advice is sought nationally and internationally. She advises foreign Governments and Enforcement Authorities, corporates and individuals in multi-jurisdictional cases in:
- Private Prosecutions
- Bribery & Corruption
- Mutual Legal Assistance
- Fraud
- Insider dealing
- Money laundering
- Confiscation and restraint
- Terrorism
- Complex production orders
Career
Call 1996; Silk 2024
Specialist Advocate in Health & Safety and Environmental Law (A Panel)
Bencher of the Middle Temple (2016)
Co-Chair, Criminal Law Committee of the International Bar Association (2009-2012)
Elected Committee member, Criminal Bar Association Committee (2009-2012)
Publications;
Co-Author, GIR Guide to Sanctions (2020)
Memberships
Criminal Bar Association; Assocation of Regulatory & Disciplinary Lawyers (ARDL); Health & Safety Lawyers Association; Middle Temple International Committee
Education
Bury Grammar School; University College, London (1994 LLB; 1995 LLM).
Content supplied by Three Raymond Buildings
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.'