Lord Pannick KC
Blackstone ChambersBlackstone Chambers is a leading set for EU law, with members offering in-depth experience of acting on behalf of the UK Government and other EU member states, multinational corporations, European Institutions, and other public bodies across a wide range of industries. Brian Kennelly KC was successful on behalf of the former Ukraine president in Yanukovitch v EU Council, with the ECJ annulling the sanctions imposed on him and his son following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. In Amazon v European Commission, Paul Luckhurst is acting for the claimant in its claim challenging the EU’s Digital Services Act before the ECJ. Jason Pobjoy successfully acted for the Visa defendants in the Umbrella Interchange Fee Proceedings, a significant case regarding the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 and the scope of retained EU law.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'The clerks are very attentive.'
- 'Blackstone are a great chambers.'
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.
Kieron Beal KC
Blackstone Chambers ‘Kieron is immensely capable on paper and on his feet. He makes the most complex issues easy to follow.’
Brian Kennelly KC
Blackstone Chambers ‘Brian is a star. He is a highly experienced and effective advocate, including before the European Courts of Justice. His advocacy is clear, logical and persuasive. The depth of his preparation is always evident by his ability to effectively respond to any questions or interventions.’
Thomas de la Mare KC
Blackstone Chambers 'Tom is a top of the range advocate. Unrivalled depth of knowledge in his specialist areas, especially EU law, combined with an attractive, clear and persuasive advocacy style. He has the knack of making you think you would be crazy not to agree with him, even when he is wrong. Respected by the senior judiciary.'
Monica Carss-Frisk KC
Blackstone Chambers 'Monica is a forceful and inventive advocate. She has a rare ability to distill complex facts into effective arguments that can be persuasively deployed before the court. Very deep and impressive knowledge and understanding of EU law and institutions.'
Hanif Mussa KC
Blackstone Chambers ‘Hanif has a wonderful court presence and senior judges really listen to him.’
James Segan KC
Blackstone Chambers ‘James is an absolute pro and one of (if not the) best barrister to work with in London. He is an exceptionally strong advocate, incredibly intelligent, very skilled on strategic choices and a real pleasure to work with. You definitely want James on your side, rather than the other side.’
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.
Paul Luckhurst
Blackstone Chambers ‘Paul has superb responsiveness, great insights and is a pleasure to work with.'
Emily Neill
Blackstone Chambers ‘Emily is very thoughtful and considered in her approach to written and oral advocacy. She is incredibly smart, an excellent drafter and is always extremely pleasant and professional to work with.'
Jason Pobjoy
Blackstone Chambers
Ravi Mehta
Blackstone Chambers ‘Ravi is a highly intelligent counsel who has the ability to advise on and find solutions to complex, and often, bespoke matters. He is able to articulate with ease and to make the case on complex issues appear like a walk in the park.’