The Legal 500

The appetite for austerity within government continues to make this area of law a busy one, with budgetary cuts and economic regulatory reform across various sectors giving rise to plentiful activity. Firms note an increase in public inquiries, such as Leveson, which has shone a spotlight on media regulation and scrutiny and been a significant development for firms with a strong client base in the sector. Similarly, the Mid-Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust Inquiry has had a significant impact on the healthcare sector.

The Administrative and public law table ranks claimant and commercial firms together. Of the City firms, Herbert Smith LLP, Hogan Lovells International LLP and Baker & McKenzie LLP provide strong representation of commercial clients, while Bindmans LLP and Leigh Day & Co remain leaders on the claimant side. The latter two also have market-leading human rights and civil liberties practices, where other renowned firms include Bhatt Murphy Solicitors, Tuckers Solicitors and the newly merged Deighton Pierce Glynn. Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP and Eversheds LLP each have recognised expertise in public inquiries, and Trowers & Hamlins LLP and Clifford Chance are among the leaders for public affairs work.

Leading advisers to the education sector include DAC Beachcroft LLP, Mills & Reeve LLP, and SGH Martineau LLP. Prevailing market conditions have led to a number of mergers, redundancies and restructuring among educational institutions, and firms have also noticed an increased willingness to challenge schools, particularly in relation to fees. Firms are frequently being called upon to advise on securing DfE approval for free schools, and academies are also a substantial source of work. Student accommodation projects are on the increase as educational institutions seek to attract more foreign students; simultaneously, issues concerning foreign students continue to warrant firms’ assistance in terms of immigration support and applications to the UKBA.

Within public sector healthcare, the Mid-Staffordshire inquiry saw a number of firms being called on to advise trusts, regulators and claimants. The healthcare market also saw the collapse of Southern Cross, while other sources of work for law firms have included NHS foundation trusts, NHS spinouts, the transfer of community services (TCS), and various joint ventures between public and private providers.

K&L Gates LLP and Steel & Shamash remain the key players for electoral law and are trusted advisers to the Liberal Democrats and the Labour party respectively.

Within local government, firms are working closely with councils to prepare for the impact of the Localism Act. Local authorities are increasingly looking at cost-saving initiatives, such as major outsourcing projects, sharing services with other authorities and keeping more legal work in-house. Trowers & Hamlins LLP is at the forefront of this market, with Eversheds LLP, Nabarro LLP and Pinsent Masons LLP also key players.

Bircham Dyson Bell LLP and Winckworth Sherwood are both strong on parliamentary work, where key transport projects have included High Speed Two, the planned rail link between London and the West Midlands, and the UK’s first urban cable car system, across the Thames.

Major preoccupations within public affairs law included the eurozone crisis, the Leveson Inquiry and the crackdown on lobbying. Clifford Chance and Hogan Lovells International LLP have leading practices in this area; the former acted for James Murdoch regarding the phone hacking inquiry, while the latter assisted the Libyan rebel authorities in unfreezing Libyan assets in the UK in order to fund the revolution.

Leading claimant firm Bindmans LLP is ‘in a class of its own for its size’, and has ‘a very good reputation’. The team has ‘particular experience of acting in cases with a political dimension, and for NGOs’, and is complemented by the firm’s media and criminal law departments. Recently it has been instructed on matters such as access to justice and legal aid, privacy, and education. Stephen Grosz QC (Hon) and Gwendolen Morgan are ‘exceptionally able’, the ‘unbelievably hardworking’ John Halford ‘knows his stuff’, and Tamsin Allen and Saimo Chahal are also recommended.

With ‘the best public law team in the City’, Herbert Smith LLP has ‘strength at partner and assistant level’, and is ‘first rate, especially in cases extending into the commercial sphere’. In 2011 it successfully defended NNB, a subsidiary of EDF, in judicial review proceedings brought by Innovia against the IPC’s decision to grant NNB access to its land to conduct surveys. Andrew Lidbetter has ‘an encyclopaedic knowledge of UK administrative law’, and is ‘a cool customer who knows exactly what he wants and how to get it’. Nusrat Zar has ‘a keen forensic focus and unflappable calm’, and Martyn Hopper is recommended for his financial services expertise.

‘Absolutely first-rate’ claimant practice Leigh Day & Co is lauded for its ‘rigorous approach’ and ‘commitment to ensuring justice for clients’. It advised Reprieve on a number of cases arising from the UK’s involvement in the ‘War on Terror’, and its expertise also spans healthcare, planning and civil liberties. Richard Stein is ‘a real leader’, renowned for his ‘fearless approach to the law’, and Alison Millar is ‘intelligent, sensitive, committed and efficient’. Frances Swaine and Sean Humber are also recommended.

Allen & Overy LLP has seven London-based partners specialising in this area. Drawing on expertise from across the firm, including the EU and competition practice, it acts for a number of public bodies as well as claimants. It advised News Corporation on the licensing requirements for, and third-party objections to, its proposed BSkyB acquisition. Andrew Denny and Peter Watson are recommended. Recently promoted counsel Angeline Welsh is also recommended, as is associate James Neill, a qualified barrister, who was a significant new recruit.

Baker & McKenzie LLP ‘stands out for its dedicated knowledge’, particularly within media and telecoms, and increasingly within life sciences. The firm remains sole adviser to the BBC Trust, which it advised on an appeal against the exclusion of the Scottish Green Party from the leaders’ debate that was televised in Scotland. Other matters included Primark’s high-profile appeal concerning a Panorama programme on the garment trade. Tom Cassels is ‘expert at tailoring his advice to suit the audience’, and his ‘sound experience and instincts relating to potential media implications make him an obvious choice’. Joanna Ludlam and Richard Pike are also recommended.

Clifford Chance has ‘all of the strengths you would expect from a Magic Circle firm – top-class client service and litigation support’. It recently acted for James Murdoch in relation to phone hacking and in the Leveson Inquiry. The practice is led by antitrust specialist Elizabeth Morony, who is a ‘real mover and shaker’, and ‘brilliant with clients’. Luke Tolaini is ‘a very good strategic thinker’ who is ‘excellent at managing client relations’, and ‘sees the big picture rather than getting bogged down with the complexity of legal issues’. Senior associate Emmeline Rushbrook is ‘extremely patient and charming’.

DAC Beachcroft LLP’s ‘helpful and responsive’ team gives ‘wise advice’ that is ‘constructive and thorough’. It advised NICE on its proposed re-establishment from a special health authority to a non-departmental public body, and advised Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust on constitutional amendments and governance issues. The London team is complemented by strong regional practices, notably in Bristol and Leeds. The ‘very accessible’ Stephen Hocking and Julian Gizzi are key names. Tony Child recently joined Browne Jacobson LLP.

Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP’s ‘skilled and experienced lawyers’ provide ‘excellent, quality advice’, and ‘always consider the commercial interests of the client’. At the conclusion of the 7/7 inquests, the firm was involved in drafting a rebuttal against a threatened claim for judicial review. Other highlights included acting for the GMC in a long-running judicial review brought by two doctors. Matthew Lohn, who recently became managing partner, ‘combines sharp legal analysis with commercial realism’, and Martin Smith is ‘probably the best and most experienced public inquiry/inquest solicitor around, and has a wealth of experience in very high-profile cases’. Sarah Ellson oversees the practice.

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP is particularly noted for ‘coping well with the interaction between EU and English public law’. It regularly handles international instructions, recently representing A4a in challenging the EU’s carbon emissions trading scheme, and advising JTI on tobacco display regulations. Paul Bowden heads the department, and William Robinson is ‘peerless in judicial reviews’. Tom Snelling is ‘calm and accomplished’, and associate Deba Das is also highly rated.

Hogan Lovells International LLP is ‘very well connected in administrative circles’, and its lawyers’ ‘attitude to client care is among the best – it feels like they jump in the same trench and fight your fight as if it was theirs’. Highlights included acting for the Libyan National Transitional Council to secure the release of Libyan assets in the UK following the uprising against the Gaddafi regime. ‘Big name’ Paul Dacam and of counsel Charles Brasted are ‘both excellent – practical and a pleasure to deal with’. Associate Jamie Potter is also recommended.

