Buxton Richard

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.

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.

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.