Local Government

James Goudie KC is an erudite silk with knowledge and experience across a broad range of practice areas. He handles all manner of administrative and public law cases and is a noted expert in employment and public procurement law. He advises on the most sophisticated local government matters including cases concerning finance and governance and his significant contributions to the field have earned him the nickname 'the godfather of local government'.

"James is very affable, very accommodating, extremely knowledgeable and one of the most responsive barristers I've ever dealt with."

"He is a go-to source of excellent advice. He brings a sense of clarity to the most complex of matters."

Jane Oldham has a fine track record of handling sophisticated public information and education law matters. She is adept at handling cases concerning the legality of funding cuts, assets of community value and large-scale auditor investigations. She also offers considerable experience in cases involving issues of equality and is frequently instructed in complex judicial review challenges.

"Jane is very thorough and really approachable."

"She is client friendly and works very hard."

Jason Coppel KC is a highly regarded practitioner with noted local government expertise. He handles this work as part of his broader practice, which encompasses areas such as public procurement and human rights. He acts both for and against local authorities in a range of local government issues such as housing and PFI waste contracts. He also regularly advises on contracting decisions.

"Jason is an amazing barrister and just a great person to have on your side."

"He is a superb lawyer. He's very clever, his written work is great and he is a good advocate."

Jonathan Moffett KC is a reputable silk who tackles a wide range of complex public law matters involving local government issues. He demonstrates notable skill in cases pertaining to environmental law, particularly matters concerning air pollution. He acts for local authority clients at all levels of court and also represents central government. He is particularly well regarded for his expert handling of cases involving combined authorities. He is regularly instructed in cases involving budget cuts, housing issues and licensing matters.

"Jonathan has an in-depth knowledge of local government and its governance requirements."

"Jonathan Moffett is an excellent lawyer."

Nigel Giffin KC is a seasoned public law silk with extensive expertise in social care, housing, and education law matters. He regularly appears in significant cases with complex civil liberties and human rights aspects.

"Nigel is extremely helpful."

Tom Cross is an experienced junior noted for his expert handling of a range of local authority disputes. He is instructed in matters across the UK and is well regarded for his knowledge of matters concerning education, community care and councillor standards, among other areas. He is regularly instructed to act on behalf of both central government and the individuals and companies challenging government decisions.

"Tom is an intellectual powerhouse."

"He is a very astute and technical barrister."

Peter Oldham KC is a renowned advocate in the field of public law who brings the full weight of many years' experience to bear when undertaking cases. He regularly handles complex education, procurement and state aid matters. He acts in judicial review challenges and boasts expertise in governance and standards. He is experienced in the handling of restitution claims stemming from ultra vires activity.

"Peter advises on complex areas of law with clarity and precision."

"He has a huge amount of experience in the field."

"Peter is really approachable and great with clients."

Andrew Sharland KC is a dynamic silk with considerable expertise in local government, community care and employment law. He is well known for his adroit representation of a range of clients, including public authorities and NGOs. He represents both claimants and local authorities across the full range of local government cases including those concerning planning, education and human rights. He is a co-author and regular contributor to several publications in the local government law field.

"Andrew Sharland is our go-to on difficult and complicated matters."

"He provides strategic advice and guidance."

Joanne Clement KC continues to run a thriving public law, human rights and community care practice. She routinely acts both for and against local authorities in complex, high-profile cases and has broad experience in claims for judicial review. Recent local government work includes cases concerning adult social care, education and local government standards.

"Joanne provides excellent, timely and practical advice on complicated issues."

"She deals with complex and novel matters excellently."

"Joanne is personable and provides practical commercial advice."

Paul Greatorex is a seasoned local government practitioner with additional experience of handling employment matters and issues involving immigration and asylum. He habitually acts for a range of prominent public authorities in major challenges to administrative decisions. He has experience appearing for clients in claims for judicial review.

"Paul is a very good barrister."

Zoe Gannon is a well-regarded junior barrister with growing expertise in local government matters. She is regularly called upon to advise local authorities, central government and health bodies and has strong expertise covering a range of sectors, particularly employment, education and community care. She has experience appearing before both the High Court and Court of Appeal.

"Zoe Gannon is really experienced."

"She is very good, extremely bright and hard-working."

Jonathan Auburn KC is a highly praised silk with extensive knowledge of local government matters, particularly those relating to the provision of health services. He offers expert representation and guidance to both local authorities and claimants and demonstrates notable insight into cases concerning complex issues of mental health and capacity. He is also regularly involved in education matters. He has acted in numerous high-profile cases including significant judicial review challenges and Human Rights Act claims. He currently sits on the A Panel of Treasury Counsel.

"Jonathan is very competent, thorough and a dynamic thinker."