Welcome from the Head of our Regulatory Barrister Group

St Philips Regulatory provides nationally recognised specialists across the spectrum of regulatory law from Chambers in Birmingham. Our team delivers the highest standards of advice and advocacy combined with a straightforward, client-focussed approach that inspires confidence and loyalty.

The Group covers all levels of work, from advice on compliance to representation in the appellate courts, from the relatively straightforward to matters of the utmost gravity and complexity.  Members of the Group consistently achieve recognition and praise from the principal legal directories.

Instructions to defend are received from a broad range of lay and professional clients, from national firms acting on behalf of well-known public limited companies to niche and high street practices acting on behalf of smaller businesses or individuals.  We understand the potential reputational damage, both corporate and personal, that enforcement proceedings can bring and provide advice that demonstrates a commercial awareness and an understanding of the sectors in which our clients operate.  Counsel are frequently retained when proceedings are being contemplated and are valued for their early and incisive advice which can head off an issue before it becomes a problem.  Regardless of the nature of the work or the source of the instructions, a transparent and realistic approach to fees is adopted.

The Group receives instructions to prosecute on behalf of a number of prosecuting authorities, including but not limited to the Health and Safety Executive, the Environment Agency, the Food Standards Agency and several Local Authorities. We are proud to have 11 Group members on the List of Specialist Regulatory Advocates.

HMRC frequently instructs those members of the Group on the Attorney-General’s Panel of Civil Counsel in a range of matters which include heavy and significant appellate litigation across the UK as well as seeking advice on matters such as the drafting and application of legislation.

Several members of the Group have originally come from a criminal law background and are adept at dealing with issues arising concerning disclosure, legal professional privilege, public interest immunity, restraint orders and confiscation proceedings.

“St Philips has an excellent regulatory team and has the highest levels of ability and experience.” Legal 500 2023

“St Philips Chambers is a very strong set of barristers covering all common law work.” Legal 500 2023

“Wonderful set of Chambers with an impressive array of talent.” Legal 500 2023

“The clerks are incredibly helpful. Communication is exceptional.” Legal 500 2023

Our specially trained barristers have extensive experience in animal welfare issues, ranging from domestic animals to wildlife conservation. We handle cases involving animal cruelty, neglect, illegal trade, and mistreatment. With an expert understanding of animal protection laws, the team effectively advocate for the rights and well-being of animals in various legal contexts, offering guidance on compliance with animal welfare regulations, representing clients in appeals and enforcement proceedings.

Our specialist team assists both individuals and companies and is regularly instructed by the Environment Agency and Local Authorities. Experience includes waste management, illegal waste sites, ozone depletion, and serious water pollution requiring European-wide notification and permitting issues.

Members of the Group are instructed on a broad range of matters, including advising on compliance, appeals of enforcement notices and the prosecution and defence of a variety of matters, ranging from simple cases where minor injury has occurred to high-profile proceedings with complex factual and/or legal matrices arising from catastrophic injury or fatality.

The St Philips Inquest Team members are highly motivated regulatory barristers who offer levels of experience and representation right across the professional spectrum. The team can cover everything from deaths in custody and medical institutions to fatalities in the workplace, unlawful killings and accidental deaths.

Our licensing barristers provide incisive advice and persuasive advocacy in respect of applications at first instance at sub-committee level and appeals to all levels of courts. Acting for licensing authorities, responsible authorities and venues/operators, our team prides itself on its practical approach, drawing on its wider experience across the regulatory spectrum to provide advice that is pragmatic, considered and commercially aware.

Our regulatory barristers cover all levels of prosecution and defence work, from advice on compliance to representation in the appellate courts, from the relatively straightforward to matters of the utmost gravity and complexity. Counsel are often instructed at a pre-charge/litigation stage to ensure that actions and resources are efficiently directed and focused on the critical issues.

Our four regulatory barristers are briefed to appear on behalf of Government departments and agencies such as the Home Office, HM Revenue and Customs, the Department of Trade and Industry, and the Health and Safety Executive. The work carried out by the Panel Counsel in Chambers has led to the development of Chambers’ expertise in the field of VAT, Customs and Excise Duty, as well as other indirect taxes such as the Aggregates Levy and Landfill Tax.

Our Regulatory Barristers:

Please get in touch with our dedicated regulatory clerking team with any questions regarding our service and expertise.

James Withers and Somaya Shaikh.

regulatory@st-philips.com +44 (0)121 246 7005
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