Call: 1974 | KC: 1993

Practice

Robert Griffiths KC is a practising King's Counsel and Senior Counsel in New South Wales who has a multi-disciplinary domestic and international practice across a range of specialist areas of law. He was formerly Joint Head of 4-5 Grays Inn Square and Head of Mondial Chambers. He has appeared in a large number of reported cases, many of which are at appellate level in the Court of Appeal, House of Lords, Privy Council and more recently in the Supreme Court. His practice extends to other jurisdictions including Australia, India, Dubai, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Singapore, Brunei, Seychelles, Africa and Scotland. He has extensive experience in domestic and international arbitration and was President of the London Chamber of Arbitration from 2016 to 2018. He is listed in Who's Who 2019 here. He is also an overseas member of Selborne Wentworth Chambers in Sydney, New South Wales.

He has been described as "one of the biggest names at the Bar" (Frances Gibb, Legal Editor of The Times) "conspicuously able" and an "outstanding advocate, his core strength is in dissecting the other side’s case and seeking to deliver the client’s case in the best light" (Legal 500), "a master in the art of questioning", he puts witnesses "through the wringer" (The Cricketer), "very commercially astute and user friendly", "top drawer" (Chambers Directory) and provides "first rate advice" (Legal 500).

Also described as, "one of the UK's leading commercial QC's", "one of the sharpest barristers in the land" and as having "an ordered mind and a razor tongue" (The Times), he was the Times' Lawyer of the Week (October 2007) for his representation of Darrell Hair in his claim against the International Cricket Council in respect of the ball tampering affair at the Oval.

In 2018 in recognition of his contribution to law, sport and the philosophy of sport, he was elected to a Fellowship of the Erasmus Forum.

He was a Junior Counsel to the Crown (Common Law) (A Panel) from 1989-1993. He took Silk in 1993 and became a Senior Counsel (New South Wales) in 1999. He is a Master of the Bench of the Middle Temple.

He has been instructed in many leading cases in Public, Planning, Regulatory and Commercial law. Those cases include the Rose Theatre, Mclaren v the Home Office, Delaney v Staples, Marsal v Apong, HSE v Wolverhampton City Council, Varma v Mittal, The Government of France v Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. He has appeared in a number of high profile Public Inquiries. He represented the Home Office at the Strangeways Inquiry and promoted for the Government the South Downs and New Forest National Parks. He also appeared in one of the largest Public Inquiries in Scotland involving a Compulsory Purchase Order for the St James Retail and Leisure Quarter in Edinburgh.

For further detail on career, articles and publications see his personal website.

 

Planning & environmental

Notable Planning & Environmental cases include:-

• Re Derby Hospitals NHS Foundation and mixed use development of Derby City Centre (Public Inquiry 2011)

• Wolverhampton CC v Peel, Sainsbury and Tesco (major retail development) 2011

• Cala Homes v HSE (effect of nuclear installations at Aldermaston on proposed residential development). Public Inquiry 2010-2011

• Wolverhampton City Council (2010) (major regeneration schemes in Wolverhampton)

• Metro Construction Ltd. v London Borough of Barnet [2009] EWHC 2956 (Admin)(quashing a Conservation Area designation)

• Lords Cricket Ground (2009) (ongoing major re-development of the iconic venue and adjacent residential site)

• Resumed South Downs National Park Inquiry (2008 – 09) (Represented Natural England in a 6 month public inquiry into the South Downs National Park).

• Stansted Airport Inquiry (2008 – 09)- Retained by the Civil Aviation Authority to represent them at the public inquiry into the second runway at Stansted Airport

• Surrey County Cricket Club and Aurora Hotels (2008-09) (new development in proximity to gasometers at the Oval Cricket Ground)

• Bolnore Village Public Inquiry (Crest Nicholson) (2006-7) (longest running planning inquiry for major residential development and Haywards Heath relief road)

• Taylor Wimpey UK Ltd v Surry Heath BC & Natural England Public Inquiry (2006-7) No1(impact of residential development on Thames Basins Heath SPA)

• Taylor Wimpey UK Ltd v Natural England (2006-7) No2 (Leading Counsel for Taylor Wimpey / impact of residential development on Thames Basin Heath SPA)

