Kings Chambers boasts an extensive bench of silks and juniors who handle planning and environmental cases. Giles Cannock KC leads the planning team and he is instructed on cases regarding housing and energy schemes, infrastructure projects, and retail developments. David Manley KC acts for both private and public sector clients and he regularly appears in planning inquiries and hearings, as well as in the High Court, as does Ruth Stockley KC. Jonathan Easton KC is particularly skilled in compulsory purchases and environmental matters, while Paul Tucker KC is also notable as chair of the Planning and Environmental Bar Association. Vincent Fraser KC is skilled at handling renewable energy projects, and he recently acted for RWE Renewables UK Onshore Wind regarding an application for a wind farm comprising twelve turbines up to 200 metres tall. Alan Evans specialises in cases regarding village greens and commons, highways, and public right of ways. Of recent note, he successfully represented Manchester City Council in a judicial review, challenging the granting of planning permission for a 55-storey student accommodation building in the middle of Manchester (Macintosh Village Management Ltd v Manchester City Council). Stephanie Hall, Ian Ponter, and John Barrett are also key members of the planning team.
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Testimonials
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- 'Brilliant service and knowledge. Gary Smith and Mark Ronson are responsive, knowledgeable, and personable. They are great to work with.'
- 'Mark Ronson and Gary Smith are an asset to Kings Chambers. At all times, they have been helpful and quick to respond.'
- 'Mark Ronson and Gary Smith are always particularly helpful in facilitating and coordinating matters.'
- 'Always approachable and keen to assist. Gary Smith and Mark Ronson are adept at arranging appropriate representation to deal with the case at hand.'
- 'Gary Smith and Mark Ronson are both excellent clerks who are keen to support customers.'
- 'The clerks, particularly Mark Ronson and Gary Smith, have always been friendly and extremely efficient. The level of service provided has always been excellent.'
- 'Mark Ronson and Gary Smith are always on the ball. They respond very promptly to enquires and have an in-depth understanding of the barrister's experience and areas of expertise.'
- 'Dealings with Gary Smith and Mark Ronson are excellent. They are responsive, approachable, and reliable. The service they provide is second-to-none.'
- 'The clerks at Kings Chambers are excellent, happy to discuss issues, and make suggestions to resolve problems. They are also good at communicating. Gary Smith and Mark Ronson deserve particular mention, and they are well supported by James Bedford.'
- 'The clerks are superb. Gary Smith and Mark Ronson go out of their way to be helpful and are very proactive and responsive. They are a first-rate team of clerks.'
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.
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.
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.
Ruth Stockley KC
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.
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.