Bates Wells & Braithwaite London LLP is ‘excellent’, and ‘very effective at solving clients ’ legal problems’. The firm is synonymous with the public and not-for-profit sectors, and has a strong presence in media and telecoms. Practice head John Trotter remains the preferred lawyer for the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, and is ‘a highly experienced and seasoned lawyer who goes out of his way to understand and respond to the client’s needs’. Rupert Earle is ‘unflappable, intelligent, experienced, and pragmatic’, and Melanie Carter is also well regarded.

Public law is core to Bevan Brittan LLP, which has a practice encompassing healthcare, local government and regulatory matters. The firm is representing 30 local authority councils in a judicial review challenging reductions in funding for schools. Iain Miller is a key adviser to the SRA, the work often involving interventions into solicitors’ practices. Emily Heard, David Owens and Nadia Persaud are also recommended.

Bircham Dyson Bell LLP is ‘a traditional public law specialist’. Key clients include the National Audit Office (NAO), which it recently advised on a freedom of information request that reached the Information Tribunal. It also acts for the Health Professions Council and the Environment Agency. Nick Evans and David Mundy are recommended.

Claimant-focused firm Deighton Pierce Glynn has ‘in-depth understanding of how the voluntary sector works’, and demonstrates ‘commitment to the sector’. The team is ‘consistently involved in groundbreaking work and has a very good success rate’. Lead partner Sue Willman adeptly ‘manages complex advice’, and Louise Whitfield is ‘a leading public law practitioner’. Gareth Mitchell shows ‘attention to detail’.

Eversheds LLP’s large, cross-departmental practice regularly attracts high-profile instructions. The ‘very experienced and astute’ Peter Watkin Jones has an outstanding track record in public inquiries; he advised in relation to the Mid-Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust Public Inquiry, and advised the Metropolitan Police Authority regarding the Leveson phone-hacking inquiry. Judith Barnes joined DAC Beachcroft LLP.

Irwin Mitchell is ‘strong in litigation’, and has been extremely active in challenging recent public spending cuts. Andrew Lockley is ‘a top-rate practitioner’, and Yogi Amin is ‘an excellent case tactician’; both are based in Sheffield. London-based associate Alex Rook is ‘clearly a rising star’.

Slaughter and May draws upon the expertise of several departments to advise on large-scale matters; its track record includes having acted for HM Treasury on the restructuring of Northern Rock. It is advising Royal Mail on proposed regulatory changes and related issues. The ‘consistently excellent’ Elizabeth Barrett (disputes) provides ‘real clarity on complex issues’. Isabel Taylor (competition), Jeff Triggs (corporate) and Christopher Wright (regulatory) are also recommended.

Trowers & Hamlins LLP is ‘very strong on procurement and commercial issues’, and ‘provides excellent cover across all fields’, including contentious and non-contentious matters. Malcolm Iley and Manchester-based Michael Mousdale provide ‘practical, pragmatic solutions to commercial problems’, and are ‘very dependable’. Lucy James and Helen Randall are also recommended; the latter is advising the London Borough of Barnet on a large-scale outsourcing of regulatory services.

Withers LLP is ‘first rate’ in regulatory cases surrounding financial services, for which Harvey Knight is recommended, and is also strong in judicial reviews and inquests. Led by Jennifer McDermott, the team is currently acting for Dr David Halpin in his campaign for an inquest into the death of Dr David Kelly. Paul Matthews has an ‘inspirational legal mind’.

‘An excellent firm’, Bhatt Murphy Solicitors specialises in claims against the state, and typical clients include prisoners, immigration detainees, NGOs and victims of crime. Tony Murphy and Fiona Murphy are ‘leading experts in police misconduct’, and Raju Bhatt is ‘one of the most experienced and respected solicitors in the field’. Mark Scott is ‘a superb litigator’.

Kingsley Napley LLP has ‘an increasingly impressive public law department’, led by the ‘quite simply exceptional’ Adam Chapman. Other key members of the team include Stephen Parkinson and Emily Carter; in particular, the latter ‘can absorb vast amounts of novel and complex information and drill it down to the core issues’. Key mandates included acting for families of victims during the recent inquests into the London bombings of 2005.

Norton Rose LLP’s practice is part of the firm’s competition department, and is headed by Michael Grenfell. The team recently acted for PayPoint in a National Lottery licence dispute with the National Lottery Commission. Other clients include Ofwat and Eastleigh Borough Council.

Phil Shiner at Public Interest Lawyers has an excellent reputation for judicial reviews, and is representing the victims in the Al-Sweady and Baha Mousa public inquiries, and acting in judicial review proceedings relating to the detention of families and children for immigration control purposes.

Simmons & Simmons LLP is active within energy, life sciences, TMT and financial services. Recommended practitioner Philip Vaughan’s credentials include successfully representing a major oil and gas company in a Court of Appeal case relating to the Buncefield oil terminal explosion.

Anthony Gold recently represented LAS 2000, which represents council leaseholders in the London Borough of Southwark, in an application to the Leasehold Valuation Tribunal to dispense with statutory consultation obligations concerning a major repair contract. Practice head Andrew Brookes has ‘an excellent eye for a new point’, and new partner Timothy Waitt is ‘making great waves’.

Capsticks’ focus is on the healthcare sector, and it regularly advises NHS bodies. The team is ‘very skilled at setting out very complex issues in language that is easily understood’. Gerard Hanratty is ‘an excellent strategist and thinker, and able to apply much more skill than just his legal knowledge to a challenging case’.

DLA Piper UK LLP handles advisory and contentious work across a broad spectrum, and has a strong presence across England and Scotland. It is acting for the Student Loans Company in judicial reviews relating to student funding rules for non-EU students. Edinburgh-based Hazel Moffat and Leeds-based Paul Stone are recommended.

Maxwell Gillott Solicitors has ‘a growing reputation for judicial review and public law’, built out from its ‘strong education law base’. Oliver Studdert has ‘considerable experience, is very knowledgeable in these areas of law, and is excellent with clients’. Angela Jackman heads the team.

Mills & Reeve LLP ‘makes a real effort to support the client, going the extra mile required to meet demanding deadlines’, and its ‘performance is outstanding’. Clients include Oxford University. Nathan Holden and Richard Sykes are recommended.

Nabarro LLP’s key contact is projects partner Stephen Matthew. The firm acts for various county councils, and is advising Watford Borough Council and West Hertfordshire NHS Trust on the Watford Health Campus project.

Olswang is recommended for its ‘superb response times and industry knowledge’, and is regularly instructed by media and telecoms clients. Highlights included acting for Tottenham Hotspur FC to challenge the decision by the Olympic Park Legacy Company to award the long-term lease of the Olympic Stadium to a rival bid consortium. Lead partner Dan Tench is recommended, and Ian Felstead is ‘a market leader’.

SNR Denton is ‘consistently good’, and has ‘a really strong and imaginative group of lawyers’. Led by Richard Caird, the team acted for the FSA in judicial review proceedings brought by the British Bankers Association, concerning proposed changes to complaints handling for PPI mis-selling.

Taylor Wessing LLP regularly advises public bodies and has ‘great strength in depth, coupled with excellent relationships at the top’. The firm provides ‘value for money’, and is ‘good on complex and demanding transactions’. Recent mandates include advising Digital Birmingham on an application for state aid. Tracey Sheehan is recommended.

Addleshaw Goddard LLP’s recent highlights include acting for Luton Borough Council in a judicial review over the decision to halt the BSF project.

BCL Burton Copeland’s ‘client care is exceptional’, and the group has ‘great depth in experience and ability’. Expertise includes public inquiries, judicial reviews, coroners’ inquests, and courts martial.

Bond Pearce LLP’s wide-ranging practice represents both private and public sector clients including SITA, Veolia, Bristol City Council and Nuon.

Browne Jacobson LLP acts for a large number of local authorities, NHS trusts and NGOs. Richard Barlow is recommended, and Tony Child has joined from DAC Beachcroft LLP as a consultant.

