The Legal 500

2010 was an extremely busy period for public sector practices. The economic policy of the coalition government has had a significant impact across the sector, and significant budgetary cuts, proposed outsourcing of public functions, and funding restructuring programmes have all generated work for law firms. Judicial review applications increased, with a number of challenges brought by public bodies against local and central government. The Comprehensive Spending Review of October 2010, together with a proposed Spending Review in autumn 2011, also create scope for further disputes and challenges.

In the public law arena, claimant and commercial firms are ranked together in one table. City firms Herbert Smith LLP, Hogan Lovells International LLP and Baker & McKenzie LLP all have standout practices, while Beachcroft, Bindmans LLP and Leigh Day & Co remain leaders on the claimant side. Bindmans LLP also has a market-leading human rights and civil liberties practice, with other firms such as Irwin Mitchell LLP, Bhatt Murphy Solicitors and Pierce Glynn Solicitors singled out for particular expertise in niche areas, including mental health and prison law cases.

The Education Bill 2011 is also set to make changes to schools and institutions, and work continues on academies and the creation of free schools. Proposed cuts to legal aid will affect firms representing individuals in actions against schools, universities and local education authorities. Douglas Silas Solicitors, Match Solicitors and Maxwell Gillott Solicitors are the standout education practices.

The healthcare sector is set for substantial reform once the Health and Social Care Bill is fully implemented. Firms are already experiencing an increased workload relating to GP consortia and outsourcing agreements. Capsticks is the top legal adviser to the NHS, although other firms may benefit from a shift towards private sector provision in the area.

In local government, there is a significant focus on regeneration, planning and procurement projects, with transportation, waste and renewables coming to the forefront through plans for proposed railway links, wind turbines and food waste recycling as an alternative energy source. The Local Government Act 2010 and the pending Localism Bill relating to the powers of local authorities and their structure are also having an impact. There has been a marked increase in the outsourcing of local authority and public services, and to combat the cuts, councils have also started sharing departments and managers as part of a shared services initiative. Eversheds LLP and Trowers & Hamlins LLP remain the forerunners in the area, although there is plenty of competition in the market.

The ‘knowledgeable, professional and supportive’ team at Beachcroft has an outstanding reputation for its work in health and education. Stephen Hocking and Julian Gizzi provide ‘first-class advice’. In 2010, Hocking advised the Higher Education Funding Council for England on funding changes and on the regulatory framework for higher education. Tony Child is a ‘good technical lawyer’, and associate Eleanor Tunnicliffe is recommended for information law.

‘Unparalleled in depth’, Bindmans LLP is ‘full of excellent practitioners’ and provides a ‘first-rate service’. The ‘talented, tenacious and incredibly effective’ John Halford is ‘arguably the UK’s best public and human rights lawyer’, and is currently acting in two judicial reviews against the Nursing and Midwifery Council. A ‘guru of public law’, Stephen Grosz leads the team with ‘great experience and skill’. Other ‘star performers’ include Saimo Chahal; the ‘remarkably versatile’ Tamsin Allen; solicitors Sara Lomri and Gwendolen Morgan, who have ‘tremendous imagination and judgement’; and ‘tireless worker’ Saadia Khan.

Renowned for its expertise in public inquiry matters, Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP was appointed to assist the Al-Sweady Inquiry on witness support matters in 2010. It is also advising the SRA on legal services regulatory reforms. Matthew Lohn is ‘very personable and accessible’, and Martin Smith is noted for his work on the 7/7 inquest. Clients include the General Medical Council and the Human Tissue Authority.

Fielding an ‘outstanding team’, Herbert Smith LLP remains a forerunner in public law. A ‘premier destination’ for clients, the team is advising BAA in a judicial review, and is also representing TUI Travel among others in a judicial review of the Civil Aviation Authority’s decision to enforce common rules on compensation. A ‘star performer’ and ‘the best public lawyer in the City’, Andrew Lidbetter has ‘unrivalled expertise’ in commercial and regulatory judicial review work. ‘Rising star’ Nusrat Zar offers ‘strong practical solutions’, and acts for the National Lottery Commission.

Claimant firm Leigh Day & Co has expertise spanning immigration, planning, unlawful detention and healthcare. ‘At the top of his profession’, Richard Stein leads the ‘impressive team’, which also features Jamie Beagent and Frances Swaine, who regularly acts in claims against the CPS. Alison Millar is a leading figure for education matters, while Sean Humber has prison law expertise. Solicitor Rosa Curling is highly rated for her work on healthcare cases.

Allen & Overy LLP delivers an ‘extremely high-quality service’, and has strength in the regulated sectors, particularly finance and telecoms. Andrew Denny is a ‘star of present and future’, and Peter Watson is ‘shrewd and knowledgeable’. Key mandates for the ‘very strong team’ included advising the former shareholders of a Caribbean telecoms company and a Caribbean bank on constitutional challenges. The team is also advising News Corporation on regulatory aspects of its proposed acquisition of BSkyB. Senior associate Angeline Welsh is ‘exceptional, and never misses the finer points’.

A ‘very high-quality outfit’, Baker & McKenzie LLP is considered a ‘market leader’ in commercial judicial review matters, and has regulatory law expertise covering the media and telecoms sectors. The ‘thoroughly able, professional and objective’ team acts as sole legal adviser to the BBC Trust, and also acts for Camelot UK Lotteries, Cable & Wireless and Inexus. It is praised for its ‘expert’ advice in Competition Appeal Tribunal cases. The ‘superb and charming’ Tom Cassels recently acted pro bono for the United Nations Commissioner for Refugees before the Supreme Court, and is ‘committed and efficient’. Joanna Ludlam and Richard Pike are also recommended.

At ‘top-quality’ firm Clifford Chance, EU and competition partner Elizabeth Morony now leads the team following former practice head Michael Smyth CBE’s move to consultant in 2010. It continues to act for Barclays Bank and the Cayman Tribunal of Inquiry. ‘One of the most proficient assistant solicitors’, Emmeline Rushbrook is ‘remorselessly hardworking and imperturbable’. ‘Excellent all-round litigator’ Luke Tolaini is also recommended.

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP’s ‘excellent regulatory practitioners’ are experienced in commercial judicial reviews. Paul Bowden leads the team, which recently acted for Japan Tobacco International in the judicial review of the ban on displaying tobacco products. William Robinson advised British Sugar in a challenge regarding the UK implementation of the EU sugar regime. Newly promoted partner Tom Snelling has expertise in food regulation cases.

‘One of the best City firms in the area’, Hogan Lovells International LLP provides ‘fantastic service’. The team combines regulatory and policy expertise, advising regulators, commercial claimants and public bodies including Tube Lines, Ofgem and Acromas. In 2010 it represented British American Tobacco in the judicial review of the ban on displaying tobacco products, and also represented NATS against claims made by airlines following the Icelandic volcanic ash crisis. The ‘very good’ Paul Dacam and ‘absolute star’ Charles Brasted both have ‘excellent judgement’. Associate Jamie Potter provides ‘invaluable support’.

Slaughter and May continues to advise HM Treasury on Northern Rock’s £20bn restructuring, and is also advising the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Greece. Isabel Taylor advised the Electricity Supply Board on its acquisition of Northern Ireland Electricity, and corporate partner Jeff Triggs is currently acting as general counsel to Royal Mail. The team draws on firm-wide capabilities, with competition expert Christopher Wright and litigator Elizabeth Barrett singled out.

‘Excellent on all counts’ and strong in cases that have both charity and public sector aspects, Bates Wells & Braithwaite London LLP’s team grew substantially in 2010; ‘strong practitioner’ Shahram Taghavi joined from Simons Muirhead & Burton, and Stuart Marchant, who has healthcare experience, joined from Ridouts LLP. The ‘very experienced’ Melanie Carter was appointed as an independent adjudicator for the Marine Stewardship Council in 2010, advising it on the certification of fisheries, among other matters. John Trotter continues to advise the Institute of Chartered Accountants for England and Wales, and the ‘intelligent, sensible and consistent’ Rupert Earle advises on freedom of information matters.

‘Excellent in all respects’, Bevan Brittan LLP advises health sector bodies, regulators, local authorities, universities and ombudsmen. Iain Miller advised the SRA on the administration of Halliwells LLP in 2010. ‘Able to navigate complex cases’, Emily Heard advised Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council in a judicial review of the Secretary of State’s decision to cease funding to a BSF project. Nadia Persaud and Virginia Cooper are also recommended.

