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Eversheds LLP acted on major regeneration schemes in Abergavenny and at former Corus steelworks. Huw Jones advised local authorities on mass equal pay claims, while civil litigator Nicola Williams worked as part of a cross-office team advising Cornwall Council on a PFI contract dispute. Bridgette Wilcox provides a ‘very responsive service and has excellent knowledge’ on public procurement, acting for Oxfordshire Council and the Assembly Government.

Geldards LLP’s practice is led by public law specialist Huw Williams and advises local and national park authorities as well as the Assembly Government. Williams successfully acted in resisting a High Court judicial review in Iceland Frozen Foods v Newport City Council. Kim Howell and Emma Burns have experience defending local authorities in mass equal pay claims.

Hugh James’ team is led by Ioan Prydderch, with key clients including local authorities, the Assembly Government and University of Wales Institute. Gareth Williams handles litigation, while Richard Lane focuses on procurement. In social care, Mark Powell QC specialises in child protection issues. Shaun Jamieson joined from M & A Solicitors LLP and provides public law expertise.

Morgan Cole’s strength lies in health and social care, acting for local health boards, NHS trusts and regulatory bodies. Eve Piffaretti specialises in mental health equality. In the education sector, Emyr Lewis is experienced in high-value projects, while Matthew Smith leads on employment matters. The firm also advised on multiple race discrimination claims.

Clarkslegal LLP acts for local government, with a niche in environmental waste management. Public sector specialist Julie James advised Blaenau Gwent Council in relation to an ethical standards enquiry and reorganising educational arrangements.

Dolmans Solicitors’ Justin Harris advises on legislation, procurement and joint venture agreements. Key client Swansea Council was advised on pension fund matters, management matters relating to Liberty Stadium, and successful employment tribunal appeals. Adrian Oliver advises police authorities.

M & A Solicitors LLP provides ‘professional service and accurate advice’. West Sussex Council remains a key client, with PFI/PPP specialist Deryn Rees advising on property sales and waste management. Rachelle Sellek and newly promoted partner Claudia Le Gros advised on the provision of academy schools. The team lost Jeremy Williams, who left for an in-house position, while Shaun Jamieson moved to Hugh James.

Niche education law practice Russell Jones & Walker is led by Michael Imperato, who is ‘extremely knowledgable and very direct – he does not waste time side-tracking issues’. Imperato recently challenged the Assembly Government on refusing funding provision to a further education pupil, and acted for certain Welsh schools fighting closure.

MLM Cartwright specialises in education and health matters. Chris Mayers has experience defending local authorities and NHS trusts.

Red Kite Law’s Donna Purchase leads on employment issues for Pembrokeshire College and Pembrokeshire Housing Association.

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Legal Developments in the UK

Legal Developments and updates from the leading lawyers in each jurisdiction. To contribute, send an email request to

  • COUNCIL TAX

    In Harrow LBC v Ayiku [2012] EWHC 1200 (Admin) Sales J held that the word “or” in the Council Tax (Exempt Dwellings) Order 1992, art 3 Class N, had a disjunctive meaning, therefore it was sufficient for the non-British spouse of a foreign student to satisfy one or other of the two conditions, namely being prevented from taking paid employment or being prevented from claiming benefits, in order to qualify as a “relevant person” who was exempted from liability to pay council tax.
    - 11KBW

  • QUEEN’S SPEECH

    Bills already introduced pursuant to the Queen’s Speech on 9 May 2012 include Local Government Finance Bill and Electoral Registration and Administration Bill, both accompanied by Explanatory Notes, which in each case address ECHR compatibility.
    - 11KBW

  • Standards

    In R (Calver) v Adjudication Panel for Wales [2012] EWHC 1172 (Admin) Mr Calver was a member of Manorbier Community Council who successfully challenged the decision of the Panel to dismiss his appeal against a decision by Prembrokeshire County Council Standards Committee censuring him for a number of comments or blogs posted by him on a website he owned and controlled.
    - 11KBW

  • A justified retrospective

    Clive Sheldon - QC debates the pros & cons of retrospective tax legislation
    - 11KBW

  • Public Sector Equality Duty (“PSED”)

    In R (Greenwich Community Law Centre) v Greenwich LBC [2012] EWCA Civ 496 the Court of Appeal held that the Council had had “due regard to the PSED when making changes to its funding of community legal advice services”. At para 30 Elias LJ said:
    - 11KBW

  • Public Sector Equality Duty

    Surrey County Council conducted a review of its Library Service. This culminated in a Report to the Council’s Cabinet. The Recommendations in the Report included that there should be consultation about a community-partnership approach at selected Libraries.
    - 11KBW

  • Judicial Review

    The Judgment of Lindblom J in The Manydown Co Ltd v Basingstoke and Deane BC [2012] EWHC 977 (Admin) repays attention. The Claimant sought to challenge by judicial review 2 decisions of the Council: (1) the Council’s refusal to reconsider its position on the development of a site that it owns (and is the subject matter of a Joint Development Partnership Agreement with the Claimant); and (2) a decision of the Council’s Cabinet approving a selection of sites for development which did not include this site.
    - 11KBW

  • The Health and Social Care Act 2012: impact on adult social services

    After its torrid passage through Parliament, the Health and Social Care Bill received Royal Assent on 27 March 2012. The Act deals principally with healthcare reform, but it also contains some amendments to the legislative framework for social care. It will come into force on a day yet to be appointed by the Secretary of State.
    - 11KBW

  • Immigration update May 2012

    In this issue:
    - Penningtons Solicitors LLP

  • Premium service for tier 2 and 5 sponsors to be launched

    A premium service for sponsors will be launched by the UKBA on 6 April 2012. The service is designed specifically for companies that sponsor international employees under tier 2 and 5 of the points based system and aims to provide them with enhanced support.
    - Penningtons Solicitors LLP

Press Releases in the UK

The latest news direct from law firms. If you would like to submit press releases for your firm, send an email request to
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