Local Government | UK Bar

11KBW maintains its reputation as a go-to chambers for judicial review proceedings and the most complex and high-profile local authority cases. It houses a strong bench of barristers experienced in the representation of individual claimants, corporate clients, and local and central government bodies. The team's particular strengths lie in local government powers, education, social services and procurement, and its members regularly tackle cases involving local authority finances and budgeting issues. Sources highlight its "experts across the board in the local government sector", while the quality of members and experience is praised as "second to none". A recent case saw members advising Nottingham City Council on legal issues including vires, procurement and housing relating to its district heat network.

Mark Dann leads the clerking team as senior clerk.

Landmark Chambers houses a strong bench of senior and junior barristers who are recognised for their expert handling of a wide range of local government matters. The team fields particular strength in planning and environment law, and members regularly appear before the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court in leading cases. The set's barristers are noted for their expertise in local authority powers, housing and education matters. Recent cases undertaken by the team include representing the London Borough of Enfield in the judicial review of a decision to authorise the disposal of part of an area of land to a football club. Market sources state that "Landmark has expertise at all levels and in a wide range of areas", and that members provide "excellent advice within timescales promised".

Ben Connor and Mark Ball lead the clerking team as practice directors.

39 Essex Chambers is a "really skilled and experienced" set with noted expertise in local government matters. Members are regularly instructed in complex and high-profile cases relating to planning, tax, education and procurement, and have experience appearing before the courts at all levels, up to and including the Supreme Court. Cases concerning local authority powers and duties are a key strength for the team. The set's barristers act for a wide range of clients, including individual claimants, businesses, care homes and local authorities across the UK. Commentators note that "the set demonstrates excellence at all levels," and members are "very knowledgeable and offer a wealth of experience".

Lindsay Scott heads the clerking as CEO of chambers.

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.

4-5 Gray's Inn Square boasts an impressive local government practice as part of its wide-ranging strengths in public law. Members are frequently instructed by local authorities across the country to provide expertise on a wide array of matters, including transportation, education, tax and planning. The set continues to work on notable cases, such as advising the Crown Estate Commissioners in relation to the Oxford Circus public realm redevelopment. One client praises the set, stating that it "provides a highly professional service in several key areas of expertise which are crucial to local government litigation".

Emily Martin leads the clerking team.

Francis Taylor Building is noted for its representation of both claimants and local authorities in a wide range of local government matters. Areas of particular strength for the set's members include cases relating to local government finances and council tax, as well as complex public health, licensing and highways matters. The set's "highly skilled barristers" with "clear sector focus and expertise" are regularly called upon to advise on ratings and land valuation matters and offer considerable expertise in relation to compulsory purchase orders and compensation. The set recently advised Southwark LBC and its development partner on the compulsory purchase order for the Elephant & Castle shopping centre redevelopment.

Paul Coveney is the set's senior clerk.