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MA (Camb.), LL.B
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Gerry has a broad commercial and public law practice, advising and litigating across a range of regulatory, administrative and EU law matters. He is endorsed by the UK legal directories as a leading silk in eight areas: Administrative & Public law; Civil Liberties; Competition law; Data Protection; Energy; Environment; European Union law and Telecoms.
In demand for his cross-sector expertise and strengths in written and oral advocacy, Gerry has led cases at every level of the UK courts, including the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court, specialist tribunals including the Competition Appeal Tribunal, Investigatory Powers Tribunal and Information Rights Tribunal, and has acted in more than fifty cases before the Court of Justice of the European Union.
Recent editions of Chambers UK describe him as “a powerful and persuasive advocate”, “able to work across jurisdictions” and “the gold standard when cases are really tricky and high-profile”. Recent editions of Legal 500 (UK) describe Gerry as “an exquisite advocate”, “a very clear thinker” who “easily assimilates technical issues” and is “driven by a tangible passion to achieve a good outcome for his clients”.
Gerry is a public and administrative law specialist and a respected leader in high profile and complex public law litigation. He advises and acts for claimants, including companies, NGOs and campaigning groups, public authority defendants, and interested parties, in all manner of judicial review claims, statutory appeals and other public law proceedings. His work often has a commercial or regulatory angle, involves complex technical evidence, or a crossover with privacy and data protection, human rights or EU law. Gerry has also acted for claimants, States and interveners before the European Court of Human Rights and in challenges to international bodies such as Interpol.
“He is incredibly knowledgeable and approachable. He gives very sensible and practical advice.” – Chambers UK, 2023
Charming, personable and able. He knows the law and is creative.” “A very powerful and persuasive advocate.” – Chambers UK, 2023
Highly competent and has provided sound advice in very challenging matters.” – Legal 500, 2023
“He is able to work across jurisdictions and has particularly excellent advocacy skills.” “He is strong on paper and can distil down very complex cases.” – Chambers UK, 2022
“Gerry is right up there when it comes to the intersection between civil liberties and data protection.” “He has strong judgement and is a compelling advocate.” – Chambers UK, 2022
“Gerry clearly knows his areas very well and delivers clear, thorough advice.” – Legal 500, 2022
“Absolutely brilliant. So calm, and his submissions are really excellent. He takes the judge really simply and slowly through a complex argument.” “Excellent, clear advice and superb drafting.” – Chambers UK, 2021
“He was absolutely in his element and it was incredible to see the judges hanging on his submissions. He has extraordinarily good judgement about what points will appeal, how to present them and what to leave out. He’s a master of minimalism.” “A genuine specialist on international human rights law.” “A very good interlocutor who is quick-thinking, agile and smart.” – Chambers UK, 2020
Gerry has practised competition law for over twenty years, advising and acting for corporate clients, regulators and public bodies in a range of competition law disputes, damages claims, regulatory investigations, statutory appeals, arbitrations and public law challenges. He has experience across a number of sectors, notably energy, water, aviation and telecoms, and brings his expertise as a data protection specialist to the intersection of competition law, data and online regulation. Whether in a public law, regulatory or competition law context, he is often leading teams dealing with major commercial disputes and complex technical or economic evidence. He is a contributing author to EU Competition Law: Procedures and Remedies (OUP) and The Law of State Aid in the European Union (OUP).
“Clear and precise in the way he formulates his advice; Gerry is always willing to steer on the nitty gritty of negotiation and takes a practical level-headed approach.” – Legal 500, 2023
“He’s very experienced with … competition authorities, and so brings good tactical insight both in terms of procedure and points that are good for clients to bear in mind.” – Chambers UK, 2022
“Personable and authoritative.” – Legal 500, 2022
“Gerry is a very effective advocate. He has an accessible style whilst on his feet and writes well. He has a knack for explaining complex concepts in a way that is easy to understand, and a gravitas with Judges which mean that he is listened to.’’ – Legal 500, 2021
Gerry advises and acts for large corporations and small businesses, regulators and public bodies in connection with regulatory investigations and appeals, regulatory policy, consumer claims, and related public law challenges. He has extensive experience of advising on consumer law investigations and enforcement by UK and international regulatory bodies and is sought after for his strategic and commercial approach and direct experience with regulators. He has worked with regulators and businesses across a range of sectors including gambling, finanancial services, energy, water, telecoms, foodstuffs, regulation of online content, rail and aviation.
