Robin Purchas QC's main areas of work are in the fields of administrative, environmental, local government and planning law, the High Court and tribunals and inquiries, including questions of human rights and European law. He deals with cases in Hong Kong and elsewhere in the world. He is a leading specialist in compulsory purchase, valuation and compensation matters.

He has wide experience in connection with the promotion of and opposition to major government and public schemes, including the 2012 Olympics (advising the ODA), the Channel Tunnel, the Channel Tunnel Rail Link and Crossrail Bills and the Victoria Station Upgrade, West Coast Main Line, East Midlands Parkway, Thameslink 2000 and Cambridge Guided Bus Orders.
He is regularly involved in infrastructure schemes in the water, aviation, energy and other related fields as well as major retail, residential, institutional, waste, minerals, highway, leisure and commercial schemes.
He is regularly consulted on and appears in cases concerning heritage and listed building matters. He has an extensive environmental law practice.

"Acclaimed as an "incredibly bright advocate who gets to the point." His "great persona and congenial manner" endear him to clients."
"‘Very incisive' Robin Purchas QC is well regarded for his planning work and has particular expertise in compulsory purchase, valuation and compensation matters."~"Instructing solicitors lavish praise on Robin Purchas QC for his ‘excellent strategic judgement and talent at cross examining'.
He presents arguments in a‘formidable and thought provoking way.'"
Chambers and Partners