Ian read law at St Catherine's College, Oxford, and after studying for Bar finals was called to the Bar in 1986. He is a member of the Planning and Environment Bar Association. Prior to taking silk he served on the panel of Junior Counsel to the Crown (Treasury Counsel). He sits part time as a Deputy High Court Judge, a Recorder in the Crown and County Courts and also as an Immigration Judge. In undertaking a full range of planning work, he has acted for a wide range of clients, including house builders, local authorities and Government agencies, developers and utility companies. 'an extremely client-focused, sharp and commercial barrister' (Chambers UK 2008). Ian is described as 'someone you can trust your life with' and it has been remarked upon that 'no one gets to Silk before they are 40 unless they are good and he is outstanding' (Chambers UK 2005).