“Gerry Facenna KC is pragmatic and commercially aware.” “He has a good, commercial approach.” – Chambers UK, 2023
“Personable and authoritative.” – Legal 500, 2022“Gerry is a very effective advocate. He has an accessible style whilst on his feet and writes well. He has a knack for explaining complex concepts in a way that is easy to understand, and a gravitas with Judges which mean that he is listened to.’’ – Legal 500, 2021
“Very no-nonsense and an excellent advocate who is great on his feet, he really cuts straight to the heart of the matter.” “A barrister with a relaxed and measured presence in court, he’s very affable and likeable.” – Chambers UK, 2020
Gerry is one of a few true specialist silks in data protection and information rights, ranked as Band 1/Tier 1 in both Chambers & Partners and the Legal 500 directories. He has been involved in landmark cases which have helped to shape data protection and information laws, representing corporate data controllers, data subjects, the UK Information Commissioner and other public and private bodies. He is experienced in handling the regulatory and legal consequences of data breaches or unlawful processing and has extensive experience of data class actions and advising on complex data compliance issues, often in cases with an international dimension. He is particularly sought out where there is a cross-over between data, tech and media regulation and competition law. He is a contributing author to the leading practitioner text Information Rights: Law and Practice (Hart) and author of the chapter on privacy rights in Halsbury’s Laws of England: Rights and Freedoms (LexisNexis).
Cases (Data protection)
Freedom of Information
Gerry is also an expert in freedom of information laws, including access to environmental information under the Aarhus Convention and access to documents under EU transparency laws. He has been involved in many cases in the First-tier and Upper Tribunal (Information Rights), and in the EU and UK courts, for corporate requesters, public authorities and the Information Commissioner.
Cases (Freedom of information)
“Gerry is very personable and really takes the time to do what is best for the client.” “Gerry Facenna has an excellent feel for how GDPR applies in a data breach context.” – Chambers UK, 2023
“Extremely practical, responsive, and client friendly. His understanding of the ICO is first class, as is his broader experience of dealing with regulators.” – Legal 500, 2023
“He’s very experienced with the ICO and competition authorities, and so brings good tactical insight both in terms of procedure and points that are good for clients to bear in mind.” “He’s very talented and academic; he’s a very exciting advocate who is fantastic with metaphors and can bring dry stories to life.” – Chambers UK, 2022
“Unparalleled expertise in a fast developing area of law, matched with excellent strategic advice.” – Legal 500, 2022
“He is clever and thorough, and possesses very good insight into a client’s strategic objectives.” “He is an excellent advocate with wonderful judgement.” “He takes a robust line when he needs to, and his knowledge of the law is exceptional.” – Chambers UK, 2021
“His advocacy is clear and persuasive. Works very well with juniors. You know you’re in good hands.’’ – Legal 500, 2021
Gerry has longstanding expertise in the regulation of electricity, gas and water markets, and has advised on a range of related issues including price controls, the CMA’s energy market investigation, use of ‘smart meters’, capacity allocation and congestion management, subsidies, and competitive tendering of transmission assets. He has also been recognised by the legal directories as a leading environmental law barrister for many years, having advised and acted for regulators and regulated businesses, campaigning groups and government in a range of environmental cases, including on environmental permitting and enforcement, producer responsibility, waste management, air and water quality, transfrontier shipments, renewables, hydraulic fracturing, habitats, emissions trading, State aid and Aarhus rights.
“He is a very robust advocate, very direct and knowledgeable on environment law.” – Chambers UK, 2022
“A superstar across lots of sectors.” – Chambers UK, 2021
“A “tenacious” advocate, with a wealth of prociency in air quality and environmental state aid cases.” – Who’s Who Legal UK Bar 2020
“He is very strong on his feet and very persuasive.” – Chambers UK, 2020
Gerry is an experienced and highly respected EU lawyer who has appeared in more than fifty cases before the Court of Justice of the European Union. As a member of the Irish Bar he continues to act in the European Union Courts. He has advised on almost all aspects of EU law including competition and state aid, data protection, free movement, broadcasting, pharmaceuticals, environmental protection, employment, agricultural levies, telecoms, sanctions, tax, customs, trade and EU external relations. He was involved in the landmark cases on Brexit and regularly acts in matters involving the legal and regulatory consequences of Brexit or the application of retained EU law.
