Administrative & Public Law: London

THE SET Blackstone Chambers is "self evidently the best public law set in the business." It houses a remarkable roll call of outstanding silks and is acclaimed for incubating the next generation of leaders at the Bar. Its members are distinguished by their "unrivalled strength and depth in this area, which means you are likely to find quality of advice at even the shortest notice." Government favourites but also strong on the claimant side, they are involved in a range of high-profile cases, notable examples being Binyam Mohamed, Equitable Life, MPs' expenses, Guantanamo Bay-related cases and right to life matters. The obvious first choice for pure public law judicial review, Blackstone barristers are constantly in demand and further advantaged by having clerks who are "exceptionally obliging."

SILKS Michael Fordham QC enjoys legendary status among his peers due to his "unrivalled knowledge" and "immense workload." This "punchy advocate and academically gifted" practitioner has "exceptional judgement," say observers. His vast public law experience has been applied to such significant cases as Al Rawi, a case involving Guantanamo Bay detainees' litigation against the UK government, and also Cart, concerning the amenability of the Upper Tribunal to judicial review. David Pannick QC's star status is unanimously endorsed by peers and clients, who say he is at the top by some margin for his public and judicial review work on behalf of both private clients and public bodies. He continues to stand out as he "demonstrates legal and client relation skills of the very highest order," and impresses as "he is able to distil even the most complex case into three of four apparently simple issues." This exceptional practitioner shines alongside Dinah Rose QC, who receives widespread praise as an "outstandingly committed public lawyer who is an exceptionally forceful advocate." A revered figure, she is a regular in the Supreme Court and recently acted for several appellants in the notorious Al Rawi case, as well as on a high-profile age discrimination challenge. Her public law practice has a strong human rights element to it, but she is equally respected for her regulatory practice and employment law knowledge. Sources praise "her compelling written arguments and her ability to turn written papers round at short notice." Solicitors also flock to the "smooth as silk" Michael Beloff QC, whose "court manner makes him the most stylish of advocates." "First-rate advice and superior technical knowledge" mark him out as being at the forefront of silks of his generation.

Treasury Devil James Eadie QC has a stellar reputation as the counsel of choice for the government. He is considered a "class act," acting in many major judicial reviews, public inquiries and public law challenges on behalf of differing governmental bodies. Eadie is but one of a bevy of respected silks at the set. John Howell QC is "a man of supreme intellect, who acts in many noteworthy cases." He represented bus companies in a judicial review of how they were to be compensated for fare concessions, and was involved in the case challenging compensation provisions for Northern Rock shareholders. Both claimants and defendants turn to him to handle a vast array of public law cases with aspects of immigration, human rights and local government issues attached to them. He is further noted for being "very solid in regulatory matters." Monica Carss-Frisk QC is a well-known figure across public and EU law, particularly on cases with civil liberties aspects. "A notably persuasive individual," she is singled out for her "sound commercial knowledge" and recently advised on a major challenge by the British Bankers' Association as to the FSA's Policy Statement on Payments Protection Insurance complaints handling. She is highly commended alongside Pushpinder Saini QC, who is a heavyweight in the sector where public law overlaps with human rights. He recently acted for the Secretary of State for Defence in the noteworthy case of Smith, which ruled that soldiers fell outside the jurisdiction of the UK for the purpose of Article 1 of the Convention. 

The "simply excellent" Mark Shaw QC remains a favourite with a number of the country's leading solicitors. He has a broad public law practice, significant recent highlights from which include resisting extradition of a British national to Spain, appearing for Transport for London in a pending judicial review claim challenging the legality of a pension protection levy and advising the Home Office on the civil penalty regime of the Immigration, Asylum & Nationality Act 2006. His stablemate Adam Lewis QC is highly sought after for his public practice. "Sensible, reliable and efficient, he never fails to impress year on year." Lewis has particular expertise in the application of public law principles in both public and commercial contexts, and is further skilled at handling EU law issues and public procurement matters. He is rated alongside Lord Lester of Herne Hill QC, who remains a much-revered figure of the Bar when it comes to constitutional and human rights-related public law issues. New silk Javan Herberg QC is a firm favourite of countless solicitors, who agree that he has "all the characteristics you look for in counsel: he is very hard-working, thorough and hugely intelligent, and has sound judgement." "Easy to work with," Herberg has shown skill in a successful judicial review for Equitable Life pension holders and also for the Law Society.

