Environment | UK Bar

39 Essex Chambers is a premium set described by one client as having "excellent in-depth knowledge of environmental law issues" whose 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 "39 Essex are the best in the business for environment judicial review matters," and a number of members have recently been instructed in high-profile judicial reviews, such as R (Bedfordshire Against Covanta) v Environment Agency.

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 have an excellent selection of counsel at varying levels." 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 acting on high-profile judicial reviews surrounding the British government's financing of a LNG plant in Mozambique and the challenge to the British government's Net Zero policy.

Landmark Chambers remains a leading set home to many practitioners with extensive experience in environment law. Described by one client as "one of the first chambers I would approach to consult someone in environmental matters," the set is known for providing "pragmatic advice tailored to their client's commerciality." 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, including United Utilities Water v The Manchester Ship Canal Company at the Supreme Court and in a judicial review regarding restricting salmon fishing in the River Wye.

Six Pump Court has a deep bench of barristers handling challenging environmental cases. Known as a "go-to set with excellent strength in depth," 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 Manchester Ship Canal v United Utilities Water in the Supreme Court. Members also acted for the Office for Environmental Protection in its first ever court appearance regarding a judicial review application by Wild Justice. The set is frequently instructed by environmental regulators as well as defendant companies in environmental proceedings.

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 have an "excellent ability to respond to challenges of international litigation." Barristers at the set advise local governments as well as NGOs, individuals and energy companies. Cases the barristers continue to work on include the Volkswagen group action regarding emissions and several high-profile challenges on behalf of environmental NGOs, including R (Friends of the Earth) v SSIT & Others in the Court of Appeal.

Henderson Chambers has notable abilities in environmental litigation and is "a standout in the group action space," with particular expertise in environmental group actions and international matters. Environmental issues dealt with by members include pollution, emissions and nuisance claims. Barristers at the set act 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 and Municipio de Mariana v BHP Group, a large pollution claim following the collapse of the Fundão dam in Brazil. One instructing solicitor comments: "They're incredibly commercial in the advice they give."

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 claimants against car manufacturers in 'diesel-gate' litigation and Wild Justice in its challenge to OFWAT's alleged failure to prevent discharges from an untreated sewer into British waterways. One source notes: "Matrix is able to advise on niche issues of English land law up to novel points of international environmental law."

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. Barristers at the set have worked on a plethora of matters including a climate-based judicial review challenge to grant permission for commercial oil production. Cases handled by the barristers at Cornerstone range from conservation area matters to fracking disputes and climate change-related litigation.

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 "their depth and breadth is excellent." Members of the set have acted on Torres Strait Islanders v Australia, a climate change human rights case regarding state obligations to avoid climate disaster and Prax v Environmental Agency, a case regarding EU/UK emissions trading schemes. The set bolster their environmental practice with a well-regarded energy practice.