Hailed by clients as ‘one of the strongest public law teams in the UK’, Bindmans LLP has a long-established reputation for expertise in traditional claimant, commercial, regulatory, and defendant work, with particular strength in the health and social care, housing, and political sectors. Practice head John Halford is a renowned public law specialist and represents a diverse range of clients, encompassing individuals, campaign groups, regulators, commercial companies and other public sector entities. Karen May’s practice focuses heavily on education and community care judicial review cases, and she regularly appears before the High Court and Court of Appeal. Shirin Marker‘s practice has a particular focus on challenges related to immigration rights and national security, while associate Emma Varley specialises in challenging decisions by local authorities, schools and health bodies.
Administrative and public law in London
Bindmans LLP
Practice head(s):
John Halford
Other key lawyers:
Caroline Robinson; Jessie Brennan; Karen May; Anna Thwaites; Shirin Marker; Emma Varley; Alice Hardy
Testimonials
‘One of the strongest public law teams in the UK. Widely respected.’
‘High quality public law cases, including lots of variety.’
‘The leading public law firm in London – strong team, involved in all of the key cases.’
‘I have particularly noticed Shirin Marker, who is highly efficient and a pleasure to work with.’
‘Top-notch public law and human rights team. Fantastic client relations.’
‘Shirin Marker is first rate, great with clients and counsel, and extremely pragmatic.’
‘Bindmans have a very strong reputation in this area.’
‘A fantastic team of bright, diligent and creative lawyers who always put every possible effort into achieving positive outcomes for clients.’
Key clients
Jean Eveleigh and others
Women Against State Pension Inequality (‘WASPI’)
Helen Timson
Law Society of England and Wales
Age-disputed children
World Uyghur Conference
National Union of Journalists
Sian Berry and Open Rights Group
Mwatana for Human Rights
British Standards Institute
Government of the British Virgin Islands
Good Law Project: Bunzl Health Care challenge
Work highlights
- Acted for WASPI in judicial review proceedings challenging the outcome of the PHSO’s investigation into maladministration by the Department for Work and Pensions in its communication of changes to the state pension age for women born in the 1950s.
- Acting for the Law Society in challenging the UK Government’s decision to ignore the recommendation from the Independent Review of Legal Aid led by Sir Christopher Bellamy, recommending a 15% increase in funding for solicitors’ work as the minimum necessary to sustain the system.
- Representing young people who have been age disputed by the Home Office and/or local authorities.
Deighton Pierce Glynn
Deighton Pierce Glynn fields a team ‘that is dedicated to pursuing the rights of some of the most marginalised people‘, regularly taking on the most complex, novel and high-profile challenges to public authorities in judicial review and private law proceedings, as well as inquiries. Adam Hundt is a leading contact in Bristol and is regularly instructed in significant public law and procurement challenges, while London-based managing partner Polly Glynn regularly handles cases concerning local authorities and accessible housing. Zubier Yazdani typically litigates against public bodies before the Administrative Court in judicial review and damages claims relating to state abuses. Sasha Rozansky recently represented a victim of domestic and sexual abuse who successfully challenged a local authority’s decision to grant licences to an unlimited number of strip clubs, while Ugo Hayter has recently represented victims of trafficking threatened with deportation to Rwanda. Joanna Thomson retired in March 2022.
Practice head(s):
Adam Hundt
Other key lawyers:
Polly Glynn; Sue Willman; Zubier Yazdani; Sasha Rozansky; Ceri Lloyd-Hughes
Testimonials
‘Zubier Yazdani is a truly brilliant solicitor, who uses his great intellect to make a difference in the law while making a real difference in the lives of his clients.’
‘A legal team that is dedicated to pursuing the rights of some of the most marginalised people in the immigration and social support sectors.’
‘Deighton Pierce Glynn is rightly regarded as one of the pre-eminent firms in this area. It is regularly instructed in judicial reviews of significant public importance.’
Key clients
National Aids Trust
Migrants Organise
Refugees for Justice
Operation Black Vote
Bahrain Institute for Rights & Democracy
Fieldfisher
Fieldfisher offers a deep bench of specialists in all aspects of public law advice and litigation; the firm’s areas of expertise range from bringing and defending applications for judicial review, to acting in complex inquests, public inquiries and independent reviews. One of those spearheading the practice is Matthew Lohn, who is highly sought after by individuals and corporates for his knowledge of judicial review, information transfer and fair process. Martin Smith is another key name at leadership level, and brings experience advising private sector organisations on their interaction with public bodies, central government and regulators. Tim Suter has been involved in numerous major inquiries in recent years, including the Manchester Arena bombing and the Covid-19 inquiries, while Sarah Ellson is vastly experienced across key public sectors such as healthcare and education. Carina May is also noted.
Practice head(s):
Martin Smith; Matthew Lohn
Other key lawyers:
Sarah Ellson; Abigail Scholefield; Tim Suter; Carina May; Oliver Carlyon
Testimonials
‘Top public inquiry department in the field.’
‘Martin Smith has encyclopaedic knowledge on all matters in the public inquiry world, works on the biggest inquiries and is a great strategist.’
‘Fieldfisher are at the forefront of acting as solicitor to the inquiry for a number of the largest UK public inquiries; it is a testament to to their skill and expertise at running large-scale inquiries of huge public interest.’
‘Martin Smith is the personification of “calmness under pressure” with not only significant inquiry experience but tactical and legal nous.’
‘Excellent team on the regulatory side of public law.’
‘Matthew Lohn is a first-rate practitioner. He is good with clients and very commercial.’
