Paul 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.
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.
- 'The clerks are always efficient, friendly and informative. Mark Ronson in particular is always very quick to respond with all the required information.'
- '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.'
- 'Kings Chambers town planning team has become an excellent group of barristers offering great experience and offering different styles to suit the needs of different clients. There is considerable strength in depth.'
- 'Kings are the "go to" planning Chambers not just because of the stellar array of legal talent but also their exceptional approach to service response, value and quality client care. Their clerks are outstanding and compliment the barristers' work by providing the best overall service of any planning set.'
- 'Kings Chambers is excellent in every respect. Fantastic barristers both at KC and junior level. They are the leading Planning set for Planning on the Northern and Midlands circuit, and their skills, knowledge base, availability and responsiveness is unparalleled.
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.
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.’
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’
David Manley KC
Sarah Reid KC
‘Excellent on her feet. Works well with her client team and commands great respect.'
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.
Ruth Stockley KC
‘Ruth’s very good at instilling confidence in clients, she gives clear direction to her team and provides measured advice. A strong advocate she has an excellent command of her brief.’
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.
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.'
Martin Carter
'As an advocate he has the ability to tease out details which are integral to the case.'
Alan Evans
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.'
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.
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.’
John Barrett
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.'
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.'
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.’
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.'
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.
Shemuel Sheikh
‘Shemuel's strengths are his ability to cut to the chase and to distil advice and instructions in a way which clients appreciate. He's approachable and yet direct with his advice.'