Cornerstone Barristers is 'one of the leading sets for planning law work'. Members routinely advise public authorities and private clients in a wide range of matters, including complex development disputes, judicial reviews and major planning inquiries. Recent instructions for the group include Thomas Cosgrove KC representing Guildford Borough Council in a planning inquiry into a proposed residential development project on a site in the immediate vicinity of Guildford Cathedral, while Richard Ground KC appeared for the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead in a called-in planning inquiry concerning planning permission for the development of a prominent film studio within the Green Belt. Ruchi Parekh has 'considerable expertise in planning and environmental law'. Harriet Townsend KC took silk in March 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Daryl Hughes and his team are great to work with.'
- 'Daryl Hughes' service has been exemplary - timely and highly efficient.'
- 'Daniel Gatt is a delight to work with - always helpful and accommodating.'
- 'Very approachable clerks.'
- 'An excellent set with a first rate reputation, especially for planning law.'
- 'Cornerstone are able to accommodate any planning-related brief.'
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.
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.
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.
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.
Robin Green
‘Robin is sharp. His advice is given confidently, and is pragmatic and easy for the lay client to follow. He is efficient and quick to respond. In court he is always on top of proceedings.’
Emmaline Lambert
‘Emmaline is conscientious and has an excellent eye for detail. As an advocate she well-prepared and tenacious without ever being overbearing. No matter how challenging the case may be, it is always a pleasure to work with Emmaline.’
Nina Pindham
Riccardo Calzavara
‘Riccardo is a fierce and confident barrister. He is able to effectively pick at any small threads in the other party’s case and expose the flaws in their case with great skill.’
Emma Dring
Ben Du Feu
‘Ben is pragmatic and commercial. He provides timely, high quality legal advice, and he is approachable and congenial.'
Edward Grant
excellent in mastering the important detail of complex cases.'
Jack Parker
‘Jack is always well prepared and has a calm, confident manner - he is never flustered. His advocacy is exceptional.'
Clare Parry
‘Clare has complete mastery over her brief and papers. She is the epitome of being prepared yet pragmatic.’
Jonathan Clay
Olivia Davies
‘Olivia is passionate and driven. She takes pride in her work and is determined to present the best case possible for her clients.'
John Fitzsimons
‘John is personable, client-friendly, and shows sound judgment. He has a good perspective on what the client is seeking to achieve and is adaptable to circumstances.'
Ryan Kohli
The advice he offers is creative but sensible and always focussed on the desired outcome.'
Asitha Ranatunga
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.