• South Downs National Park Public Inquiry (2004 and 2007) (Leading Counsel for Countryside Agency / promoter 2004 (and Natural England 2007-08)

• Lewes District Council v Secretary of State (2006) (Brighton Football Club / planning)

• New Forest National Park Public Inquiry (2004) (Leading Counsel for the Countryside Agency / promoter)

• Hammersmatch Properties Ltd v First Secretary of State [2005] EWCA 187 (appeal re major mixed retail / residential use site)

• Dibden Bay Public Inquiry (2004) (Leading Counsel for Environment and Countryside Agency)

• Graham v Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions [2002] EWHC 1150 (planning / highways)

• Castleford Homes Ltd v Secretary of State for Environment [2001] PCLR 470 (planning)

• Tesco Stores Ltd v Norfolk DC [1999] 78 P & CR 359 (planning permission)

• Wimpey Homes Holdings Ltd v Secretary of State for the Environment and another [1993] JPL 919 (section 106 agreements)

• Chichester District Council v Secretary of State for the Environment and another [1992] 3 PLR 49 (planning conditions)

 

Commercial

Notable Civil & Commercial Cases include:-

• Varma v Mittal (2013) (Commercial Court, dispute over oil blocks and commission in Nigeria) (at the time one of the biggest monetary claims of its kind to be heard by the commercial court – settled on eve of trial).

• Re Dianoor International (2009) (due diligence of a pawnbroker, money laundering)

• Abbey Mine Ltd v The Coal Authority [2007] EWHC 118 (judicial review / natural justice / competition law)

• Association of British Travel Agents Ltd (ABTA) v Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) [2006] EWCA 13 (judicial review / definition of package holiday)

• Marsal v Apong [1998] (Privy Council)1 WLR 674 (Leading Counsel for the Sultan of Brunei / the Brunei constitution and limitations of actions)

• Marsal v Apong (1997) (Court of Appeal West Malaysia)Marsal v Apong (1996) (High Court of Brunei)

• Marsal v Apong (1996) (High Court of Brunei)

•Sabah Berjaya SDN BHD v Director General of Inland Revenue (Kuala Lumpur 1997, taxation of charitable fund)

• Yorkshire Water Services Ltd v Sun Alliance and London Insurance Plc, [1997] 2 Lloyd’s Rep. 21 (insurance contracts / repairs / water pollution)

• Yorkshire Water Services Ltd v Sun Alliance & London Insurance Plc (No.2) [1998] Env. L.R. 204 (insurance contracts / negligence / nuisance / repairs / water pollution)

• F. G. Whitely Ltd v Bickerton [1993] EG 100 (surveyor’s negligence / limitation of actions)

• Regina v National Dock Labour Board, Ex parte Emerson and Another Regina v Grimsby and Immingham Dock Labour Board, Ex parte Tom S leight Seiners Ltd and Another National Dock Labour Board v Vendelbo Fishing Company Ltd and Others (1989) Times, 24 March (Dock labour board policy)

• National Dock Labour Board v Pinn and Wheeler Ltd [1989] BCLC 647 (piercing the corporate veil)

• Caledonian Mining Co v Bassett [1987] ICR 425 (repudiation)

• National Dock Labour Board v Buschini (Standing Counsel for Dock Labour Board / meaning of dock work)

• Marley Tile Co v Burrows [1978] QB 241 (bankruptcy)

Judicial Review

• R (United Cabbies Group (London) Ltd) v Westminster Magistrates’ Court & Transport for London, Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association & Uber London Ltd [2019] EWHC 409 (Admin) (bias of District Judge and licensing)

• R (Mr Robert Johnston and Mrs Marjolein Russnak-Johnston) v Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead [2019] EWHC 160 (Admin) (lawfulness of Breach of Condition Notices)

• The Health and Safety Executive v Wolverhampton City Council (2012) UKSC 34, (2012) 1 WLR 2264 (Planning and financial considerations, Supreme Court)

• Derwent Holdings v Trafford BC, Tesco Superstores Ltd and Lancashire CCC [2011] EWCA Civ 832 (Challenge to grant of planning permission to Lancashire CCC and Tesco superstore represented Lancashire) 2011 Court of Appeal

• Maddox Club (judicial review and licensing) 2011

• HSE v Wolverhampton City Council (planning and financial considerations, Court of Appeal 2011)