Burges Salmon LLP has a burgeoning practice in this area. John Houlden is recommended.

Christian Khan Solicitors is very experienced inchallenging the decisions of statutory bodies, and is highly recommended.

Duncan Lewis & Co has a significant public law practice, with ‘some good solicitors and a mass of caseworkers who can be well directed by those in charge’.

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP’s Patrick Doris ‘brings dynamism and a can-do approach to his judicial review work’.

Hickman and Rose’s Beth Handley is ‘greatly admired’, and the firm has an excellent track record of representing individuals in actions against the state.

Hodge Jones & Allen LLP’s Jocelyn Cockburn is ‘without doubt an extremely talented lawyer’ with ‘a very good sense of judgement regarding tactics of litigation’.

Pinsent Masons LLP has expertise in local government and procurement work, and recently acquired additional depth through its merger with McGrigors LLP.

Public Law Solicitors in Birmingham is ‘excellent for this type of work’.

Quist Solicitors is a niche practice of three fee-earners that ‘impresses’ with its ‘diligence and practical advice’.

Richard Buxton specialises in public law relating to environmental issues.

Russell Jones & Walker, part of Slater & Gordon Lawyers provides ‘exceptional’ service, acting for unions including the Police Federation of England and Wales.

Sharpe Pritchard’s ‘extremely good’ team has ‘enormous experience’, and acts for a number of local authorities.

T V Edwards LLP’s Jacky Starling has ‘vast knowledge of social welfare law’.

Weightmans LLP’s respected public sector practice includes a team specialising in police matters.

Wragge & Co LLP’s John Cooper advises on a range of public law issues.

Bhatt Murphy Solicitors is ‘extraordinary in the amount of cutting-edge litigation it conducts’, and ‘excels in civil liberties’. ‘No-one approaches it’ in the field of prison law, but it is also ‘top of the field for immigration’ through Mark Scott. Hamish Arnott has ‘a superb mind’, and Fiona Murphy, Tony Murphy, Raju Bhatt and Simon Creighton are all highly recommended.

Bindmans LLP ‘makes a point of supporting the underdog, and does it wonderfully’. Its ‘superb’ team is ‘attentive, responsible and approachable’, and recently acted for over 200 occupiers involved in the Occupy London protests. Team head Stephen Grosz QC (Hon) is ‘an expert in his field’, ‘thorough, and dedicated to helping clients’; his appointment as honorary Queen’s Counsel was for his contribution to human rights and public law. Newly promoted partner Chez Cotton heads the police misconduct team. Saimo Chahal, Paul Ridge and John Halford are also recommended.

Leigh Day & Co is ‘excellent in this area’; it is ‘particularly skilled in identifying issues, and fights hard for the client while remaining realistic’. The firm’s wide range of cases included several arising from the scandal surrounding a private hospital in Bristol that was closed following a BBC Panorama programme exposing abuse of residents by staff. Richard Stein heads the group, which includes Frances Swaine, Alison Millar and Sean Humber, the latter having ‘expert knowledge of disability in prisons’. Solicitor Jamie Beagent has ‘a growing and well-deserved reputation’.

Specialist firm Birnberg Peirce & Partners is ‘very good at what it does, particularly in terrorism-related matters’. It has several ‘very experienced and senior solicitors within civil liberties’, including Gareth Peirce, who has an excellent and longstanding reputation. Debaleena Dasgupta, Henry Miller and Harriet Wistrich are also recommended.

Deighton Pierce Glynn is ‘an unsung hero of this area – quietly producing amazing results and changing the law in key ways’. Its wide-ranging expertise includes immigration, human rights and discrimination law. Sue Willman is recommended for asylum support and immigration detention, and ‘exercises careful judgement’. Sarah Ricca, Jane Deighton and Polly Glynn are also recommended.

In recent years, Tuckers Solicitors has ‘moved from being a small name to a major player’ under Jules Carey, who is ‘incredibly bright and committed’. Consultant Andre Clovis is ‘particularly impressive, given his uncanny ability not to lose cases against the police’. He and Marian Ellingworth are ‘equally meticulous and dedicated to their clients’. Keiron Walsh is also recommended.

At Christian Khan Solicitors, founding partner Louise Christian is a leading player in civil liberties and police matters, and is representing bereaved families in various health and safety inquests. Sarah McSherry has a particular focus on discrimination matters, and recently settled a substantial claim for racial discrimination, assault, false imprisonment and malicious prosecution against the Metropolitan Police. Solicitor Katherine Craig is ‘energetic, dynamic and far-sighted’; she ‘works incredibly hard’ and has ‘abundant legal imagination and excellent client-handling skills’. Her experience includes a number of high-profile inquests.

Hickman and Rose is ‘a fine human rights firm with an excellent pedigree’. Kate Maynard, who has represented victims of torture and war crimes, is ‘very dedicated and hardworking’ and is ‘always completely on top of her cases, seeing every point’. Beth Handley’s work is ‘greatly admired’, and Eva Whittall is also recommended. The recruitment of Stefano Ruis, formerly of Fisher Meredith LLP, was a real coup.

Hodge Jones & Allen LLP has ‘a team of excellent, highly committed and hardworking lawyers’, who ‘achieve excellent results for clients’. Jocelyn Cockburn continues to represent Neville Lawrence, father of Stephen Lawrence, and is also ‘particularly good in military inquests’. Susie Labinjoh ‘provides productive and sensible ideas that are of tactical and practical benefit to clients’, and associate Anna-Louise Thwaites is appreciated for her ‘client care and approachability’.

Irwin Mitchell advises on prison law and actions against the police. The team recently advised the family of a critically ill patient regarding a dispute over whether to end treatment, arguing that it was in the patient’s best interests. Andrew Lockley is recommended.

Maxwell Gillott Solicitors’ team is ‘extremely competent’, and has a niche in Court of Protection cases, acting in disputes involving local authorities and NHS trusts concerning the welfare of vulnerable, disabled and elderly people. Group head Angela Jackman is recommended, as is Oliver Studdert, who has ‘considerable experience, is very knowledgeable in these areas of law’, and is ‘excellent with clients’.

Public Interest Lawyers’ Phil Shiner is ‘a legend’ in this arena, and solicitor Daniel Carey has also been involved in several leading cases, including Al-Sweady v Secretary of State for Defence; Al-Haq v UK Secretary of State for Foreign & Commonwealth Affairs et al; Evans v UK; and the Baha Mousa Public Inquiry.

Scott-Moncrieff & Associates LLP acts for prisoners, armed forces personnel and victims of discrimination, and has particular expertise in children’s rights.

Simons Muirhead & Burton is a founder and long-term supporter of The Death Penalty Project, which provides free legal representation to those facing the death penalty in the Caribbean and Africa to ensure compliance with human rights. Saul Lehrfreund MBE and Parvais Jabbar are recommended.

T V Edwards LLP is expert in mental health matters. Team head Carolyn Taylor has ‘significant experience in human rights, both as a civil and criminal lawyer’, and is ‘an acknowledged expert in this field’. The firm is experienced in tribunals and hospital managers’ hearings, and represents clients with ‘the utmost dignity and discretion’.

Finers Stephens Innocent LLP’s practice head Mark Stephens has been involved in a number of cases before the ECHR.

Fisher Meredith LLP’s Andrew Arthur is ‘committed to his prison and police law clients, and is a pleasure to work with’. However, the loss of key partner Stefano Ruis to Hickman and Rose was a blow.

GT Stewart Solicitors’ expertise includes claims relating to protests, assault, false imprisonment, malicious prosecution and misfeasance.

Gherson’s ‘professional, dedicated and reliable’ individuals handle immigration cases. Roger Gherson is ‘bright, charismatic and clever, with good intuition’.

Howells’ Peter Mahy handles police complaints and civil actions against the police, and has conducted cases before the House of Lords and the ECHR.

Imran Khan & Partners is well known for its human rights capabilities. Name partner Imran Khan has been heavily involved in the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry.

Lester Morrill’s Fiona Borrill has an excellent reputation for her work in relation to inquests and investigations into deaths in custody.

