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

Silks

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.
James Maurici KC
3
James Maurici KC
Landmark Chambers
'James is truly exceptional with an unrivalled intellect. He is razor-sharp, very user-friendly and extremely responsive.'
Galina Ward KC
4
Galina Ward KC
Landmark Chambers
 'Galina excels in her meticulous preparation. An excellent strategist who is always on top of the facts.'
Fiona Scolding KC
4
Fiona Scolding KC
Landmark Chambers
'She is an excellent communicator, and has the human touch. Judges love her.'
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.

Juniors

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.
Julia Smyth
2
Julia Smyth
Landmark Chambers
'Julia is fiercely bright, bold and incredibly hard-working.'
Leon Glenister
3
Leon Glenister
Landmark Chambers
'Leon is committed and approachable, great at cutting through complex cases to get to the key points, and at making difficult points seem simple.'
Miranda Butler
3
Miranda Butler
Landmark Chambers
'Miranda is incredibly client-driven. Her focus is always on achieving the best results for the client, and she is persuasive and diligent.'
Ben Fullbrook
4
Ben Fullbrook
Landmark Chambers
 'Ben is an outstanding barrister. His legal advice is always very thorough and rational.'
Admas Habteslasie
4
Admas Habteslasie
Landmark Chambers
'A very strong, very intelligent advocate, who is clearly passionate about and dedicated to human rights matters.'
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.