• HSE v Wolverhampton City Council (2009) EWCA Civ 892 (hazardous installations and the control of development)

• Club 54 2009 (licensing and planning issues relating to a nightclub)

Castleford Homes Ltd v Secretary of State of Environment, Transport and Regions and Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead (2001) EWHC Admin 77 (Natural Justice)

• West Midlands Probation Committee v Secretary of State for the Environment [1998] JPL 388 (planning considerations)

• Regina v Department of Trade and Industry, Ex parte Healaugh Farms [1996] P & CR 1(judicial review / wayleaves)

• R v Sheffield CC [1994] 68 P & CR 331 (locus standi / established use / judicial review)

• Chief Adjudication Officer and Another v Ahmed and Others (1994) Times, 6 April(Court of Appeal) (temporary absences abroad)

• Barnet BC v Secretary of State for the Environment, Cox and ors [1993] IPL 767(planning policy / Green Belt)

• Ynys Mon Borough Council v Secretary of State for Wales and others [1992] 3 PLR 1(time limits)

• Sharkey and another v Secretary of State for the Environment and another [1992] 2 PLR 11 (Court of Appeal) (remedies / compulsory purchase)

• Strangeways Inquiry (1991) (prison disturbances / (Junior Counsel for Home office))

• Department of Education and Science v Taylor [1991] IRLR 308 (res judicata / abuse of process)

• Fox v Secretary of State for the Environment [1991] 62 P & CR 459 (compulsory purchase)

• Cherwell DC v Hodges [1991] RVR 169 (community charge)

• Re Rose Theatre Ltd [1990] QB 504 (ancient monuments / judicial review)

• McClaren v Home Office [1990] ICR 824 (Court of Appeal) (civil service contracts / judicial review)

• Sadiq v Chief Adjudication Officer (1988) Times, 28 March (liability for repayment of overpaid child benefit)

• Regina v Chief Constable of Thames Valley Police, Ex parte Stevenson (1987) Times, 22 April (natural justice)

• Abse v Smith [1986] QB 536 (amicus curiae / rights of audience)

 

Employment

Notable Employment cases include:-

• Darrell Hair v International Cricket Council (2007) (race discrimination and sport)

• Delaney v Staples [1992] 1 AC 687 (House of Lords) (payment in lieu of notice / wages)

• Expro Services v Smith [1991] ICR 577 (transfer of undertakings)

• Regina v Secretary of State for the Home Department, Ex parte Attard (1990) Times, 14 March (Court of Appeal) (unlawful suspension without pay)

• Regina v Police Complaints Authority, Ex parte Thompson (1989) Times, 24 October(disciplinary proceedings)

• Payne v Secretary of State for Employment [1989] IRLR 352 (Court of Appeal)(associated employers / redundancy payment)

• Eaton v Robert Eaton [1988] ICR 302 (director / employee)

• Secretary of State for Employment v Crane [1988] IRLR 238 (redundancy payments)

• Cox v E L G Metals Ltd [1985] ICR 310 (oversees employees)

• Naylor v Orton & Smith Ltd [1983] ICR 665 (industrial action)

• Moody v Telefusion Ltd [1978] IRLR 311 (unfair dismissal)

• Tanner v Keen [1978] IRLR 110 (unfair dismissal)

• Egg Stores (Stamford Hill) v Leibovici [1977] ICR 260 (frustration)

Thompson v Eaton Ltd [1976] UK EAT 24 76 1404 (unfair dismissal / industrial action)

 

Discrimination

• Dhatt and Another v McDonalds Hamburgers Ltd [1988] ICR 591 (race discrimination)

• Horsey v Dyfed CC [1982] ICR 755 (sex discrimination)

• Skyrail Oceanic Ltd v Coleman [1981] ICR 864 (sex discrimination)

 

Licensing

In 2018 he represented the United Cabbies Group in their claim for judicial review of the decision to award a new licence to Uber. Click here for news item. Click here for article by Robert Griffiths QC on the case that featured in UTAG’s The Gold Standard Magazine. See R (United Cabbies Group (London) Ltd) v Westminster Magistrates’ Court & Transport for London, Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association & Uber London Ltd [2019] EWHC 409 (Admin).

