A ‘go-to for planning and environmental advice’, No5 Barristers Chambers can field an extraordinary array of experience and talent in the planning field. With over four decades of experience, Paul Cairnes KC is instructed to lead on planning permission appeals by large developers, and he is joined by Peter Goatley KC, a highway and environmental law specialist, and Richard Humphreys KC, who represents an array of property owners in contentious cases. The depth of the set is illustrated by the presences of the ’very knowledgeable’ Tim Pole, who leads on complex proceedings concerning illegal waste disposal, the ‘calm, authoritative, and persuasive’ Howard Leithead, who is an expert in appeals under relevant sections of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, and Jack Smyth, who appears in the High Court on enforcement matters.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'No5 Barristers' Chambers consists of a plethora of talented barristers assisted by excellent clerks. Easy to work with and responsive, Andrew Bisbey and Marc Forrest-Thomas deserve particular mention. Highly recommended.'
- 'Clerking at No5 Chambers is and has always been, exemplary. Friendly, accessible and always helpful.'
- 'They are large enough always to have someone available and with the right expertise to do the job even if my first choice is not available.'
- 'No5 continue to be the go-to for planning and environmental advice.'
- 'The set are professional and approachable with good training programmes. The clerks provide a good service.'
- 'No5 clerks are brilliant. Always quick to respond, fun and friendly.'
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.
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.
Satnam Choongh
Howard Leithead
His explanation to and communication with the client is excellent. He listens whilst offering appropriate challenge to ensure the client is well and robustly represented.'
Tim Pole
'He is very knowledgeable and you know you are in good hands. He is also a pleasure to work with.'
Leanne Buckley-Thomson
‘a superb junior barrister who is rapidly rising to the top of her field’
Christian Hawley
‘He is responsive, friendly, intelligent and commercially astute. He is a strong advocate, presenting his case in a concise and strategic manner.’
Jack Smyth
Bernard Thorogood
'Exceptional work ethic - excellent with courts and clients alike - always completely on top of the papers - a complete pleasure to work alongside'
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.