Cases (EU Courts)
Cases (EU / Retained EU law in UK Courts)
“I would rate Gerry Facenna as one of this country’s outstanding barristers. He is a brilliant barrister who understands the needs and concerns of his clients and combines this understanding with a mastery of the subject matter.” – Chambers UK, 2023
“Gerry is an exquisite advocate; great at focusing on the points that really matter.” – Legal 500, 2023
“His strength lies not only in his grasp of the law but in his mastery of forensic preparation. He is diligent, very hard-working and passionate in his pursuit of his clients’ interests. A client can have a high degree of confidence that no stone has been left unturned at any stage of the legal process.” “Gerry is incredibly assiduous and detailed in his work. The documents were immaculate in every respect; every single nuance of law was covered.” “Gerry is practical and explains things in straightforward terms.” – Chambers UK, 2022
“He is a very clear thinker, a brilliant communicator and importantly he is untainted by ego which often gets in the way of achieving the heights of barristerial performance.” – Legal 500, 2022
“Gerry has very convincing ways of arguing your corner.” “He is the gold standard when cases are really tricky and high-profile.” – Chambers UK, 2021
“Gerry is a fearless and extremely competent barrister. His is forensic in his approach to preparation, he is on top of his subject, his delivery inspires condence and he has consistently delivered outcomes which have exceeded my expectations. Importantly, he is approachable and takes the time to build up a mutualy supportive relationship with his clients.’’– Legal 500, 2021
Gerry has extensive experience of acting in cases involving large groups of claimants, including in data protection matters, competition law and in the public law context. He has acted as leading counsel in opt-in book-built claims, opt-out representative ‘class actions’, and has advised on a number of claims under the Competition Appeal Tribunal’s collective proceedings regime, including stand-alone and follow-on claims. As well as acting for claimants and defendants to such claims, he has advised most of the leading litigation funders and a number of ATE providers in connection with a range of ongoing or prospective funded litigation.
Administrative & Public Law: “Great judgement and a very robust advocate, who doesn’t shy away from unpopular cases.” “He has academic ability which connects with real advocacy skills – he has a devastating combination of both.” “Gerry is first-class and brilliant with the clients. Very easy to work with and provides flawless advice.” “Gerry is user-friendly and helpful and he came up with good arguments and solutions.” – Chambers UK, 2024
Civil Liberties & Human Rights: “A super charming advocate, who really understands what is concerning the court and responds to it effectively.” – Chambers UK, 2024
Data Protection: “He is a real powerhouse in this area.” “A powerful and commanding lead.” – Chambers UK, 2024
Environment: “A real asset to our team.” “He’s excellent on his feet, just outstanding.” “Gerry is very robust.” “Gerry is extremely good.” –Chambers UK, 2024
Energy and Natural Resources: Regulatory: “On big cases, Gerry is very on top of things. He’s good at managing a large team and not panicking or flapping at the side. He is a good leader, and everyone enjoys working with him.” – Chambers UK, 2024
European Law: “Gerry is a very amiable and impressive silk.” “Without doubt, Gerry Facenna is one of the most accomplished advocates I have ever worked with. What marks him out from many is his skill in developing a vital bond of understanding with his clients, a skill which in my view has made the difference between success and failure.” – Chambers UK, 2024
Group Litigation: “Gerry’s main strengths are his clear and definitive advice, his commerciality and his approachability.” “Gerry Facenna is very approachable.” – Chambers UK, 2024
Telecommunications: “Gerry has fantastic technical knowledge and great insight into multiple areas of the law.” – Chambers UK, 2024
Leading silk in Competition: “Brilliant advocate, great grasp of the detail together with real strategic nous. Gerry is one of the best.” – Legal 500, 2024
Leading silk in EU Law: “Gerry is very analytical in his approach.” – Legal 500, 2024
Leading silk in Data Protection: “He is a good tactician and a very strong litigator.” – Legal 500, 2024