JUNIORS The "witty and charming" Ben Jaffey receives outstanding praise for his broad public law practice. "Very quick and alert," he has "exceptional judgement and a thorough knowledge of human rights law." As a popular choice, he has a mountainous caseload, which recently took in the high-profile judicial review challenge to the compensation provisions for shareholders arising out of the nationalisation of Northern Rock. He was also involved in the Binyam Mohamed judicial review and recently acted for HM Treasury in a challenge to the lawfulness of the emergency budget of the coalition government. Thomas de la Mare is a renowned advocate who is described as "bright and user-friendly." Sources say "he has skill and experience in most areas of public law but his knowledge of human rights law, in particular, is exceptional." He has appeared in high-profile judicial review cases such as the challenge to the government's ban on displaying tobacco products.

In Shaheed Fatima the set has another junior who has been marked out as a future star. She is particularly strong on public law cases involving a human rights element and acted for the claimants in Al-Sweady. In another notable matter she appeared in R (Bary) v Secretary of State for Justice, a case looking at whether the conditions of detention of foreign nationals pending extradition were compatible with their rights under Articles 3 and 8 of the ECHR. Kate Gallafent has developed a strong reputation as a "tremendous advocate." She recently acted in an important House of Lords case concerning the circumstances in which the BBC falls within the scope of the Freedom of Information Act, and is also known for her data protection work. According to observers, she is "impressively quick and always a pleasure to work with." Sources agree that Tom Hickman has a "brilliant future ahead of him as he is really superb." He was one of the set's many participants in Al-Skeini & Al-Jedda v United Kingdom, and is well rated along with Brian Kennelly. Kennelly, described by one solicitor as "a very shrewd man with a buccaneering style," is a leading junior in the field of competition and EU law, and a firm favourite particularly on competition law appeals. He has been joined in the tables this year by Jane Collier, who has been instructed as counsel for Ofcom in several judicial reviews over the past year. She also handled an important case concerning the scope of the circumstances in which the BBC falls under the Freedom of Information Act. Finally, Jessica Boyd has a growing practice drafting and giving advisory work to respondents on public law issues. She also has considerable judicial review experience and acted for former Equitable Life pension holders in a successful judicial review of the inquiry into the collapse of Equitable Life.

THE SET This pre-eminent public law practice "ticks every box and exceeds expectations with its range of expertise and the high quality of its members." It is at the forefront in all areas of public law and enjoys particular strength in local government work and niche areas such as social security law and information law, where it has been something of a pioneer. The set's broad client base includes central and local government, public and regulatory bodies, health trusts and individual claimants. Sources appreciate the dedication displayed by the clerks of the set, who "clearly understand their members' business and regularly arrange for barristers to give off the cuff advice."

SILKS Nigel Giffin QC has a range of public law expertise, which spans from public inquiries to judicial review in an environmental and commercial context. He is praised as a "compelling advocate who is extremely thorough and intelligent," as well as a "pleasure to work with." The "impressive and stylish" James Goudie QC remains a much-revered figure at the Bar, and is a barrister of choice for many local and public authorities. As testament to this, he recently represented Westminster County Council in challenges to its procurement of Parking Enforcement Services, a case worth £12 million. Goudie further acts for claimants and has been demonstrating his skills in the European Court of Human Rights in a challenge to a decision of a local housing authority. Sources are in awe of Clive Lewis QC's "top-flight intellect," and praise him as "a top-class lawyer with a concise, amenable and approachable manner." He is best known for his work as first Counsel to the Welsh Assembly Government. His large portfolio of other cases takes him into some interesting areas, and he recently represented the Legal Services Commission in a challenge to the award of legal contracts. He also had a key role in the much-publicised Al-Sweady case. Colleague Daniel Stilitz QC has a fantastic reputation as a public lawyer, and offers wide-ranging expertise in local government, commercial judicial review and human rights cases. Recent highlights for him include acting for the UK government before the European Court of Human Rights, challenging the compatibility of proceedings against trespassers with EU law. He also represented the Secretary of State in the Supreme Court in a challenge to a local council's tenancy regime. 

Another prominent name at the set is Jonathan Swift QC, who, in his role as Treasury Devil, appears in a great deal of major judicial reviews and high-profile public law cases. This government favourite is described as being "amongst the very best" due to his "enormous intellect." Timothy Pitt-Payne QC attracts attention for his public law work involving information law, winning praise as a "master of his field." Underlining his standing, he has acted in numerous matters for the Information Commissioner and also represented a host of bodies in the private and public sectors. His more general public law work includes representing a police authority in a judicial review about the police pension scheme, and acting for a local authority in resisting challenges arising out of the exercise of its food hygiene functions. He enjoys the full confidence of the market, as does Tim Kerr QC. Kerr is a popular choice for local authorities but continues to represent other public and semi-public bodies on a broad range of public law matters. Joining the ranks as a new silk is "hard-working and clear-thinking" Clive Sheldon QC, whose practice focuses on the education, health and social services aspects of public law. His recent notable matters include defending the Secretary of State for Education with respect to his decision to halt projects under the Building Schools for the Future programme. 