‘Martin Smith is very strong in work relating to inquests and inquiries.’
‘Fieldfisher are stellar. Leaders in public inquiries by a country mile. Experts who lead the way nationally, especially in running the whole affair.’
Key clients
WildFish Conservation
The Covid-19 Public Inquiry
Independent Standards Authority
The Independent Inquiry into the issues raised by the David Fuller case
Manchester Arena Inquiry
Construction Industry Training Board (‘CITB’)
Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (‘IICSA’)
Council for Licensed Conveyancers (‘CLC’)
The Dawn Sturgess Inquiry
Pearson Education Limited
Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (‘HFEA’)
The Public Inquiry into the Death of Jermaine Baker
Work highlights
- Issued judicial review proceedings for the charity WildFish against the Secretary of State for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs to force the withdrawal and redrafting of the Government’s storm overflow reduction plan.
- Advised the Covid-19 public inquiry on its set-up and establishment.
- Providing ongoing representation to the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority on judicial review challenges, urgent appeals before the Licence Committee, and regular attendance at the Statutory Approvals Committee.
Herbert Smith Freehills LLP
An extension of the firm’s renowned disputes offering, the offering at Herbert Smith Freehills LLP spans all contentious and non-contentious aspects of public and administrative law, including judicial review, tribunal proceedings, government inquiries, and statutory appeal work. Jointly leading the practice are the vastly experienced Andrew Lidbetter and Nusrat Zar, whose combined experience covers an extremely broad range of key sectors including media, telecoms, energy, transport, utilities and financial services. Jasveer Randhawa is another key contact and trusted advisor to major commercial organisations and public bodies and regulators, while senior associate James Wood has developed a solid reputation for expertise regarding professional disciplinary investigations and freedom of information issues.
Practice head(s):
Andrew Lidbetter; Nusrat Zar
Other key lawyers:
Jasveer Randhawa; Anna Eliasson; Christine Iacono; James Wood
Testimonials
‘HSF have been our advisors for over 20 years. They combine excellent sector knowledge with first-class public law advice.’
‘They provide comprehensive, well considered advice, are always available and are on your side.’
‘The best public law team in the City.’
‘Andrew Lidbetter is the country’s leading public law solictor, extremely knowledgeable and a brilliant tactician.’
‘Jasveer Randhawa is already one of the top public lawyers in London, a devastatingly brilliant intellect which she wears commendably lightly.’
‘Andrew Lidbetter is one of the best.’
‘Outstanding public law practice with huge experience.’
‘Our go-to team for public law matters.’
Key clients
High Speed Two (“HS2”) Limited
Stagecoach Group plc
British Sugar plc
Severn Trent Water Limited (“STW”) and Severn Trent Property Solutions Limited (“STPS”)
Post Office Limited
NNB Generation Company (SZC) Limited
Centre for Advice on Individual Rights in Europe (“AIRE”)
AQUIND Limited
Church of England: Several entities including the Church Commissioners and the Archbishops’ Council
Water UK
Neptune E&P UKCS Limited
Work highlights
- Acting for High Speed Two in defending a procurement claim relating to its decision to acquire 54 high speed trains for operation on the UK’s new high speed railway.
- Acting for British Sugar in its judicial review challenge to the decision by the UK Government to introduce an autonomous tariff quota for raw cane sugar with effect from the end of the Brexit transition period.
- Acting for STW and STPS, two of the defendants in group litigation which was commenced by around 140 personal search companies against the major water and sewerage companies in England and Wales.
Hogan Lovells International LLP
Consisting of specialists who can provide public law advice interwoven with policy considerations, Hogan Lovells International LLP acts for a broad range of clients including sovereign governments, UK public departments, and high-profile commercial clients, with particular strength in judicial reviews within heavily regulated industries. Solicitor advocate Charles Brasted leads the practice, bringing a stellar market reputation and exceptional expertise in the energy, financial services, life sciences and technology sectors to the group. Director of government affairs Robert Gardener is another key contact. Solicitor advocate Julia Marlow regularly advises clients, including C-Suite executives, on public affairs strategies and parliamentary engagement.
Practice head(s):
Charles Brasted
Other key lawyers:
Julia Marlow; Andrew Eaton; Robert Gardener; Dervla Simm
Testimonials
‘This is the best administrative and public law firm in the country. The quality from top to bottom is unrivalled.’
‘Charles Brasted must have very exacting recruitment standards!’
‘HL have a cluster of absolutely exceptional associates whose work product is phenomenally good.’
‘The team is led by Charles Brasted, who has seen it all. His judgement is first rate.’
‘This team is simply the best at what they do and, not only that, one of the best law firm teams that we work with. The quality of the advice is superb and they really get under the skin of business and provide excellent strategic advice.’
‘They are superbly creative and you really feel like they are on your side, trying to help your business. They work incredibly well as a team and could not be more responsive.’
‘Goes without saying that Charles Brasted and Julia Marlow are at the top of the game.’
‘The team take a multi-disciplinary approach to complex and sophisticated problems, applying legal expertise alongside pragmatism, building on years of collective experience.’
Key clients
The London Metal Exchange and LME Clear
Uber
The UK Gambling Commission
Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (formerly the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy)
NATS
BDO
The Crown Estate
Rolls Royce
Ofgem
Uber [employment reform]
Patchwork Foundation
Airbnb
NATS
London Metal Exchange
American Airlines
KPMG
Work highlights
- Advising the London Metal Exchange on matters arising out of a situation that took place in the LME nickel market in March 2022 and which resulted in the LME suspending the market and cancelling trades that had taken place during the morning of 8 March 2022.
