Department profile
39 Essex Chambers

Local Government

UK Bar Guide 2026 : London (Bar)

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39 Essex Chambers

Rankings

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Local Government - London (Bar)

Band 2

What the Team is Known For

39 Essex Chambers is a "really skilled and experienced" set with noted expertise in local government matters. Members are regularly instructed in complex and high-profile cases relating to planning, tax, education and procurement, and have experience appearing before the courts at all levels, up to and including the Supreme Court. Cases concerning local authority powers and duties are a key strength for the team. The set's barristers act for a wide range of clients, including individual claimants, businesses, care homes and local authorities across the UK. Commentators note that "the set demonstrates excellence at all levels," and members are "very knowledgeable and offer a wealth of experience".

Lindsay Scott heads the clerking as CEO of chambers.

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Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • They are accessible, contactable and reassuring.

    Local Government respondentUK Bar

  • The clerks are all very personable and approachable.

    Local Government respondentUK Bar

  • Their clerks lead the way in terms of client care and really understand what we need when we need it. They really go the extra mile for us as a client.

    Local Government respondentUK Bar

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Fenella Morris
    Fenella Morris

    Fenella Morris

    Fenella Morris KC is an erudite local government silk advising local authorities and individuals in complex cases incorporating various aspects of both public and private law. She is also well known for her deep knowledge and understanding of healthcare, education and community care work.

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  • Jack Anderson
    Jack Anderson

    Jack Anderson

    Jack Anderson has a broad local government practice and a particular focus on cases concerning education, social care and the Court of Protection. He regularly represents local authorities and appears in the Administrative Court and the Upper Tribunal. He also has experience appearing for his clients in claims for judicial review.

    • Jack Anderson is very experienced and very reasonable.

      Local Government respondentUK Bar
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  • James Strachan
    James Strachan

    James Strachan

    James Strachan KC is a dynamic local government silk with an excellent track record in local authority disputes and vast experience in judicial review proceedings. He routinely advises on high-profile infrastructure projects. He is regularly instructed to act both for and against local authorities. He also has experience acting on major compulsory purchase orders.

    • James is incisive in opinion and strategy, and in complex and challenging cases.

      Local Government respondentUK Bar
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  • Jenni Richards
    Jenni Richards

    Jenni Richards

    Jenni Richards KC enjoys a solid reputation for her work in public law, including matters relating to local authority vires, civil liberties and regulatory law. A highly experienced practitioner, she acts predominantly for local government bodies and public interest groups. She is regularly instructed in cases involving healthcare and mental health issues.

    • Jenni is a complete all-rounder who is great on her feet. She is very good in contentious cases, willing to make bold points, and she is also excellent with her clients.

      Local Government respondentUK Bar
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  • Rose Grogan
    Rose Grogan

    Rose Grogan

    Rose Grogan has a noteworthy practice encompassing sophisticated local government matters. She has been instructed in high-profile matters including the Grenfell Tower Inquiry recently. She frequently represents local authorities, government departments and housing associations, among others.

    • Rose is very personable, adaptive and able to work across a range of complex matters. She brings real intelligence, grasping new and complex issues quickly and with real insight and understanding.

      Local Government respondentUK Bar
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Ranked Barristers at 39 Essex Chambers (5)

London (Bar)

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