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(020) 7583 1770Chambers Review
Blackstone Chambers offers impressive experience in a wide range of EU law issues, acting for multinational corporations, individual citizens and governmental and regulatory bodies, as well as the European Commission itself. Corporate clients hail from a diverse range of sectors including financial services, telecommunications and transport. The set has a strong track record of appearances in cases relating to the principles of competition law, freedom of information and free movement, among others. The barristers also represent those subject to EU sanctions in various appeals. Recent highlights include Viktor Yanukovych v EU Council, in which sanctions against the former president of Ukraine's family members were annulled in the ECJ, and acting for Amazon against the European Commission in its application for annulment regarding designations under the DMA. One commentator notes: "We often call upon Blackstone to advise on complex and novel issues of law and they have been second to none in handling these sophisticated matters in a timely, nuanced and pragmatic manner."
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Blackstone Chambers has incredibly helpful clerks who go above and beyond to assist."
"The junior clerks are responsive, and they are mindful of the budget and the financial constraints the client are working within."
"Blackstone Chambers has incredibly helpful clerks who go above and beyond to assist."
"The junior clerks are responsive, and they are mindful of the budget and the financial constraints the client are working within."
Notable Practitioners
Brian Kennelly KC handles a diverse array of cases before the CJEU. He acts on the appellant side of high-profile immigration or EU sanctions cases, and assists private companies, regulatory authorities or the European Commission itself in appeals of administrative decisions, often in relation to competition law or telecoms sector decisions.
"Brian Kennelly KC is a reassuring presence; he has an unparalleled ability to distil the key issues and respond systematically."
"He is an absolute star - he is very pragmatic, sensible and great on his feet in court."
"Brian Kennelly KC is second to none in terms of advising on complex and sophisticated EU law matters."
Kieron Beal KC is regularly instructed to handle contentious VAT, customs or excise cases, including those that are referred to the CJEU. He also advises on EC infringement proceedings and handles challenges to EU regulations governing trade with non-EU states.
"Kieron Beal KC is a first-rate advocate, is clear and concise on paper, and gives excellent commercial advice."
"He has a brilliant way with clients and judges alike."
"Kieron has excellent client-handling skills, makes himself available and works collaboratively."
Thomas de la Mare KC advises on pharmaceutical, telecoms and transportation sector judicial review proceedings that seek to challenge decisions made by UK public bodies on grounds of the failure to correctly apply EU law. He has experience in high-profile CJEU referral cases that question the legitimacy of the UK's programme of bulk interception and retention of communications data. He also stands out for his work in key cases that give an insight into the potential impact of Brexit on commercial contracts between the UK and member states.
"Thomas de la Mare KC is an absolute star of the Bar and an exceptional advocate."
"Thomas de la Mare KC is absolutely terrific - a force of nature."
"Thomas de la Mare KC has tremendous depth of knowledge and experience, and has always been a top choice for European law matters."
Emily Neill has built up a strong EU law-focused practice, which is grounded in her previous experience as a judicial assistant in Luxembourg and supported by her call to the Bar of the Republic of Ireland. She has assisted numerous companies and non-profits with matters concerning taxation, competition and various other market regulation issues.
"Emily Neill is calm and measured and is someone who can be relied on to give excellent strategic advice."
"She is collaborative, client-focused and offers carefully considered judgement and strategic advice."
"Emily Neill is an outstanding barrister."
Jason Pobjoy advises private individuals and corporate clients in EU sanctions cases, including human rights-based appeals against their imposition. His broader European law practice includes involvement in major competition litigation.
"Jason Pobjoy delivers clear and practical advice and can juggle complex issues while also being really down to earth."
"He is very responsive, hard-working, shows great strategic and lateral thinking, and has excellent client-handling skills."
"Jason Pobjoy provides outstanding client service with sound judgement and an excellent grasp of the law."
Ravi Mehta advises applicants and respondents in administrative appeals that seek to challenge UK tax, environmental, medicine licensing or data retention policies on EU law grounds. He has experience in cases sent to the CJEU for a determination on the proper application of EU law with respect to issues such as anti-competitive conduct.
"Ravi Mehta is hard-working, super capable and very pleasant to deal with."
"Ravi Mehta's ability to decipher really complex matters and put it into a more easily understood form is something that is really appreciated."
"Ravi is very bright, commercial and easy to work with."