Leading silk in Administrative Law and Human Rights: “Gerry is highly intelligent, and good at condensing complex issues into compelling points.” – Legal 500, 2024
Leading silk in Energy: “Gerry’s advocacy is natural with great presence and fluency, and he is the embodiment of a reasonable man.” – Legal 500, 2024
Administrative & Public Law: “He is incredibly knowledgeable and approachable. He gives very sensible and practical advice.” – Chambers UK, 2023
Civil Liberties & Human Rights: “Charming, personable and able. He knows the law and is creative.” “A very powerful and persuasive advocate.” – Chambers UK, 2023
Data Protection: “Gerry is very personable and really takes the time to do what is best for the client.” “Gerry Facenna has an excellent feel for how GDPR applies in a data breach context.” – Chambers UK, 2023
Ranked in Environment – Chambers UK, 2023
European Law: “I would rate Gerry Facenna as one of this country’s outstanding barristers. He is a brilliant barrister who understands the needs and concerns of his clients and combines this understanding with a mastery of the subject matter.” – Chambers UK, 2023
Telecommunications: “Gerry Facenna KC is pragmatic and commercially aware.” “He has a good, commercial approach.” – Chambers UK, 2023
Leading silk in Competition: “Clear and precise in the way he formulates his advice; Gerry is always willing to steer on the nitty gritty of negotiation and takes a practical level-headed approach.” – Legal 500, 2023
Leading silk in EU Law: “Gerry is an exquisite advocate; great at focusing on the points that really matter.” – Legal 500, 2023
Leading silk in Data Protection: “Extremely practical, responsive, and client friendly. His understanding of the ICO is first class, as is his broader experience of dealing with regulators.” – Legal 500, 2023
Leading silk in Administrative Law and Human Rights: “Highly competent and has provided sound advice in very challenging matters.” – Legal 500, 2023
Leading silk in Energy – Legal 500, 2023
Leading silk in EU Law: “He is a very clear thinker, a brilliant communicator and importantly he is untainted by ego which often gets in the way of achieving the heights of barristerial performance.” – Legal 500, 2022
Administrative & Public Law: “He is able to work across jurisdictions and has particularly excellent advocacy skills.” “He is strong on paper and can distil down very complex cases.” – Chambers UK, 2022
Civil Liberties and Human Rights: “Gerry is right up there when it comes to the intersection between civil liberties and data protection.” “He has strong judgement and is a compelling advocate.” – Chambers UK, 2022
Data Protection: “He’s very experienced with the ICO and competition authorities, and so brings good tactical insight both in terms of procedure and points that are good for clients to bear in mind.” “He’s very talented and academic; he’s a very exciting advocate who is fantastic with metaphors and can bring dry stories to life.” – Chambers UK, 2022
Environment: “He is a very robust advocate, very direct and knowledgeable on environment law.” – Chambers UK, 2022
European Law: “His strength lies not only in his grasp of the law but in his mastery of forensic preparation. He is diligent, very hard-working and passionate in his pursuit of his clients’ interests. A client can have a high degree of confidence that no stone has been left unturned at any stage of the legal process.” “Gerry is incredibly assiduous and detailed in his work. The documents were immaculate in every respect; every single nuance of law was covered.” “Gerry is practical and explains things in straightforward terms.” – Chambers UK, 2022
Ranked in Telecommunications – Chambers UK, 2022
Data Protection: “He is clever and thorough, and possesses very good insight into a client’s strategic objectives.” “He is an excellent advocate with wonderful judgement.” “He takes a robust line when he needs to, and his knowledge of the law is exceptional.” – Chambers UK, 2021
Leading silk in Data Protection: “Unparalleled expertise in a fast developing area of law, matched with excellent strategic advice.” – Legal 500, 2022
Leading silk in Administrative and public law (including elections): “Gerry clearly knows his areas very well and delivers clear, thorough advice.” – Legal 500, 2022
Leading silk in Competition: “Personable and authoritative.” – Legal 500, 2022
Leading silk in EU Law: “He is a very clear thinker, a brilliant communicator and importantly he is untainted by ego which often gets in the way of achieving the heights of barristerial performance.” – Legal 500, 2022