- Advising Department for Energy Security and Net-Zero on a range of public law issues arising from the administration of Bulb.
- Instructed as Uber’s ongoing regulatory advisors.
Kingsley Napley LLP
Kingsley Napley LLP combines considerable breadth and depth of public and administrative law expertise with the firm’s work in judicial review spanning a wide array of key sectors; recent highlights include proceedings with a nexus to real estate and construction, technology, healthcare, and higher education, amongst others. Practice head Sophie Kemp is a seasoned appellate litigator and specialist in judicial review, offering deep experience in large and complex institutional responses to public inquiries. With over three decades of experience, Adam Chapman
is highly regarded for his expertise regarding public inquiries, major inquests, and information law, while Nick Wrightson’s practice focuses heavily on commercial and regulatory judicial review.
Practice head(s):
Sophie Kemp
Other key lawyers:
Adam Chapman; Nick Wrightson; Emily Carter; Nick De Mulder
Testimonials
‘The team is very focussed and ensures that the right people are in situ to provide the right advice. I also find them extremely organised in terms of setting out clearly what their terms are, their likely costs and their contractual arrangements. The advice given is very precise and detailed and the quality of their correspondence is exceptional.’
‘Nick Wrightson and Adam Chapman are both extremely approachable and I feel I can contact either of them at a moment’s notice.’
‘Dealing with the practice was smooth and uneventful to the extent that administering my case was never worrying. My attention could easily concentrate on the excellent professional advice and information I was given.’
‘They kept me abreast of developments without having to be pursued, were clearly quick to grasp the essentials within my issues, and had a friendly and reassuring demeanour throughout.’
‘A superb mixed team of specialists able to cater for any administrative or public law case.’
‘Key star is Nick Wrightson, a new partner with an outstanding judicial review and public law practice. Nick is able to turn his hand to anything. He is highly knowledgeable, experienced, creative and inventive.’
‘Singularly exceptional attention to detail and preparation for hearing makes them a dream to work with.’
‘Reliable, organised, calm – everything a professional client could want. An attentiveness to the needs of the lay client which marries the personal and empathetic with the practical and pragmatic.’
Key clients
Payment Systems Regulator
Superintendent Robyn Williams
The Institute of Faculty of Actuaries
Kate Brunner KC (in her capacity as Chair of the Isle of Man Independent COVID Review)
University of Cambridge
The Catholic Council for the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse
Catholic Bishops Conference of England and Wales
18 former employees of the London Fire Brigade
Intellectual Property Regulation Board
Free Speech Union
Work highlights
- Acting for the Payment Systems Regulator in the judicial review being brought against it.
- Acted for Superintendent Williams in successfully resisting a judicial review by the Metropolitan Police seeking to have her dismissed.
- Acted for the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries in defending a judicial review challenging the independence and impartiality of its disciplinary structure.
Leigh Day
Operating at the forefront of high-profile claimant work, Leigh Day combines a core set of administrative and public law experts with specialists across a broad range of relevant disciplines, from healthcare and immigration, to refugee law and prisoners' rights. Human rights specialist Jamie Beagent leads the team; his practice focuses particularly on the environment, and the detention and welfare of immigrants and asylum seekers. Tessa Gregory is a vastly experienced litigator and represents a wide variety of clients in complex judicial reviews, including individuals and NGOs. Benjamin Burrows is another key contact and heads the prison law team, while Merry Varney is well regarded for inquests concerning child rights.
Practice head(s):
Jamie Beagent
Other key lawyers:
Tessa Gregory; Benjamin Burrows; Emma Jones; Waleed Sheikh; Merry Varney; Stephanie Hill; Tom Short
Testimonials
‘The outstanding public and administrative law practice for claimants, takes on work of exceptional complexity and importance and is able to win the most difficult cases.’
‘Tessa Gregory has an outstanding practice in complex and factually demanding cases.’
‘Great people.’
‘Tessa Gregory is the best claimant public lawyer out there. She is supported by a brilliant team, with depth of talent right down to the paralegals.’
‘The public law team at Leigh Day is well known and handles heavyweight cases. They have a lot of courage and determination in handling the most politically sensitive cases.’
‘I work primarily with Waleed Sheikh who is the leading national security solicitor in the team with a very heavy caseload and good nous for working out what is behind counter-terror measures taken against individuals where the evidence and reasons are not disclosed in the public interest.’
‘Totally fantastic team. They are hugely hard working and dedicated. They are strategic and forward thinking and are totally on top of the current public law climate.’
‘LD have an extraordinarily skilled and diverse team, covering a huge range of areas with energy, knowledge and enthusiasm.’
Key clients
Over 320 Core Participants in the Infected Blood Inquiry
Wild Justice
Western Sahara Campaign (UK)
Carolin Lucas MP, Alyn Smith MP, Ben Bradshaw MP
Campaign Against the Arms Trade
John’s Campaign
Asylum Aid
The Bureau of Investigative Journalism
Freedom From Torture
Families of Afghan civilians unlawfully killed by British Forces
British Medical Association
Hepatitis C Trust
Asylum Aid
Campaign Against Arms Trade
Friends of the Earth
Work highlights
- Representing Caroline Lucas MP, Ben Bradshaw MP and Alyn Smith MP in an ongoing challenge before the ECtHR which claims that the UK Government’s failure both to institute an independent investigation into Russian interference in UK democratic processes, and to put in place an adequate legislative framework to protect future elections from foreign interference, is a breach of the right to free and fair elections.
- Acted on a series of successful judicial review claims challenging discrimination against two severely disabled men over the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions’ failure to provide adequate transitional payments to protect them and others from a cliff-edge loss of income following their move on to Universal Credit.
