Local Government | UK Bar

11KBW is described by interviewees as having "extremely skilled members of chambers," who are "clearly very experienced in dealing with complex and sophisticated matters." The chambers maintains its reputation as a go-to for the most complex and high-profile cases involving local authorities, and houses a strong bench of barristers experienced in the representation of individual claimants and corporates as well as local and central government bodies. Areas of particular strength for the team include cases relating to local government powers, education, social services and procurement. The set's members are also regularly called upon to handle cases involving local authority finances and budgeting issues, and have considerable experience of appearing in judicial review proceedings. Standout recent cases handled by the set's tenants include AG v London Borough of Barnet and Secretary of State for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and T W Logistics Ltd v Essex County Council, which concerned the payment of compensation when school land transfers from an Academy Trust to the local authority.

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 Nuffield Health v London Borough of Merton, which considered whether a fitness centre that operated a charity qualifies for charitable rates relief. Market sources regard Landmark's tenants as "very good at handling complex and sophisticated matters" and "extremely user-friendly and skilled."

39 Essex Chambers is a highly regarded set with noted expertise in local government matters. Members are regularly instructed in complex and high-profile matters 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 also a key area of 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, with one recent instruction advising Warwickshire County Council on a national policy concerning the accommodation of asylum seekers. Interviewees describe it as "a highly rated and experienced set" and appreciate that "they provide very effective advice."

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 value their "excellent knowledge of the subject" and "their depth and breadth of expertise." Tenants frequently undertake high-profile cases including recent Supreme Court Case, Croydon LBC v Kalonga, which challenged the termination of a flexible tenancy agreement prior to the expiry of the fixed term, where the tenancy agreement does not expressly provide for re-entry.

4-5 Gray's Inn Square fields 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, providing expertise in a wide array of matters spanning transportation, education, tax and planning. The set continues to work on notable matters including advising the Crown Estate Commissioners on the planned redevelopment of Oxford Circus. One commentator praises the set, saying: "Several members have detailed knowledge and experience."

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 team is also regularly called upon to advise on ratings and land valuation matters, and offers considerable expertise in relation to compulsory purchase orders and compensation. Clients commend "an impressive team who are able to quickly decipher complex issues." Recently, the set has advised Southwark LBC on the Elephant & Castle shopping centre.