David Mundy’s team at Bircham Dyson Bell LLP ‘turns work around very quickly and professionally’. Its strong parliamentary practice provides contentious advice to regulatory bodies as well as private sector clients. The team is advising the Port of London Authority on the exercise of its compulsory purchase powers, and also acts for the Health Professions Council and TfL. Jonathan Bracken and Richard Langley are recommended.

Providing ‘very high-quality service’, Eversheds LLP has experience across the energy, regulatory, transport, health and education sectors, and also advises on global administrative law disputes. New clients include Cambridgeshire County Council and Telford and Wrekin Council. It is currently advising the Olympic Park Legacy Company on the site’s regeneration. Newcastle-based Mitch Brown has social housing expertise, and is advising Newcastle-Upon-Tyne City Council in a housing stock transfer. Judith Barnes heads the ‘clear and concise’ group from Leeds.

The claimant-focused practice at Irwin Mitchell LLP includes Sheffield-based Andrew Lockley, who recently acted in a judicial review of the Department of Health’s compensation scheme for recipients of contaminated blood in the 1980s. London-based associate Alex Rook has an ‘admirable ability for forensic legal analysis’.

‘Big in energy’, Simmons & Simmons advised a German energy-from-waste company in judicial review proceedings in 2010. It is also advising on the Kolwezi copper tailings project and the Nabucco Gas Pipeline. The firm also has experience in the life sciences, TMT and financial services sectors, and acts for Cephalon and Tfl. Philip Vaughan is recommended. Jenny Block left the firm in 2010, joining postal regulator Postcomm.

Trowers & Hamlins LLP acts for 220 local authorities, and over half of the firm’s clients come from the public sector. ‘Very accessible and flexible’ litigator Lucy James advised KPMG in defending a statutory appeal, and also recently represented The Crown Estate Commissioners in the proposed sale of four residential housing estates comprising 1200 tenancies. Recent work for the team includes advising Newham Council and West Ham FC on its successful bid to lease and operate the Olympic Stadium after the 2012 games, and it was also appointed to advise the London Borough of Barnet on the outsourcing of public services. Helen Randall is praised for non-contentious work. Malcolm Iley is recommended, and Paul McDermott ‘goes the extra mile’.

At Withers LLP, Jennifer McDermott advises the Spoliation Advisory Panel on fair process and freedom of information issues. The team continues to advise the Barclay brothers on a judicial review brought against the amendments of the feudal constitution of Sark, and in a further complaint relating to Sark’s shipping regime. Consultant Harvey Knight acts for individuals being investigated by the FSA. Paul Matthews is recommended for his coronial law expertise.

The ‘great’ Adam Chapman leads the practice at Kingsley Napley LLP. It was instructed in the 7/7 inquest by seven families of victims, and continues to represent Action Against Medical Accidents and The Patients Association in the Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust public inquiry. Stephen Parkinson advised The Law Society in a judicial review of a decision to limit the costs recoverable by acquitted defendants to legal aid rates.

Led by Elizabeth Cooper, Nabarro LLP has a focus on projects, joint ventures, regeneration and public procurement work. Neal Gibson has experience in judicial reviews and procurement challenges. Stephen Matthew is advising the three land-owning stakeholders on the £1bn Watford Health Campus project.

Norton Rose LLP advises on judicial reviews, public procurement, health and safety, and EU state aid and regulation. It is appointed to the legal panels of Ofwat and the Office of Rail Regulation. In 2010 it advised Global Knafaim Leasings in a judicial review against the Civil Aviation Authority, and assisted the Department for Transport on rolling stock procurement. Michael Grenfell is recommended.

‘One of the best claimant firms around’, Pierce Glynn Solicitors’ team of ‘extremely high-calibre lawyers’ has experience in judicial reviews and statutory appeals. Rated for her experience in gender equality cases, ‘clear, succinct and knowledgeable’ senior associate Louise Whitfield is a ‘brilliant litigator’, and the ‘truly impressive’ Adam Hundt in Bristol has healthcare expertise. Sue Willman is ‘very well respected’, and Gareth Mitchell provides ‘highly technical legal arguments’. ‘Clever, tenacious and hardworking’ associate Zubier Yazdani leads on children’s rights.

Phil Shiner at Public Interest Lawyers is recommended for his judicial review experience. Shiner is acting for the victims of the Al-Sweady Public Inquiry, who are alleging abuse and unlawful killing of Iraqi nationals by British troops in 2004. He continues to represent victims in the Baha Mousa Public Inquiry.

The ‘first-rate’ team at Anthony Gold is led by Andrew Brookes. It acts for social housing tenants and homeless applicants in judicial reviews for emergency housing. Clifford Tibber joined in 2010 from Oury Clark Solicitors, and is noted for his work on the 7/7 inquest. The ‘forceful and enthusiastic’ Timothy Waitt has ‘passion and commitment to social justice’.

Bhatt Murphy Solicitors specialises in prison law, police law and immigration detention cases. Raju Bhatt, Mark Scott and Simon Creighton are recommended.

‘The best niche law firm in healthcare’, Capsticks has experience in NHS governance, consultation, procurement, and reconfiguration matters. The ‘expert team’ is advising on the reorganisation of NHS bodies following the pending abolition of PCTs, and is advising the South Central Strategic Health Authority on the fluoridation of water case. David Mason is ‘one of the most competent lawyers for service improvement in healthcare’, and Gerard Hanratty is also recommended.

DLA Piper UK LLP has contentious public law experience. Leeds-based litigator Paul Stone advises in judicial reviews, and corporate governance and freedom of information cases. Clients have included TfL and Rockware Glass.

Providing ‘exceptional service’, the ‘meticulous’ team at Maxwell Gillott Solicitors advises on community care and educational issues. Valued for her ‘great compassion’ and ‘sound advice’, Angela Jackman recently acted in a judicial review against a local authority concerning the financial support for the care of three children. Recommended for his ‘empathy with clients’, Oliver Studdert handles youth offender cases, and recently won a case in the House of Lords on behalf of a 17-year-old boy.

Olswang’s public procurement team, led by Melanie Collier, advises on public tenders, assisting on pre-procurement planning through to bidding and related disputes. The ‘very clever’ Dan Tench is recommended.

SNR Denton’s focus remains within the PFI/PPP arena, where clients have included Virgin Rail and Postcomm. Richard Caird is ‘experienced and effective’, and senior associate Zara Skelton is an ‘excellent litigator’.

Highly recommended for commercial judicial reviews and procurement claims, Taylor Wessing LLP is ‘increasingly visible in public law disputes’, making ‘significant strides’. The ‘dedicated’ Len Murray has a ‘high-calibre intellect’ and ‘consummate client-handling skills’. The team is advising the QCDA on public procurement and confidentiality issues.

At BCL Burton Copeland, Jane Glass is ‘selfless, devoted and exceptional’, and Michael Drury is a ‘safe pair of hands’.

The Bristol and Plymouth-based team at Bond Pearce LLP is recommended for planning and environment matters.

Nottingham-based Richard Barlow at Browne Jacobson LLP is noted for housing and planning.

Duncan Lewis & Co is recommended for immigration, community care, judicial review and prison cases.

Hickman and Rose is noted for judicial review work with a criminal justice and human rights focus.

Hodge Jones & Allen LLP is recommended for its human rights and judicial review expertise.

Mills & Reeve LLP's ‘extremely professional’ team has regulatory and healthcare sector experience.

Consultant Peter Stockwell at Payne Hicks Beach is recommended for public inquiries.

Pinsent Masons LLP is noted for local government and public procurement work.

Alastair Wallace at Public Law Solicitors is recommended for planning and community care cases.

Akhtar Raja at Quist Solicitors, who represents private colleges in cases against the UK Border Agency, is ‘highly innovative’.

Richard Buxton is recommended for planning and environmental judicial reviews.

Russell Jones & Walker handles gender equality cases and police judicial reviews; Edward Cooper is ‘deeply impressive’.

Trevor Griffiths at Sharpe Pritchard is recommended for local authority work.

Kiran Bhogal leads an ‘unquestionably excellent’ team at Weightmans LLP, which handles healthcare, police and local government work.

The ‘pragmatic and insightful’ John Cooper at Wragge & Co LLP is noted for his regulatory expertise.

