Carl is rated as a leading practitioner by both Chambers and Legal 500. Carl has specialised exclusively in planning law since 1988. He has particular expertise in retail and housing development as well as regeneration and town centre development. His work includes project co-ordination, inquiry and CPO work, and all ancillary aspects, including Section 106 and other infrastructure agreements.

Carl recently acted for News International on the relocation of their print operations from Wapping to Broxbourne, and has advised Asda on the recent Competition Commission investigation into the grocery market. He is advising Sunrise Senior Living on numerous C2 care home proposals and Pelham Holdings on care village developments.

Following a short career in local government, Carl has practised in City law firms since 1989, joining Osborne Clarke as a partner with the entire McGuinness Finch team in June 2001.

He is a member and former secretary of the Law Society's City of London Planning and Environmental Law Sub-Committee.