Steel & Shamash is ‘very strong in this area’, and Janice Kaufman is ‘relentless and clear-sighted in defence of those deprived of their fundamental rights’. Anna O’Connell specialises in cases involving issues of support for children and care leavers, asylum seekers and immigrants.

The ‘impressively competent and efficient’ Swain & Co Solicitors advises on prison law, housing and community care, and actions against the police.

Wesley Gryk Solicitors LLP deals exclusively in British immigration and nationality law, with a particular emphasis on cases involving civil liberties and human rights.

The ‘exceptional’ Douglas Silas Solicitors represents the parents of children with all types of specialist educational needs (SEN). In 2011, the firm represented parents in securing local authority funding for school places at independent residential special schools. The ‘pre-eminent’ Douglas Silas is ‘a leader in the field of SEN and disability education’.

Langley Wellington LLP Solicitors represents the parents of children with special needs in appeals to the Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunal and in school admission and exclusion appeals. Associate Imelda Brennan leads the team.

Specialist education firm Match Solicitors is ‘competent, knowledgeable and professional’. Work includes exclusions and admissions, challenging statements of special educational needs, and representing parents bringing complaints against schools and students at fitness-to-practise hearings. Anita Chopra is ‘a bright lawyer’, and Salima Mawji is also recommended.

Maxwell Gillott Solicitors’ practice is led by Elaine Maxwell, who is arguably ‘the leading education claimant lawyer’. The ‘outstanding’ team recently acted in statement challenges, uniform policy disputes and in obtaining specialist school placements. Eleanor Wright, who has ‘an excellent legal brain’, Oliver Studdert and the ‘highly effective’ Angela Jackman are recommended.

John Ford Solicitors advises parents and children. John Ford and Karen May are recommended.

Leigh Day & Co’s education practice is led by Alison Millar, who recently acted in SEND Tribunal cases and advised on admissions and exclusions. Richard Stein is advising on the liability of academies under the Disability Discrimination Act as well as on school transport matters.

Melinda Nettleton leads SEN Legal’s ‘efficient and professional’ team. In 2011 it was involved in the Chapple v Suffolk County Council case. Nettleton has ‘a great deal of experience’ and ‘industrious’ assistant Karen McAtamney is also recommended.

Fisher Meredith LLP’s ‘efficient’ team advises on school exclusions and admissions, and issues concerning bullying, complaints, SEN, school transport, and higher education. It also handles student immigration matters. Laura Berman joined Stone King LLP; Amara Ahmad, acting head of the public law department, currently oversees the education department.

Irwin Mitchell advises on school transport policies, disability discrimination, admissions and exclusions, and challenges to academy status. Yogi Amin, who has been involved in judicial reviews of school closures and reorganisations, and Andrew Lockley are recommended.

Chris Barnett’s team at Levenes represents parents in SEN appeals as well as advising in relation to disability issues, admissions and appeals, school closures and openings, and transport matters. The practice also represents further and higher education students.

Sarah Palmer’s team at The Children’s Legal Practice Ltd advises on SEN issues and disability discrimination.

Woodroffes represents parents and children in disputes with schools.

DAC Beachcroft LLP’s ‘invaluable’ team is ‘excellent in every aspect’ and has ‘superb’ knowledge. In 2011 it advised the Qualifications and Curriculum Development Agency on arrangements for National Curriculum testing, and advised the Office for Fair Access on various agreements. Team head Stephen Hocking and Julian Gizzi provide ‘excellent advice’.

Eversheds LLP’s ‘outstanding’ team has been appointed as the main legal adviser to New College Nottingham, and recently advised the University of Bradford on a collaboration with a private sector developer for campus redevelopment. Other clients include the University of Manchester and the University of Bradford. Glynne Stanfield has ‘unrivalled expertise’ and is ‘a robust and dogged negotiator’, and practice head Diane Gilhooley is also recommended.

Farrer & Co’s ‘top-notch’, ‘professional’ team is led by ‘formidable lawyer’ Julian Smith. Clients include the University of Oxford and Imperial College. The team advises on issues including charity law, governance, commercial agreements, funding, employment and intellectual property. Recently promoted partner Paul Jones has ‘a keen eye for detail’, Peter Wienand is ‘absolutely excellent’, and Sam Macdonald is also noted for his expertise in the sector.

Mills & Reeve LLP represents public and private education providers in the higher and further education sectors, and was appointed to the University of Hertfordshire’s new legal panel as sole provider of employment, litigation and estates advice. Additionally, the firm’s projects team is active on student accommodation projects, and its employment team advised on an equal pay claim in the sector. The ‘effective’ Gary Attle heads the team.

Pinsent Masons LLP’s ‘excellent’ and ‘well-informed’ group acts for clients including the University of Cambridge, the University of Edinburgh, King’s College London and LSE. Highlights included advising on the merger of the University of London’s School of Pharmacy with UCL, via a transfer of assets under a business transfer agreement. Victoria Goddard has been leading on a procurement and development project for the University of Manchester. Practice head Nicola Hart and associate Gayle Ditchburn make ‘a formidable team’.

Smita Jamdar leads SGH Martineau LLP’s ‘respected’ team, which acts for higher and further education clients including Teesside University, Lancaster University and Warwickshire College. It recently advised three universities on a merger.

Bates Wells & Braithwaite London LLP’s ‘highly competent’ team represents higher and further education clients. William Garnett continues to advise Goldsmiths College, and recently advised on a contentious matter regarding exam results. In 2011, the team also represented Tower Hamlets College in litigation brought by two students, and advised on freedom of information and data protection. New clients include King’s College London and Hammersmith & West London College. Practice head Julian Blake is ‘highly knowledgeable’ and gives ‘pragmatic advice’. Selman Ansari was recently promoted to the partnership.

Berrymans Lace Mawer LLP’s ‘excellent’ team successfully defended Oxford Brooks University against alleged breaches of statutory obligations in Abramova v Oxford Brooks University. The firm also advised the Bar Standards Board in a tribunal dispute concerning fitness to practise and disability discrimination. Charlotte Capstick leads the practice, and Elliot Pound is recommended for his negotiating skills.

Bevan Brittan LLP acts for various universities on construction matters, and advised the University of Oxford on taking additional research space in a PFI hospital. Other clients include the University of Southampton and the University of Bristol. Martin Howe heads the practice.

Stephenson Harwood’s ‘service-oriented’ group is ‘knowledgeable, diligent and hardworking’, particularly for construction projects. Marcel Haniff now leads the team, following the retirement of Colin MacKenzie-Grieve. Jonathan Cripps and Rebecca Carter joined from Eversheds LLP.

Karen Stephenson leads Veale Wasbrough Vizards’ team, which was reinforced by the arrival of Bettina Rigg from Bond Pearce LLP and David Hansom from Eversheds LLP. Clients include Bath Spa University and University College London.

Addleshaw Goddard LLP provides ‘a pragmatic and commercial yet robust view on instructions’ for its higher and further education clients. James Reynolds and practice head Nancy McGuire are ‘top-notch’ advisers.

Bircham Dyson Bell LLP’s ‘knowledgeable and experienced’ team has a ‘wide range of expertise’, including real estate, governance, IP, and data protection. Team head Paul Voller provides ‘considered, effective advice’, and the ‘insightful’ David Darvill is also recommended.

Burges Salmon LLP provides an ‘excellent all-round service’ for higher and further education clients. Recent work for Roger Bull’s team includes advising the University of Exeter on redevelopment projects.

Rowan Ferguson’s team at Dickinson Dees LLP acts for higher and further education clients, and was recently appointed to Leeds City College’s legal panel. Other new clients include York St John University and the Higher Education Academy. The team advised Durham University on construction projects and employment issues.

Tom Rider leads Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP’s team, which has expanded its client base to include universities as well as regulators. The firm advises on regulations, procurement, data protection and IP.

Nabarro LLP provides an ‘excellent service’, and continues to advise the University of Surrey on construction matters. Martin Grabiner and practice head Caroline Newsholme are recommended.

