The Bar - Regional Bar • Western Circuit
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Agriculture

Chambers of Matthew White

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St John’s Chambers is a ‘strong set with strength in depth’ in relation to agricultural matters on the Western Circuit, with members representing landowners, estates, trustees, tenants, developers and local authorities, among other interested parties, in relation to a wide range of issues. James Pearce-Smith has extensive experience as a commercial litigator, including in cases involving farming partnerships and food production businesses. Alex Troup KC, who took silk in March 2023, is a ‘standout’ barrister with a strong Bristol-based chancery practice that often involves agricultural elements. He recently appeared in Hughes v Pritchard in the Court of Appeal, a high-profile dispute concerning the validity of a deceased farmer’s will and a proprietary estoppel claim. Leslie Blohm KC, as was, is now a Senior Circuit Judge.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'St John’s Chambers’ clerks’ room is dynamic, efficient and especially helpful.  In particular,  Paul Bennett is always prompt to respond and incredibly helpful when there are any queries that need addressing urgently.'
  • 'St John's Chambers' clerking team is the most efficient and knowledgeable in Bristol. Paul Bennett in particular is excellent.'
  • 'Simon Lyons and Paul Bennett cannot be faulted, and the clerks generally are always friendly, helpful and accommodating and broadly speaking very quick to reply to enquiries and/or work schedules and diaries around to meet client needs.'
  • 'St John’s Chambers has proven its ability to take on a range of difficult and complex cases, both when it comes to expert advice and where representation is needed at a mediation or hearing.' 
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Silks

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.
Alex Troup KC
St John’s Chambers
‘He is an all-round exceptional barrister who instills confidence from an early stage in the lay client and those instructing him. He is incredibly bright and is a tremendously confident and measured advocate who has the ear of the court. Even before his appointment to King’s Counsel, he was the principal barrister in Bristol for meaty Chancery matters.’ 

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.
Oliver Wooding
St John’s Chambers
'He continuously delivers excellent work both on paper and in person at mediations and hearings. His skill and expertise is evident on every instruction and the quality and promptness of his work never falters. In addition to his impressive breadth of knowledge, he is proficient in interacting with clients and always gives every case 100%.' 
James Pearce-Smith
St John’s Chambers
'James gives very clear advice and this is mirrored in his polite but effective advocacy. He always has a strong grasp of the facts and applicable law.'   
Leading Juniors
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.
Oliver Wooding
St John’s Chambers
'He continuously delivers excellent work both on paper and in person at mediations and hearings. His skill and expertise is evident on every instruction and the quality and promptness of his work never falters. In addition to his impressive breadth of knowledge, he is proficient in interacting with clients and always gives every case 100%.' 
James Pearce-Smith
St John’s Chambers
'James gives very clear advice and this is mirrored in his polite but effective advocacy. He always has a strong grasp of the facts and applicable law.'   

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