Administrative & Public Law: “Absolutely brilliant. So calm, and his submissions are really excellent. He takes the judge really simply and slowly through a complex argument.” “Excellent, clear advice and superb drafting.” – Chambers UK, 2021
Civil Liberties and Human Rights: “Gerry is an excellent silk.” – Chambers UK, 2021
Environment: “A superstar across lots of sectors.” – Chambers UK, 2021
Telecommunications: “An outstanding advocate who has a deep knowledge of the law relating to the freedom of expression, data protection and privacy.” “He is ingenious, good in court, and very informed.” – Chambers UK, 2021
European Law: “Gerry has very convincing ways of arguing your corner.” “He is the gold standard when cases are really tricky and high-profile.” – Chambers UK, 2021
Data Protection: “He is clever and thorough, and possesses very good insight into a client’s strategic objectives.” “He is an excellent advocate with wonderful judgement.” “He takes a robust line when he needs to, and his knowledge of the law is exceptional.” – Chambers UK, 2021
Leading silk in Administrative and public law (including local government): ‘‘Gerry clearly knows his areas very well and delivers clear, thorough advice.’’ – Legal 500, 2021
Leading silk in Competition: ‘‘Gerry is a very effective advocate. He has an accessible style whilst on his feet and writes well. He has a knack for explaining complex concepts in a way that is easy to understand, and a gravitas with Judges which mean that he is listened to.’’ – Legal 500, 2021
Leading silk in Data Protection: ‘‘His advocacy is clear and persuasive. Works very well with juniors. You know you’re in good hands.’’ – Legal 500, 2021
Leading silk in EU Law: ‘‘Gerry is a fearless and extremely competent barrister. His is forensic in his approach to preparation, he is on top of his subject, his delivery inspires confidence and he has consistently delivered outcomes which have exceeded my expectations. Importantly, he is approachable and takes the time to build up a mutualy supportive relationship with his clients.’’ – Legal 500, 2021
“A “tenacious” advocate, with a wealth of proficiency in air quality and environmental state aid cases.” – Environment, Who’s Who Legal UK Bar 2020
Administrative & Public Law: “He was absolutely in his element and it was incredible to see the judges hanging on his submissions. He has extraordinarily good judgement about what points will appeal, how to present them and what to leave out. He’s a master of minimalism.” “A genuine specialist on international human rights law.” “A very good interlocutor who is quick-thinking, agile and smart.” – Chambers UK, 2020
Environment: “He is very strong on his feet and very persuasive.” – Chambers UK, 2020
Telecommunications: “Very no-nonsense and an excellent advocate who is great on his feet, he really cuts straight to the heart of the matter.” “A barrister with a relaxed and measured presence in court, he’s very affable and likeable.” – Chambers UK, 2020
European Law: “His written arguments are extremely compelling” and he is “an absolutely outstanding advocate whose mastery of the detail is just beyond belief.” “He sees to the heart of the issues and is very calm and measured.” – Chambers UK, 2020
Data Protection: “He’s an approachable, down-to-earth and commercially minded silk, and his written advice is really good.” “An excellent barrister, and a very robust and authoritative advocate.” – Chambers UK, 2020
Leading silk in Administrative and public law (including local government): ‘‘He clearly knows his areas well.’’– Legal 500, 2020
Leading silk in Competition: ‘‘He delivers clear, thorough advice.’’– Legal 500, 2020
Leading silk in Data Protection: ‘‘He is highly regarded for his Freedom of Information Act and Data Protection Act work.’’– Legal 500, 2020
Leading silk in EU Law: ‘‘He delivers clear, thorough advice.’’– Legal 500, 2020
“Has considerable experience representing private and public sector clients as well as individuals and campaign groups on waste management, air quality and noise pollution matters” – Environment, Who’s Who Legal UK Bar 2019
Administrative & Public Law: “His formidable intellect and pragmatic approach make him a brilliant tactician.” “Very smooth, very persistent and someone with very impressive advocacy skills.” – Chambers UK, 2019
Data Protection: “He fully understands data protection and information law in the wider context, and applies the law in a commercial sense.” “Gerry can cut through to the heart of the matter.” – Chambers UK, 2019