In August 2019 he and Stuart Jessop drafted detailed submissions on behalf of the United Taxi Group (UTAG) opposing the granting of a further licence to Uber. On 25 November 2019 Transport for London decided not to renew Uber’s licence.

 

Appointments

Professional Appointments

High level Special Adviser on investment contracts and international arbitration and dispute resolution to the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth since 2018
Fellow of the Erasmus Forum
President of the London Chamber of Arbitration, 2016-2018
Head of Mondial Chambers, 2016-2018
Joint Head of 4-5 Grays Inn Square Chambers, 2008-2015
Master of the Bench, Middle Temple, 2004
Special Advocate, 2004
Senior Counsel (New South Wales), 1999
Queen’s Counsel, 1993
Junior Counsel to the Crown (Common Law) (‘A’ Panel), 1989-1993
Standing Counsel to the National Grid, 1987-1993
Standing Counsel to the National Dock Labour Board, 1983-1989
Called to the Bar 1974
Open Scholarship to St Edmund Hall, Oxford 1968

 

Cricket Appointments and Memberships

Member of MCC Committee, 2000-2001, 2001-2003, 2004-2011, 2012-2015, 2016-2019
Chairman of MCC Development Committee, 2009-2011
Chairman of the MCC Laws Sub-Committee, 2008-2014
Chairman of Test Match Grounds Consortium, 1998-2002

 

Other Appointments

Director of the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry, 2014-2016
Trustee of the Lords Taverners, 2011-2013
Special Adviser to Princes Regeneration Trust, 2008-2012
Freeman City of London, 1997

 

Notable Cases

In 2018 he represented the United Cabbies Group in their claim for judicial review of the decision to award a new licence to Uber. Click here for news item. Click here for article by Robert Griffiths QC on the case that featured in UTAG’s The Gold Standard Magazine. See R (United Cabbies Group (London) Ltd) v Westminster Magistrates’ Court & Transport for London, Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association & Uber London Ltd [2019] EWHC 409 (Admin).

In August 2019 he and Stuart Jessop drafted detailed submissions on behalf of the United Taxi Group (UTAG) opposing the granting of a further licence to Uber. On 25 November 2019 Transport for London decided not to renew Uber’s licence.

He also represented Cheshire West and Chester Council in a six week public inquiry in early 2019. The inquiry looked at the relationship between shale gas development and climate change. It was the first public inquiry to deal comprehensively with the issue and has now been called in by the Secretary of State for determination. In June 2022, the Secretary of State found in favour of the council’s case and dismissed the appellant’s application for planning permission for exploratory fracking and preliminary investigation of shale gas extraction. The case is notable for the Secretary of State’s recognition that fracking for shale gas extraction was unacceptable in planning and environmental terms and contrary to the UK’s policies on climate change. It is also an extreme example of the Secretary of State’s delay in making decisions as there was a three year delay in reaching his decision after the conclusion of the inquiry. Nonetheless the case represents a landmark and important decision in the history of fracking and oil and gas exploration in the UK.

He acted for a consortium of Businesses in North London in rating cases involving the BID (Business Improvement District). Click here for news item.

In September 2018 he represented the South Downs National Park Authority in a successful challenge to Highways England’s decision in relation to the selection of the preferred route for the A27.

He is also acting for the owners of a livery in a judicial review challenge to a decision of Windsor & Maidenhead Borough Council relating to planning enforcement and condition notices.

In September 2019 he successfully acted for a claimant in an insurance action in the High Court against American Express and Axa Insurance. The claim arose out of the failure on the part of the Defendants to provide emergency repatriation to the UK when the claimant suffered an illness in Dubai.

His clients have included The Who, Bucks Fizz, Muhammad Ali, Manchester United FC, Kerry Packer, the Sultan of Brunei, the Sabah Foundation, the Government of France and a large number of multinational corporations, investment institutions, Government Departments and Public Authorities.

He was an Open Scholar of St Edmund Hall, Oxford, is a Bencher of Middle Temple, a Freeman of the City of London, a Committee Member of the MCC, Chairman of the MCC Laws Sub-Committee 2007 – 2014, a Director of the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry and a member of the Garrick Club.

