Extracts from Chambers & Partners "Guide to the UK Legal Profession"
http://www.chambersandpartners.com/
Particularly well known for bringing judicial reviews and challenges to
decisions affecting the environment, this niche practice is renowned
throughout the country as “the team of choice for claimant organisations and pressure groups.” Celebrated name partner Richard Buxton leads a very active team in bringing to court all manner of cases ranging from odour and nuisance cases to wind farm applications, phone
masts and habitat conservation issues. During the past twelve months,
the group has been involved in disputes over the proposed construction
of an LNG terminal at Milford Haven, and appeared at the forefront of a
challenge over plans to build a Post Office depot on West Thurrock
Marshes. Applauded for its impressive results in the sector, the group
attracts a generous supply of referral work and regards size and
complexity as no barriers to taking on a case. In his leadership role,
the “absolutely brilliant Buxton has carved out a really top-drawer practice” where he demonstrates the skill and expertise necessary for pursuing cases to the highest level. Paul Stookes is also recognised by peers as an “effectual advocate with an increasing reputation” in promoting environmental concerns.
An expert in environmental law and public law, Richard Buxton of the eponymous firm in Cambridge is “a great campaign solicitor who’s always punched above his weight,” agree sources. This tenacious lawyer has carved out an effective niche
for himself in these areas, handling a large number of judicial reviews
relating to wind farms, telephone masts and noise pollution
The Firm: Based in Cambridge, this expanding team continues to impress clients and peers. It represents individuals and groups primarily in judicial review challenges in connection with nuisance and aviation issues. The lawyers also handle cases through all court levels regarding nature conservation, communication masts, water abstraction and environmental impact assessments. A milestone for the firm was acting for two individuals in a statutory nuisance case relating to noise emanating from a theme park at Alton Towers operated by Tussauds Theme Parks.
The Lawyers: Richard Buxton was described as an "absolute top-drawer expert and a true leader in his field with a fantastic knowledge of environmental regulations." He fights for clients in statutory nuisance cases, birds and habitats matters and environmental assessments on a national and EU level.
Clients/Work Highlights: The practice includes a variety of environmental issues such as the ongoing representation of objectors to the above ground LNG import terminals at Milford Haven. It also acted for a local individual in a dispute to quash Brighton & Hove City Council's granting of planning permission to Brighton and Hove Albion Football Club for the extension of Withdean Stadium on the grounds of disturbance.
Richard Buxton of Richard Buxton Solicitors stands out as an "incredibly diligent and tenacious" solicitor. While his reputation is primarily in environmental law, he also has a significant public law profile. "He's pragmatic and innovative and has the courage to take points," report admiring peers.
The Firm: The group “extends the boundaries of environmental law as far as they can go and then pushes them further” with considerable success for clients. On a national level, the practice leads the way on contentious matters. Particular areas of expertise include aircraft noise, statutory nuisance and environmental impact assessment. Lawyers acted for the claimants in the recent well-publicised action for noise nuisance against Alton Towers.
The Lawyers: Richard Buxton "deserves all the plaudits he gets" and has made "an art-form out of identifying lacunas in the law" according to peers. Among the highlights of his practice, he acted before the Privy Council in the Chalillo Dam litigation centred on increased hydro-electric power for Belize. London-based Susan Ring was singled out for praise by a number of interviewees. She worked on several important cases in the past year, including the Wells case involving environmental impact which went to the ECJ.
The Clients: The client base is composed of objection groups and individual claimants.