Environment: “A good tactician.” – Chambers UK, 2019
European Law: “He is a fabulous advocate who is very good for EU environment law.” – Chambers UK, 2019
Telecommunications: “He has a fantastic public law practice that he built from scratch. That is a testament to his skill and the fact that clients love him.” – Chambers UK, 2019
Leading silk in Administrative and public law (including local government): ‘‘He is very clever, hardworking and lovely to work with.’’– Legal 500, 2018
Leading silk in Competition: ‘‘As able in his written advocacy as he is in court.’’– Legal 500, 2018
Leading silk in EU Law: ‘‘A very competent and enthusiastic advocate who is driven by a tangible passion to achieve a good outcome for his clients.’’– Legal 500, 2017
Administrative & Public Law: “He has incredibly intellectual resources to draw upon and can turn his hand to pretty much anything.” “He is likeable and a persuasive advocate.” “He is really helpful, very organised and very easy to work with.” – Chambers UK, 2018
Data Protection: “He knows his stuff, he’s sound intellectually and he’s very good at communicating his clients’ positions.” “He makes the most of the materials provided.” – Chambers UK, 2018
Environment: “He’s a determined advocate who sticks to his guns very effectively.” “He’s extremely approachable, excellent with clients and someone who can break down complex issues into something digestible.” – Chambers UK, 2018
European Law: “He is able to relate to his clients in a way that ensures the best communication and understanding possible and has an ability to explain complex points of law so a layman can understand.” – Chambers UK, 2018
Telecommunications: “Understands the motivations and passions of clients and is highly constructive.” “He gets the issues across very, very quickly, and is always on top of the information as new material comes through.” – Chambers UK, 2018
New silk in Administrative and public law (including local government): ‘‘It’s unusual to be so good in every stage of advocacy.’’– Legal 500, 2017
New silk in Competition: ‘‘He combines gravitas and intellect with an amiable manner.’’– Legal 500, 2017
New silk in EU Law: ‘‘An incisive and tactical thinker.’’– Legal 500, 2017
New silk in Environment: ‘‘He is authoritative in his advocacy and easily assimilates technical issues.’’– Legal 500, 2017
New silk in Data protection: ‘‘Very focused and hardworking.’’– Legal 500, 2017
New silk in Telecoms (regulatory): ‘‘An impressive silk in this area, with wide experience in EU law.’’ – Legal 500, 2017
Administrative & Public Law: “Always calm and collected in difficult cases.” “Very clear presentation: he doesn’t take unnecessary points and is highly convincing to the other side.” – Chambers UK, 2017
Data Protection: “He is a delightful advocate; tough, focused and engaging. His cross-examination of witnesses is pleasant for all in court and he gets to the heart of the matter.” “He is good on his feet and good in writing, he speaks the clients’ language and he cuts to the chase.” – Chambers UK, 2017
Environment: “He is a superstar who is really good on cases concerning the environment and the protection of information. He has that EU law angle that really helps in this area, and is held in high esteem.” – Chambers UK, 2017
European Law: “He is truly superb in all aspects of the job. Obscenely clever, he’s a great strategist and a superb advocate. He reads the situation perfectly and is a commercially aware perfectionist. I would not want to be against him.” – Chambers UK, 2017
Telecommunications: “He is truly superb in all aspects of the job. He’s obscenely clever, a great strategist and a superb advocate. He reads the situation perfectly and is a commercially aware perfectionist.” – Chambers UK, 2017
New silk in Administrative and Public law: “At the top of his game but still down to earth and fun.” – Legal 500, 2016
New silk in EU and Competition: “A very competent advocate, driven by a tangible passion to achieve a good outcome.” – Legal 500, 2016
New silk in Environment: “He has a strong ability to get to the nub of the issue, and is a master of complex technical evidence.” – Legal 500, 2016
New silk in Data protection: “His tactical skills are exceptional, and he is extremely persuasive in the courtroom.” – Legal 500, 2016
New silk in Telecoms (regulatory): “He incorporates huge amounts of factual information into laser-focused legal arguments.” – Legal 500, 2016
