Biography
My work enables clients throughout the chemicals and life sciences supply chain to get and keep their products on the EU and UK markets. I am a practicing Barrister (Bar of England & Wales) and Avocat (Brussels Bar).
I provide a global clientele (companies, consortia and trade associations) with strategic advice, undertake advocacy before public institutions and agencies and litigate before courts and tribunals, including more than 20 proceedings before the CJEU. I hop between London and Brussels, but would be happy to meet and talk with you wherever you are located.
I love tackling “impossible” problems, learning new fields and working in multi-disciplinary client teams, with scientists, business leaders, regulatory and public affairs specialists and (even other) lawyers.
I am recognised Europe-wide for my Environment and Agro/Food practice by Chambers Europe (2019/20) who quotes clients’ praise for my work: “exceptional expertise on…regulations on chemicals…and a great ability to understand the complexity of business.” “When it comes to things like REACH and chemicals law, he is the best” (2023) and “is truly fantastic to work with even when the odds are not in our favour” (2025). Legal 500 Europe cites clients’ appreciation of my ability to “explain complex subject matter in a really understandable manner” and give “honest and accurate legal advice, particularly on your chances of success”, adding that “he is truly fantastic to work with”(2025).
I help clients work through the regulatory and market access challenges which an independent UK (outside of the EU) presents. As UK/EU rules and practice diverge, I provide a “one stop shop” suite of cutting edge services across both markets.
I have a wealth of experience with the regulation of biocidal products, plant protection products (agrochemicals), REACH, CLP, RoHS, food and feed, GMOs, cosmetics, and wider aspects of environmental law including the Aarhus Convention and waste, product and circularity regulation.
I establish and service the needs of consortia and taskforces and help clients effectively manage and monetise their global data rights.
I defend clients resisting requests for access to confidential business information (CBI) held by public bodies. Successes before the CJEU include, defending against access to information on REACH and glyphosate dossiers. We have also had success resisting EFSA decisions on dissemination of CBI under the new General Food Law Regulation transparency regime, and with interim (injunctive) relief against EFSA under the Access to Documents Regulation.