Providing ‘first-rate service’, the ‘pre-eminent’ team at Bindmans LLP advises on death in custody, mental health and disability cases, in addition to freedom of speech and police actions. John Halford provides ‘clear and unambiguous leadership and guidance’, and is valued for his ‘acute drafting skills, persistence and decisiveness’. Halford and ‘top litigator’ Stephen Grosz are advising families of the victims of an attack in colonial Malaya in 1948 in a challenge to the legality of the killings. Paul Ridge acted in respect of the Parliament Square protest, and Saimo Chahal acted for a paraplegic prisoner in a disability discrimination claim. Associate Chez Cotton is a ‘tenacious and committed litigator’. Sara Lomri offers ‘frank and realistic advice’; Saadia Khan is ‘invaluable’; and Gwendolen Morgan has the ‘tact and sensitivity to deal with sensitive and difficult issues’. Criminal partner Mike Schwarz is also recommended.

Praised for its ‘extraordinary diligence and attention to detail’, Bhatt Murphy Solicitors is ‘more than willing to challenge established orthodoxy’. The ‘outstanding’ Hamish Arnott is highly rated for immigration detention work, and Simon Creighton advises life-sentence prisoners on innocence and release matters. Raju Bhatt acts in police law cases, and advised on the Blair Peach case in 2010. Mark Scott, Fiona Murphy and Tony Murphy are also recommended.

At specialist human rights firm Birnberg Peirce & Partners, ‘outstanding practitioner’ Gareth Peirce continues to do ‘high-quality and cutting-edge legal work’, and is representing a range of asylum seekers and detainees held without trial, including prisoners of Guantanamo Bay. Ronnie Graham is ‘excellent’; Henry Miller is ‘very good’; and Marcia Willis Stewart is also recommended.

Deighton Guedalla Solicitors’ Jane Deighton advises on asylum and immigration issues, as well as handling actions against the police and human rights criminal cases. ‘Tireless worker’ Sarah Ricca has a ‘real ability to focus on the issues at hand’, and Lochlinn Parker is also recommended.

At Leigh Day & Co, Frances Swaine is representing a team of independent doctors in their application to re-open the inquest into the death of Dr David Kelly. Prison law specialist Sean Humber is advising over 550 prisoners in their applications to the ECHR regarding prisoner voting rights. Richard Stein is recommended, and Alison Millar is singled out for education and health cases. Solicitor Rosa Curling ‘takes care and attention to consider each point of law’.

With ‘expert knowledge’, Pierce Glynn Solicitors’ ‘extremely assiduous, organised and capable’ group is ‘100% on top of complex legal issues’, and has experience in social welfare, discrimination and unlawful immigration detention. The ‘incredibly knowledgeable and dogged’ Sue Willman handles asylum support cases, and Bristol-based Polly Glynn has ‘great expertise’ and is currently active in two cases before the ECHR. The ‘truly impressive’ Adam Hundt, also based in Bristol, has ‘fine legal judgement and tenacity’, and ‘unsurpassed knowledge of health law’. Joanna Thomson is a ‘star performer’, and senior associate Louise Whitfield is ‘extremely accomplished’.

Jules Carey’s team at Tuckers Solicitors is currently ‘leading the way on control order litigation’. The group has experience in bringing actions against the police and in anti-terrorism law, including in complex claims for false imprisonment, malicious prosecution, discrimination and deaths in custody. In 2010 Carey successfully represented a client in a challenge against HM Treasury regarding the government’s asset-freezing regime, and his other recent work includes advising Ian Tomlinson’s family in the inquest into Tomlinson’s death during the 2009 G20 protests. Andre Clovis is recommended, and solicitor Zareena Mustafa has a ‘cool head’.

Claimant firm Christian Khan Solicitors represents individuals in false imprisonment, right to protest and assault claims, and in race, gender and disability discrimination cases against the police and the Ministry of Justice. A ‘market leader in human rights law’, Louise Christian is representing the widow of Alexander Litvinenko in a case before the ECHR against the Russian government. Sarah McSherry is representing students in claims relating to the kettling of protesters at the 2010 tuition fees protest. The ‘very impressive’ Katherine Craig is a ‘rising star’.

Hickman and Rose represents victims of crime and suspects in actions against the prison service, the IPCC and the Criminal Cases Review Commission. Daniel Machover, Anna Mazzola and Kate Maynard are singled out in the ‘very good’ team.

Hodge Jones & Allen LLP has a ‘committed and dedicated’ team. A ‘leader in the field’, the ‘outstanding and tireless’ Jocelyn Cockburn is ‘wholly committed’ and ‘fearless in promoting her clients ’ rights’, and acts in inquests into the deaths of soldiers overseas. Susie Labinjoh is ‘prepared to fight’. The ‘highly intelligent and persuasive’ Anna-Louise Thwaites has a ‘practical and creative approach’, and Sasha Barton is a ‘rising star’.

A ‘very good outfit’, Irwin Mitchell LLP advises on prison law and actions against the police, and has particular experience assisting in mental incapacity cases, where it is often instructed by the Official Solicitor. Sheffield-based partners Andrew Lockley and Yogi Amin are highly recommended.

Scott-Moncrieff & Associates LLP advises on human rights cases in the mental health sector. The team acts for individuals against organisations and institutions, particularly hospitals and prisons. Managing partner and Mental Health Tribunal judge Lucy Scott-Moncrieff is recommended.

Beachcroft provides ‘prompt service’, and advises both claimants and defendants in human rights cases. Tony Child acted for Sharon Shoesmith in her successful judicial review challenge against Ofsted for unfair dismissal following the Baby P case; and also successfully acted for the Icelandic Federation of Master Builders in a challenge to the legality of Icelandic business taxation. Stephen Hocking is also recommended.

At Fisher Meredith LLP, Stefano Ruis is experienced in matters relating to deaths in custody and arrests during protests and demonstrations, and Andrew Arthur has notable experience in prison law and in bringing actions against public authorities. Solicitors Shamik Dutta and Debaleena Dasgupta are also recommended. Stefan Vnuk moved to Lawrence Lupin Solicitors in May 2011.

H2O Law LLP specialises in advising victims of terrorism. It is currently representing several families of political prisoners and opponents regarding suspicious disappearances in the Republic of Belarus. The team also successfully advised Oriflame Cosmetics in a bid to release three of its employees detained without charge by the Iranian authorities. Jason McCue and Matthew Jury are recommended.

Maxwell Gillott Solicitors handles community care cases, Court of Protection work and immigration and asylum support, and acts in judicial reviews following breaches of human rights or the Mental Capacity Act. Oliver Studdert has an ‘intricate understanding’ of children’s community care; the ‘outstanding’ Julie Cornes is ‘responsive, proactive and tactful’; and Angela Jackman and Emily Gent are also recommended.

Oury Clark Solicitors’ pro bono practice provides human rights advice to international clients. Juliet Oury has notable experience in representing prisoners before the Privy Council, and co-ordinates the Jamaican Pro Bono Panel, representing Jamaican capital prisoners wishing to apply for special leave to appeal to the Privy Council.

At Public Interest Lawyers, the ‘brave, principled and immensely experienced’ Phil Shiner is ‘one of the UK’s most innovative human rights lawyers’, and has an excellent track record of success at the ECHR. The ‘impressive team’ also features the ‘excellent’ Daniel Carey.

Simons Muirhead & Burton is active in media cases that involve human rights issues, and in cases of contempt of public law, defamation, and breach of confidence. Litigator Louis Charalambous is recommended. The firm lost Shahram Taghavi to Bates Wells & Braithwaite London LLP in 2010.

T V Edwards Taylor Nichol assists in cases of mental health, wrongful arrest, assault by the police and death in custody. Anthony Edwards and Jim Nichol have acted for a number of individuals accused of terrorism.

Specialist immigration firm Wesley Gryk Solicitors LLP focuses on British immigration cases involving human rights issues. The team is noted for advising lesbian and gay individuals seeking to remain in the UK with British partners. Wesley Gryk is recommended.

Clifford Chance handles ‘high-end’ human rights challenges on a pro bono basis. It recently acted for the National Autistic Society in a Supreme Court case concerning the exclusion of an autistic and disabled child from school.