Addleshaw Goddard
With a client roster spanning governmental authorities, utility companies, and private sector entities carrying out work of a public nature, Addleshaw Goddard has a strong reputation for defending and forwarding judicial review applications across key sectors, from local government and education, to transport and infrastructure. Heavyweight disputes specialists Bill Gilliam and Simon Kamstra oversee the administrative and public law offering, with divisional managing partner for litigation Mark Molyneux also supporting. Clare Dwyer has acted in various disputes arising from the Covid-19 pandemic, while managing associate Paul Rowley is renowned for his public law and procurement expertise. Legal director Ryan Geldart has also developed strong expertise in the team's contentious public procurement practice.
Practice head(s):
Bill Gilliam; Simon Kamstra; Mark Molyneux
Other key lawyers:
Clare Dwyer; Ryan Geldart; Louise Dobson; Erin Shoesmith; Paul Rowley
Testimonials
‘The AG team is outstanding. Brilliant strategic approach to litigation.’
‘I have been hugely impressed by Louise Dobson. She is absolutely on top of her game and an outstanding public law litigator.’
‘Erin Shoesmith is capable of seeing the detail and the bigger picture and formulating a strategy that hits the commercial and emotional as well as the key legal points.’
‘Excellent administrative law team which brings considerable heft to any proceedings.’
‘Simon Kamstra has seen it all. Louise Dobson is tireless in her dedication to the client’s cause.’
‘Bill Gilliam has first class judgment, provides great leadership to his teams, deploys his knowledge of the law and the commercial needs of his client to great tactical effect and is a pleasure to work with. His client handling skills are excellent and he is utterly unflappable whatever the case might throw at him.’
‘Louise Dobson is a ferocious litigator who goes the extra mile for her clients. She is very focussed on her clients’ commercial needs and is astute in using the law to achieve their required results, whilst remaining sensitive to the optics and relationships.’
Key clients
Department for Transport
High Speed Two (HS2) Limited
Scottish and Southern Energy plc (“SSE”)
Build-a-Bear Workshop Inc (and its UK subsidiaries)
United Utilities plc
University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust
Microgeneration Certification Standards Board
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust
Hallo Healthcare
Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (“CMAL”)
Highlands and Islands Airport Limited (“HIAL”)
SGN plc
Skanska UK Construction Limited & Morrison Utility Services Limited joint venture company “tRIIO” (Grenfell Tower)
Aldi Stores Limited
Scottish Enterprise (SE)
Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE)
Work highlights
- Representing SSE in a statutory appeal to the CMA relating to the Ofgem decision in December 2020 regarding electricity transmission system charges for generators, and subsequent judicial review proceedings.
- Representing the Road Haulage Association in a judicial review regarding the scope of the appellate jurisdiction conferred by s49 Competition Act 1998.
- Representing three bereaved families in the Manchester Arena inquiry.
Baker McKenzie
Baker McKenzie is noted for both its advisory and litigious expertise in the public law context. In addition to a strong reputation for commercial judicial review work, the team offers specialist knowledge in relation to tax, information governance and data, professional conduct, and trade issues, with an increased focus on climate change-related litigation. Joanna Ludlam heads the practice and regularly acts on some of the leading public law cases; recent highlights include the UNHCR’s intervention regarding the Government’s Rwanda refugee policy. Yindi Gesinde and Nadia Banno are also highly recommended.
Practice head(s):
Joanna Ludlam
Other key lawyers:
Yindi Gesinde; Nadia Banno
Testimonials
‘Experience, intelligence, and strategic awareness.’
‘The team is highly skilled and efficient in the management of complex litigation.’
‘Joanna Ludlam is hugely impressive. She provides experience, sound judgement and strategic oversight.’
Key clients
Good Law Project
Former director of GPT Special Project Management (an Airbus subsidiary), Jeff Cook
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
BBC
Work highlights
- Advising the Good Law Project on a judicial review of the Government’s Net Zero Strategy.
- Defending Mr Cook, a former director of GPT, in connection with the criminal charges brought against him.
- Acting for UNHCR in several refugee law cases, including the challenge to the Rwanda policy.
Bates Wells
In addition to being regularly instructed on significant public inquiries and judicial reviews, Bates Wells has particular expertise in advising audit bodies and local government on public sector finance, as well as acting for major charities on regulation, public law challenges and duty spin-outs. Former practice head Melanie Carter moved to Bevan Brittan LLP in July 2022 but the team was bolstered by the addition of co-head Matthew Smith, who has a strong track record on judicial reviews concerning human rights before domestic and European courts, from BDB Pitmans in April 2023. Senior associate Alistair Williams handles matters in the local audit sector, including financial investigations. Claire Whittle has moved to DLA Piper.
Practice head(s):
Matthew Smith
Other key lawyers:
Alistair Williams; Emma Ainsley
Testimonials
‘There is a depth of expertise and pragmatism when acting to secure clients’ interests and core values.’
‘Informed, professional, practical, ethical and supportive.’
‘Alistair Williams is very effective; great on the detail and political judgment.’
‘The firm is excellent, with very good all-round client skills. We like their expertise in this area of the law very much; and we would add that we like the way that they go “above and beyond” in understanding very specific legal concerns, and our slightly quirky modus operandi.’
‘Alistair Williams is an excellent communicator. He has been exceedingly helpful in various, very different, cases, especially judicial reviews, and is well versed in drafting court documents of great complexity, and in negotiating with opponents, in instructing the right sort of counsel, and in liaising between counsel and us.’
