Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Local Government - London (Bar)

2
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.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

Ranjit Bhose
2
Ranjit Bhose
2
Band 2

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.

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.

3
James Findlay
3
Band 3

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.

3
Matt Hutchings KC
3
Band 3

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.

3
Matthew Lewin
3
Band 3

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.

3
Philip Coppel
3
Band 3

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.

4
Kelvin Rutledge
4
Band 4

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.

4
Kuljit Bhogal KC
4
Band 4

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.

Ranked Barristers at
Cornerstone Barristers

Provided by Chambers
Filter by
Band

Silks (KC)

London (Bar)

Local Government

Ranjit Bhose KC
2
Ranjit Bhose KC
2
Band 2
3
James Findlay KC
3
Band 3
3
Matt Hutchings KC
3
Band 3
3
Philip Coppel KC
3
Band 3
4
Kelvin Rutledge KC
4
Band 4
4
Kuljit Bhogal KC
4
Band 4

Juniors

London (Bar)

Local Government

3
Matthew Lewin
3
Band 3