The ‘tenacious and committed’ team at Duncan Lewis & Co advises on immigration, asylum, human rights, unlawful detention and prison matters. James Packer is a ‘top-level performer’ and has an ‘exceptional grasp of detail’. ‘First-rate strategist’ Naim Rahman was successful in a Supreme Court case against the Secretary of State for the Home Department relating to European Directive issues concerning asylum seekers’ access to employment and permission to work.

With ‘hugely impressive attention to detail’, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP advises on corporate human rights and the right to property. The ‘careful, thorough and thoughtful’ Paul Lomas continues to advise the All Party Parliamentary Group on Extraordinary Rendition. The team is also active in defending claims in the ECHR. Associate Deba Das is ‘hardworking and committed’. Patrick Doris joined Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP in 2010.

The growing team at GT Stewart Solicitors recruited Sophie Khan from Imran Khan & Partners in 2010. The team handles protest cases, and cases involving prison and police assaults. Greg Stewart ‘works tirelessly’ and has a ‘particular flair for standing up for young and vulnerable clients’.

Gherson provides ‘exceptional service’ and specialises in immigration, human rights, asylum and extradition cases. Led by the ‘extremely tenacious’ Roger Gherson, the team also defends politically motivated prosecutions, and has multi-jurisdictional expertise.

Herbert Smith LLP is acting for Public Law Project on a pro bono basis in a Supreme Court appeal. It also represented Justice and Liberty before the Supreme Court in two cases relating to the use of secret evidence. ‘A master in his field’, Andrew Lidbetter is able to ‘disseminate complex legal points in layman’s terms’.

The ‘very good’ Howells LLP acts for claimants in judicial reviews and inquests against the police and other public bodies. Peter Mahy has represented clients in the ECHR and the House of Lords.

Imran Khan & Partners advises on appeals, public inquiries and inquests relating to deaths in custody and wrongful arrest. Imran Khan is renowned for his longstanding experience. Sophie Khan joined GT Stewart Solicitors in 2010.

Lester Morrill is ‘one of the best in the country for civil liberties inquest work’. With an ‘outstanding record of hard work’ in coroners’ inquests, the ‘level-headed’ Fiona Borrill is praised for ‘championing the rights’ of bereaved families seeking justice for deaths in police and psychiatric custody.

With ‘very effective communication skills’, the ‘expert’ team at Steel & Shamash has experience in Court of Protection cases, and advises on housing, community care, asylum and mental health issues. It is regularly instructed by the Official Solicitor, and ‘goes the extra mile for highly vulnerable children, young people and adults’. Janice Kaufman and the ‘excellent’ Anna O’Connell are recommended.

The ‘outstanding’ team at specialist firm Douglas Silas Solicitors is ‘efficient, kind and committed’, and is a leader in Special Educational Needs (SEN) matters. It regularly represents children with cerebral palsy, Down’s syndrome and autism. Name partner Douglas Silas has ‘extensive knowledge’, provides ‘faultless legal advice’, and is ‘pre-eminent in his field’.

Match Solicitors provides an ‘excellent’ level of service on matters relating to higher education, further education and schools, including admissions appeals, sex discrimination, non-payment of fees and bullying. Recent highlights include representing students incorrectly awarded 2:2 degree classifications by a London university. Anita Chopra and Salima Mawji lead with ‘a can-do attitude that spreads to the rest of the organisation’.

The ‘creative, thoughtful and tenacious’ team at Maxwell Gillott Solicitors has ‘unrivalled expertise’ in education law, and in 2010 handled admissions appeals, racial discrimination claims and SEN matters. It recently brought a judicial review challenging uniform policy. Within Elaine Maxwell’s team, Angela Jackman is ‘fantastic’ and ‘second to none’, and Emily Gent is recommended.

The team at John Ford Solicitors advises parents and children on public law issues and judicial reviews regarding education and disability. Name partner John Ford is recommended, and the ‘impressive, quick and very committed’ Karen May is a ‘top education lawyer’.

Langley Wellington advises on all aspects of SEN, admissions appeals, and attendance and home tuition matters. Robert Love is now with Christopher Davidson Solicitors.

Richard Stein’s team at Leigh Day & Co specialises in bringing judicial review cases on behalf of individuals and non-governmental organisations affected by local authority decisions and changes. The team has recently advised on free schools, academies, and admission and exclusion matters.

The ‘very experienced’ Laura Berman leads the newly formed team at Fisher Meredith LLP. In 2010 the three-lawyer group handled admission and exclusion matters, and SEN tribunals.

Michael Longden’s team at Irwin Mitchell LLP advises on SEN and quality of education issues, and complaints regarding degree and exam results. Andrew Lockley is recommended.

Levenes is well respected for its expertise in SEN matters. Chris Barnett’s team also advises on admission, exclusion and transport issues, and further and higher education matters.

T V Edwards’ team is led by Pat Wilkins and advises clients on civil litigation, and discrimination and exclusion matters.

Sarah Palmer’s team at The Children’s Legal Practice Ltd represents parents, adults and students in SEN appeals and disability discrimination claims. It also advises on issues arising from local education authorities’ responsibilities to young children, particularly those with disabilities.

Peter Woodroffe at Woodroffes acts for parents and children in disputes with schools.

The team at Beachcroft is at the forefront of higher education policy change. Work highlights included advising the Higher Education Funding Council for England on policy and funding matters, and advising on the establishment of both the Qualifications and Curriculum Development Agency and the Qualifications and Examinations Regulator. Stephen Hocking heads the team, and Julian Gizzi is also recommended.

The ‘excellent’ Diane Gilhooley heads Eversheds LLP’s ‘outstanding’ national education team, which acts for clients such as Cardiff University, Leeds City College and The University of Manchester. It has recently handled a range of international partnership, collaboration and outsourcing matters, and also advised on the restructuring of the Barnfield College into a group structure. John Hall chairs the team, which includes Glynne Stanfield in Cambridge and John Boardman in Manchester.

Smita Jamdar’s well-respected practice at Martineau continues to provide higher and further education clients with advice on joint venture, employment, and health and safety issues. The Birmingham-based practice caters to a national client base including the universities of Cambridge and York.

In 2010 Mills & Reeve LLP further cemented its position in the higher education sector with appointments to the panels of the universities of Cambridge, Manchester and Nottingham. Work highlights included property, constitutional and joint venture matters. Within Gary Attle’s team, associate Jan Harris is a ‘standout lawyer’ who provides an ‘excellent service’.

Pinsent Masons has an ‘extremely competent’ team led by the ‘remarkable’ and ‘brilliantly minded’ Nicola Hart. Praised for its ‘technical sector knowledge’, the group continues to act for the London School of Economics and City University, and recently advised Nottingham Trent University on the provision of 700 new bed spaces.

The ‘outstanding’ team at Bates Wells & Braithwaite London LLP advises higher and further education clients such as King’s College London, the Royal College of Nursing and London Higher, and was recently appointed to three lots on the London Universities Purchasing Consortium (LUPC). Within Julian Blake’s team, head of employment William Garnett is ‘absolutely outstanding, extremely pragmatic and responsive’.

Farrer & Co’s ‘exceptional’ team advises clients such as Oxford University and Imperial College on employment and constitutional matters, Charity Commission registrations and joint ventures. Julian Smith heads the practice; Peter Wienand is a ‘highly intelligent lawyer, sensitive to clients ’ needs’; and Sam MacDonald and David Smellie both have ‘great depth and breath of knowledge and experience’. The team recently welcomed Frances Barnwell, formerly associate director of legal services of Oxford University.

Martin Howe’s ‘pragmatic and helpful’ team at Bevan Brittan LLP is known for its expertise in construction and PFI, advising clients such as Bristol, Southampton and Oxford universities. It is advising ten universities on the recovery of funds invested with Icelandic banks, and is acting for Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council in Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council v Secretary of State for Education.

Charlotte Capstick’s ‘excellent’ contentious practice at Berrymans Lace Mawer LLP is adept at ‘defending robustly and negotiating tenaciously’. Work highlights included successfully defending King’s College London in a race discrimination case. The team includes Richard Wilkins and Elliot Pound, whose negotiating skills are ‘second to none’.

Stephenson Harwood is particularly strong in projects work, and in 2010 advised the University of Greenwich on a new £76m building. Colin Mackenzie-Grieve’s team is also experienced in issues relating to funding and rescue packages.

