Administrative & Public Law

David Anderson KC continues to excel in full-time private practice following his tenure as Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation for the government. His public law expertise is focused predominantly on EU, commercial and regulatory challenges.

"David is a brilliant strategist and a very good advocate. He delivers very good written work and he is an entirely smooth operator who gets to the heart of a case."

"David is supremely gifted and he has wonderful judgement. He has huge in-depth knowledge and experience. He is a delightful advocate."

"He is very client-friendly and knows how to explain matters in a user-friendly way."

Jennifer MacLeod is sought after by both government bodies and private companies in a range of public law challenges. She handles complex human rights-related disputes, including challenges relating to the investigation and prosecution of crime.

"Jennifer is extremely smart and super forensic but she is also very easy to work with."

"She is absolutely superb as a legal analyst and tactician."

"The quality of Jennifer's written work is fantastic."

"Combining a fierce intellect, great procedural insight and sharp strategy make Jennifer a stand-out junior for novel and complex matters."

"Jennifer is an incredibly clever strategic thinker who will see angles that others miss. It is a game-changer having her on your team."

Malcolm Birdling is sought out to act in novel public law cases and has an impressively broad practice encompassing both commercial and human rights claims. He is a member of the Attorney General's A panel and the Equality and Human Rights Commission's panel of counsel. Recent mandates include challenges to contentious infrastructure projects, immigration cases and matters arising from the UK Sanctions Regime.

"Malcolm is an excellent, client-friendly and above all, pragmatic advocate."

"He is very knowledgeable about EU subsidy law and has a superb tactical sense."

"Malcolm is an ingenious, highly intellectual and persuasive advocate."

"He's a hugely impressive advocate."

Jemima Stratford KC counsels clients in public and administrative law challenges pursued under EU law, concerning policy affecting individuals as well as businesses. She is especially well-versed in challenges involving pharmaceutical authorisation and procurement. Other recent public law mandates include cases concerning pensions regulation.

"Jemima is an excellent advocate."

"She has great attention to detail. Her drafting is rigorous and meticulous. She has good knowledge of the law."

Marie Demetriou KC commands great respect for her expertise in public law cases involving provisions of EU law. She also handles cases concerning human rights, immigration and asylum, and social security provisions. She receives instructions from corporates, as well as regulators.

"Marie has incredible knowledge of the law. She delivers very clear and persuasive submissions."

"Marie is amazing. She is super clever and an amazing advocate."

"She's great to work with and very experienced. She is systematic, structured and very approachable."

Maya Lester KC brings deep expertise in EU, human rights and sanctions law to domestic and international public law proceedings. Recently she has been involved in high-profile national security disputes. She receives instructions from corporations, NGOs and public bodies.

"Maya has really great broad knowledge of European, public and human rights law. She is a fluent advocate and respected by judges. She is very thorough and hardworking."

"She has very encyclopaedic knowledge in sanctions. She is very good tactically and very good on her feet."

"Maya is an excellent advocate."

Victoria Wakefield KC is a phenomenally accomplished barrister who represents corporations, NGOs and individuals challenging secondary legislation and regulatory decisions. She is especially adept in judicial reviews overlapping with human rights law. Recent mandates include cases relating to national security and international trade.

"Victoria is a very effective advocate who prepares meticulously and has the confidence of judges. She is also excellent in front of clients."

"She delivers very good written submissions and she is good on her feet as well."

"Victoria is incredibly hardworking and forensic in her approach. She has a very engaging advocacy style."

"She is very through and she has a very good understanding, marrying it with a down-to-earth style."

Emily MacKenzie is instructed in high-profile public law challenges on behalf of corporates, government departments, and other public bodies. Her practice has taken in significant cases regarding the use of pharmaceuticals for specific medical treatments, and the regulation of conduct in political parties.

"Emily is excellent. She is diligent and she has good instincts for public law."

"She is very hardworking and sharp."

"Emily is very organised and on the ball."

James McClelland KC focuses his considerable public law practice on commercial and regulatory cases, particularly in the financial services sector. He is capable of counselling claimants and defendants in judicial review and regulatory proceedings. Recent notable cases have involved the regulation of metals and energy markets.

"He has an ability to get into the detail and see through it as we are have mud thrown at us but also able to take strategic views."

"One of his real stand out strengths is that he is a real clear thinker but he has the ability to get to the heart of complex issues quickly and express them very clearly and succinctly."

"Both his written and oral submissions are excellent. They are cogent, succinct and persuasive."

"James has a brain the size of a planet. He's phenomenal and he'll pursue a point with absolute determination."

Paul Bowen KC offers broad-ranging expertise in public and human rights law. He routinely handles a range of appeals and judicial reviews. Areas of focus include claims in the commercial and financial services spheres.

"Paul is an intellectual powerhouse in appellate work."

"Paul is very knowledgeable, extremely responsive and hands-on. He is not afraid to get into the weeds and he is a highly successful advocate."

Tim Johnston is a sought-after barrister with a strong track record in high-profile commercial judicial review, including challenges involving competition, contract and financial services law. He attracts instruction from individuals, companies and central government.

"Tim is a marvellously clever individual. He is client-friendly and hardworking with the ability to get to the legal and commercial nub of the issue quickly."

"Tim is really incisive and sharp. He is really able to crystalise complex points into simple sentences. He has an extraordinary brain."

"He shows great judgement. He is very knowledgeable and very good technically."

Yaaser Vanderman is renowned by sources for his breadth of knowledge and advocacy in public law. His expertise includes human rights, health and social welfare issues. He represents a range of clients including individuals, central government and charities.

"Yaaser is thoughtful and considered but he is able to give the clear and direct advice that the client needs. He is great on his feet."

"Yaaser is a really excellent public lawyer. He is really knowledgeable."

"His general knowledge of procedure, law and in terms of strategy are really good."

Emma Mockford possesses far-reaching public and administrative law expertise, including constitutional and human rights-based challenges. She primarily acts for claimants and is highly sought after by NGOs, individuals and corporates.

"Emma Mockford drafts beautifully. She has a sensational brain and she is absolutely wonderful to work with."

"Emma is very hardworking and engaged."

Sarah Love is a barrister with strong expertise covering commercial-public law crossover issues, who specialises in an array of issues, including market regulation, procurement and the allocation of public funds. She is a member of the Attorney General's A panel and is frequently sought out by central government and other public authorities, as well as businesses.

"Sarah is an extremely bright and fantastic advocate. She really knows the law inside out and she is a wonderful addition to any legal team."

"Her ability to think on her feet, asking questions and reacting to changes is very impressive."

Richard Howell has amassed an impressive body of experience in judicial reviews focusing on trade policy and the regulation of markets. Among other notable cases he has been involved in R (British Sugar) v Secretary of State for International Trade, a leading post-Brexit case on state aid.

"Richard is an outstanding junior. He is a super bright and technical lawyer."

"Richard is a real intellect and super-smart."

"He is so clever and his knowledge of the law is so encyclopaedic. He is such a fast worker."

"Richard sees the arguments much quicker than others and he sees the difficult points."