Environment: Offers “bespoke and tailored advice” to clients who include individuals, companies, campaigning groups and regulators. – WHO’S WHO LEGAL (WWL) UK BAR 2016
Administrative and Public Law: “He is a go-to senior junior on a diverse range of matters and has a genuinely broad practice. He’s a solid advocate and a fantastic backup for any senior silk. He has good judgement and a really good set of barrister skills in terms of analysis and drafting.” – Chambers UK, 2016
Data Protection: “He strikes an enviable balance between being a forceful advocate and a charming one.” “He brings the imagination that’s necessary for the applicant, presents nicely, writes nicely and thinks things through.” – Chambers UK, 2016
Environment Law: “He made spirited submissions that were very persuasive and useful. He is very gutsy as a barrister and is a very animated and powerful advocate.” – Chambers UK, 2016
European Law: “Very, very able and utterly dedicated to securing the best outcome for his clients. He is commercial, adept and fearless in court.” – Chambers UK, 2016
Telecommunications: “Very punchy and very formidable, he’s extremely knowledgeable and has an impressive grasp of European, competition and public law.” – Chambers UK, 2016
‘‘Can turn his hand to any judicial review.’’ Leading Junior in Administrative and Public Law. Legal 500, 2015
‘‘Hardworking, knowledgeable and thoughtful.’’ Leading Junior in EU and Competition Law. Legal 500, 2015
‘‘He has detailed knowledge of the law while able to give sound, practical advice.’’ Leading Junior in Environment Law. Legal 500, 2015
‘‘He has great recall and is a master of tactics.’’ Leading Junior in Data Protection Law. Legal 500, 2015
‘‘He is decisive, forthright and committed to his client’s best interests.’’ Leading Junior in Telecoms Law. Legal 500, 2015
Administrative & Public Law: “He is an absolute engine in any case. He’s a good advocate who is a very well-respected senior junior.” – Chambers UK, 2015
Data Protection: “Gerry has an impressive understanding of the area and has shown an amazing grasp of detail in cases dealing with large amounts of highly technical information. He is also a highly effective and cordial cross-examiner.” “He takes an appropriately robust approach.” – Chambers UK, 2015
Environment: “He is bright and pleasant.” – Chambers UK, 2015
European Law: “Hands-on and very straightforward. He doesn’t over-complicate matters.” – Chambers UK, 2015
‘A balanced practice of traditional claimant and commercial judicial review work.’ Gerry is a recommended leading Junior in Public & Administrative Law – Legal 500, 2014
‘Punchy and robust.’ Gerry is a recommended leading Junior in Telecommunications Law – Legal 500, 2014
Gerry Facenna is recommended as a leading Junior in Environmental Law. Legal 500, 2014
Under Public & Administrative Law: Specialises in public law matters concerning the environment, equality and discrimination. He also handles commercial and regulatory cases. “He can master material, his pleadings are first-class, and he is incredibly reliable.” “He is great with clients and his knowledge of public law issues is comprehensive.”Chambers UK, 2014
Under Data Protection: Practises extensively in this field, and also has a strong EU and public law practice. He represents both public and private bodies on a range of issues including the scope of ‘late exemptions’ under the legislation. He also advises on requests made to government bodies for information. “Gerry did a stunning job for us. He hit the issues on the head. He is remarkable – I can’t recommend him highly enough.” “He has been brilliant whenever we have worked with him. In court he is persuasive and clear; he uses straightforward language and presents his case very clearly.” “Mr Facenna has a complete familiarity with the relevant law; he is a real expert, has clear drafting skills and takes a practical approach to the litigation. He is also easy to work with.”Chambers UK, 2014
Under Environment Law: A well-regarded junior with a broad public law practice that encompasses environment law challenges. “He has a very genial approach but you have to be careful because he is much more ruthless than he lets on,” one peer commented. Chambers UK, 2014
Under European Law: Has a vast amount of experience spanning the breadth of EU law. Has recently acted on a range of cases touching on free movement rights, discrimination questions and various tax levy issues. “Totally brilliant at European law and lovely to work with.”Chambers UK, 2014
