Environment
UK Bar Guide 2025 : London (Bar)
Band 1
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
(020) 7353 8415Chambers Review
The barristers at Francis Taylor Building receive plaudits for the depth of their knowledge in environment and planning law, including the environmental aspects of infrastructure projects. A source notes that they offer "very sharp, strategic advice and sound legal knowledge". Members of FTB also have a wealth of experience handling regulatory issues and criminal liability cases. Its barristers act for large companies, environmental campaign groups and individuals. Barristers at the set have recently been involved in numerous high-profile cases, including judicial reviews concerned with the Government decision to permit a new coal mine in Cumbria, alongside acting on the environmental impact screening of asylum accommodation.
Paul Coveney is the senior clerk.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The clerks are attentive to the client's needs and very responsive."
"The clerks were always quick to respond and to accommodate requests for advice."
"The clerks are always available and very quick to confirm fees and diary availability."
"The clerks are punctual, helpful and polite."
"The clerks are excellent."
"The clerks are attentive to the client's needs and very responsive."
"The clerks were always quick to respond and to accommodate requests for advice."
"The clerks are always available and very quick to confirm fees and diary availability."
"The clerks are punctual, helpful and polite."
"The clerks are excellent."
Notable Practitioners
James Pereira KC is a leading silk advising on environmental law in the context of a broad public law practice. His caseload incorporates a plethora of topics ranging from environmental impact assessments to greenhouse gas emissions. He is noted for his work on statutory nuisance issues.
"James combines the best of both worlds in terms of far-sighted legal advice and risk perceptiveness. He is very easy to deal with."
"James is a fantastic KC. He has an excellent way with clients which, when combined with his technical expertise, means that he is one of the very best."
"James is a leading expert on environmental law. He's excellent in court. He uses a careful and focused choice of language when dealing directly with judges' questions, and is persuasive."
Ned Westaway represents a range of clients, including a number of large environmental organisations, in conservation law and protection of habitat cases. He further advises on matters relating to climate change, waste law, contaminated land and environmental crime.
"Ned got to grips with things very quickly. He is very personable and really understood what we needed. He provided very focused, good-quality, risk-based advice."
"Ned can be extremely focused and direct on legal issues whilst also being very personable with clients. Ned's considerable experience makes him a go-to barrister on environmental law matters."
"We go to Ned for advice on water regulatory matters, an area where he has some real specialist experience. He is very knowledgeable and user-friendly"
Richard Honey KC has an expansive environmental practice that sees him advising on a range of matters including permitting, pollution liability, waste and land contamination, and protected habitats and species. He acts for government bodies, regulated individuals and local councils.
"Richard is an excellent advocate. He's well prepared and effective."
"Richard is an impressive barrister. He is exceptionally thorough, disciplined and direct in his approach. He is responsive and detailed, and quickly gains the trust of clients."
"He is hugely experienced, ahead of the game, as well as being well prepared and organised."
Charles Streeten is a strong junior with a particular focus on environmental judicial reviews. He acts in a range of cases, including those regarding energy, noise nuisance and habitats, and he represents campaigners, commercial organisations and local government bodies.
"Charles is very good on his feet. He is precise when providing guidance."
"Charles is who you need when you need a rabbit out of the hat. He goes on the front foot. He has caused experts sleepless nights because he is so effective."