Thomas Eggar LLP continues to advise on further education mergers, and acts for clients including Bromley College of Further and Higher Education. Catherine Wilson heads the team, and Matthew Kelly is ‘professional, succinct and astute’.

Martin Kay heads Blake Lapthorn’s multidisciplinary team, which operates from three offices. Longstanding clients include ISIS, the University of Reading and the University of Winchester.

‘Consistently pragmatic, high quality and value for money’, Finers Stephens Innocent LLP’s ‘first-class’ team continues to advise Havering College on its property portfolio. Michael Kutner heads the team.

Irwin Mitchell acts for Sheffield Hallam University and a number of further education and universities clients in the West Midlands. Michael Longden heads the practice.

Penningtons Solicitors LLP acts for higher and further education providers and operators of private colleges, and advises on immigration, mergers and partial takeovers, and employment issues. ‘Original thinker’ Nichola Carter is recommended, as is practice head Simon Bickerdike.

Roger Inman leads the team at Stone King LLP, which advised the Oxford University Student Union on becoming an independent charity. Other clients include Weston College and Exeter College, Oxford.

Wragge & Co LLP recently advised Birmingham City University on acquiring a site for its new campus.

Bates Wells & Braithwaite London LLP provides ‘exceptional service’ to free schools, academies, independent schools and studio schools. The firm continues to advise the CfBt Education Trust on academy conversions. ‘Star performer’ Mary Groom is extremely active in advising free schools. Julian Blake heads the team.

‘Market leader’ Farrer & Co ‘provides a “Rolls-Royce” service’, with a long tradition of acting for independent schools. Sam Macdonald advised the Independent Schools Council in a judicial review challenge of the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit. Practice head David Smellie is ‘a strategic thinker’ with ‘great tactical awareness’. The ‘practical’ Anthony Misquitta and the cerebral Jonathan Eley are also recommended.

Stone King LLP’s ‘responsive and impressive’ lawyers are ‘experts in the field of education law’. The ‘very professional’ team represents 435 schools across the independent and state sectors. In 2011 it advised a school on threats of industrial action arising from the school’s proposal to seek academy status. Richard Gold, associate Michael Brotherton and practice head Roger Inman are recommended.

Barney Northover’s team at Veale Wasbrough Vizards represents independent schools, maintained schools and academies. It is advising the trustees of The Lytham Schools on a controversial merger which has been challenged by a parent opposition group.

‘Exceptional firm’ Browne Jacobson LLP is ‘expert in all aspects of educational law’ and is at the ‘cutting edge of developments’. In 2011, the team advised various academies on conversions, groups and sponsorship, handled the establishment of free schools, and advised on safeguarding in schools. Practice head Mark Blois and the ‘exceptionally well-informed’ Nick MacKenzie are recommended, as is Richard Freeth, who joined from Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP. Laura Hughes and Dai Durbridge were made up to partner.

RPC provides ‘excellent advice’ to schools regarding parental complaints, constitutional queries, exclusions and admissions, employment issues and academy conversions. The ‘very able’ Geraldine Elliott leads the team.

Winckworth Sherwood represents a number of faith schools, continues to advise on academy conversions, and is the sole legal adviser to The Kemnal Academies Trust. New clients include K12 and the Clifton Diocese. Andrea Squires is the new head of department.

Nancy McGuire’s team at Addleshaw Goddard LLP has been advising councils on the completion of Building Schools for the Future (BSF) projects. The team also advises on academy conversions and gives employment advice to independent schools.

Charlotte Capstick leads Berrymans Lace Mawer LLP’s team across London and Leeds, which advises on issues such as failure to educate, bullying, discrimination, and admissions and exclusions. Richard Wilkins is advising Drayton Manor High School regarding a public campaign against its proposal to adopt academy status. Leeds-based Roy Woollard was recently promoted to partner and is head of the education/children team.

Bevan Brittan LLP acts for a number of local government clients. In 2011, the team advised Medway Council on construction and property matters relating to three new academies. Martin Howe heads the team.

In 2011, Bircham Dyson Bell LLP’s ‘very responsive’, ‘excellent’ and ‘insightful’ team advised charities on sponsoring academy schools. Clients include Dulwich College and Epsom College. Paul Voller heads the practice.

Charles Russell LLP advises various independent schools, including Lord Wandsworth College and Eton College. Team co-heads Andrew Cameron and Duncan Elson are recommended, as are associates Sarah Chiappini and Helen Hutton.

Dickinson Dees LLP has recently provided property, construction, procurement and banking advice to several free schools, and also advises on academies. Rowan Ferguson heads the team, which includes Ros Harwood, who advises independent schools on governance, constitutional and charity law matters.

Lewis Silkin LLP is involved in academies work, including advising sponsors on multi-academy structures, and also advises on employment issues.

Rickerbys LLP has expanded its practice to advise academies as well as independent schools. Alice Reeve heads the group, which recruited senior counsel Matthew Wolton from TPP Law Limited.

‘Real “go-to” lawyer’ Helen Tucker leads the team at Ashfords LLP, which acts for independent schools and academies, and advises on employment issues.

Stephen Hocking’s team at DAC Beachcroft LLP advises on student-related matters.

Devonshires adopts a ‘pragmatic’ and ‘personalised’ approach under Antony Power. The team recently established a free school for the Steiner Academy.

Tom Rider’s team at Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP recently advised on the internationalisation of certain private schools.

Lee Bolton Monier-Williams’ ‘outstanding’ team acts for a number of faith schools, and its ‘understanding of the complexity of Church schools is excellent’. It advises maintained schools, academies and independent schools.

Memery Crystal LLP advises on academies, and in 2011 also advised on matters in the primary school sector. Department head Eugene O’Keeffe provides ‘great advice’.

Jerry Hawthorne’s team at Pothecary Witham Weld advises on admissions, exclusions and immigration issues, and represents a number of faith schools.

Sharpe Pritchard gives ‘consistently good advice’ on academy and free school projects. Annie Moy has ‘excellent subject knowledge’.

Trowers & Hamlins LLP is excellent for school infrastructure projects. Amardeep Gill, Assad Maqbool and team head Helen Randall are recommended.

Wilsons’ lawyers are ‘highly professional’, ‘approachable and prompt’, and ‘accessible’. Clients include Westminster Academy and Yateley Manor School. Practice head Stephen Oxley is ‘always constructive’.

K&L Gates LLP’s ‘excellent and efficient’ group has almost 30 years’ experience in electoral law and continues to advise the Liberal Democrat Party. Other clients include candidates from other political parties, along with agents and returning officers. The firm recently represented local government Liberal Democrat candidate Bob Charlesworth in a complex election petition. Practice head Piers Coleman is supported by Jane Hart-Lovelace and recommended associate Rachel Stephens.

Steel & Shamash has ‘considerable skill and expertise’, and is firm of choice for the Labour Party. Gerald Shamash is one of England’s ‘leading’ electoral lawyers. Barrister Richard Pitkethly, who is praised for his client care and negotiating skills, led an election petition against Croydon’s returning officer regarding an unchartered issue concerning voting access. Frances Randle provides specialist advice regarding eligibility, publicity and defamation matters in local government elections. The team is supported by the firm’s broader public law practice.

Sharpe Pritchard represents returning and other election officers in challenges relating to all UK election results. It has recently been advising on electronic vote counting in the Greater London Authority (GLA) elections. Practice head Ashley Badcock is ‘knowledgeable’ and ‘pragmatic’. Assistant Emyr Thomas has ‘quiet determination’.

Spenser Underhill Newmark LLP defended Conservative councillor Richard Blunt against an electoral petition, which was subsequently withdrawn. The firm’s track record includes defeating a high-profile costs claim, following the Slough election fraud. Dominic Spenser Underhill leads the practice.

Bevan Brittan LLP’s ‘very reliable’ group advises NHS and non-NHS clients on matters such as joint ventures, acquisitions and new hospitals. Practice head John Chapman is recommended, as is Nadia Persaud, who handles inquest work, and newly promoted partner Vincent Buscemi, who specialises in foundation trusts. Elizabeth Cooper joined from Nabarro LLP.

