Department profile
Cornerstone Barristers

Local Government

UK Bar Guide 2026 : London (Bar)

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Cornerstone Barristers

Rankings

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Local Government - London (Bar)

Band 2

What the Team is Known For

Cornerstone Barristers is a well-regarded set offering expertise across a wide range of local government matters. Members represent local authorities both in London and across the UK and are noted for their expert advisory work concerning councillors' conduct, the allocation of budgets, and local authority responsibilities, duties and powers. The set's barristers are also experienced in the handling of cases relating to social housing, planning, data protection, licensing and environment law and are regularly instructed to appear in judicial review proceedings. Clients say that the set offers "real breadth and depth, and skilled advocates at every level of seniority," and that "Cornerstone Barristers hones a holistic approach where the commercial understanding of its members is factored in the advice given." Members frequently undertake novel cases including a defending an appeal of the fixed penalty notice for breaching a Public Spaces Protection Order around an abortion clinic.

Daryl Hughes is the deputy senior clerk.

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Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • It has high quality service and excellent client care. They offer prompt communication and are always very helpful.

    Local Government respondentUK Bar

  • The clerks are highly responsive to inquiries, offering a range of options and extremely helpful.

    Local Government respondentUK Bar

  • Clerks are highly professional, supersonically responsive and very personable. They are dynamic and ensure a platinum service for instructing solicitors.

    Local Government respondentUK Bar

  • Their clerks are fantastic, helpful, responsive and always willing to go the extra mile.

    Local Government respondentUK Bar

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Ranjit Bhose
    Ranjit Bhose

    Ranjit Bhose

    Ranjit Bhose KC is an expert in a variety of high-stakes public sector disputes and is regularly called on by a diverse range of local authority clients. He is particularly well versed in cases concerning powers and duties, finance, property and housing. He has considerable experience appearing in claims for judicial review.

    • Ranjit provides brilliant advocacy. He is very approachable and great to work with.

      Local Government respondentUK Bar

    • Ranjit is great. He is really responsive and picks up the phone when I call him in a panic. He is very pragmatic and finds solutions.

      Local Government respondentUK Bar
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  • James Findlay
    James Findlay

    James Findlay

    James Findlay KC garners significant praise for his knowledge of administrative and public law, local government and environmental matters. He habitually handles judicial reviews and statutory appeals at many of the highest courts in the UK, including the Supreme Court.

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  • Matt Hutchings KC
    Matt Hutchings KC

    Matt Hutchings KC

    Matt Hutchings KC is a civil and commercial litigation specialist who offers further expertise in real estate, housing and public sector law. He is highly sought after by public authorities.

    • Matt is extremely personable and has a flair with his engagement. He instils the highest level of reassurance and confidence with clients.

      Local Government respondentUK Bar
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  • Matthew Lewin
    Matthew Lewin

    Matthew Lewin

    Matthew Lewin is a well-regarded junior with a robust local government practice. He has particular expertise in investigatory matters concerning governance issues and complaints relating to councillors.

    • Matthew has exceptional analytical skills and is able to assess and distil large quantities of evidence and information quickly, leading to clear and concise advice and conclusions.

      Local Government respondentUK Bar
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  • Philip Coppel
    Philip Coppel

    Philip Coppel

    Philip Coppel KC is a highly popular choice of local government counsel who is particularly well known for his appellate practice. His broad expertise encompasses further areas, such as information law and commercial disputes.

    • He showed himself to be a very savvy operator and, in particular, extremely effective in cross-examination.

      Local Government respondentUK Bar
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  • Kelvin Rutledge
    Kelvin Rutledge

    Kelvin Rutledge

    Kelvin Rutledge KC provides legal expertise across a variety of local government and public sector matters and specialises in community care and social housing. He has been instructed on high-profile public inquiries and is regularly sought after by local authorities across the country.

    • Kevin's knowledge of local government, and housing in particular, is encyclopedic. His advocacy is thoughtful, rather than bombastic, but lands particularly well in the higher appellate courts.

      Local Government respondentUK Bar
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  • Kuljit Bhogal KC
    Kuljit Bhogal KC

    Kuljit Bhogal KC

    Kuljit Bhogal KC is a highly respected barrister with experience acting for local authorities in a wide range of matters. She demonstrates particular expertise in areas such as housing, licensing and healthcare, while her broad expertise also encompasses matters concerning anti-social behaviour and PSPOs. She is regularly called upon to advise her clients on strategy.

    • Kuljit was very approachable, supportive and easy to talk to.

      Local Government respondentUK Bar
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Ranked Barristers at Cornerstone Barristers (7)

London (Bar)

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