In 2010 Bircham Dyson Bell LLP handled governance issues, alternative structures and charity law matters for clients such as University College London and The College of Emergency Medicine. Within Penny Chapman’s team, Jonathan Brinsden has an ‘excellent manner underpinned with strong knowledge’.

Rowan Ferguson’s team at Dickinson Dees LLP advises clients such as the University of Newcastle and Gateshead College on complex freedom of information requests, restructuring projects and employment matters.

Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP advises clients including Ofsted, the Department of Education and the UK Commission for Education and Skills on restructuring, employment and intellectual property matters. Tom Rider leads the team following former joint head David Gollancz’s move to the Bar.

Catherine Wilson’s team at Thomas Eggar LLP in 2010 advised on the merger of Lambeth and Southwark colleges, and advises clients such as Southgate College and the University of Kent on governance and employment matters. The group acquired a number of new clients following the arrival of new partner Matthew Kelly from Eversheds LLP.

Martin Kay’s team at Blake Lapthorn was recently appointed to two lots of the LUPC. It represents over 30 colleges in Oxford, and universities including Sussex and Reading, on governance, property and employment law issues.

Roger Bull’s team at Burges Salmon LLP acted for the University of Bristol in relation to its new National Composites Centre and a major employment restructuring. Other clients include Cardiff University and the Babcock Group.

Finers Stephens Innocent LLP’s ‘responsive and pragmatic’ team acts for clients such as Havering College of Further and Higher Education and the University of East London. Practice head Michael Kutner is ‘highly experienced, knowledgeable, very approachable and responsive’.

Stone King LLP’s ‘outstanding’ practice is led by Roger Inman. In 2010 it advised on the legal restructuring of the Blavatnik School of Government, and acted for the Oxford University Student Union on its establishment as an independent charity.

Victoria Miller heads the team at McGrigors LLP from Edinburgh. The team is the sole adviser to the University of Aberdeen, and also acts for Robert Gordon University and Motherwell College.

Nabarro LLP is a ‘a national firm with a local presence’ that provides clients with ‘extremely good’ advice. Work highlights included advising the University of the Arts on a redundancy program, and Middlesex University on student protests.

Farrer & Co continues to provide advice to prestigious independent schools such as Eton College. It handles a range of work, from registrations with the Charity Commission to high-profile bullying, child abuse and disability discrimination cases. The team recently acted for the Independent Schools Council in a judicial review regarding guidance on public benefit. Practice head David Smellie demonstrates ‘real understanding, common sense and pragmatism’ and is ‘highly competent’. Sam Macdonald, Anna Gregory, Katie Lancaster, Jonathan Eley, Anthony Misquitta and Serena Hedley-Dent are also recommended.

Stone King LLP’s team has a strong grounding in the education sector, advising some 435 schools, both independent and maintained. Work highlights included acting on a number of academy conversions, advising in relation to industrial action, and successfully defending against alleged disability discrimination. Team head Roger Inman provides ‘reliable, measured and thoughtful advice’, and Richard Gold ‘cannot be bettered’.

Veale Wasbrough Vizards acts for 775 independent schools, and has broadened its client base to include a number of state-funded and academy schools. The team recently advised on Ofsted inspections, charity administrations and the merger of two schools. Barney Northover leads, with support from Yvonne Spencer and Simon Bevan. Clients include Millfield, Roedean and Manchester Grammar School.

Bates Wells & Braithwaite London LLP is ‘consistently excellent on specialist educational expertise’, and provides ‘exceptional value’. The team acts for both independent and state schools, and in 2010 advised on the establishment of the first umbrella body for academies. Practice head Julian Blake is ‘an exceptionally able and deeply committed solicitor ’. Clients include Hammersmith Academy and Canterbury Steiner School.

Reynolds Porter Chamberlain LLP’s ‘responsive, constructive and practical’ team is headed by the well-respected Geraldine Elliott, and was recently bolstered by the addition of Andrew Hodge and Patrick Brodie from Wragge & Co LLP. Work highlights included conducting test-case litigation at the Supreme Court on behalf of NASUWT and ATL.

Winckworth Sherwood has a strong following among faith schools clients such as the London Diocesan Board for Schools. It acted on a number of academy conversions, including that of The Kemnal Academies Trust – the first multi-academy trust to be established.

Addleshaw Goddard LLP has strong sector experience within the projects field, and continues to act in Building Schools for the Future (BSF) schemes on behalf of sponsors, subcontractors and local authority clients. Nancy McGuire leads the team from Manchester.

Bevan Brittan LLP’s ‘highly knowledgeable’ team has strength within the projects arena. In 2010 it brought a number of BSF projects to a close; was instructed in Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council v Secretary of State for Education; and was invited to the James Review. Within Martin Howe’s team, David Hutton has ‘excellent strategic understanding of BSF’ and provides a ‘consistently high quality of service’.

Bircham Dyson Bell LLP’s ‘excellent’ team is appreciated for ‘exemplary quality of service’, and demonstrates ‘first-class professional expertise ’. The team, led by Penny Chapman, acts for clients such as Eltham College and Vernon Educational Trust.

Browne Jacobson LLP is ‘excellent on all levels’, advising on reorganisations, academy conversions and child protection matters. The team also contributed to the government’s education policy. Practice head Mark Blois is ‘responsive, strategic’ and well respected by his peers. Clients include the Girl’s Day School Trust and the General Teaching Council for England

Charles Russell LLP’s ‘excellent’ practice uses ‘creativity and innovation’ when advising its independent school clients, which include Lord Wandsworth College and Merchant Taylors School. Within Andrew Cameron’s team, Michael Scott provides ‘excellent, experienced advice’, and Lynn Povey is ‘absolutely outstanding’.

Geoffrey Davies’ team at Lewis Silkin LLP has a strong academy client base, and in 2010 provided advice on both establishment and operational matters. Clients include Westminster Academy and United Learning Trust.

Nabarro LLP’s ‘highly responsive, very professional’ projects-focused team advises local authority clients on complex BSF programmes, and recently acted on behalf of Kent County Council in the delivery of five academies. Within Elizabeth Cooper’s team, associate Janet Lewis provides a ‘universally high-quality service’.

Employment partner Alice Reeve leads the highly regarded team at Rickerbys LLP. It focuses on the independent schools sector, and provides a broad range of intellectual property, charities and governance advice.

Stephen Hocking’s team at Beachcroft advises clients on governance, charities and competition law issues.

Berrymans Lace Mawer LLP advises both state and independent schools, such as Drayton Manor High School and Wakefield MDC, on matters including conversions, expulsions and policy.

Bird & Bird provides intellectual property and information technology advice to clients such as the Department for Education and Ofsted. Peter Elliott leads.

In 2010, Rowan Ferguson’s team at Dickinson Dees LLP advised a number of councils and schools on academy conversions and the establishment of trust schools.

Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP advises government bodies such as the Department for Education, the UK Commission for Education and Skills, and Pearson Education.

Lee Bolton Monier-Williams acts for academies, independent schools and maintained schools on property, employment and contentious matters.

Eugene O’Keeffe’s ‘highly knowledgeable’ team at Memery Crystal LLP provides an ‘outstanding professional service’. In it 2010 acted on a number of academy conversions, and advised on the Harris Federation of South London Schools.

Payne Hicks Beach handles charity law, property and dispute resolution matters, including admission, bullying and discrimination cases. Theresa Grant Peterkin is the key figure.

Jerry Hawthorne’s team at Pothecary Witham Weld advises education clients on SEN and employment law issues, and is appointed to a number of independent appeals panels.

Helen Randall’s team at Trowers & Hamlins LLP acted on a number of complex BSF projects in 2010, for clients such as Blackpool City Council. Mike Mousdale recently joined from Eversheds LLP.

The team at K&L Gates is known for its work for the Liberal Democrats, and represented Mr Elwyn Watkins, the party’s candidate for Oldham East & Saddleworth in the general election, on his successful petition against Mr Philip Woolas MP’s win. Piers Coleman heads the team and has over 30 years’ experience acting for organisations, individual candidates and returning officers, and political parties.

The ‘unrivalled’ team at Steel & Shamash represents the Labour party across a range of issues, including parliamentary privilege and the conduct of members. It acted for three MPs in the high-profile Supreme Court expenses case of R v Chaytor and others. ‘Knowledgeable, reliable and completely trustworthy’ practice head Gerald Shamash is currently representing Alastair Campbell in his claim for damages against News International in relation to the phone-hacking scandal. He is supported by Frances Randle, the Labour party’s local government solicitor.