JUNIORS Jason Coppel is "a choice you can never go wrong with" and a "superb advocate." A claimant and defendant lawyer with particular expertise in those public law matters which straddle human rights and European law, he is a man with a packed practice. Highlights for him include representing the Secretary of State in the much-reported case concerning the continuing bar on prisoners' voting rights. He has also been involved in a complex challenge to a law of the Icelandic government relating to the banking crisis. Also at this set is Ben Hooper, who earns praise for his "incisive and clear mind, which allows him to rapidly and decisively get to the heart of any matter." This impressive public law specialist recently demonstrated his talents acting for easyJet in its challenge to the price cap set by the Civil Aviation Authority for Gatwick airport, and was further instructed in a Supreme Court appeal regarding challenges in local authority possession proceedings. He is also recommended for his considerable experience of Freedom of Information Act cases in the Information Tribunal, and also cases concerning privacy.

Listed on the Attorney General's A Panel, as well as the Freedom of Information panel and Information Commissioner’s panel, Karen Steyn has a thriving public law practice. She has notable experience of acting for central government, examples of her work being her representation of the Security Service, SIS, the Attorney General, the FCO and the Home Office in the Guantanamo Bay civil damages claims (Al Rawi). She also successfully represented the Secretary of State in a challenge to the policy on Afghan detainee transfer. Stablemate Anya Proops is a "total star," and another renowned for her information law work. "She challenges arguments with wisdom and bravery," and is a regular in information law appeals before the High Court and Information Tribunal. She also recently represented the Information Commissioner in a high-profile appeal in the Upper Tribunal on the question of whether the 19 water companies were subject to the Environmental Information Regulations.

THE SET Brick Court remains committed to administrative and public law and is the place to go if you require the most commercially focused public lawyers available. It boasts a strong background in commercial regulatory, EU and competition law, which places the set in a unique position to handle public law challenges and judicial reviews spanning these sectors. It also stands out for its capability to handle work with an international dimension. Sources say: "We never hesitate to instruct barristers from here." The members, a number of whom are Treasury Counsel, stand out as "they produce both fine, well-structured submissions and excellent presentations in court."

SILKS David Anderson QC is "the first choice in any public law case with an EU element," say solicitors. Praised for his "amazing attention to detail and limitless knowledge," he is also commended as "pleasant but commanding, and someone who always provides a penetrating analysis of the law." Fellow pre-eminent public law silk Richard Gordon QC is a first port of call for cases involving constitutional, administrative, public and civil liberties law. "He has an incredibly creative legal mind" and is "accessible and always open to discuss things," enthuse sources. Mark Hoskins QC, meanwhile, impresses sources with his competition law expertise and has acted in several high-profile commercial judicial reviews, for clients such as the FSA and BAA. Jemima Stratford QC has impressed during her first year in silk and has, similarly, been instructed in many high-profile cases including the challenge to the government's decision to suspend the Building Schools for the Future scheme and the judicial review of the tobacco display ban. This EU, public international and human rights specialist has also been taking on a few medical-related cases in recent times. Clients say that "she is unbelievably accessible when you need her." Sir Sydney Kentridge QC is a "more than superior" public law practitioner, who has nothing left to prove after a career spanning nearly 60 years. He appears less frequently of late, but "always plays a telling role" when brought into high-profile administrative law cases. The "fantastic" Alan Maclean QC's practice extends from public law to commercial litigation and arbitration, and he is particularly renowned for his inquiry work. As a testament to his expertise, he, too, has been instructed by local authorities in the high-profile judicial review of the Secretary of State's decision to halt the Building Schools for the Future programme. Since taking silk he has also successfully represented the Accountancy and Actuarial Discipline Board in judicial review proceedings in Belfast arising out of the collapse of a Mutual Society.

JUNIORS Martin Chamberlain is a leading light among the juniors at the set. Sources admire his "first-class mind and the complete focus he brings to a case," adding that "he is consistently excellent in all he does." He is best known for his commercial and regulatory judicial review work, but also appears in a number of cases with human rights issues. Instructing solicitors say "he is easy to work with and has thorough judgement, knowing which arguments to run and which not to." One solicitor commented: "He is destined for fantastic things." Equally popular, Marie Demetriou remains in demand for government work and is a member of the Treasury A Panel. She is renowned for her expert knowledge in EU/competition law, but has acted in a diverse range of public law cases over the past year. Highlights include successfully representing a transsexual woman in her challenge to the Secretary of State's decision not to award her a pension at the age of 60, and successfully representing the Secretary of State in a challenge concerning social security benefits of prisoners. Kelyn Bacon has a strong reputation in competition and EU law and extensive expertise in the pharmaceuticals sector. She was involved in landmark litigation for a pharmaceutical company facing a challenge to the exportation of a lethal injection drug to be used on death row in the USA, and also represented Generics in a case referred to the ECJ relating to the licensing of drugs. 

