Vincent Fraser KC
‘Excellent at focusing on the key issues and commerciality of the claim. Very good rapport with the judge and able to deal competently and succinctly with Judges' interventions’
Kings Chambers have strength in depth when leading on planning and environment cases. At the silk level, the set can boast the experience of practice leader Giles Cannock KC, who is regularly instructed by developers and local authorities on major schemes, both residential and commercial. He is joined by Ruth Stockley KC, particularly prominent in public inquiries concerning contentious planning matters, Sarah Reid KC, who focuses on large-scale residential planning permission appeals and acted for Sheffield Council in their Local Plan Examination. At the junior level, Alan Evans represents local authorities in complex and extensive planning inquiries and consultations, Philip Robson leads on significant statutory appeals, and Piers Riley-Smith‘s broad practice covers highway law concerns and compulsory purchase orders. Anthony Gill has a niche practice concerning assets of community value, among other areas.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Gary Smith and Mark Ronson are approachable, listen and are always looking for ways to help. It is also great to see how they help to get the best out of their barristers. James Bedford gives excellent support.'
- 'Kings Chambers has exceptionally knowledgeable and responsive clerks who are skilled at matching the right barrister to the right case or client, and bringing on juniors. Gary Smith and Mark Ronson are both friendly and impressive - a pleasure to work with.'
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.
David Manley KC
Sarah Reid KC
‘Excellent on her feet. Works well with her client team and commands great respect.'
Paul G. Tucker KC
‘Paul is technically very strong but combines this with giving very clear and firm advice in conferences and in writing – clients and their lawyers know exactly where they stand, and the strength of their case from the outset.
Giles Cannock KC
'His advice in an appeal situation has always been incredibly useful and he has helped us to numerous successful outcomes at appeal.’
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.
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.
Philip Robson
‘Philip’s key strengths are his response time and his ability to separate the wheat from the chaff. Philip is also very client-friendly and, in conferences, he is excellent and the client is always happy with Philip’s advice.
Alan Evans
'Alan’s advice is concise, authoritative and cuts straight to the point. When required, such as in relation to planning strategy, his thinking is brilliant.’
John Hunter
‘John is very clear and concise.'
Ian Ponter
Piers Riley-Smith
‘Piers is an incredibly bright and knowledgeable lawyer with an ability to turn very complex difficult problems into a series of simple and easy to follow options. His advice is practical and always useful.'
Martin Carter
‘As an advocate he has the ability to tease out details which are integral to the case.’
Stephanie Hall
‘Her legal acumen is evident in every interaction, and she consistently demonstrates a deep understanding of complex legal issues, providing insightful analysis that enhances our strategic approach.’
Constanze Bell
‘She is hardworking and diligent, able to get under the skin of the issues and yet see the bigger picture. She is a great advocate, being able to explain complex legal points clearly even before judges who are not planning experts.’
Anthony Gill
‘He is significantly more approachable than many other barristers, which helps our clients feel at ease. However, this approachability does not diminish his professionalism or the quality of his work.'
Michael Rudd
‘Michael is excellent in preparing for cases and his advocacy is detailed and forensic. He always has a superb grasp of the respective parties’ cases.'
Freddie Humphreys
‘Technical excellence, highly commercial and practical and a very much a team player. Freddie is very responsive and quickly establishes strong relationships with clients and team members alike.’
Killian Garvey
‘He is friendly, responsive and reliable. As an advocate, he delivers his case in a clear and structured manner, with a natural ability to detect the weaknesses in opposing arguments.’
John Barrett
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.