Ashley Badcock heads the Sharpe Pritchard team, which advises returning and other election officers on pre- and post-election processes. The team also advises on electronic vote counting and the controversial use of postal voting.

Spenser Underhill Newmark LLP represented the Conservative party in the Court of Appeal case The Conservative and Unionist Party v The Election Commissioner, et al, arising out of the Slough election fraud. Practice head Dominic Spenser Underhill is recommended.

Beachcroft offers expertise across the board within the health sector, including in specialist pensions, employment and regulatory matters, and commercial litigation. Highlights included advising Hull Teaching Primary Care Trust (PCT) on the pensions implications arising from the first completed PCT transfer of healthcare services. The team also advised on a region-wide strategy for compliance with statutory equality duties. The hugely experienced Elizabeth Adams leads the practice, with support from employment head Nick Chronias, Anne Crofts, Jean Richards, Campbell Dye, Corinne Slingo and Julian Gizzi.

Bevan Brittan LLP’s team has ‘excellent industry knowledge’, and acts for 162 NHS clients and 40 non-NHS clients. In 2010 it won a number of new instructions from clients including Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust and Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust, PCTs, and private sector organisations such as Johnson & Johnson. The practice was also heavily involved in Transforming Community Services (TCS) transactions. Stephen Hughes and John Chapman lead a well-established team, based in London, Bristol and Birmingham; it includes Ian Caplan, Joanne Easterbrook and Nadia Persaud.

The highly regarded practice at Capsticks is ‘willing to go the extra mile’, and in 2010 dealt with a number of public sector reorganisations and redevelopments, including advising Wandsworth PCT on the transfer of its £93m community services business and its £15m support services business. Peter Edwards’ team, which acts out of the firm’s Birmingham and London offices, is also at the forefront of policy development, and assisted NHS London with the preparation of guidance for PCTs, GPs and hospital commissioners. Primary care head James Reynolds, Colin Lynch, John Witt, Alison Morley and Gary Hay are recommended.

Bertie Leigh’s well-respected team at Hempsons remains at the forefront of policy change in the NHS. In 2010 the team completed 14 TCS transactions; represented the Department of Health and the National Patient Safety Agency in the high-profile Mid Staffordshire Public Inquiry; and was appointed to all seven health and social care legal services panels across England. The team now acts for 189 NHS organisations, including over 50% of all PCTs. Christian Dingwall, Jamie Foster, Lynne Abbess and Janice Barber are all recommended.

For claimant litigation, Bindmans LLP is ‘absolutely excellent in every way’. The team has an enviable success rate, recently acting in R (Savage) v South Essex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, in which it was found the defendant had violated the victim’s right to family life. The team also acted in the right-to-die case of R (Tony Nicklinson) v MOJ. Practice head Saimo Chahal is ‘the firm’s expert in this field’, supported by ‘an array of talent’. John Halford is ‘an outstanding public law litigator’; Charlotte Haworth Hird is ‘highly intelligent, very thorough and incredibly concise’; and Sara Lomri has ‘a great eye for a novel legal argument’.

Browne Jacobson LLP’s ‘excellent and extremely responsive’ practice represented The George Eliot Hospital in a high-profile inquest into a police custody death; acted for South Staffordshire PCT in the Mid Staffordshire Inquiry; and acted for PCTs such as Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospital NHS Trust on various TCS projects. Practice head Simon Tait and Neil Ward are ‘outstanding lawyers’ who are ‘always willing to go the extra mile’.

Mills & Reeve LLP has an ‘excellent knowledge base’ and provides an ‘impressive service’ to its clients, which include both national NHS organisations and independent sector clients. In 2010 the team represented NHS Cambridgeshire in the highly publicised inquest into the unlawful killings of David Gray and Iris Edwards by Dr Daniel Ubani, and was involved in the pilot GP commissioning pathfinder. Within Bridget Archibald’s team, Dawn Brathwaite provides ‘reliable and sound advice’.

Pinsent Masons continues to lead in the field of commercial healthcare, and in 2010 acted on a joint venture between The Christie NHS Foundation Trust and a global private healthcare company. Michael Boyd’s team also advised Serco in connection with its bid for the franchise of the Hinchingbrooke Health Care NHS Trust. Other clients include Active Assistance, the Department of Health, and Walsall Hospitals NHS Trust. Barry Francis and Joanne Ellis are recommended.

Addleshaw Goddard LLP’s transactional practice continues to act on PFI/PPP health projects, and in 2010 advised on transformational schemes and possible judicial reviews within the sector. Highlights included advising a group of public sector partners on the redevelopment of the former Royal Eye Hospital, Manchester. Head of infrastructure, projects and energy Michael O’Connor leads the team with healthcare head Sandra Humphrey.

CMS Cameron McKenna LLP predominantly acts for private sector clients, advising on M&A, commercial and regulatory matters. Clients have included Sovereign Capital, Ramsay Healthcare and Nuffield Health. Jason Zemmel and David Day head the practice.

Eversheds LLP provides ‘high-quality legal advice’ on public, private and life sciences healthcare, with a large client base including Four Seasons Healthcare, NHS Supply Chain and The Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. Work highlights included advising on the Mid Staffordshire Inquiry, and representing NHS Hull in a judicial review challenge. Bill Gilliam leads a team that includes Richard Moulton and Shirley Wright.

Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP’s ‘strong healthcare regulatory industry knowledge’ aids it in advising regulatory organisations such as the Nursing and Midwifery Council, NHS Direct and the Care Quality Commission. It advised the General Medical Council on matters including the Mid Staffordshire Inquiry, and its merger with the Postgraduate Medical Education and Training Board. Within Matthew Lohn’s team, Judith Chrystie ‘shines’, and Mary Timms and Sarah Ellson are also recommended.

Leigh Day & Co’s ‘enthusiastic’ and ‘outstanding’ practice represents individuals and community groups in a broad spectrum of complex cases. It represented 97 families in the Mid Staffordshire Inquiry, and advised national and local groups and individuals on proposed changes to NHS services. Richard Stein and Rosa Curling are ‘innovative, creative and impressive solicitors’, and practice head Frances Swaine and Alison Millar are ‘completely committed to their clients and leave no stone unturned’.

Morgan Cole advises PCTs, regulatory bodies and central government departments. Work highlights included acting for NHS London in a high-profile project to provide learning and development services to all GP commissioning consortia in London, and acting for the Department of Health in drafting the 2010/11 standard NHS contracts for acute hospital and ambulance services. Eve Piffaretti leads the practice.

RadcliffesLeBrasseur’s broad healthcare practice advises 175 public sector and 80 private sector healthcare bodies, and all three Medical Defence Organisations. Recent work includes advising on GP partnership mergers, acting in nursing home inquests and advising on the new NHS mental health contract. Clients include Care UK, Cygnet Healthcare and Castlebeck Care. Andrew Parsons leads the team.

Wragge & Co LLP’s ‘technically excellent’ team provides ‘very practical, workable solutions in PPP’, and has ‘sector knowledge that surpasses many other firms’. In 2010 the team advised the East of England Strategic Health Authority on the franchise of Hinchingbrooke Health Care NHS Trust, and the competitive disposal of the Bedford and Luton Mental Health and Social Care Partnership Trust. Other clients include Spire Healthcare and Healthcare Intelligence Limited. Practice head Bleddyn Rees and David Hamlett are recommended.

Bates Wells & Braithwaite London LLP is noted for its ‘specialist knowledge in regulatory, health and social care law issues’, and acts for clients including Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust, the Royal College of Nursing, and Asthma UK. Practice head Stuart Marchant is ‘professional, intelligent and knowledgeable’.

Dominic Cook’s team at Bird & Bird advises a number of London NHS Foundation trusts, and in 2010 acted on behalf of GSTS Pathology and Guy’s St Thomas’s NHS Foundation Trust in their joint venture with Serco. The team also advised King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust on hospital management and administration outsourcing matters.

Charles Russell LLP’s team deals with both contentious and non-contentious healthcare matters, acting for individuals and organisations. Work highlights included challenging the legality of six PCT decisions, and advising Sainsbury’s on its growing pharmacy chain. Practice head David Reissner is a ‘leader in this field and is very good at interpreting the regulations’.