Maya Lester "knows the law backwards" when it comes to all aspects of public and EU/competition law. A "clever and diligent" barrister, she has "the ability to grasp the technical angle of very complex telecommunications issues, and is someone who understands the financial aspects too." She is joined in the tables by Victoria Wakefield, who impresses solicitors with her public law expertise. Much of her time has been occupied with the Baha Mousa public inquiry, but notwithstanding she has been involved in significant international work including an ECHR case concerning the property rights of Kurds in Turkey. She also appeared unled in the High Court of Tanzania in a constitutional challenge. Sarah Love is hailed as "a star of the future." An individual with an economics background, she has made a fine practice for herself encompassing cases relating to competition, administrative law and regulatory issues. Sources say "she is fearsomely intelligent and produces brilliantly drafted documents."

THE SET Boasting a number of heavyweight public practitioners in its ranks, this set is well equipped to deal with complex constitutional, administrative and human rights-related public law cases. Over the past year, members have been instructed in a raft of significant public law litigation that has reached the higher courts, such as R (Purdy) v Director of Public Prosecutions and the Mohammed Al-Ghabra case. Much of the work undertaken here is for claimants; however, the set also acts for local authorities, central government departments and regulatory authorities.

SILKS Edward Fitzgerald QC is "a lawyer with excellent foresight who is an inspiration to all others in the profession." At the top of many solicitors' lists for criminal and international constitutional cases, he is exceptionally good at death penalty work cases. Of late he has been commended by commentators for his work in a constitutional case concerning the Belize government. "Sympathetic advocate" Martin Westgate QC attracts praise for his advocacy. A lawyer who "always has the ear of the court," he is "a most brilliant lawyer with a remarkable legal mind and superb judgement." Head of the team at Doughty Street is Ian Wise QC, whose public law practice focuses mainly on claimants. He is recognised by his contemporaries as being "a formidable opponent," albeit one who is "extremely approachable and personable" with it. He has broad public law expertise and recently acted in a high-profile judicial review representing The National Autistic Society in the Supreme Court, concerning the right to education under the ECHR. Interviewees say that "he always has the case at his fingertips and relates to clients in a way that puts them at ease." "Razor-sharp" Phillippa Kaufmann QC was considered to be in a league of her own when a junior. "She produces excellent written work and is a superb advocate," say sources, who further add that "she regularly goes over and above the work she needs to do in order to satisfy the client." A true public law all-rounder, Kaufmann can turn her hand to many matters but particularly stands out for her expertise in prisoners' rights. She is expected to do very well now she is in silk.

JUNIORS Paul Bowen is a renowned expert in mental health and community care matters. Popular with both clients and solicitors alike, he has appeared in significant cases in the House of Lords and European Court of Human Rights. Also familiar with the higher courts, Stephen Cragg is particularly strong on social services and health law, community care and mental health issues. In addition to this he has an impressive practice acting for claimants in prison and police law. Clients say he is "approachable, helpful and happy to explain things on every level." Equally helpful, Kate Markus is "willing to assist on anything including drafting letters." "Flexible and very approachable," she is popular with solicitors as she offers "extremely clear advice" when tackling a full human rights-centred practice.

Talented advocate and "absolute workaholic" Caoilfhionn Gallagher is "second to none when it comes to attention to detail." One solicitor commented: "I don't need leading counsel with her as she is more than capable of holding her own." This public law practitioner stands out for her ability to handle short notice judicial reviews and for her expertise in prison law, community care and children's rights. She is as much in demand as Henrietta Hill, who never fails to impress when handling a thriving police complaints and inquests practice. Hill is regularly instructed in judicial reviews arising from the police complaints process, and recently acted in R (Habib) v IPCC, a challenge to an IPCC decision not to proceed with criminal charges following the death of the claimant's husband. Finally, the up-and-coming Stephen Broach is "making waves" in the public law arena. Solicitors value the fact that he is "willing to get his hands dirty and jump in at the deep end." The focus of his public law practice is on children's rights and vulnerable adults with disabilities, and he is noted for having "an encyclopaedic knowledge of social welfare." 