Bindmans LLP provides ‘highly competent and professional service’, and has a track record of advising claimants in ‘pioneering claims’. ‘Genuine expert’ Saimo Chahal was involved in Rabone v Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust, which extended the interpretation of Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights; and continues to advise in right-to-die cases. Chahal and ‘high-quality and thorough practitioner’ John Halford lead the team. Associate Gwendolen Morgan is ‘emerging as a leading practitioner’.

A ‘true specialist in the healthcare field’, Capsticks acts for a number of NHS trusts, the Department of Health, and various private sector clients. It has ‘a large team of experts’ and ‘strength in depth’. Work in 2011 included advising on the transfer of community healthcare businesses. John Witt and Mark Whiting ‘set the standard for others to reach’, and the ‘vastly experienced’ James Reynolds, and new partners Sam Hopkins (‘responsive’) and Duncan Gordon-Smith (‘efficient’) are also recommended.

Elizabeth Adams leads DAC Beachcroft LLP’s ‘excellent’ team, which acts for an array of NHS clients. Recent work includes advising NHS employers on handling industrial action, and acting for a foundation trust on the acquisition of the community service arms of two PCTs. Udara Ranasinghe is recommended, as is adviser Giles Peel, who joined the firm in 2011 from Western Sussex Hospitals NHS Trust as head of the health advisory team.

Hempsons provides ‘excellent service’ and has ‘expertise in complex subjects’. In 2011, the firm was appointed to the Health Trust Europe, NHS Commercial Alliance and Medical Defence Union panels. Key highlights included acting in a judicial review claim, and advising on the transfer of community health services to a social enterprise. Christian Dingwall, Jamie Foster, John Holmes and practice head Bertie Leigh are recommended.

Mills & Reeve LLP gives ‘sensible’ and ‘pragmatic’ advice to NHS bodies and third sector clients. In 2011, Bridget Archibald’s team advised the Healthcare Commission regarding the Francis Inquiry. New clients include East of England Ambulance Service, Derby Hospital Foundation Trust, Macmillan Cancer Support and Assura Medical. Duncan Astill was recently made up to partner.

Browne Jacobson LLP’s clients include the Care Quality Commission and a number of NHS entities. Notable recent work includes practice head Simon Tait’s advocacy in the ‘Cardiac Cluster’ inquests, which concluded in 2011. Oliver Pritchard recently advised on procurement, a proposed joint venture and the transfer of PCT community services.

Eversheds LLP advises public and private sector clients, including several from the life sciences industry. The firm advised NHP, Southern Cross’ largest landlord, and the inquiries and investigations team acted as legal adviser in the Mid-Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust Inquiry. New clients include United Drug and Ramsay Healthcare UK. Bill Gilliam leads the group, which recruited the ‘outstanding’ Clive Lampard from Macfarlanes LLP as a consultant, and Richard Lewis from Hogan Lovells International LLP, to lead the firm’s corporate practice in the life sciences and healthcare sectors.

‘Outstanding’ firm Leigh Day & Co has an ‘extremely knowledgeable’ team, headed by ‘leader in the field’ Richard Stein. The ‘excellent’ Frances Swaine is involved in a judicial review concerning ‘do not resuscitate’ orders. Solicitors Rosa Curling and Merry Varney both enjoy growing reputations.

‘Top legal practice’ Pinsent Masons LLP provides ‘unparalleled support’, and ‘outstanding creative and innovative advice’. It advises on outsourcing, PPP, asset-based investment vehicles and joint ventures, and was recently instructed to advise the Clatterbridge Centre for Oncology NHS FT on procurement of a private sector partner. Barry Francis is highlighted for his ‘superb innovation and creativity and value-added options’, and associate Carly Caton provides ‘exceptionally high-quality and timely work’. Michael Boyd joined DWF LLP.

Addleshaw Goddard LLP’s ‘excellent team’ provides ‘highly focused’ advice to ‘a consistently high standard’. The firm advised on the Transforming Community Services programme, and also acted for Saga on acquisitions, and Trafford Healthcare NHS Trust on redevelopment and regeneration. Michael O’Connor, head of infrastructure, projects and energy, provides ‘highly effective and efficient facilitation and leadership’. Head of the healthcare team Sandra Humphrey and the knowledgeable Andrew Pettinger are also recommended.

CMS Cameron McKenna LLP primarily represents private sector clients, including Nuffield Health, Spire Healthcare, Takeda Pharmaceuticals, and RBS’ healthcare team. In 2011 it advised Integrated Dental Holdings on its acquisition by Carlyle and Palamon. Jason Zemmel and David Day lead the team.

Deighton Pierce Glynn, the result of the recent merger between Pierce Glynn Solicitors and Deighton Guedella, has expertise spanning public and private healthcare, in particular in challenging decisions relating to transplants or refusals of treatment. The ‘exceptionally knowledgeable’ Adam Hundt leads the team, which includes Jane Deighton, who advises detainees on challenges to healthcare provisions. Louise Whitfield is representing service users in challenging an NHS trust’s proposed service cuts.

Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP has ‘many years of expertise in this field’, and advises regulators and charities, including Cancer Research UK. Graeme Nuttall and Neil Palmer have experience advising on NHS spinouts and social enterprises. Sarah Ellson now heads the public and regulatory group, following Matthew Lohn’s appointment as managing partner.

Morgan Cole’s clients include NHS South Central, Yorkshire and the Humber SHA as well as NHS Wales. Eve Piffaretti leads the practice, which advises on acquisitions and disposals, and issues including mental health and fitness to practise.

Andrew Parsons’ team at RadcliffesLeBrasseur advises on regulatory issues, care homes and mental health matters. Works includes partnership arrangements and mergers of GP practices, advising psychiatric treatment providers regarding the running of care homes and hospitals, and participation in inquests. Clients include Barchester Healthcare, Cambian Healthcare and Cygnet Healthcare. Stephen Janisch and Alex Leslie are ‘particularly expert’.

Trowers & Hamlins LLP, which provides ‘a superb level of service’, has recently advised on various acquisitions. Lynn Aglionby leads the ‘excellent’ team, which advises clients including Cambian, Mears and Heritage Care. Rosemary Hart retired.

Weightmans LLP is a ‘“go-to” firm’ which demonstrates ‘in-depth knowledge of the subject’ and produces ‘outstanding performance’. Clients include NHS entities and local authorities, which the team advises in areas such as inquests, mental health law, risk management and complaints handling. Practice head Kiran Bhogal is a ‘star performer’, and shows ‘exemplary judgement’.

Bleddyn Rees heads Wragge & Co LLP’s healthcare practice, which has advised Trafford Healthcare Trust and Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals on M&A. Robert Breedon, who joined the firm from the Department of Health, leads the commissioning practice.

Bates Wells & Braithwaite London LLP is ‘excellent in all respects’. The ‘unflappable’ team acts for representative and regulatory bodies, commercial healthcare entities and government bodies, handling advisory work and litigation. In 2011 it defended South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust in a case of alleged unlawful detention, and advised on a joint working arrangement between an NHS trust and local authorities. Stuart Marchant and Abbie Rumbold head the team. Consultant David Hunter joined from Bevan Brittan LLP.

Bird & Bird acts for various NHS foundation trusts, Kings College Hospital Management and GSTS Pathology. The team has expertise in telephone and IT enabled healthcare, and also advises on joint ventures. Dominic Cook heads the practice.

Charles Russell LLP advises various pharmaceutical and dental clients including Lloyds Pharmacy, National Co-operative Chemists and new client J Sainsbury, and recently successfully defended Teva Pharmaceuticals in a case concerning abuse of a dominant position. The ‘expert’ David Reissner heads the practice, and has ‘excellent knowledge of the pharmacy market’. New partner Noel Wardle is also recommended. Senior associate Jenin Khanam, who specialises in dental issues, joined in 2011 from Ronald Fletcher Baker LLP.