DLA Piper UK LLP acts for public and private sector clients, and in 2010 advised the NHS Connecting for Health programme on the structuring and negotiation of the NHS Pathways, and King’s College Hospital on a joint venture. Other clients include the Department of Health and Pfizer. Jim Lavery leads the practice from Birmingham.

Warren Taylor’s team at Nabarro LLP handles corporate and projects matters for clients in the public and private sectors. In 2010 the group advised HCA International on its joint venture with The Christie NHS Trust, and Watford Health Campus on the delivery of a new 600-bed hospital.

Pierce Glynn Solicitors is a ‘leader in the UK in the area of improving access to healthcare’, with ‘encyclopaedic knowledge of NHS legislation’. The practice acted in a number of test cases in 2010, including a case involving access to care for migrants, which resulted in a change of policy by the Department of Health. Adam Hundt is ‘exceptional’, and a ‘careful, thoughtful, modest and astonishingly able solicitor’.

Stephenson Harwood is particularly strong in projects work. In 2010 it advised on the $3.7bn sale of Mumbai pharmaceutical company Primal Healthcare to Abbott Healthcare. Life sciences expert Andrew Edge recently joined from Ashurst LLP.

Taylor Wessing LLP’s healthcare-related expertise extends to infrastructure transactions and the manufacture and supply of medical equipment. Work highlights included advising London International Hospital on £60m funding from a Middle Eastern investment fund. Hamid Yunis’ group recently recruited Stephen Tanish from Addleshaw Goddard LLP.

Trowers & Hamlins LLP’s ‘highly responsive’ team is praised for its ‘unparalleled knowledge of the local authority marketplace’. In 2010 the team handled M&A transactions and judicial reviews for public and private clients such as The Cambian Group and the National Society for Epilepsy. Lynn Aglionby and Rosemary Hart lead the team.

Barlow Lyde & Gilbert LLP’s practice advised Western Sussex Hospital NHS Trust on the high-profile dismissal of a doctor. It gained several new NHS trust clients in 2010.

Berwin Leighton Paisner LLP’s commercial healthcare practice in 2010 advised on a number of fundraising projects, and advised Barchester Healthcare on a joint venture arrangement. Jim Buchanan is the practice head.

Bircham Dyson Bell LLP advises clients on outsourcing of NHS and private hospital services, PPP/PFI projects, and construction matters.

Yogi Amin’s team at Irwin Mitchell LLP advises individuals and charities on cases involving access to life-saving medication, treatment decisions, and home care packages.

Lockharts advises a range of healthcare professionals, service providers and professional bodies. In 2010 it advised on various NHS joint ventures and LIFT projects, and acted in Crouch v South Birmingham PCT. Andrew Lockhart-Mirams has ‘great depth of knowledge’.

Osborne Clarke advises clients such as Priory Healthcare Group, and St Monica Trust. Former practice head Kevin Gibbs recently joined Beachcroft.

Matthew Newing’s ‘absolutely excellent’ team at Speechly Bircham LLP in 2010 advised on a number of LIFT schemes and debt restructuring matters. Clients include Caring Homes.

Ben Willis’ team at Veale Wasbrough Vizards recently advised on the development of the £3.8m Kingswood primary care centre.

Weightmans LLP provides a service that is ‘unquestionably and consistently of the highest standards’. The team advises clinicians and NHS trusts on a range of issues, including inquests and judicial reviews. Kiran Bhogal’s ‘expertise, experience and knowledge in the medical field is unparalleled’.

Eversheds LLP’s team has ‘excellent acumen and industry knowledge’. It undertakes work for over 200 local authorities, and has particular expertise in large waste management and renewables projects. It advised the North London Waste Authority on its ongoing £3bn waste management PPP project, and is advising Southwark London Borough Council on a groundbreaking, carbon-efficient heating scheme. Judith Barnes heads the team, and Michael Grimes, Peter McCormack and consultant Stephen Cirell are also highly recommended.

Trowers & Hamlins LLP demonstrates ‘a high level of specialist knowledge’. The team represented the London Borough of Newham and West Ham FC in their successful bid to lease and operate the Olympic Stadium following the 2012 games. It also advised the London Borough of Barnet in its innovative, high-profile outsourcing of the authority’s regulatory and development functions, and advised Canterbury City Council, Dover District Council, Shepway District Council and Thanet District Council on their joint ‘super-ALMO’. The ‘excellent’ Helen Randall co-heads the team with Ian Doolittle. The ‘passionate’ Scott Dorling, the ‘innovative’ Michael Mousdale and Malcolm Iley are also recommended.

Berwin Leighton Paisner LLP undertakes major regeneration and planning projects for local authorities, as well as restructuring schemes. The team is advising East Sussex County Council on its controversial £100m Bexhill to Hastings link road project, and is also advising Bracknell Forest Borough Council on the redevelopment of its town centre. New client wins include Epping District Borough Council and the Greater London Authority. Andrew Yates heads the team, and Lesley-Anne Avis is also recommended.

Nabarro LLP’s team acted for Sandwell Metropolitan Authority on its £650m waste recycling and street cleansing procurement. It is also acting for Westminster City Council on procurement, PPP, property development and conveyancing matters, as well as its joint venture BSF programme. Stephen Matthew heads the team.

Pinsent Masons LLP’s team has a ‘breadth of knowledge’ and a ‘strong, pragmatic and commercial approach’. The team represents half of the London boroughs, and won two new panel appointments in 2010. It is advising Sutton London Borough Council on its groundbreaking HR shared services project with Merton London Borough Council. Alan Aisbett heads the team. Senior consultant David Taylor has joined the team from DLA Piper UK LLP. Associate Didar Dhillon ‘engenders confidence, respect and trust’.

Addleshaw Goddard LLP acted for Cheshire West and Cheshire Council on the transfer of two-thirds of the council’s leisure business back to the council. The team is currently advising City of London on its procurement and procure-to-pay outsourcing scheme, and the Homes and Communities Agency on varying its £40m funding of the Kidbrooke Vision regeneration scheme in Greenwich. Mike O’Connor co-heads the team with Andrew Pettinger, who is undertaking a part-time secondment at Luton Borough Council.

The ‘impressive’ team at Bevan Brittan LLP acts for over one quarter of the local authorities of England and Wales, including the Local Government Association (a body of 123 local authorities). Peter Keith-Lucas (who has ‘a vast and impressive knowledge of local government law’) co-heads the team with the ‘high-quality’ Bethan Evans. Olwen Dutton, former CEO of the West Midlands Local Government Association, has joined the team.

Herbert Smith LLP undertakes contentious and non-contentious local government work. The team continues to act for the city of Sheffield on the £1bn redevelopment of its retail quarter, and for Bracknell Regeneration Partnership on the joint regeneration project of Bracknell town centre. It also advised the London Development Agency on securing permission from the Secretary of State for the regeneration of Crystal Palace Park. Andrew Lidbetter heads the team, and Richard Forsdyke is also recommended.

Weightmans LLP acts for over 150 local authorities nationally, and is on eight Consortium panels. The ‘practical, robust’ Michael Green acted for the London Borough of Harrow in the landmark Supreme Court case Harrow LBC (Brent LBC and LAML) v Risk Management Partners Ltd. Andrew Cooper successfully defended the local authority in A v Essex County Council. Graeme Creer heads the team.

Bates Wells & Braithwaite London LLP continues to advise councils and local authorities in audit matters and third-sector local government involvement. It represented the Public Fundraising Regulatory Association in its successful judicial review against a local authority. It also recently won a tender by the Department of Energy and Climate Change on the ‘Low Carbon Community Challenge’, and was appointed to the Cabinet Office’s pathfinder mutuals programme. The ‘excellent and practical’ Melanie Carter heads the team.

Beachcroft represents local government ombudsmen throughout the UK, including Northern Ireland, and specialises in judicial review proceedings. The team represented the Public Services Ombudsman (Wales) on the prosecution of Alison Halford for breach of the code of conduct while serving as Assistant Chief Constable of the Merseyside Police. Practice head Tony Child is recommended.

Winckworth Sherwood’s team has ‘wide-ranging expertise’ in procurement, shared services and alternative delivery options, and acts for over 100 local authorities in relation to transfers of services. The team has particular experience in the establishment and use of charitable entities for procurement and regeneration projects, such as the Cornwall Council Heartlands Project, which is supported by £22m from Big Lottery Funding. Joanna Bussell is recommended for her ‘expertise and knowledge in the area and ability to deal with stakeholders’. She co-heads the team with consultant Simon Randall.