‘It is clear that the team have a veritable wealth of knowledge and experience in the public inquiry sector. The speed of communication is impressive and their friendly and approachable nature puts clients at ease.’
Key clients
Canal & River Trust
Social Work England
Advertising Standards Authority
Royal College of Nursing
AQA
Wales Audit Office
The Waterways Ombudsman
The Forward Trust
Airport Coordination Ltd
The Portman Group
RSPCA
Holland Park School
Work highlights
- Representing the Royal College of Nursing in its engagement with the UK Covid-19 inquiry.
- Defending an application for permission for judicial review brought by a complainant against a decision of the Waterways Ombudsman not to uphold his complaint.
- Acting for the RSPCA on its intervention in a judicial review brought by The Humane League.
Bevan Brittan LLP
Having established a leading reputation for high-profile public work spanning both advisory mandates and judicial reviews, Bevan Brittan LLP offers specialists across a number of key sectors, including local government, healthcase, financial services and education. Inquiries and investigations are another key area of strength. Practice head Virginia Cooper has extensive experience handling complex regulatory matters, jurisdiction consultation duties and judicial review challenges. Melanie Carter
joined from Bates Wells in August 2022 and is a leading authority on public sector audit governing, while Olivia Carter has developed a specialism in NHS commissioning issues. Amy Tschobotko regularly handles public law and regulatory cases before the High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court. Stuart Marchant has particular expertise in healthcare and social care.
Practice head(s):
Virginia Cooper
Other key lawyers:
Stuart Marchant; Olivia Carter; Amy Tschobotko; Melanie Carter
Testimonials
‘Excellent team of public law specialists. Represent a large number of high-profile public bodies and do cutting-edge cases.’
‘Olivia Carter is a leader in her field; has unrivalled experience of handling complex judicial reviews.’
‘The Bevan Brittan team has exceptional experience of working closely with public sector clients – understanding their challenges and helping to find solutions that really fit. They combine a lot of practical expertise with real strategic insight.’
‘Amy Tschobotko knows all the law, has great judgment and is always thinking strategically. She is understated but very effective, inspires confidence in clients and brings the best out of everyone around her.’
‘Virginia Cooper is well established, well known and very well regarded. She has huge experience and really adds value to everything that she does.’
‘Great strength and depth of expertise in this area.’
‘Olivia Carter is a stand out individual in the public law/procurement law/healthcare space. Vast experience and very down to earth.’
‘Bevan Brittan has always had a good administrative law team. They are now well placed to become the dominant force in defending judicial reviews.’
Key clients
Financial Services Compensation Scheme Limited
Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman
NHS England
Financial Conduct Authority
University of Oxford
Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, Compliance Officer
Kent County Council
Historic England / English Heritage
Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust
Chartered Institute of Legal Executives
Schools & Nursery Milk Alliance
Local Government Association
London Borough of Haringey
Public Sector Audit Appointments Ltd
Grant ThorntonLLP
Canal and River Trust
Marine Stewardship Council
Work highlights
- Representing NHS England in defending a legal challenge to its decision to terminate a GP’s medical services contract.
- Acting for the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman in a judicial review challenge relating to whether the LGSCO has the power to withdraw final decisions.
- Acted for Grant Thornton in its role as statutory external auditor for Cheshire East Council.
Bhatt Murphy
Acting for a broad range of clients, from protestors and victims of crime, to state detainees and bereaved families, Bhatt Murphy has particularly well established expertise in protecting the rights of women and girls, regularly bringing claims against the police for failure to protect and investigate. Immigration law specialist Janet Farrell is a key contact, and has handled numerous public and private law claims for families detained by the Home Office. Michael Oswald acts on behalf of victims of police misconduct in civil claims, judicial reviews, and the police complaints system, while Jane Ryan is a recognised specialist in prison law and has particular strength in handling independent investigations arising from serious abuse in custody.
Practice head(s):
Janet Farrell; Jane Ryan; Michael Oswald
Testimonials
‘The team at Bhatt Murphy are specialists in dealing with a broad range of public law challenges and are therefore a good port of call for complex claims which may involve a cross-disciplinary aspect. The team is friendly, diligent and approachable while being highly professional.’
‘Absolutely brilliant.’
‘Bhatt Murphy’s public law team is extremely impressive. They are knowledgeable, efficient and very committed to getting the best results for their clients.’
Work highlights
- Instructed by the charity INQUEST in relation to an intervention in a Court of Appeal case relating to whether Article 2 was engaged in respect of the death of a voluntary mental health patient by an overdose of recreational drugs.
- Representing Liberty in a judicial review challenging the legality of the Investigatory Powers Act 2016 which has enshrined digital surveillance methods first disclosed by Edward Snowden.
- Represented Sarah Rennie and Georgie Hulme of the Leaseholder Disability Action Group in a judicial review, challenging the Government’s refusal to implement October 2019 recommendations made by the Chair of the Grenfell Inquiry mandating Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) for all residents whose ability to self-evacuate in an emergency may be compromised.
Clifford Chance LLP
Clifford Chance LLP is highly sought after by major public and private sector clients to advise on public law issues in relation to corporate transactions, strategic positioning and government relations challenges. The practice handles a steady stream of large-scale judicial reviews touching upon environmental, tax, real estate and human rights issues, with practice head and director Andrew Dean highly respected for his public law and procurement expertise. Senior associate Oliver Carroll is experienced in both contentious and non-contentious mandates, and is instructed by a roster of large corporate, financial services and governmental clients. Elizabeth Morony
is also a key contact, especially in the field of judicial review.
