Local Government
UK Bar Guide 2025 : London (Bar)
Band 2
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
(020) 7242 4986Chambers Review
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 say that: "Cornerstone offers an enviable selection of barristers with exceptional local government acumen and experience." Members frequently undertake high-profile cases including a recent judicial review claim against Plymouth CC arising from a decision relating to public open space, which entailed the felling of 130 trees.
Claire Bello and Elliot Langdorf lead the clerking team as CEO and senior clerk respectively.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The clerks are responsive, professional and accommodating."
"The clerks at Cornerstone Barristers are great."
"The clerks are responsive, professional and accommodating."
"The clerks at Cornerstone Barristers are great."
Notable Practitioners
Ranjit Bhose KC is an expert in a variety of high-stakes public sector disputes and is regularly called on by a diverse range of local authority clients. He is particularly well versed in cases concerning powers and duties, finance, property and housing. He has considerable experience appearing in claims for judicial review.
"Ranjit's advocacy is very strong."
James Findlay KC garners significant praise for his knowledge of administrative and public law, local government and environmental matters. He habitually handles judicial reviews and statutory appeals at many of the highest courts in the UK, including the Supreme Court.
Lisa Busch KC is regularly instructed in public law and local government matters, including major challenges to local authority decisions at the High Court and Court of Appeal. She is well versed in civil liberties and human rights issues.
Philip Coppel KC is a highly popular choice of local government counsel who is particularly well known for his appellate practice. His broad expertise encompasses further areas, such as information law and commercial disputes.
"Philip is a very collaborative barrister."
Kelvin Rutledge KC provides legal expertise across a variety of local government and public sector matters and specialises in community care and social housing. He has been instructed on high-profile public inquiries and is regularly sought after by local authorities across the country.
Kuljit Bhogal KC is a highly respected barrister with experience acting for local authorities in a wide range of matters. She demonstrates particular expertise in areas such as housing, licensing and healthcare, while her broad expertise also encompasses matters concerning anti-social behaviour and PSPOs. She is regularly called upon to advise her clients on strategy.
"Kuljit is a very good barrister and advocate."
"She is very approachable and has a very good knowledge base."
Matt Hutchings KC is a civil and commercial litigation specialist who offers further expertise in real estate, housing and public sector law. He is highly sought after by public authorities.
"Matt has a razor-sharp mind and top-notch client skills."
Ranked Barristers at
Cornerstone Barristers
Silks (KC)
London (Bar)