David Lock QC of No5 Chambers commands high respect from the Administrative Law Bar. He leads his set's public law practice and is well equipped to deal with judicial review and Court of Protection cases relating to health and NHS policy, procurement law, police pensions and elections matters. He regularly provides strategic advice to NHS bodies on government interaction and issues connected with high-cost medical drugs. His stablemate Nageena Khalique also impresses market sources with her work on Court of Protection issues and her knowledge of health and social care. Recent highlights include dealing with a case concerning allegations of negligence against a local authority. Other work includes representing local authorities, health bodies and individuals in cases arising from human rights and mental health concerns. Vinesh Mandalia of St Philips Chambers is felt to be a leading light of the Midlands Bar. He has developed a noteworthy public and human rights-oriented practice focused on immigration, Court of Protection and prison-related cases. He recently advised on the interpretation of regulations affecting the responsibility for determining asylum claims.

Sam Karim of Kings Chambers is commended as being "down to earth and good with clients" as well as "clear in his advice." He is a seasoned hand at representing both claimants and defendants in judicial review proceedings, where he tackles issues relating to community care, disability discrimination, social welfare and human rights. "He is proactive in pushing a case forward and finding the right angles to get the best results," one source declares. Also recommended at this set is Melanie Plimmer, who is felt to be one of the most respected regional practitioners in her field. Sources claim that she is "always on the ball." She focuses on claims emanating from human rights, asylum, immigration and national security issues. Plimmer also sits as a part-time immigration judge and is felt to possess "fantastic knowledge of overlapping immigration and prison law concerns." She was recently successful in a watershed case regarding a breach of Article 5 and the just level of damages awarded for such an infraction.

Stablemate Ian Ponter continues to impress with his public law know-how, especially on matters that overlap with environmental and planning concerns. He also deals with prison, immigration and human rights-related cases. Opponents describe him as "civil, polite and easy to get along with." "Rising star" Pete Weatherby of Garden Court North is said by sources to be "strongly committed to the interface between human rights and prison law." He recently achieved success in two Supreme Court cases, one that declared sex offender indefinite notification requirements to be incompatible with the ECHR and another that dealt with prison sentencing. He "inspires confidence with his incisive intelligence." Also at this set is Ben McCormack, who has built up a substantial reputation for acting against public bodies on housing law claims. He has had a busy year challenging allocation schemes and decisions relating to community care provisions. He also takes on cases involving asylum and human rights issues. Peers label him as "extremely approachable and knowledgeable." James Stark is commended for his "encyclopaedic knowledge of housing case law." A recent highlight saw him acting before the Supreme Court in the case of Manchester City Council v Pinnock. Sources credit him as being "on the ball" and "accomplished at understanding the urgency of a case." Kate Stone is the latest addition to the tables from these chambers. She earns recognition for acting on behalf of claimants in human rights claims. She is also singled out for her detailed knowledge of prison law, and recently conducted a successful judicial review of Parole Board procedures. Commentators say she is "a tenacious advocate who is thoroughly conscientious." Matthew Stockwell joins St Johns Buildings from India Buildings Chambers and is hailed for a practice that extends to health, social welfare, adult safeguarding and mental capacity issues. Sources emphasise that he is their advocate of choice before the Court of Protection. He has a huge breadth of experience thanks to his diverse work for claimants, local authorities and the Official Solicitor. Interviewees cannot praise him enough for his work ethic. "He works round the clock to deliver the most rigorous service to clients," sources say. 

Lawyers heap praise on Graham Walters of Civitas Law, who is widely considered to be expert in judicial review, planning and procurement claims. Clients appreciate that "he always ensures that he gets to the bottom of what he's dealing with before giving an opinion." Walters is also deemed to be "accomplished at explaining the law to lay people and turning work around quickly." His recent caseload includes a public inquiry into an appeal against refusal of planning permission for a site within a National Park.