Clyde & Co LLP’s merger with Barlow Lyde & Gilbert LLP in 2011 brought an ‘efficient’ and ‘professional’ healthcare practice which provides a range of advice including employment and regulatory support. New clients include certain NHS trusts, health insurers and a private healthcare company that runs GP practices. Claire Petts and associate Sam Holden are recommended.

The ‘excellent’ team at DLA Piper UK LLP represents public and private sector clients including United Health, Spire Healthcare and Kings College Hospital. The ‘practical’ Stephen Atkinson is recommended. The team was bolstered by Jonathan Lisle joining from CMS Cameron McKenna LLP and Jacqueline Bore from Arnold & Porter (UK) LLP.

Irwin Mitchell’s practice includes litigation and inquests. Clients include individuals (including patients or their families) and charities, and the firm also receives instructions from the Official Solicitor. Yogi Amin heads the team.

Nabarro LLP advised new client Gracewell Healthcare on a number of care home acquisitions and developments during 2011. Other clients include Care UK, the Department of Health and HCA International. Warren Taylor heads the team, which also includes newly promoted partner Stephanie McDonald.

Berwin Leighton Paisner LLP’s ‘experienced’ team continues to advise the Barchester Group on its portfolio. The ‘proactive’ Michael Anderson is recommended, as are team leaders Jim Buchanan and Candice Blackwood.

Bircham Dyson Bell LLP advises on PFI/PPP projects in the healthcare sector.

Brabners Chaffe Street LLP’s clients include NHS foundation trusts, charities and healthcare professionals.

Carter Lemon Camerons has experience advising GPs on establishing federated practices.

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP recently advised Worcestershire Hospital SPC on a PFI monoline replacement.

Langleys Solicitors LLP, led by Susan McKendry, advises on complex medical treatment and end-of-life healthcare cases in the Court of Protection.

Lawrence Graham LLP provides ‘very focused and commercial advice’ to clients in the private healthcare sector.

Healthcare specialist Lockharts provides ‘detailed’ advice to GP practices and local representative committees, and recently advised a medical partnership regarding a disability discrimination claim.

Janita Good’s team at Osborne Clarke advises NHS, private sector and PPP clients, among them Bromley PCT and Monitor.

Projects head Matthew Newing also leads Speechly Bircham LLP’s healthcare practice, which advises on LIFT projects and private sector matters. Meriel Bennett joined from Berwin Leighton Paisner LLP, while Andrew Walsh left the firm.

Edward Johnson’s team at Squire Sanders LLP advises on PFI/PPP projects.

Stephenson Harwood handles projects work for public and private sector clients.

Taylor Wessing LLP provides ‘excellent service’, particularly on PFI and investment matters. Practice head Hamid Yunis and ‘pragmatic’ and ‘knowledgeable’ associate Stephen Tainsh are recommended.

Veale Wasbrough Vizards’ team, led by Ben Willis, recently advised on a potential GP practice merger, and assisted Assura Medical with property matters.

‘Pre-eminent’ local government practice Trowers & Hamlins LLP is acting for Hammersmith and Fulham Council on its Tri-Borough Mutual Pathfinder for School Support Services. It also advised Oxfordshire County Council on a £525m energy from waste PPP agreement. Major regeneration projects handled include Margate’s Dreamland site as well as the Canning Town and Custom House scheme. Council homes self-financing specialist Ian Doolittle led on the establishment of East Kent Housing, and co-heads the practice with Helen Randall. Malcolm Iley is ‘at the head of his field’.

Addleshaw Goddard LLP handles contentious and non-contentious work, including various high-value regeneration schemes such as Doncaster’s Waterdale project. The firm also advised Luton Borough Council on establishing a collaborative procurement for external foster care services and outsourcing its facility management provision; and assisted Cheshire West and Chester Council in relation to long-term leisure provision. Andrew Pettinger, Richard Fleetwood and Mike O’Connor lead the team.

Bevan Brittan LLP adopts a ‘refreshing’ and ‘collaborative’ approach, and is representing Birmingham City Council in the UK’s first local government procurement under the Green Deal Initiative. Contentious work included acting for Sandwell Council in a successful judicial review of education funding cuts, and acting for 123 authorities in ongoing insolvency proceedings against Icelandic banks. ‘Class act’ Bethan Evans ‘knows the sector incredibly well and explains things in a very engaging way’. Her fellow department heads Peter Keith-Lucas and Olwen Dutton are also recommended. Procurement specialist Elizabeth Cooper joined from Nabarro LLP.

DAC Beachcroft LLP’s merger combined two noted local government teams, with new practice head Judith Barnes subsequently joining from Eversheds LLP; Stephen Hocking now leads the overarching public sector department. The firm retains its place on the London Boroughs and Kent Districts consortium, the Sussex consortium, and the North West England consortium, among other panels. It also advised the Improvement and Efficiency South East consortium on procurement issues, and has handled a number of Code of Conduct cases.

Eversheds LLP’s ‘professional’ and ‘dedicated’ practice advises over 200 local authorities. The firm represented Oxford City Council in its formation of a co-investment partnership, acted for five Welsh authorities in equal pay litigation, and helped Carlisle City Council to transfer Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery’s management to a charitable trust. Consultant Frances Woodhead and associate Denis Cooper now lead the team, following Judith Barnes’ departure. Jackie Heeds is ‘an effective team player’ with ‘strong leadership skills’. Stephen Cirell left private practice.

Nabarro LLP’s ‘professional’ and ‘responsive’ team acted on Essex County Council’s £2bn waste PFI and Reading Borough Council’s ICT outsourcing project, and attracted new clients including Hart District Council and Crawley Borough Council. Practice head Stephen Matthew is praised for his leadership and sector knowledge. Public sector IT specialist Belinda Doshi joined from Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP. Stephanie McDonald became a partner, and associate Janet Lewis is ‘excellent’.

Pinsent Masons LLP won a number of new panel appointments and now acts for over 100 local government clients nationally. The team has established expertise in complex PPP projects but has a broad spread of skills. It is advising on Westminster’s long-term housing renewal strategy, and continues to represent three host local authorities in relation to the Hinkley Point C nuclear project in Somerset. Birmingham-based Alan Aisbettand Manchester-based practice head Celia Cullen are recommended.

Berwin Leighton Paisner LLP’s planning expertise is widely recognised, and it continues to advise London Borough of Tower Hamlets on procurement, planning and housing issues pertaining to the Blackwall Reach regeneration. It is also handling corporate structuring, real estate and other issues regarding a major retail development for Epping Forest District Council. Practice head Andrew Yates is valued for his ability to grasp complex issues, and Timothy Pugh is also recommended.

Burges Salmon LLP’s track record includes a groundbreaking joint procurement between Avon and Somerset Police Authority, Somerset County Council and Taunton Deane Borough Council. It is also assisting East Devon District Council with a £200m portfolio of development projects, and advising new client Isle of Anglesey County Council on its new nuclear facility and wider Energy Island Programme. Gary Soloman leads the team.

The ‘first-class’ Sharpe Pritchard shows ‘great integrity and ability’, and acts for over 250 local authorities regarding waste, procurement, development, and PFI/PPP projects, and judicial reviews. It acted for Westminster City Council, London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham and Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea on the procurement of the multimillion-pound Total Facilities Management contract. Head of projects Roseanne Serrelli is ‘exceptional’, John Sharland provides ‘clarity and certainty’, and Tim Farr and practice head Ashley Badcock are also recommended.

Weightmans LLP provides a ‘timely, professional’ service across a range of contentious and non-contentious matters. It represented London Borough of Harrow in a procurement appeal, which became a leading case authority. Graeme Creer heads the practice and is highly recommended, and Martin Edwards is ‘considered and thoughtful’; both are based in Liverpool. The firm’s merger with Vizards Wyeth added Thomas Challis to the team.

Bates Wells & Braithwaite London LLP is ‘excellent in all aspects’. Practice head Melanie Carter, who ‘always delivers on promises’, specialises in external audits, and Abbie Rumbold focuses on mutuals and social enterprises. Solicitor Matthew Orme is also recommended. The firm advised in relation to the judicial review of Eastleigh Borough Council’s plans to fund a new hotel, and is working with various local authorities to develop a national pilot scheme for social work practices.