Since August 2017 Robert Griffiths has been a senior practising member of Six Pump Court. He is especially focussing on international commercial and arbitration law, international trade, Brexit issues, public law and regulatory matters relating to transport and infrastructure. In addition, he is acting for a number of clients in the UK and overseas, in relation to oil and gas exploration including shale gas and fracking and climate change.

In December 2018 he was appointed a High Level adviser to the Secretary General of the Commonwealth. This prestigious appointment relates to the development of investment contracts, international arbitration and dispute resolution within the Commonwealth. In April 2019 he chaired an international conference in Johannesburg on investment contract arbitration in the Commonwealth. He is also one of the expert authors of the Commonwealth Arbitration Study 2019.

During 2020 and 2021 he has advised and represented a number of corporate clients in relation to insurance and landlord and tenant claims arising out of COVID-19 and the Government’s reaction thereto by way of national and local lockdowns.

 

Education

MA, BCL (Oxon)

Latest news

22nd June 2022

Planning permission for exploratory fracking dismissed

In June 2022, the Secretary of State found in favour of the council's case and dismissed the appellant's application for planning permission for exploratory...

13th December 2021

Robert Griffiths QC and Nicola Strachan called to the Bar of Seychelles

Robert Griffiths QC and Nicola Strachan were called to the Bar of Seychelles in December and appeared in the Supreme Court of Seychelles in a major civil dispute arising out of the Seychelles Civil Code.

30th June 2021

Farmers’ market sues London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham Council for damages for Covid-19 power abuses

Robert Griffiths QC and Nicola Strachan represent small traders in claims against London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham Council following closure of weekly farmers’ markets.

16th April 2021

Robert Griffiths QC instructed in challenge to closure of weekly farmers’ markets in London borough

Robert Griffiths QC has been instructed by Paolo Caldato of Spencer West to represent RMS Markets in relation to the closure of the weekly farmers’ markets at Bishop’s Park and Ravenscourt Park.

19th August 2020

New Study of International Commercial Arbitration in the Commonwealth

Robert Griffiths QC of Six Pump Court was part of an expert group who contributed to this new report published by the Commonwealth Secretariat this week.

15th May 2020

Robert Griffiths QC and Nicola Strachan instructed in case relating to business interruption insurance

Robert Griffiths QC & Nicola Strachan have been instructed by Le Beaujolais, (the oldest French wine bar in London) in relation to their Business Interruption Insurance policy.

13th February 2019

Black Taxis in High Court challenge to decision to grant Uber their licence

Robert Griffiths QC and Stuart Jessop will represent the United Cabbies Group on behalf of the United Taxi Action Group in the High Court today in the Claimant’s challenge to the decision to grant Uber London Limited a Private Hire Vehicle Operators licence.

21st December 2018

Robert Griffiths QC appointed as adviser on Commonwealth Investment and Dispute Resolution by the Commonwealth Secretariat

Robert Griffiths QC has been appointed as high level adviser on Commonwealth Investment and Dispute Resolution to the Commonwealth Office of Civil and Criminal Justice Reform.

23rd November 2018

Robert Griffiths QC instructed by Hampstead pub landlord in challenge to Hampstead BID levy

Robert Griffiths QC has been instructed by a Hampstead pub landlord following his refusal to pay a business levy imposed by the Hampstead Business Improvement District.

5th November 2018

Black cab drivers granted permission to bring a claim for judicial review of Uber licence decision

In a High Court decision, the United Cabbies Group represented by Robert Griffiths QC and Stuart Jessop were granted permission to bring a claim for judicial review of the decision to award a new licence to Uber.

19th September 2018

Uber decision to be judicially reviewed

Robert Griffiths QC and Stuart Jessop have been instructed on behalf of a trade association representing Hackney Carriage drivers in London to commence Judicial Review proceedings in respect of a decision to grant Uber London Limited a 15 month licence.

19th March 2018

Robert Griffiths QC elected to a Fellowship of the Erasmus Forum

Robert Griffiths QC has been elected to a Fellowship of the Erasmus Forum in recognition of his contribution to law, sport and the philosophy of sport.

2nd August 2017

Six Pump Court welcomes two new members to Chambers

Six Pump Court is pleased to welcome Robert Griffiths QC and Nicola Strachan to Chambers.

Contact my clerks

Ryan Barrow

Ryan Barrow

First Junior Clerk