Practice head(s):
Andrew Dean
Other key lawyers:
Oliver Carroll; Elizabeth Morony
Testimonials
‘Very strong group.’
‘Andrew Dean is a top quality operator. He brings years of advising on the Government side in to private practice and in doing so is someone you want in your corner. Great legal brain.’
‘Their support has been exceptional, adapting to the needs of a smaller charitable business, recognising the particular constraints and challenges that our business and clients face, and providing responsive service despite the pro bono nature of the support. They are exceptional teams providing excellent service.’
‘Excellent associates who are really interested in and committed to pro bono work across a range of issues. Key partners are readily available to discuss and advise too.’
‘Exceptionally good choice for commercial and regulatory judicial review work.’
‘Oliver Carrol is an up-and-coming practitioner you would entrust with the work of a solicitor with many more years experience. He is both very sparky and reliable.’
‘Andrew Dean makes this practice unique and potential clients should know that a practice spearheaded by Andrew is the go-to for any administrative and public law advice and assistance.’
‘Their strengths are their extensive knowledge and insight of the areas of law in question and their ability to turn around extensive complex work efficiently within tight client deadlines.’
Key clients
Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy
UK Government Investments
NNB Generation Company
Network Rail
UK Government
The Lifescape Project
UKEF
Hertfordshire Independent Living Service
Welsh & Borders
HM Treasury
Official Receiver
UK Debt Management Office
Christie Elan-Cane
Lord Mann of Holbeck Moor; Sarah Champion MP
Work highlights
- Advising HMG as part of its collaboration with Moderna to procure the development, manufacturing and supply of mRNA vaccines and therapeutics to the UK population for the treatment of Covid-19 and other respiratory diseases.
- Advising HMG on the structuring of a multi-billion transaction in a highly regulated sector and as part of Liz Truss’ Energy Taskforce initiative.
- Advising an international private investment client on the legality of policies announced by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.
Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP
Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP is known for the breadth of its public sector expertise, regularly advising major clients on transformational projects, private and third sector collaboration, major outsourcings, procurement, investigations and public sector pensions. Cardiff-based Huw Jones is head of local government and leads on the employment aspects of public sector matters, while in Manchester, Kuljeet Gill has extensive experience in the tax, real estate, banking and construction sectors. In Birmingham, Sarah Jones leads the inquiries and investigations team, while London-based Mukhtiar Tanda leads the governments and infrastructure group. In Birmingham, legal director Isabelle Mitchell has worked extensively on a number of major investigations and public inquiries.
Practice head(s):
Mukhtiar Tanda; Kuljeet Gill; Huw Jones; Sarah Jones
Other key lawyers:
Isabelle Mitchell; Alison Oldfield
Testimonials
‘The team has unrivalled experience in this area and they have the huge resources of a truly national firm at their disposal.’
‘Sarah Jones is a superb team leader, astute and clear in her thinking and having a real flair for getting the best out of them all.’
‘Eversheds Sutherland’s administrative and public law practice team is undoubtedly one of the strongest in the country. It has significant expertise across a range of public law areas, most notably in the area of public inquiries and investigations.’
‘Sarah Jones is a star in the area of public inquiries, she has represented major public bodies in a number of national-scale public inquiries and has also acted as solicitor to the inquiry to a number of prominent investigations.’
‘My experience with Eversheds has been in major public inquiries. Experience and quality throughout the team – they have worked on behalf of inquiries as well as for “core participants” involved in the work of the inquiry and have a well-rounded view of this work.’
‘My knowledge is of the inquiries and investigations team; a grouping that was essentially invented by Peter Jones with Eversheds in the 1990s and his successors have now literally written the book on the topic. The team will be in every major public inquiry somewhere and deservedly so. Their strength of knowledge and expertise is beyond compare.’
‘Having worked with ES over 5 years in relation to a public inquiry, I have had an excellent experience with them. There have been several members of the team who have come and gone during this time, but there has always been a constant management of the team by several senior members.’
Key clients
Ecclesiastical Insurance Office Plc (“EIO”)
The Haemophilia Society
Telford & Wrekin Council
Welsh Language Commissioner
Department for Transport
Housing Ombudsman
Forestry England
National Highways
University of Manchester
Gold Jennings
Gold Jennings is a niche legal aid firm with a public law team renowned for its capabilities in issues concerning migrants' rights, criminal justice judicial reviews, central government decisions, and inquests. Practice head Clare Jennings acts exclusively for claimants in public law matters, with a proven track record successfully challenging state decisions and achieving high-level policy change. Matthew Gold has a stellar reputation for actions against the police, handling complex cases of wrongful arrest, false imprisonment and malicious prosecution.
Practice head(s):
Clare Jennings
Other key lawyers:
Matthew Gold
Testimonials
‘Gold Jennings are brilliant; they fight tirelessly for the rights of migrants, individually but also in terms of systemic issues.’
‘Clare Jennings is just incredible, and definitely the best solicitor I could hope to work with when supporting clients at the organisation I work for.’
‘Gold Jennings is a superb specialist public law practice that punches well above its weight. Matthew Gold is an established hand at the tiller and Clare Jennings is a fantastic litigator. They take on unfashionable cases for some of the most marginalised figures and achieve really impressive results.’
Key clients
Phone Seizure R(HM & Ors) v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2022] EWHC 695 (Admin)
R (Anons) v SSHD- Manston Possession JR
S v SSHD Rwanda
OO v SSHD Rwanda
R(Simpson) v HM Coroner for Portsmouth, Hampshire and Southampton
XD and YZM (Napier barracks litigation)
FSM/ Pupil Premium Group Litigation
HM – Court of Appeal Costs Appeal
Healthy Starts Judicial Review
JR v Legal Aid Agency
JR v Avon and Somerset & also JR of CPS
Work highlights
- Acted in a judicial review challenge to the Home Office’s secret blanket policy of seizing all mobile phones from asylum seekers arriving by small boat.
