Chambers & Partners 2008 recommendations for civil liberties, crime, immigration and social housing  

CHAMBERS & PARTNERS 2008 RECOMMENDATIONS

Civil liberties : Northern

“Since its formation in 1996, Garden Court North has developed to become a highly respected player in the human rights field. Noted for its commitment to publicly funded work, this is the only set outside London to specialise in human rights. The outfit has expertise in a range of matters, including criminal defence, housing, immigration, employment and discrimination law, claims against the police and public authorities, inquests, prisoners' rights, community care, mental health and education law.”

" Pete Weatherby also receives praise. Solicitors observe that “he applies his mind to a problem and really gets stuck in.” He appeared in R (Lunn) v Governor of HMP Moorland, a case that raised the question of whether the lawfulness of a person's continued detention was to be determined by reference to the terms of the order of the court directing his imprisonment or by the sentence handed down by the judge.”

Crime : Northern

"Her set also includes the very talented Mark George who many a solicitor is “happy to use as a leader in place of a silk.”

Immigration : Northern

“This public law specialist tackles immigration, housing and prison law with an increasing degree of vigour now that judicial reviews can also be held in Manchester. It further works with foreign nationals in the criminal justice system on their status and immigration rights in general. Lawyers laud the “breadth of experience evidenced by a number of practitioners who are all committed experts in this field.”

" Alex Durance deals with asylum cases and third country removals as part of his overall immigration practice. Solicitors were keen to point out his “ability to find decisions that other barristers may have missed" and his "expert eye in finding the key issues to challenge cases.”

" Rory O’Ryan is especially adept at cases involving Somali asylum seekers and demonstrates a solid base of immigration knowledge."

Social Housing : Northern

"For tenants' work, there really isn’t another set to touch Garden Court North in the North West. As one source phrased it, “its ethos is firmly focused on helping tenants and this dedication shines through.”

" James Stark impressed sources with his “depth of knowledge in this area.” A former solicitor, his past twelve months have consisted of a diet of possession hearings and unlawful eviction cases, as well as a substantial number of homelessness appeals. "

"An up-and-coming presence at the set, Ben McCormack has impressed solicitors with his “ability to relate well to clients,” his “effective advocacy” and “thorough preparation.”

> More details: See all rankings for our set at

http://www.chambersandpartners.co.uk/uk/rankings36.aspx?fid=10689&solbar=2

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Quick links

> Legal 500 2007 recommendations (published September 2007)

> Chambers & Partners 2007 recommendations (published October 2006)