We are a small firm of dedicated specialist solicitors working on environmental and public law issues. Our practice has been based in Cambridge for over 20 years, although we represent clients from all over the UK and abroad. Use the "Our Team" menu to find out more about the individuals who work with us, the "Credentials" menu for what others think of us, how to contact us, and even if you are interested in working with us.
Services
Many people in the UK call themselves "environmental lawyers".
Some firms boast substantial departments.
We however are one of a tiny minority of lawyers who work full time using the law to better the environment for the benefit of people and wildlife.
Our public law work is similarly focussed.
We like to see the law used to protect those interests.
Our work has amply shown that it has not been so used, and that those whose interests are best served by ignoring law designed to protect the environment and proper decision making have got away with too much for too long.
Some firms boast substantial departments.
We however are one of a tiny minority of lawyers who work full time using the law to better the environment for the benefit of people and wildlife.
Our public law work is similarly focussed.
We like to see the law used to protect those interests.
Our work has amply shown that it has not been so used, and that those whose interests are best served by ignoring law designed to protect the environment and proper decision making have got away with too much for too long.
Countries cannot function properly if all decisions can be challenged in the courts.
Decision makers - such as local authority planning departments, the Secretary of State, and a host of other public bodies - have to make up their own minds.
The courts will not interfere.
However decision makers must act lawfully, which means (for example) taking into account material considerations, not taking into account immaterial ones; acting in a procedurally fair way, and acting within their powers.
Much of our work involves situations where there is concern that a decision has been made unlawfully in this sense.
Decision makers - such as local authority planning departments, the Secretary of State, and a host of other public bodies - have to make up their own minds.
The courts will not interfere.
However decision makers must act lawfully, which means (for example) taking into account material considerations, not taking into account immaterial ones; acting in a procedurally fair way, and acting within their powers.
Much of our work involves situations where there is concern that a decision has been made unlawfully in this sense.
The most efficient method is to work on a normal commercial basis.
We will charge on the basis of time spent, and add disbursements such as counsel's and expert's fees, court fees, travel, copying etc., and VAT.
We will render invoices periodically as may be agreed - for example, monthly, quarterly, or after particular milestones have passed.
The other methods set out below are usually satisfactory - but they can, in some circumstances, result in a tension between the client and the funder.
For example, where a case is publicly funded, a client may want to continue, but the Legal Aid Agency (usually on our or counsel's advice) considers that the risks are too great to justify the funding.
We will charge on the basis of time spent, and add disbursements such as counsel's and expert's fees, court fees, travel, copying etc., and VAT.
We will render invoices periodically as may be agreed - for example, monthly, quarterly, or after particular milestones have passed.
The other methods set out below are usually satisfactory - but they can, in some circumstances, result in a tension between the client and the funder.
For example, where a case is publicly funded, a client may want to continue, but the Legal Aid Agency (usually on our or counsel's advice) considers that the risks are too great to justify the funding.
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