Fenella Morris KC
39 Essex Chambers39 Essex Chambers is well-known in education law for its expertise spanning the education sector, from judicial reviews, appeals to the first-tier tribunal and upper tribunal, exclusions and admissions appeals, educational negligence claims, education prosecutions, discrimination and human rights matters, to contractual disputes and employment claims. Steve Broach KC is praised for his ‘second-to-none expertise in relation to all things disability and education’. Rory Dunlop KC appears on behalf of the claimants in SC v Kingston Grammar School, a disability discrimination claim, questioning the rights of schools to remove a child because of their parent’s conduct. Rachel Sullivan acted as junior counsel in R (Sharp) v Office of the School Adjudicator, relating the OSA’s functions when considering complaints about school admissions arrangements.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Steve has second-to-none expertise in relation to all things disability and education. He's tenacious and creative, and a fantastic advocate. Very clear. Able to distil complex issues into compelling submissions.'
- '39 Essex Chambers have a variety of members who all have knowledge and expertise in a variety of areas of law that I work in and I know they can always provide me with appropriate Counsel to assist.'
- 'This is one of the strongest chambers for public law and education work. They have a huge selection of barristers who are all known to be excellent, and a supportive and collaborative working environment.'
- '39 Essex are my go-to chambers. Their clerking team are always helpful and do their best to get alternative counsel. As a set their juniors are of the same quality as other sets silks.'
- 'The set is excellent for all public law, having a great selection of counsel available for all cases.'
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.
Rory Dunlop KC
39 Essex Chambers ‘Rory has deep knowledge of education claims and the perfect bedside manner for both clients and the court. His advocacy is persuasive, succinct, he gives off an aura of being completely on top of his brief, he is also very user-friendly and a joy to work with.’
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.
Katherine Apps KC
39 Essex Chambers ‘Katherine has incisive knowledge of education law as well as an evident passion for the area. That, together with her instincts as to whether a matter can be advanced or defended is hugely assuring for clients. Her advocacy is a masterclass in timing and judgement, her written advice and submissions are noteworthy too.’
2024 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.
Steve Broach KC
39 Essex Chambers ‘Steve is extensively knowledgeable in his field and imparts this knowledge on to those who work with him. He is great with clients and colleagues alike, assertive yet approachable and very friendly, quick thinking on his feet, and able to respond to other party arguments in an instant.’
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.
Jack Anderson
39 Essex Chambers
Jennifer Thelen
39 Essex Chambers
Katherine Barnes
39 Essex Chambers ‘Katherine is exceptionally intelligent and sharp; she picks up on small details. Her advice is extremely comprehensive; she is clear and professional in both her advocacy and written work.’
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.