- Representing asylum seekers against the SSHD for operating a practice, and most likely policy, of seizing all possessions from all small boat arrivals.
- Representing the claimant in a judicial review challenging the Rwanda scheme.
Mishcon de Reya LLP
Mishcon de Reya LLP’s strength lies in the diversity of its work; the firm is well versed in complex judicial reviews, and handles mandates ranging from environmental law to gambling regulation, immigration, data protection and discrimination issues. Katy Colton was promoted to partner in April 2023 and leads the offering, with a proven track record advising politicians, activists, NGOs and charities in relation to complex and contentious issues of equality, administrative law, and human rights. Emily Nicholson and James Libson are also noted.
Practice head(s):
Katy Colton
Other key lawyers:
Emily Nicholson; James Libson; Maria Patsalos; Alexandra Agnew
Testimonials
‘The team at Mishcons is really growing in this practice area. The are collaborative, pleasant to deal with and run cases with care and precision. They go the extra mile to fight for their clients.’
‘Alexandra Agnew is brilliant. She is very hardworking, charming and smart. An all-round great person to work with.’
‘Excellent knowledge of, and contacts in, the political world. A real instinct for litigating in the political sphere.’
‘An excellent mix of creative and expert lawyers at differing levels of seniority, able to take on and deal effectively with any administrative, public law or human rights matter.’
‘Katy Colton is a fizzingly bright and politically and commercially savvy operator.’
‘Alexandra Agnew is a hugely valuable team member, able to turn her hand to anything.’
‘A really impressive public law team, involved in some of the most significant public law challenges of the day.’
‘Katy Colton is an outstanding lawyer, with great strategic plans, amazing writing skills, and thorough understanding of public and political laws. Her work is like the late symphonies of the best of composers.’
Key clients
Public Law Project
Community Windpower
Radiocentre
Criminal Bar Association
Jennifer Webster
Members of the Afghan judicial system
The Lifescape Project
Rohingya victims of violence in Myanmar
Azeem Rafiq
Samir Jassal
Work highlights
- Acting for the Public Law Project in an appeal concerning potential discrimination arising from the use of algorithms in the Home Office’s decision making.
- Acted for Community Windpower in a successful public law challenge to the implementation of a cap on revenue for renewable energy generators.
- Advising The Lifescape Project on an OECD green-washing complaint against Drax Group.
BDB Pitmans
BDB Pitmans has established a comprehensive public law offering, covering the spectrum of litigation, inquiries and inquests, as well as advisory and legislative work, which utilises its notable strength in parliamentary law. With former practice head Matthew Smith departing to Bates Wells in March 2023, the team is now overseen by David Mundy, who brings specialist expertise in the fields of freedom of information, data protection and judicial review to the group. Another key name to note for judicial review work is Richard Langley, who has extensive experience acting for local councils and major regulators.
Practice head(s):
David Mundy
Other key lawyers:
Richard Langley
Testimonials
‘Those I have worked with at BDB Pitmans have been of a noticeably high calibre, both as to their strength of legal ability as well as their pragmatic and deep understanding of how their public body client works and what it needs.’
‘David Mundy in particular is extremely knowledgeable in this field.’
‘This team at BDB Pitmans has particular strength in public law work associated with public inquiries and major inquests, deriving from their experience of acting as solicitors to the inquiry and for core participants/interested persons.
Key clients
Financial Conduct Authority
The Forde Inquiry
Financial Conduct Authority
AP Wireless (UK)
Royal Albert Hall
Manchester Ship Canal Company
Trinity House
Climate Change Committee
Nuffield Health
Powerrapid Ltd
Financial Conduct Authority (Milne)
Financial Conduct Authority (CRA)
Trinsalvage Enterprises Limited
Natural Resources Wales
Work highlights
- Represented the Financial Conduct Authority in a number of judicial reviews.
- Acting for the Manchester Ship Canal Company in legal challenges to restrict the right of sewage companies to discharge sewage into waterways.
- Acting for the Royal Albert Hall on the promotion of legislation in Parliament to revise its constitution.
DAC Beachcroft LLP
In addition to a strong reputation for high-profile and complex judicial reviews, DAC Beachcroft LLP is particularly well known for advisory work on policy development and implementation, as well as regulatory advice. Practice head Alistair Robertson is renowned for his judicial review expertise, especially in the health sector. The team was recently bolstered by the arrival of legal consultant Priyesh Patel from the Government Legal Department, who brings extensive public inquiry experience to the group.
Practice head(s):
Alistair Robertson
Other key lawyers:
Sophie Devlin; Nico Tilche; Priyesh Patel
Testimonials
‘Good strategic and legal advice.’
‘Deep and insightful knowledge of relevant regulatory and public law issues affecting NHS providers.’
‘Alistair Robertson is outstanding, consistently giving very prompt, clear, helpful and pragmatic advice on a wide range of topics.’
Key clients
NHS England & Improvement
The Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust
Guys and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence
Government Legal Department
Nursing & Midwifery Council
UK research and Innovation
Royal College of Physicians
Association of British Insurers
Information Commissioner’s Office
Post Office
NHS Digital
Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman
Human fertilisation and Embryology Authority
Health Research Authority
Patient and Client Council
Work highlights
- Acting for NHS England in the UK Covid-19 public inquiry.
