Harriet Townsend KC

Harriet Townsend KC is a leading practitioner in planning and environment, compulsory purchase and highways law, acting for a wide range of clients throughout England and Wales. She was appointed King’s Counsel in 2025.

Harriet is a highly effective and well-regarded public law advocate, regularly appearing in the High Court and Court of Appeal. As Chambers and Partners 2025 put it “Harriet is a master of communication.” “She is always professional and is a pleasure to work with.” The Legal 500 says “Harriet has the ability to reach the heart of a matter quickly whilst retaining a bird’s eye view of the wider picture.”

Harriet is noted for her knowledge and skill in the field of compulsory purchase and compensation. She is currently working on two complex compensation claims and promoting a CPO for a London Borough.

Harriet represented the principal Respondent in the Supreme Court case Finch v Surrey County Council, now the leading case on the scope of environmental impact assessment of fossil fuel development. She has a particular interest in climate change as a cross-disciplinary legal and policy issue and is a member of Cornerstone Climate’s steering group.