Environment | UK Bar

39 Essex Chambers is a premium set, highlighted by one client for consistently providing "strategic, technical and practical advice." Its members are instructed in complex environmental matters ranging from impact assessments to air quality cases and renewable infrastructure projects. Barristers at the set act for a range of key players including the government and local councils, as well as energy and natural resources companies. Another source notes that "the depth and breadth of expertise at 39 Essex Chambers is exceptional," and a number of members have recently been instructed in high-profile cases, such as Friends of the Earth and others v Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, a case involving a judicial review of the Government's Carbon Budget Delivery Plan.

The barristers at Francis Taylor Building receive plaudits for the depth of their knowledge in environment and planning law, including the environmental aspects of infrastructure projects. A source notes that they offer "very sharp, strategic advice and sound legal knowledge". Members of FTB also have a wealth of experience handling regulatory issues and criminal liability cases. Its barristers act for large companies, environmental campaign groups and individuals. Barristers at the set have recently been involved in numerous high-profile cases, including judicial reviews concerned with the Government decision to permit a new coal mine in Cumbria, alongside acting on the environmental impact screening of asylum accommodation.

Landmark Chambers remains a leading set home to many practitioners with extensive experience in environment law. Described by one client as "one of the leading chambers for planning and environmental law," the set is considered "adept at quickly picking up difficult matters and advising accordingly". Areas of particular strength include air quality and environmental assessments. Barristers at the set are well placed to act on behalf of government departments and public bodies as well as environmental NGOs. Members have recently been involved in high-profile cases such as representing West Cumbria Mines in two High Court statutory review challenges brought by Friends of the Earth and South Lakeland Action on Climate Change.

Six Pump Court has a deep bench of barristers handling challenging environmental cases. Known as an "extremely knowledgeable environmental set" which "provides clear, practical advice," Six Pump Court is particularly well known for its handling of regulatory matters, and its members have expertise in both civil and criminal environmental issues, including high-profile enforcement cases. Barristers at the set are often instructed in cases with aspects of health and safety law. Members at Six Pump Court have been involved in notable cases, including the high-profile Manchester Ship Canal v United Utilities Water in the Supreme Court. Members also acted for the Office for Environmental Protection in its first ever court appearance regarding a judicial review application by Wild Justice. The set is frequently instructed by environmental regulators as well as defendant companies in environmental proceedings.

Blackstone Chambers is noted for its work on a broad range of environmental law matters. The set is hailed for its strength in cases with complex public law elements and well known for representing clients in judicial reviews. One source notes that they are "able to provide comprehensive advice with great attention to detail, noting potential risks and complications". Barristers at the set advise local governments as well as NGOs, individuals and energy companies. The barristers continue to work on several high-profile cases, such as a matter concerning Nigerian oil spills and a judicial review on the obligations of a regulator to monitor water pollution from sewage treatment works.

Henderson Chambers has notable abilities in environmental litigation, with particular expertise in environmental group actions and international matters. Environmental issues dealt with by members include pollution, emissions and nuisance claims. The set acts for a range of clients including the Environment Agency and well-known international corporates. Barristers at Henderson Chambers continue to be involved in the significant Volkswagen emissions litigation, alongside representing Nicholls Ltd in a prosecution by the Environment Agency concerning the river defences along the Alde & Ore Estuary in Suffolk. One instructing solicitor comments: "The set is innovative, offers strategic thinking, works hard and puts its clients first."

Matrix Chambers offers environmental expertise at the international and domestic level. Members act in proceedings involving government departments and also advise campaign groups and NGOs on environmental challenges. Barristers at the set represent a local group in Balcombe appealing the grant of planning permission for a fracking exploration site, and they are also involved in the challenge regarding the grant of development consent for the Sizewell C nuclear power station. One source notes that the set houses an "excellent team" which offers "superb advocacy and service".

Cornerstone Barristers is home to a number of environmental practitioners with extensive knowledge of renewable energy, Environmental Impact Assessments and habitats. Members regularly act for individuals, action groups and local councils, with clients noting that they are "sharp and intuitive" and provide "excellent results". Barristers at the set have worked on a plethora of matters, including a statutory review challenging a controversial grant of planning permission for a new coal mine in Cumbria. Other cases handled by the barristers at Cornerstone range from conservation area matters to fracking disputes and climate change-related litigation.

Twenty Essex boasts a strong environmental team of barristers who specialise in international environmental law. The barristers regularly work on large-scale, international climate cases, often for claimants. One source notes that it is a "very fine set" and a "heavyweight" in this field. Members of Twenty Essex have acted on a challenge against the States of Uganda and Tanzania regarding the construction of a pipeline likely to cause habitat destruction, and barristers have represented WWF in a case concerning whether climate change is a form of pollution under the law of the sea. The set bolsters its environmental practice with a well-regarded energy practice.