Wragge & Co LLP’s team advises on PPP/PFI, waste, procurement, highways planning and regeneration projects. It advised Amey plc on the completion of the £2.7bn Birmingham Highways PFI, and also acted for the local authority in the Supreme Court case Sainsbury’s Supermarkets Limited v Wolverhampton City Council. Other clients include TfL, Mayor of London and the Olympic Park Legacy Company. Practice head Mark Greenburgh ‘absolutely, thoroughly understands local government law’.

Bircham Dyson Bell LLP undertakes work for local authorities and statutory bodies. Recent work includes advising TfL on its cable car scheme; advising on the proposed Northern Line extension to Battersea Power Station; and advising Nottingham City Council on its groundbreaking and controversial workplace parking levy scheme. Robbie Owen heads the department, and is supported by commercial projects head Nick Maltby, who joined from DLA Piper UK LLP.

The ‘client-focused, confident and clear’ team at Burges Salmon LLP advises on joint venture, procurement and commercial contract matters. It acted for the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority in a site disposal programme that included the first online auction for the Bradwell, Oldbury and Wylfa sites. The team also advised East Devon District Council on six new developments comprising the Exeter and East Devon New Growth Point. Gary Soloman heads the team, which was strengthened by the arrival in 2010 of Tim Heywood from Bevan Brittan LLP.

Mills & Reeve LLP advises on high-level CPOs, and Birmingham-based practice head Nathan Holden regularly provides state aid advice. The team is advising London Borough of Greenwich in its £15m proposed regeneration and redevelopment of three sites at Blackwall Lane and Commerell Street, and has recently been appointed to the London Boroughs Consortium.

The team at SNR Denton advises local authorities and public bodies on joint ventures, mixed-use developments and compulsory purchase orders, and has acted for the likes of the Homes and Communities Agency, London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, and London Thames Gateway Development Corporation. Nick Mott heads the team.

Sharpe Pritchard advises on a wide range of local government issues, with particular experience in PPP/PFI projects. Recent work includes advising on a £730m PFI project for a mechanical and biological treatment and IVC waste facility. John Sharland is the name to note.

Ashfords LLP advises on PPP/PFI and procurement projects. It advised Torbay Council on its £400m waste joint venture project, and is currently advising Lambeth Borough Council on its revenues, benefits and customer services programme. John Bosworth heads the team, which was appointed to the London Boroughs Consortium in 2010.

The ‘impressive’ team at Ashurst LLP advises on joint venture regeneration schemes and on the exercise of CPOs, and continues to advise London & Continental Railways in relation to the High Speed 1 line. Anthony Curnow and Trevor Goode are the names to note.

Blake Lapthorn advises local authorities on procurement and PPP/PFI projects as well as governance issues. Clients include the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. Consultant Mike Kendall heads the team.

Clarkslegal LLP advises on procurement, PPPs and outsourcing schemes for the likes of Swansea Council and Caerphilly County Borough Council. Recent work includes advising on various waste management procurement projects. Kirstin Parker heads the team.

DLA Piper UK LLP advises on planning, statutory agreements, PFI/PPP and major infrastructure projects. Howard Bassford heads the team.

DMH Stallard LLP acts extensively for the London Borough of Croydon and undertakes property and procurement work for the City of Westminster. The team also acts for the Local Government Ombudsman, and was appointed to the Surrey and Sussex Consortia of local authorities. Jenny Thorp heads the team.

Davies Arnold Cooper LLP advises the public and private sector on mixed-use and regeneration projects. Practice head Helen Meyler has recently been advising a district council on EU procurement issues, and the team also advised the London Borough of Greenwich on the £1bn regeneration of the Ferrier Estate in Kidbrooke. It is on the panel for the London Boroughs Consortium. Oliver Emanuel is also a name to note.

Steeles Law LLP advises on regeneration and development schemes. It has recently won a place on the panel of the Sussex Council Consortium. David Merson heads the team.

The team at Bircham Dyson Bell LLP continues to advise National Grid in relation to the high-profile Hinkley Point nuclear power station project, and is assisting Lafarge in its applications to the IPC for the diversion of a railway. It is also acting for Able UK on several wind turbine projects. Practice head Robbie Owen is recommended, as are Ian McCulloch, Paul Thompson, Nicholas Brown and Jonathan Bracken.

The ‘commercial and realistic’ team at Winckworth Sherwood provides ‘excellent specialist advice’ on major infrastructure projects. It is instructed by Associated British Ports in relation to wind turbine schemes at Grimsby and Hull Docks. Alison Gorlov has an ‘incredible depth of knowledge’, and obtained a historic victory on questions of hybridity in the Local Government Bill. The ‘brilliant’ Paul Irving heads the practice. Associate Hazel Anderson is also recommended.

Berwin Leighton Paisner LLP is currently advising Thames Water on the Thames Tunnel and Lee Tunnel projects, and is also advising National Grid and Halite Energy on their controversial salt cavern carbon gas storage proposals. Tim Pugh heads the team. Daniel Greenberg joined as parliamentary counsel.

Eversheds LLP provides ‘clear, quality’ advice on infrastructure projects, particularly railway links and harbour empowerment orders. Clients include High Speed 2 Limited, Crossrail Limited, TfL, EDF Energy, Dover Harbour Board and Stena Line. Practice heads Monica Peto and Stephen Collings demonstrate ‘excellent depth and breadth of industry knowledge’.

Sharpe Pritchard represents public and private clients in relation to hybrid bills, harbour revision orders and Transport and Works Act orders. Recent work includes acting for local boroughs and major landowners in petitioning against the Crossrail Bill. Practice head Alastair Lewis is recommended.

Clifford Chance provides ‘principled, top-flight advice’. It advised on the creation of the European Financial Stability Facility, which is backed by €440bn of sovereign guarantees, and works extensively for the European Committee for Interoperable Systems. The firm also serves as a strategic partner of the World Economic Forum. Oliver Bretz heads the team, while former practice head Michael Smyth CBE acts as a consultant. Solicitor Alan Mak is a rising star. Steve Popham has retired.

The team at Bircham Dyson Bell LLP advises on the delivery and development of public affairs, appears before Parliamentary Select Committees, and handles crisis communications and media relations. It is currently advising the Health Professions Council on the coalition government’s health reforms. Jonathan Bracken heads the team, and Robbie Owen is also recommended.

The ‘excellent’ team at Covington & Burling LLP ‘goes above and beyond the call of duty’. It advised the Business Software Alliance regarding reforms to regulatory rules governing cloud computing, and also advised US and UK investment funds on EU regulations governing hedge and private equity funds. Lisa Peets heads the team, and associate Mark Young is also recommended.

DLA Piper UK LLP provides ‘an overall excellent and knowledgeable service’. It advises on public affairs, crisis communications and media relations across the UK, with a developing focus on Scotland. It is currently providing Amazon with general public affairs support. Mike Pullen heads the team. Francis Morgan joined the firm from the Department for Transport, while Suzy Awford has moved in-house.

Hogan Lovells International LLP’s ‘first-rate’ team provides a ‘comprehensive range of expertise’. It is advising the Managed Funds Association on the EU short-selling proposal. It also advises the APPG on extraordinary rendition matters. Practice head Paul Dacam ‘knows what legislation will mean “on the ground”’. Partner Richard Welfare, of counsel Charles Brasted, and associate Jamie Potter are also recommended.

SJ Berwin LLP provides ‘expertise and leadership’ across many areas. It advises the British Private Equity and Venture Capital Association in relation to the Alternative Investment Managers Directive, and also advises on the implications of the Localism Bill. Practice head Simon Holmes and Simon Witney are recommended.

Russell Jones & Walker’s team acts primarily for trade unions and other membership organisations. Representative work included providing advice in relation to the ‘Justice for Jane’ campaign, and assisting The Law Society on the new Financial Services Bill. Fraser Whitehead heads the team.

Steel & Shamash provides ongoing advice on the Political Parties and Referendums Act and the Political Parties and Elections Act. It is also advising a senior member of the shadow front bench on sovereignty issues arising out of The European Union Bill. The ‘outstanding, trustworthy’ Gerald Shamash heads the team.