THE SET Matrix Chambers has carved out an impressive reputation in the public law market due to its commitment to client service and its legion of highly skilled and creative silks and juniors. Acting for both claimants and government departments, as well as public authorities, the set has an excellent reputation for its civil liberties and straight judicial review work. Commentators are particularly impressed by the collegiate atmosphere here, noting that "all the barristers are happy to pool their knowledge and work together to investigate new areas of the law." 

SILKS The impressive roster of silks at the set includes Ben Emmerson QC, who earns recognition for his criminal work and is continually in demand for cases with a human rights angle attached to them. Many of his matters are international in nature and he has vast experience of handling cases in the European Court of Human Rights. Another highly recommended barrister is Tim Owen QC, whose practice blends criminal, public and civil liberties law. "He shines when he is in court as he has the most wonderful style of advocacy, inviting the court's trust and respect." Owen, who also has a thriving prison law practice, is part of a set that includes the impressive Raza Husain QC, a public law specialist recognised for his emphasis on immigration and human right issues. He has had a lucrative first full year in silk, appearing before the Supreme Court numerous times as well as in the European Court of Human Rights. His cases include Al-Saddoon, detention review case SK (Zimbabwe), and HJ (Iran), a matter concerning refugee status.

Helen Mountfield QC has made an impressive start to her time in silk, and is now negotiating a practice that goes from strength to strength. “Superb and user-friendly,” she focuses on EU, discrimination and human rights issues, and recently represented the petitioner in Watkins v Woolas, the first petition since 1911 to result in an MP's election being set aside on the grounds of making false statements. Should Mountfield be looking for inspiration now she is embarking on her career in silk, she could do worse than look to the example of Clare Montgomery QC. Enormously admired, Montgomery has a wonderful career behind her and is currently recognised as being “at her peak.” Her talents tend towards public cases involving crime and criminal due process, and she has recently been acting for individuals and companies seeking to challenge the grant of search and seizure orders. Also in demand is Alex Bailin QC, who is one of a handful of public law silks with extensive criminal law expertise. He is a popular choice for solicitors, and has appeared in many headline public law cases including Supreme Court cases involving terrorist asset freezing orders. Instructing solicitors single out Aidan O'Neill QC as an "incredibly hard worker." He has contributed to numerous written texts on EU law, human rights and constitutional concerns. He is acting in the case of AXA General Insurance v Lord Advocate, in a judicial review challenging the validity and convention compatibility of an Act of the Scottish Parliament. New silk Sam Grodzinski QC has had an astonishing year acting in high-profile judicial reviews across the public law spectrum. He receives praise for his "engaging, clear and precise" advocacy and is applauded for "always getting the message across." Solicitors were further quick to commend his written work as being "second to none." Richard Hermer QC has arrived at Matrix Chambers from Doughty Street Chambers. He is considered to be "sharp, strategic, reliable and a pleasure to work with." His practice includes a rare combination of international and human rights law, as well as broad experience in tortious and personal injury claims.

JUNIORS David Wolfe is one of a number of outstanding juniors at the set. He has significant experience in EU, human rights and discrimination law, and is particularly hot on the interplay between these areas. Solicitors say that "he is sometimes so good that he makes even his opponents' strongest arguments look as fragile as a cobweb." Also highly respected, Daniel Squires is regularly instructed by the government as a member of the Treasury Solicitor's B Panel. He has a growing practice in the area of financial sanctions imposed on those suspected of terrorist activities. He has also been instructed recently in leading judicial reviews on DNA retention and UK detention policies in Iraq. Squires' set houses Danny Friedman, who is known to be “energetic, innovative and tirelessly hard-working.” He has notable strength in criminal cases, inquests and civil liberties judicial reviews. Recent matters of note for him have included the Baha Mousa inquiry. 

"Forceful advocate" Nicholas Armstrong has won over many an instructing solicitor with his "eye for detail." They also say "he is very thorough and gets to grip with complex cases extremely well." His practice takes in a wide spectrum of work including equality, community and prison law, and he also has vast knowledge of immigration law. Tessa Hetherington is considered a "future star of the Public Law Bar" and recently impressed as junior counsel in the Baha Mousa Inquiry. Commentators highlight her written work in particular as being "beautifully detailed and elegant." She is also praised for her "talent and commitment, evidenced by her ability to work around the clock." Adam Sandell is another of the set's rising stars. A former medical practitioner, this "extremely bright" barrister is excellent in health-related cases and has a sound understanding of social welfare. His "incredible attention to detail" marks him out from the pack.   

THE SET Thirty Nine Essex Street is a user-friendly set that acts for claimants as well as local and central government bodies. Home to several juniors on the Treasury Solicitor's Panel, it is "shot through with quality" and a more than credible opponent for any set in the field. Through cross-fertilisation it has established a wide practice and it now covers health, social care, environmental, regulatory and commercial issues, all within the public law context. 

