Environment
UK Bar Guide 2025 : London (Bar)
Band 1
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
(020) 7832 1111Chambers Review
39 Essex Chambers is a premium set, highlighted by one client for consistently providing "strategic, technical and practical advice." Its members are instructed in complex environmental matters ranging from impact assessments to air quality cases and renewable infrastructure projects. Barristers at the set act for a range of key players including the government and local councils, as well as energy and natural resources companies. Another source notes that "the depth and breadth of expertise at 39 Essex Chambers is exceptional," and a number of members have recently been instructed in high-profile cases, such as Friends of the Earth and others v Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, a case involving a judicial review of the Government's Carbon Budget Delivery Plan.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Andrew Poyser, director of clerking, will always find the right person for the job."
"The service level of the clerks was exemplary in support of chambers and in support of our organisation, both during and after the matter."
"The clerking is great. They are easy to deal with."
"Oliver York, practice manager, always gets back to me. I couldn't fault his support; it's absolutely fantastic."
"The clerks have provided an exceptional level of support in scoping out instructions and assigning them to the right member of chambers. The service provided by them is unrivalled."
"Andrew Poyser, director of clerking, will always find the right person for the job."
"The service level of the clerks was exemplary in support of chambers and in support of our organisation, both during and after the matter."
"The clerking is great. They are easy to deal with."
"Oliver York, practice manager, always gets back to me. I couldn't fault his support; it's absolutely fantastic."
"The clerks have provided an exceptional level of support in scoping out instructions and assigning them to the right member of chambers. The service provided by them is unrivalled."
Notable Practitioners
Stephen Tromans KC is an outstanding barrister in the fields of environmental, energy, natural resources and planning law. He is highly esteemed for his work on environmental protection, nuclear energy and waste issues.
"Stephen is excellent."
"Stephen continues to be the standout silk for advice on any matter, of any complexity, relating to environmental and nuclear regulation. He is flawless in his delivery."
Catherine Dobson is a well-regarded junior held in high esteem by solicitors and regularly instructed in high-profile cases. She manages a dynamic environmental practice which includes advising on a range of matters from noise nuisance to the government's Net Zero strategy. She has also accrued impressive expertise pertaining to the water and nuclear sectors.
"Catherine is fantastic to work with. She is hugely commercial and pragmatic, and she delivers advice in exactly the format needed to enable the client to make the relevant decision."
"Catherine Dobson is very impressive. She has a real finger on the pulse and is very talented at crafting very intelligent legal submissions."
James Strachan KC acts for airports, oil terminals and waste operations. He has also been called upon to act for The Atomic Weapons Establishment in its opposition to a major judicial review challenge. He is also consulted for advice on environmental concerns surroundinglarge development projects.
"James is our go-to for complex matters and an excellent advocate."
"The breadth of his experience is staggering."
James Burton has a broad environmental law remit and is particularly active representing individual and group claimants in actions relating to a variety of issues, including noise nuisance, flooding and other alleged violations. He is also very experienced handling disputes relating to airspace and other aviation matters.
"James is really thorough. He doesn't let anything go, and his attention to detail is absolutely phenomenal. He is really approachable and able to communicate complicated things to clients."
Richard Harwood KC advises on nuisance and criminal regulatory matters in environmental law, and is an expert on Environmental Impact Assessments. He is also highly regarded for his work in planning law.
"Richard is very capable and diligent."
"He is extremely knowledgeable, tactically astute and client-friendly. He is really everything that you could want in a barrister. His advocacy is very persuasive."
Victoria Hutton is well regarded for her planning and environmentalexpertise. She has advised on an array of matters includingthe impact of soil contaminants, road developments and complex renewable energy projects. She acts for consortiums, individuals, local authorities and developers.
"Victoria performed brilliantly. She has a great personality and expresses herself clearly and succinctly."
Daniel Stedman Jones is an experienced environmental junior with expertise in judicial reviews. He regularly acts in matters regarding renewable energy projects, potential breaches of European law and air quality.
"I've found Daniel to be calm under pressure. He delivers advocacy with poise and self-assurance."
Philippa Jackson is an experienced environmental lawyer who regularly advises on large-scale developments, including housing projects, airports and infrastructure and energy projects. She is also noted for her work in planning law.
"I really admire Philippa's abilities to work quickly and succinctly. She produces cogent, clear and concise opinions. She is a pleasure to work with."
Richard Wald KC is an excellent choice for claims of environmental damage, acting for both claimants and defendants. He is particularly in demand for hisadvicerelating to infrastructure work.
"He is excellent on his feet; nothing will faze him. He has a good way with clients and is a very clear communicator."
"He was excellent."
"Richard gave 110%."
Rose Grogan is a well-regarded junior who has an impressive environmental practice. She is noted for her representation of NGOs and government clients, and has tackled a raft of pertinent matters, including air quality, contamination and noise violations.
"Rose is thorough, knowledgeable, calm and a persuasive advocate. She had the ear of the court."
Ranked Barristers at
39 Essex Chambers
Silks (KC)
London (Bar)