Chambers and Partners 2014 recommendations
31 October 2013
Garden Court North Chambers has retained its first tier ranking for Civil Liberties and Human Rights in the latest edition of Chambers and Partners. The Immigration team also continue to be first tier ranked on the Northern Circuit. Additionally, the directory lists 12 recommendations for individuals as leaders in their field across all our practice key areas of civil liberties and human rights, administrative and public law, crime, employment, immigration and social housing.
Civil Liberties & Human Rights – Northern (Bar) (Band 1)
Garden Court North Chambers has established a strong practice in the field of claimant-based human rights. Its members are particularly adept at handling cases concerning prisoners’ rights, immigration and the criminal justice system. They are experienced in representing bereaved families.
SILKS
Pete Weatherby QC
Focuses his human rights practice on cases involving prison law and criminal law. He regularly acts for bereaved families.
Expertise: “He is very good. He has always had a fantastic reputation.” “He is very committed and a good lawyer. One of your first choices if you are looking for a prison law silk outside London.”
JUNIORS
Vijay Jagadesham
Handles human rights matters arising in the fields of public law, prison law and immigration. He is experienced in cases involving children and vulnerable adults, and in cases concerning the sentencing of prisoners.
Matthew Stanbury
Offers representation in human rights matters concerning prisoners’ rights, miscarriages of justice and the rights of bereaved families. He demonstrates a particular interest in the rights of female prisoners.
Immigration – London
Ian Macdonald QC
Hugely experienced and a man with an excellent reputation. His recent cases have included a number pertaining to the removal of sponsor licences from colleges.
Expertise: “He’s so experienced – he literally wrote the book on immigration law.”
Immigration – Northern (Bar) (Band 1)
Garden Court North Chambers is one of the best immigration sets on the Northern Circuit. The individuals at the set have a broad knowledge base and are able to advise on a range of immigration, asylum and nationality law matters.
JUNIORS
Rory O’Ryan
Has a broad immigration practice and advises on everything from human rights and asylum cases to appeals under the points-based immigration system.
Expertise: “He has a highly methodical and understated approach, but it’s hugely effective; you can rely on him to get the job done.”
Vijay Jagadesham
Recommended for his considerable expertise across the gamut of immigration and asylum law. He is noted for his focus on cases concerning vulnerable clients or minors.
Administrative & Public Law – Northern (Bar) (Band 2)
Garden Court North Chambers is one of the leading public law groups for claimant-side work on the Northern circuit. The set undertakes public law challenges across all of its core areas of excellence including prison law, actions against the police, immigration and human rights.
SILKS
Pete Weatherby QC
He has continued to impress since taking silk in 2012. His human rights-centred practice involves public law challenges relating to prison law, criminal law and the misuse of police force.
Kate Stone
Widely praised for her handling of a range of public law matters in keeping with the profile of the set.
Vijay Jagadesham
Impresses observers with his handling of public law, immigration law and prison law.
Crime – Northern (Bar)
Social Housing – Northern (Bar)
Andrew Byles
Enters the rankings this year having received significant approval from market sources. He has much experience in acting for tenants and other occupiers in a range of cases, including those involving antisocial behaviour, nuisance and homelessness matters.
Expertise: “He’s well prepared and a strong advocate both in court and on paper.”
Laura Cawsey
Offers broad social housing expertise, with a particular focus on antisocial behaviour cases, homelessness, possession actions and disrepair claims.
Expertise: “Very good in court. She really fights for the client and is always accessible and responsive.”
Ben McCormack
Continues to be noted for his experience in a range of welfare law matters, including benefits and community care, as well as housing. He is particularly recognised for his excellence on Equality Act and public law issues.
Expertise: “Very impressive. He has lots of interesting ideas and has had great success.”
“Very good at identifying complex cases and defending them, and superb at run-of-the-mill cases too. He’s also really approachable for the clients.”
Recent work: Recent work highlights include appearing in R (Howard) v Official Receiver, a case dealing with the nature of the Official Receiver’s function when revoking a debt relief order.
James Stark
Continues to be recognised as a standout junior in social housing matters. His expertise covers a range of housing issues, including complex and high-profile possession proceedings, homelessness appeals and cases with multiple parties.
Expertise: “He has an encyclopaedic knowledge and is extremely committed and diligent.”
Employment – Northern (Bar)
Kerry Smith
She is highlighted for her considerable expertise at resolving discrimination issues. She also has considerable experience in immigration-related cases.
Expertise: “She is a good advocate, and very good with clients.”
Recent work: She works extensively for trade unions and local authorities, particularly in judicial review matters.