SILKS The well-established Nigel Pleming QC is a key player in the public law arena. One instructing solicitor commented: "He is a fantastic advocate with real gravitas, who is very good at making the case he is advancing sound reasonable or unreasonable depending on what needs to be achieved. He is extremely reassuring in court." Always involved in a vast amount of high-profile public law litigation, he recently represented former MPs in their challenge to the constitutionality of criminal prosecutions against them. Pleming is far from alone at the set when it comes to quality public law silks. Also present is Alison Foster QC, who has expanded the ambit of her practice to include such matters as regulation of the pharmaceutical industry, police governance, cases at the interface of criminal and public law, and matters relating to local authority duties. Clients comment that "she brings a new angle to the case as she gives things a different twist and sees things in a novel way." Like Foster, Robert Jay QC is "an effective advocate who is no stranger to the higher courts." He is praised for being "extraordinarily incisive and focused, something which makes him particularly effective at giving no-nonsense advice." "Switched-on, and good on the political issues too," he was recently involved in the high-profile Mau Mau litigation, a constitutional case concerning whether the FCO was liable for alleged torture in Kenya in the 1950s. Jay shares a set with the "very bright" Steven Kovats QC. Kovats represents a wise choice for anyone faced with issues relating to immigration, prisons, social security, health, electoral law, European law and human rights. He enjoys widespread market support as does Charles Cory-Wright QC, an acclaimed personal injury specialist who has developed an impressive public law practice specialising in proceedings relating to Control Orders and suspected terrorist activity. He is a regular performer in the High Court and SIAC.

The set has enjoyed a veritable glut of silk appointments this year. Interviewees agree that Jenni Richards QC well deserved her promotion. She has a broad public law practice, acting for both claimants and defendants in areas including local government, healthcare, education, prisons, immigration and asylum. Richards is regularly instructed by local authorities, NHS trusts, the Official Solicitors and individuals in medical treatment and incapacity cases, particularly those involving deprivation of liberty. A delighted instructing solicitor said of her: "She is a particular favourite as she is excellent with clients and always manages to somehow get the judge on her side." Lisa Giovannetti QC took silk this year having previously come to the fore for her work on behalf of the Official Solicitor on incapacity cases. She has a balanced practice of both claimant and defendant work, and covers a wide range of issues including matters pertaining to immigration, local government, human rights, health, social and community care. Fellow new silk Eleanor Grey QC is a "natural born advocate," who "has good judgement and offers spot-on analysis of legal problems." She has a highly regarded public inquiry practice and is currently acting for the former Healthcare Commission in the ongoing Mid-Staffordshire Hospital Trust Public Inquiry. Her popularity arises from the fact that she is "clear thinking and easy to work with."

JUNIORS The set's juniors include Fenella Morris, who is a popular choice amongst instructing solicitors in public law cases involving social welfare and human rights issues. She is well known for her Court of Protection work and impresses with her "fantastic knowledge of the way the health service works." Government favourite Alexander Ruck Keene has a wide ranging practice, providing advice on immigration, inquests, prisons and VAT matters. He also has a respected local government practice with particular expertise in member and officer conduct. According to sources, he "really punches above his weight, taking on substantial cases and winning them." 

Edwin Glasgow QC 

THE SET 1 Crown Office Row has a long tradition of handling public law work to a high standard. Acting for both claimants and defendants, its members tackle a broad range of work including immigration and asylum, prisoner law, constitutional law and freedom of information cases. The set is praised for its particularly strong health-related judicial review practice, and for the fact that it has clerks who are "flexible, responsive and efficient." 

SILKS "Top-drawer public law silk" Philip Havers QC is the standout public law practitioner at the set. An advocate in demand, "he is so good that he makes the other side look as though they're stirring very thin gruel indeed." Also doing well, the "extremely bright" Neil Garnham QC is a familiar face in major public inquiries, appearing in both Baha Mousa and the 7/7 inquest. His strength derives from the fact that he is "very hard to fluster and always gives sensible advice." Colleague Angus McCullough QC is praised for his "striking forensic and analytical skills." To add to his portfolio of prominent national security and terrorism cases, he acted as Special Advocate in the high-profile Al-Rawi case, a matter relating to claims brought by former Guantanamo Bay detainees.

JUNIORS Jeremy Hyam remains busy handling a broad public law workload, with particular emphasis on cases concerning health and medical law. As evidence of his standing in this sector, he had a role in the Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust Public Inquiry. Shaheen Rahman is renowned for her combined public law and clinical negligence practice. Sources speak highly of this "user-friendly, bright and collaborative" lawyer, whilst clients are nothing but impressed with her "tenacious and passionate advocacy."

