Environment | UK Bar

39 Essex Chambers is a premium set, highlighted by one client for consistently providing an "excellent spread of skills and experience throughout the chambers." Its members are instructed in complex environmental matters ranging from impact assessments to air quality cases and renewable infrastructure projects. Barristers at the set act for a range of key players including the government and local councils, as well as energy and natural resources companies. Another source notes that "the Chambers brings a wealth of experience which is grounded in decades of practice" and a number of members have recently been instructed in high-profile cases, such as R (Finch) v Surrey County Council, a supreme court case which held that Environmental Impact Assessment for oil and gas extraction should take into account the effect of burning the oil and gas on climate change.

Andrew Poyser is director of clerking.

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 "significant strength and depth in environment law." 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 Friends of the Earth v Secretary of State Environment, a case concerning the Government's Climate Change Adaption Programme.

Paul Coveney is the senior clerk.

Landmark Chambers remains a leading set home to many practitioners with extensive experience in environment law. Described by one client as "an extremely well-run set with great barristers and great clerks." Another adds that the set is considered a "market leader in environmental law". Areas of particular strength include air quality and environmental assessments. Barristers at the set are well placed to act on behalf of government departments and public bodies as well as environmental NGOs. Members have recently been involved in high-profile cases such as R (Finch) v Secretary of State, Surrey CC, a challenge to the environmental assessment of a planning permission to extract oil.

Ben Connor and Mark Ball are practice directors.

Matrix Chambers offers environmental expertise at the international and domestic level. Members act in proceedings involving government departments and also advise campaign groups and NGOs on environmental challenges. Barristers at the set represent ClientEarth in their follow-on challenge to the judicial review of the defendant's Net Zero Strategy and they are also involved in the challenge regarding the grant of development consent for the Sizewell C nuclear power station. One source notes that the set houses a "well organised and efficient" team that offers "leading industry expertise and a real sense of authority of complex issues of law."

Elizabeth Bousher is the senior practice manager.

Six Pump Court has a deep bench of barristers handling challenging environmental cases. Known as an "excellent set with real expertise" which provides "practical and useful advice," Six Pump Court is particularly well known for its handling of regulatory matters, and its members have expertise in both civil and criminal environmental issues, including high-profile enforcement cases. Barristers at the set are often instructed in cases with aspects of health and safety law. Members at Six Pump Court have been involved in notable cases, including the high-profile R (Friends of the Earth Ltd & Others) v Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero concerning the government's published package of proposals and policies to achieve the Net Zero Target. The set is frequently instructed by environmental regulators as well as defendant companies in environmental proceedings.

Richard Constable is the senior clerk.

Blackstone Chambers is noted for its work on a broad range of environmental law matters. The set is hailed for its strength in cases with complex public law elements and well known for representing clients in judicial reviews. One source notes that they provide "client-focused advice delivered in a considerate and professional manner." Barristers at the set advise local governments as well as NGOs, individuals and energy companies. The barristers continue to work on several high-profile cases, such as a R (Thames Water) v Water Services Regulation Authority, a judicial review concerning regulatory findings that Thames Water had breached certain statutory and licence obligations concerning treatment of sewage.

Derek Sutton and Adam Sloane are joint senior clerks.

Henderson Chambers has notable abilities in environmental litigation, with particular expertise in environmental group actions and international matters. Environmental issues dealt with by members include pollution, emissions and nuisance claims. The set acts for a range of clients including the Environment Agency and well-known international corporates. Barristers at Henderson Chambers continue to be involved in the significant Volkswagen emissions litigation, as well as the Environment Agency v Thames Water Utilities case regarding a pipe burst that caused pollution. One instructing solicitor comments that the set provides "courteous and efficient service," while another mentions that they are a "full-service Chambers with excellent individuals who are also able to deliver brilliantly as a team."

Jason Housden is the chambers director.

Cornerstone Barristers is home to a number of environmental practitioners with extensive knowledge of renewable energy, Environmental Impact Assessments and habitats. Members regularly act for individuals, action groups and local councils, with clients noting that they provide "comprehensive, clear advice, and are approachable and easy to deal with." Barristers at the set have worked on a plethora of matters, including a highly publicised Supreme Court case R (Finch & Weald Action Group) v Surrey County Council & Horse Hill Developments Ltd.

Daryl Hughes is the senior clerk.

Twenty Essex boasts a strong environmental team of barristers who specialise in international environmental law. The barristers regularly work on large-scale, international climate cases, often for claimants. One source notes that the barristers at Twenty Essex "combine technical skills with good strategic nous and are not afraid of difficult cases". Members of Twenty Essex have acted on cases before the human rights tribunal in the Americas on behalf of the Institute of Small and Micro States regarding climate change and rising sea levels. The set bolsters its environmental practice with a well-regarded energy practice.

Arron Zitver, Christopher Theobald and Anthony Caroll are the practice directors for this set.