Masters of the Bench

Charles read law at Clare College, Cambridge and is an Astbury Scholar of Middle Temple. Called in 1978, he practised for many years from chambers in Newcastle upon Tyne, initially in general common law and latterly in the work of the Business and Property Courts. Having become increasingly involved in environmental law whilst acting for the Environment Agency for 15 years as a member of the Attorney-General’s regional panel, he joined Six Pump Court Chambers in 2016. His practice is now entirely concerned with the use and management of water and wastewater and the regulation of the water industry. He has recently acted and continues to act in several significant cases concerning sewage discharges into rivers, private watercourses and the sea. He has since 1992 been a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators.

Charles still lives on the village green at Wallsend (his lifelong Tyneside home) whilst making frequent visits to Middle Temple, working, lodging and dining within the Inn. He is particularly interested in outreach by the Inn to practitioners and students in the regions. His interests include popular music (recorded and at the piano), gardening, and walking Henry, his Dalmatian dog.