Philippa Whipple QC 

Neil Sheldon 

Peter Skelton 

THE SET Diverse in its approach, 4-5 Gray's Inn Square receives work from three distinct sources: the government, local authorities and claimants. Effective across a wide spread of public law work, it is particularly strong in immigration and planning. Clients agree they have "no hesitation in recommending the barristers here" as they form "a very tight team, are a delight to work with and are always accessible, even out of hours."

SILKS Richard Clayton QC acts for both claimants and defendants on both the advisory and litigious fronts. Appearing for the National Parole Board, he successfully resisted a judicial review challenge to its decision to refuse Boy George the opportunity to appear in Celebrity Big Brother. On the claimant side, in a case of national significance he appeared for Buckinghamshire County Council in a test case regarding a local authority's duty to consult individuals in community care. "Brilliant on his feet," he is a regular choice for claimants and local authorities in judicial review proceedings before the European Court of Human Rights. Solicitors admire him as he is "hugely academic, yet charming with clients and quick to grasp the issues of a case." Also recommended is experienced trial lawyer Philip Coppel QC, "an advocate you can never go wrong with." Coppel regularly acts for and against public authorities, including central government, local authorities and statutory agencies. His public law practice further has a strong information law slant and he was leading counsel for The Times in a significant challenge to the Charity Commission’s refusal to disclose documents from inquiries relating to George Galloway’s Iraq Charity.

Another popular silk, Timothy Straker QC has a wide-ranging practice which embraces a range of public, local government and planning matters. This local government favourite has also made several Privy Council appearances and recently appeared in the largest environmental judicial review ever to be held in the West Indies. Fellow silk Paul Brown QC is widely respected for his local government, environmental and planning work. He is particularly interested in human rights law, and has particular expertise on Article 6-related cases. Peers praise his "ability to get straight to the heart of a matter" and comment that he is "a formidable opponent who'll keep on striving until he gets what he wants."

JUNIORS "The extremely good" James Strachan is "a measured performer" who is experienced in an array of public law areas. Planning, mental health, national security and immigration, financial services regulation, local government and human rights cases all fall within his bailiwick. He was recently involved in a case of national importance, which affected every local planning authority in England in Wales; it contended that the Secretary of State had acted unlawfully in revoking Regional Strategies. Also rated here is Andrew Sharland, who has a similarly broad practice to Strachan. He regularly works for claimants, central government, local government and other public authorities, and in the past year successfully challenged the Secretary of State’s decision to abolish various local authorities in Devon and Norfolk. He also successfully resisted a challenge to the Secretary of State’s decision to reject the Parole Board’s recommendation that a convicted terrorist should be released on parole.

Charles Bourne is famed for his inquiry work and has undertaken some interesting cases of late, including the Baha Mousa and Billy Wright inquiries. Beyond this he has been involved in a substantial workload handling judicial reviews for local authorities and central government. The result has been involvement in two Supreme Court cases. Listed on the Attorney General’s B Panel, Lisa Busch has a broad range of talents, dividing her time between public law cases concerning immigration, education and community care, and all other areas reflecting the scope of local and central government activity. She is "a hugely valued public law advocate," as is Jonathan Moffett, who is regularly instructed by central government. He is well capable of handling judicial review work, statutory appeals and matters involving the interface of public and human rights law. His recent matters include acting for the Secretary of State for the Home Department in a high-profile case concerning a challenge to the policy on the retention of DNA of individuals who are suspected of crimes but not convicted. Finally among the juniors, hard-working public lawyer Jonathan Auburn joins the tables. Acting for both claimants and defendants, his practice covers such areas as education, community care, social housing, planning, prisons, immigration and mental health. He is admired for being "completely committed to the cause and bursting with energy." Christopher Buttler is most widely recognised for his work in challenging community care and immigration decisions. This work has led to his involvement in numerous test cases, including a landmark test of the SSHD's immigration powers in the light of duties enshrined in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

THE SET Garden Court Chambers is a trusted set, with a proven commitment to tackling public law cases relating to such areas as immigration, prison law, inquests and claims against public authorities. Many solicitors name this set as their first port of call because the barristers "have great efficiency, are able to pinpoint legal arguments and can process the paperwork straight away." It is also extremely well clerked, according to those that instruct it.

SILKS The "amazing" Jan Luba QC has a niche administrative and public law practice relating to social housing, Gypsies and squatter cases. He was recently instructed in the Supreme Court case of Pinnock, the leading case on the impact of Article 8 of the Convention upon housing possession cases made by social landlords. Stephen Knafler QC is an "attractive advocate" with a "very calm and questioning approach." His deft handling of public cases concerning community care, mental health, immigration, housing and social security law is always welcome, according to interviewees.

