SILK PROFILE

Clifford Darton KC

UK Bar 2026

Selborne Chambers

Ranked in 2 practice areas

Chancery: Traditional

London (Bar)

4 years ranked

Environment

London (Bar)

7 years ranked

About

Provided by Selborne Chambers

Practice Areas

Chancery: Traditional; Environment

Recommended for traditional chancery work and environmental (water) law, Clifford has appeared in some of the more important cases in these two respective fields.

He acted for the successful appellant in the “exceptional” (Lord Sumption) appeal that was MWB v Rock Advertising Ltd [2019] AC 119 and has since had notable wins in the Court of Appeal, including Ralph v Ralph [2021] EWCA Civ 1106 (rectification of a TR1 for common mistake) and South East Water Limited v Elster Water Metering Limited [2025] EWCA Civ 287 (the interpretation of exclusion clauses). His practice often involves disputes arising out of the sale of land (Burgess v Kempson [2023] EWHC 2166) and trusts of land.

Clifford’s probate work includes Reeves v Drew [2022] EWHC 159, where the Court set aside a £100 million will for want of knowledge and approval following his cross-examination of the principal witnesses. A performance that led to him being called “an absolute genius with witnesses at cross examination” (Chambers & Partners 2024).

Clifford has acted for water companies and in flooding claims for many years and is well known for his expertise in relation to the water industry and environmental law, including its criminal provisions. He has been described as “the pre-eminent KC for any water industry – related matter, with decades of experience; his advice is the best available” (Chambers & Partners 2024).

Career

Called 1988; Silk 2019

Professional Memberships

Chancery Bar Association; Property Bar Association; CommBar.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

UK Bar

Environment - London (Bar)

Band 3

Individual Editorial

Clifford Darton KC of Selbourne Chambers has a practice focusing on all manner of water law issues, including flooding, drainage and sewage cases. He frequently acts for water companies, as well as landowners.

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Chancery: Traditional - London (Bar)

Band 3

Individual Editorial

Clifford Darton KC of Selborne Chambers has a comprehensive chancery and commercial practice, which includes handling probate cases involving sizeable estates.

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Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Clifford is a go-to barrister who is good on environmental matters.
EnvironmentUK Bar
His advocacy skills are second to none and he is an absolute genius with witnesses at cross-examination.
Chancery: TraditionalUK Bar
Clifford Darton possesses one of the sharpest minds I have ever come across. If I ever found myself in trouble, he is the man I would want in my corner.
Chancery: TraditionalUK Bar
Clifford Darton is excellent all round. He is as good on his feet as he is on paper.
Chancery: TraditionalUK Bar