“Gerry Facenna is ‘an expert in the field, with a comprehensive knowledge of the relevant case law’, and ‘presents clear and compelling arguments for his clients’.” He is recommended as a leading Junior in Data Protection Law. Legal 500, 2013
“The ‘diligent’ Gerry Facenna” , is a recommended leading Junior under Administrative & Public Law. Legal 500, 2013
Gerry Facenna is recommended as a leading Junior in Environmental Law. Legal 500, 2013
“Gerry Facenna is highlighted by sources for the large volume of work he has recently been undertaking in the environmental sphere. Peers say that he is “highly knowledgeable and very creative in his submissions.”” Chambers UK, 2013
“Gerry Facenna “is strong and he knows his stuff” when handling public law and judicial review. His public law practice is a little wider than is common at Monckton, and he is actively instructed by traditional general public law claimant solicitors, as well as those working with large corporate entities.” Chambers UK, 2013
Under Administrative and Public Law “Gerry Facenna is ‘a leading junior in public law matters’.” – Legal 500, 2012
Under Environment Law: “Gerry Facenna is ‘a good public law adviser’ who specialises in all aspects of EU environmental law.” – Legal 500, 2012
Gerry Facenna is recommended as a leading junior in Environment Law. Legal 500, 2012
“Gerry Facenna has a fine public law practice with a heavy emphasis on EU law. “Very focused in all he does and always working to a high standard,” he recently demonstrated his skills in a case before the European Court of Justice. He has also been involved in a high-profile Information Tribunal case on behalf of the Cabinet Office.” – Chambers UK, 2012
Environment: “Gerry Facenna is singled out for his “personable manner” and “ability to be both swift and yet careful in his approach.” He is highly regarded for his expertise in EU environmental law and also continues to win praise for his work on behalf of regulators. Examples of his work include representing the Environment Agency in a judicial review by a campaigning group challenging the UK’s implementation of the Environmental Information Directive and EU regulation on persistent organic pollutants. Peers further describe Facenna as being “a sound, focused and highly creative advocate.”” –Chambers UK, 2012
Consumer and Product Liability recommends Gerry Facenna. Legal 500, 2011
Environment states that Monckton Chambers’ Gerry Facenna is “‘exceptionally bright, approachable and willing to go the extra mile to find a solution’.”Legal 500, 2011
“Gerry Facenna “does a superb job” in public law cases, and has extensive discrimination and European law expertise. He was recently led by Dinah Rose QC in R (Lunt & Allied Vehicles) v Liverpool, a significant test case on the positive equality duty under the Disability Discrimination Act.” Public & Administrative Law, Chambers UK, 2011
“Gerry Facenna’s reputation as “an excellent and developing young advocate” is on the rise. He is particularly commended for his work on behalf of regulators.” Environmental Law, Chambers UK, 2011
Education MA (Camb.), LL.B (Edin.)
Gerry has degrees in law from Cambridge University and Edinburgh University. He was called to the Bar in England & Wales in 2001, Scotland in 2006, and the Bar of Ireland in 2018. He is accredited as a Mediator and Online Mediation Specialist by The Australian Disputes Centre.
He has served on the Executive Committee of the Bar European Group and the Executive Committee of the Human Rights Lawyers Association and before being appointed to silk in 2016 he was a member of the UK Attorney General’s ‘A’ Panel of Counsel, undertaking complex civil and international work for the UK government. He is registered under the Bar Standards Board Public Access Scheme and can accept instructions direct from businesses and individuals, as well as from solicitors, in-house lawyers and other professionals.
Gerry is a contributing author to the leading practitioner text Information Rights: Law and Practice (Hart, 2020); Halsbury’s Laws of England: Rights and Freedoms (LexisNexis, 2013); EU Competition Law: Procedures and Remedies (OUP, 2006); The Law of State Aid in the European Union (OUP, 2004); and The Law of the European Union Encyclopaedia (OUP, 2003). He has contributed a number of articles to the European Human Rights Law Review, De Voil’s, PLC’s Practice Notes on Freedom of Information and Data Protection; the Discrimination Law Association Briefing, and the Competition Law Journal.
