James Maurici KC
James is truly exceptional with an unrivalled intellect. He is razor-sharp, very user-friendly and extremely responsive.'
At Landmark Chambers, the ‘methodical’ and ‘incisive’ James Maurici KC is well known for acting in a wide range of high-profile public law cases, and the ‘insightful’ Fiona Scolding KC‘s ’advice on tactics is always spot on‘. Turning to the junior end of chambers, the ’outstanding‘ Julia Smyth was instructed by the Child Poverty Action Group on behalf of the appellant in PR v Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, a case heard in the Upper Tribunal concerning whether the DWP’s backdating rules for benefit claims applicable to the appellant were contrary to Article 14 ECHR, read with Article 1 of Protocol 1. The Upper Tribunal ruled that the legislation was in breach of the appellant’s ECHR rights and should be disapplied.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Lawyers
Leading Silks
KCs at the very top of their field, with a long-established record of market-defining cases, and widespread endorsement from clients and peers. All silks appointed in the last two rounds are listed further below.
Tim Buley KC
Fiona Scolding KC
She is an excellent communicator, and has the human touch. Judges love her.'
Galina Ward KC
Galina excels in her meticulous preparation. An excellent strategist who is always on top of the facts.'
2023 Silks
KCs at the very top of their field, with a long-established record of market-defining cases, and widespread endorsement from clients and peers. All silks appointed in the last two rounds are listed further below.
Alex Goodman KC
A superb strategist.'
2025 Silks
KCs at the very top of their field, with a long-established record of market-defining cases, and widespread endorsement from clients and peers. All silks appointed in the last two rounds are listed further below.
Julia Smyth KC
Julia is fiercely bright, bold and incredibly hard-working.’
Leading Juniors
Leading juniors are those with significant experience of key cases, strong market recognition from both peers and clients, and are seen as future candidates for silk.
Miranda Butler
Miranda is incredibly client-driven. Her focus is always on achieving the best results for the client, and she is persuasive and diligent.'
Matthew Fraser
Matthew is a powerful advocate.'
Leon Glenister
Leon is committed and approachable, great at cutting through complex cases to get to the key points, and at making difficult points seem simple.'
Ben Fullbrook
Ben is an outstanding barrister. His legal advice is always very thorough and rational.'
Admas Habteslasie
A very strong, very intelligent advocate, who is clearly passionate about and dedicated to human rights matters.'
Natasha Jackson
A team player with a meticulous eye for detail.'
Rising stars
Rising stars at the Bar are defined as barristers between four and eight years’ call who are seen as up-and-coming members of the Bar in their respective practice areas by clients and peers alike. They will already be instructed in high-profile, complex, and high-value contentious and non-contentious matters, working with and opposite more experienced leading counsel.