JUNIORS  Stephanie Harrison is a respected human rights and public law specialist with "a flourishing reputation for achieving impressive results in demanding cases," including those concerning immigration, asylum and anti-discrimination issues. She shares the limelight with Stephen Simblet, a "fantastic advocate with a good brain," who is well regarded for his work handling claims against the police and public authorities. He recently undertook a successful judicial review of the Legal Service Commission's refusal to fund the mother of the deceased at an inquest.

THE SET Although famed for its excellence in planning work, this set has a wider public law practice that is continuing to strengthen. Well informed when it comes to central and local government powers, it further scores well in such areas as immigration, education, health social security and housing. Members are particularly called upon for their expertise in the crossover between public and environmental law, and are fortunate to be serviced by "well-informed and dedicated clerks." 

SILKS Instructing solicitors are in awe of Richard Drabble QC's court manner. They say that he offers "excellent, cerebral advocacy and is good at picking apart the opposition's arguments." Clearly well respected by the judiciary, he is a standout lawyer for claimant, housing and social security public law-related cases. This highly experienced practitioner continues to be involved in the most significant cases, appearing over the past year in the constitutionally important case of Cart and acting before the Supreme Court in the case of Pinnock, a matter concerning eviction proceedings. Drabble's set plays host to Nathalie Lieven QC, who is considered by peers to be "a real star." Clients and instructing barristers praise "her commitment and good sense of what the best point in the case is and how to successfully pursue it." She, like Drabble, is no stranger to the Supreme Court, appearing in several high-profile cases. These have included the successful challenge to the Secretary of State's decision to expand Heathrow airport. Also doing well, David Elvin QC continues to be an effective force in planning, environmental and public law cases generally. He has handled numerous judicial reviews recently, including one relating to the provisions of the Finance Act.

JUNIORS  James Maurici is undoubtedly at the top end of the market when it comes to public law. "Effective, clever and perspicacious," he provides "punchy advocacy." A member of the Attorney General's A Panel, he is well known for his work representing Sharon Shoesmith in her judicial review proceedings against Ofsted. David Forsdick wins acclaim for his work in the successful challenge to the government's decision to support a third runway at Heathrow. He remains a favourite pick as counsel for judicial reviews concerning planning, the environment and local authorities. All-rounder Mark O'Connor garners market support for his broad expertise in immigration, homelessness, nationality, social security and education law. He recently appeared in a leading case concerning the return of asylum seekers to Italy under the provisions of the Dublin II Regulations. 

Tim Buley has "made massive strides in the past year." He was involved in the major cases of R (Cart) v Upper Tribunal and SIAC, looking at the circumstances in which the Upper Tribunal is amenable to judicial review, and Zagorski, a matter concerning the export of the drug used in the death sentence. He impresses sources with his "excellent written pleadings, passion and never-say-die attitude." Colleague Daniel Kolinsky regularly undertakes judicial review work, acting for claimants, local and central government, and pressure groups. A junior treasury counsel, he has appeared in such matters as North Somerset Council v Honda, a case looking at the recoverability of non-domestic rates where there had been a delay in billing.

THE SET Monckton Chambers, a dominant force in competition law, has wider expertise in public law generally, and focuses heavily on challenges to the exercise of the state's power in the commercial arena. The set, which has an impressive 22 members on the Attorney General's Panel of Counsel, proves impressive at handling judicial reviews involving EU, procurement, competition, and customs and excise issues. Sources were eager to shower praise on the clerical support offered the members here, with one solicitor commenting "they are the best, overall, of all the clerks we deal with." 

SILKS Jon Turner QC's talents tend towards competition issues, and he is widely seen as being "a man of fabulous intellect, who always offers great support to those that instruct him." He has been a notable favourite for telecoms operators over the past year, acting in several challenges to Ofcom decisions in all levels of court. Christopher Vajda QC is another talented competition practitioner with a flair for judicial reviews involving regulators. He is a favourite in Competition Commission investigations, and recently acted in the first ever judicial review challenge of VAT charges on postal services. Interviewees agree that the "first-class" Tim Ward QC well deserved his promotion to silk. He has lately acted for Vodafone in a successful challenge to the jurisdiction of the Competition Appeal Tribunal, and also successfully handled a judicial review for ShopDirect in a challenge to the Competition Commission's findings on payment protection.

JUNIORS  Gerry Facenna has a fine public law practice with a heavy emphasis on EU law. "Very focused in all he does and always working to a high standard," he recently demonstrated his skills in a case before the European Court of Justice. He has also been involved in a high-profile Information Tribunal case on behalf of the Cabinet Office.