Herbert Smith LLP, which specialises in major projects and judicial reviews, acted in the conclusion of the City of Sheffield’s £1bn redevelopment of its retail quarter, and is representing Southwark Council in the early stages of a mixed-use regeneration in Elephant and Castle. Andrew Lidbetter leads the team.

Winckworth Sherwood is acting on Wandsworth Borough Council’s £1bn Nine Elms regeneration, which includes Battersea Power Station; the scheme plans to provide up to 16,000 homes and extend the London Underground’s Northern Line to the site. It also assisted Durham County Council with a wide-reaching service delivery review, and is advising Bridgend Council on a £50m leisure outsourcing project. Public sector outsourcing expert Joanna Bussell is ‘excellent’. Simon Randall is also recommended.

Wragge & Co LLP handles development and regeneration schemes, outsourcing projects, and high-level employment matters. It is advising South London Waste Partnership on a major PPP for the London boroughs of Kingston, Merton, Sutton and Croydon, and acted on the creation of The Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership between local authorities and businesses. Practice head Mark Greenburgh is recommended.

The ‘outstanding’ team at Ashfords LLP represented Lambeth Council in three procurement matters, including the Co-Operative Council Project. It also acts on various developments, including Brent Council’s mixed-use regeneration project adjacent to Wembley Stadium. John Bosworth heads the team. Elizabeth Gibson is praised for her knowledge, ‘commitment’ and communication skills.

Ashurst is experienced in joint ventures and regeneration schemes, and recently assisted Birmingham City Council and Birmingham International Airport in a £60m runway extension project. Practice head Anthony Curnow and public law expert Trevor Goode are recommended.

Bircham Dyson Bell LLP provides an ‘excellent level of service’ to local authorities and statutory bodies, specialising particularly in infrastructure matters. The firm is representing Lancashire County Council in its application for a Development Consent Order to build a link road between Heysham and the M6. Nick Brown heads the team. Angus Walker and Robbie Owen are recommended.

DMH Stallard LLP represents London Borough of Croydon on a range of contentious and non-contentious matters, with recent work including successfully defending a complex employment claim involving religious discrimination and advising on threatened judicial reviews of planning decisions. Other clients include Dover District Council, the City of Westminster and the Local Government Ombudsman. Jenny Thorp heads the team.

Mills & Reeve LLP acts for over 70 local authorities, with specialisms including PPP/PFI, outsourcing, procurement and ethical standards. The firm is advising London Borough of Newham on its £180m Rathbone Market scheme, and continues to act on Greenwich Borough’s Blackwall Lane and Commerell Street regeneration. Nathan Holden heads the team.

SNR Denton’s ‘very experienced and competent’ team assisted Test Valley Council in procuring a development partner for Walworth Business Park’s regeneration, and continues to advise Southend Borough Council on its airport expansion, successfully defeating two judicial reviews opposing the scheme. Andrew Bedford and practice head Nick Mott, who is based in Milton Keynes, are recommended.

Blake Lapthorn’s practice includes Code of Conduct matters. Consultant Mary Cox joined from Hampshire County Council. Mike Kendall, also a consultant, heads the team.

Browne Jacobson LLP helped establish the shared legal services of the London boroughs of Merton and Richmond. Dominic Swift heads the team.

DLA Piper UK LLP is advising Halton Borough Council on its £2bn Mersey Gateway project. Birmingham-based Peter Taylor leads the team.

Dickinson Dees LLP acts on a range of high-value procurement, waste, regeneration and education matters. Iain Greenshields heads the practice.

Frances Randle at Steel & Shamash is the Labour Party’s local government solicitor. She specialises in Code of Conduct cases and constitutional issues.

The ‘excellent’ team at Bircham Dyson Bell LLP is advising on High Speed Two, the planned rail link between London and the West Midlands. The firm also advised TfL and its subsidiary Docklands Light Railway on the UK’s first urban cable car system. Other clients include the National Audit Office, Able UK and English Heritage. Jonathan Bracken, Angus Walker and practice head Robbie Owen are recommended.

Winckworth Sherwood is handling Network Rail’s Ordsall and Ipswich Chord projects, and representing the Home Office in an opposed hybrid Legislative Reform Order. Paul Irving is ‘cerebral and thorough’, Alison Gorlov ‘sees the whole picture’, and senior solicitor Hazel Anderson is ‘excellent’. Parliamentary clerk David Walker and senior solicitor Richard Bull are also recommended.

Eversheds LLP’s ‘very high-calibre team’ is strong on rail and ports projects, and has a growing energy sector practice. The firm acted on a harbour revision order for the £400m Dover Terminal 2 project. Monica Peto has ‘strong intellectual capability and creativity’, senior associate Raj Gupta is ‘outstanding’, and department head Stephen Collings is also recommended.

Berwin Leighton Paisner LLP ‘understands the wider commercial context of parliamentary work’. The firm advised the Olympic Delivery Authority regarding its statutory powers and is representing National Grid on its proposed Mid Wales Power Line. Parliamentary counsel Daniel Greenberg ‘knows what he is talking about’, and Andrew Yates and practice head Timothy Pugh are also recommended.

Sharpe Pritchard ‘provides first-class service’. The firm promotes central and local government bills, and acts for public and private organisations. It was recently instructed to support the Thames Tunnel Delivery Team. Practice head Alastair Lewis is ‘dedicated, personable and thorough’. Solicitor Emyr Thomas is also recommended.

Clifford Chance’s integrated, sector-wide practice is ‘responsive’ and ‘highly respected’. It represented James Murdoch in the phone-hacking inquiries, and is advising the Belgian government on Dexia Bank’s rescue package. Other clients include the European Commission, TheCityUK, and Reform. Thomas Vinje, counsel Dieter Paemen and practice head Oliver Bretz are recommended. Former practice head Michael Smyth CBE remains a consultant.

The ‘excellent’ team at Hogan Lovells International LLP assisted the Libyan rebel authorities in unfreezing Libyan assets in the UK to fund the revolution. It is advising SABMiller and various local authorities on minimum alcohol pricing proposals in England and Scotland, and also helping longstanding client Ofgem to implement the Smart Meters Rollout Programme. Practice head Paul Dacam and counsel Charles Brasted are recommended.

Bircham Dyson Bell LLP has advised Asda on several development projects, most recently in Belvedere. The firm also represents Merseytravel in communications activities, and is helping the Health Professions Council prepare for the government’s Health and Social Care Bill. Jonathan Bracken heads the team. Public relations expert Graeme Elliott joined from Network Rail.

Covington & Burling LLP’s ‘excellent and dedicated team’ is supported by specialists in areas such as information technology and financial services. The firm is advising the Business Software Alliance on EU patent proposals, and working with various companies on a strategy addressing China’s trade barriers. Other clients include Microsoft and Privacy international. Practice head Lisa Peets is recommended.

DLA Piper UK LLP’s public affairs and media relations service is advising Standard Life on policy decisions affecting pensions and long-term savings. Other clients include AstraZeneca, Guernsey Association of Pension Providers and TUI Travel. Mike Pullen heads the team, in which Eben Black and Francis Morgan are also recommended.

SJ Berwin LLP’s ‘extremely knowledgeable’ team is known for representing complainants against government and regulators. It also recently assisted Waste & Resources Action Programme (WRAP) in securing a four-year extension to its recycling scheme from the European Commission. London practice head Simon Holmes has the ‘ability to challenge and to think innovatively’.

Berwin Leighton Paisner LLP assists public and private bodies in interpreting statutory powers and campaigning for changes of law. The firm is advising National Grid on the Energy Bill.

Russell Jones & Walker, part of Slater & Gordon Lawyers represents individuals and trade unions on consumer and public interest issues, and offers free advice via the Your Legal Rights website. Practice head Fraser Whitehead specialises in collective compensation claims.

‘Excellent on all counts’, Steel & Shamash handles a range of work for the Labour Party and its members. Gerald Shamash is praised for his ‘client care’ and ‘political nous’. Barrister Richard Pitkethly is also recommended.