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. A recent sophisticated case saw members representing multiple Secretaries of State in a challenge to the national policy of accommodating asylum-seeking children in Home Office hotels.

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 Secretary of State for Health and Social Care in the Supreme Court in a case concerning Section 117 of the Mental Health Act and the meaning of "ordinary residence." Market sources state that: "Landmark is well placed to deal with various complex issues" and that members provide "unfailingly detailed and thorough" advice.

39 Essex Chambers is an "approachable, helpful and friendly" set with noted expertise in local government matters. Members are regularly instructed in complex and high-profile cases relating to planning, tax, education and procurementand 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. Recent notable cases include advising Suffolk County Council in NHS v Local Authority and KF. Commentators note that "the range of barristers available is impressive and their skill and client service is always appreciated."

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: "Cornerstone offers an enviable selection of barristers with exceptional local government acumen and experience." Members frequently undertake high-profile cases including a recent judicial review claim against Plymouth CC arising from a decision relating to public open space, which entailed the felling of 130 trees.

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 "very high calibre" team is regularly called upon to advise on ratings and land valuation matters and offers considerable expertise in relation to compulsory purchase orders and compensation. The set has recently been instructed by the Royal Borough of Kensington to defend the removal of a cycle lane down Kensington High Street.