Chambers & Partners 2011 recommendations for civil liberties, public law, crime, immigration and social housing  

CHAMBERS & PARTNERS 2011 RECOMMENDATIONS

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Civil liberties – Northern

"Garden Court North is an impressive set that houses barristers who are "prompt, approachable and ready to do pro bono work." Solicitors favour the individuals here not just because of their evident legal skills, but also because they provide extremely useful seminars, newsletters and ad hoc advice."

" Pete Weatherby remains a sought-after civil liberties guru, particularly in the area of prison law, where he has significant experience in civil actions, Imprisonment for Public Protection cases, false imprisonment, judicial review and ECHR applications."

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Administrative and Public Law – Northern

"Manchester-based Garden Court North has members who primarily act on behalf of claimants and further provide legal professional training in judicial practice and procedure."

"Within its ranks lies the “committed and knowledgeable” Pete Weatherby , a barrister who “wears his expertise lightly and stands out as a public law star.” He frequently appears in High Court judicial reviews at the interface of criminal and public law, in ECHR applications and Human Rights Act claims. Recent highlights for him include acting in the high-profile judicial review relating to the Justice Secretary’s decision concerning his power to pardon an individual convicted abroad."

"Also at this set, Ben McCormack and James Stark have substantial experience in public law challenges against public bodies in the North and never fail to impress with their “thoroughness and depth of housing law knowledge.”

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London Bar – Administrative and Public law

"They further praise Pete Weatherby of Garden Court North, who is renowned for his public law expertise, particularly in relation to civil liberties and prison law. Weatherby is an "exceptional practitioner who is committed, knowledgeable and at the top of the tree." His high-profile case list includes the Michael Shields judicial review, the House of Lords case of R (James) as to whether the government was in breach of its public law duty to indeterminate sentence prisoners, and R (Noone) v Governor of Drake Hall Prison, a matter looking at the proper construction of home detention curfew eligibility."

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Crime – Northern

" Mark George QC of Garden Court North gives excellent advice and is noted for the frequency with which he undertakes pro bono work. His practice is strongly geared towards complex murder and conspiracy to murder cases."

"Also here, Pete Weatherby has a very high-profile practice, particularly in prison law, and also an established reputation in general crime. He was recently involved in the public inquiry into the death of Sonny Lodge, who died in prison custody in 1998."

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Immigration – Northern

"Despite key departures over the past few years, this set remains a public law powerhouse in the North of England, and is capable of handling a broad range of immigration and asylum matters."

" Rory O'Ryan is "extremely thorough and clear in his advice,"

"... Vijay Jagadesham is singled out for his "imaginative approach to complex cases" and is particularly good on the interplay between prison law and immigration."

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Immigration – London

" Ian Macdonald QC , who remains a widely recognised authority, having authored a leading textbook on immigration. Sources say that he is "the godfather of immigration law."

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Social Housing – Northern

" James Stark of Garden Court North attracts widespread praise for his expertise in housing law. He was recently involved in the high-profile Supreme Court case of Manchester City Council v Pinnock, a matter that looked at the issue of proportionality when granting possession of a demoted tenancy. Peers admire his "inventive style" and say he is "a straightforward opponent who fights his corner with vigor."

"At the same set Ben McCormack has been particularly busy with homelessness appeals and judicial review cases. He is praised for his "thoroughness and depth of housing law knowledge."

"New to the tables, Laura Cawsey , also of Garden Court North, has a growing reputation in the region for her expertise in housing law and is praised for her "incredibly speedy turnaround."

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