- Defending NHS England in a judicial review challenging the NHS and the Government’s response to the coronavirus pandemic and the impact it had on care home residents.
- Instructed by the RCPCH to intervene in the appeal of two linked cases in which claimants seek to lift anonymity orders granted to doctors involved in the care of children who have died.
DLA Piper
The public law team at DLA Piper provides stellar advice to both public authorities and major corporations and organisations who are impacted by public law decisions, and is regularly instructed by the UK Government as a go-to firm for complex matters. Since April 2022, the practice has been spearheaded by Emma Dowden-Teale, who combines a thriving advisory practice with a busy contentious offering that spans from the Administrative Court to the Upper Tribunals. Claire Whittle joined from Bates Wells in November 2023.
Practice head(s):
Emma Dowden-Teale
Testimonials
‘Market leader in commercial judicial review; particularly in acting for well-known and high-profile companies and organisations looking to challenge regulatory decisions.’
‘Great team of public lawyers. Strength in depth.’
‘DLA Piper’s team is switched on and enthusiastic. They work incredibly hard but also make working on cases with them a fun and warm experience. Cases feel like a real team effort.’
‘The breadth of experience and multi-disciplinary knowledge within DLA’s organisation increased our confidence in their ability to take instruction and act efficiently and effectively in virtually all circumstances even for the most complicated and awkward issues including a complex High Court judicial review matter.’
Key clients
The Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (now the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs
Department of Health and Social Care
Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport
Government Legal Department
NHS Digital
The Disclosure and Barring Service
Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority
British Business Bank
Kellogg Company
Halton Borough Council
Velindre NHS Trust
Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council
Public Law Project
Meta Oversight Board
West Coast Railway Company Limited
Work highlights
- Acting for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office in the UK Covid-19 inquiry.
- Acted for the Department of Health and Social Care and the Government Legal Department in successfully resisting litigation brought by the Good Law Project in relation to the award of several contracts to Abingdon Health limited for the production of a Covid-19 antibody lateral flow testing device.
- Acted for the Kellogg Company in its judicial review challenge the legality and lawfulness of the Food (Promotion and Placement) (England) Regulations 2022.
Duncan Lewis Solicitors
Duncan Lewis Solicitors has established a well respected judicial review claimant practice, representing a spectrum of vulnerable claimants in cases relating to human rights, prison, mental capacity and social welfare issues. The team has recently been representing clients in the lead challenge to the SSHD’s Rwanda policy, with Ahmed Aydeed being a key contact on that front. James Packer is director of the public law department and litigates across a broad range of areas, while immigration specialist Toufique Hossain regularly represents vulnerable individuals, including asylum seekers and victims of torture. Rohena Wallace is also highly recommended.
Other key lawyers:
Ahmed Aydeed; Bahar Ata; Claire Ryan; Gergana Pentcheva; James Packer; Nazia Khan; Rohena Wallace; Toufique Hossain; Vilash Gami
Testimonials
‘DL’s team are representing many of the most vulnerable migrants, often in time sensitive and significant public law actions. They have great tactical awareness and go the extra mile to get results.’
‘Duncan Lewis is a behemoth in the legal aid sector, with particular specialism in immigration and migrants’ rights cases.’
‘It has a large, dynamic team who work tirelessly on the most challenging cases.’
‘DL operates at the cutting edge of claimant public law work with boldness and courage other firms lack. They are willing to take on even the most challenging cases, ensuring representation for many vulnerable clients who would otherwise not have any.’
‘Toufique Hossain is a bold strategic litigator who runs cutting-edge and important legal challenges. He makes the most of his cases and is imaginative and skilful in challenging government action.’
‘Particular mention for Toufique Hossain; he is excellent in this area.’
Key clients
The Public and Commercial Services Union, Care 4 Calais, Detention Action alongside six asylum seekers (AAA & Ors)
HT, Detention Action & Public & Commercial Services Union
10 asylum seeking clients and their families accommodated in Staindrop Lodge Hotel
Helen Amare Teshale (and others)
Women for Refugee Women (‘WRW’) and SPM
HVN (victim of trafficking)
KA and 6 Others
Public and Commercial Services Union and Care 4 Calais v SSHD
PB (Asylum Claimant)
JB v SSHD
EDC V SSHD
CBP v SSHD
VV v SSHD (Windrush Compensation)
Work highlights
- Acting on the lead challenge to the SSHD’s Rwanda policy to remove asylum seekers from the UK to Rwanda.
- Acting on the Manston challenge over wrongful detention in Kent.
Hickman & Rose
With a recognisable strength in bringing public law challenges against decisions within the criminal justice system, Hickman & Rose is a trusted advisor to a wide range of individuals and organisations, including a number of major domestic and international human rights charities. Daniel Machover oversees the practice, which has developed an impressive reputation in connection with inquests and public inquiries, interventions for legal charities in cases of significant public interest, and commercial judicial reviews. Inquests expert Kate Maynard focuses on police, prison and immigration death and serious injury claims, while civil litigator Helen Stone brings public law experience acting in the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court to the group.
Practice head(s):
Daniel Machover
Other key lawyers:
Kate Maynard; Helen Stone; Stefano Ruis
Testimonials
‘Hickman & Rose has a superb adminstrative law team.’
‘Helen Stone is a stand-out performer.’
‘Kate Maynard and Stefano Ruis are excellent – very good indeed here. No-one better and look at the size of the cases Kate is running (most at the same time).’
‘One of the “go-to” firms in this area; extremely experienced and dedicated.’
‘Daniel Machover cares about justice as well as being a brilliant lawyer.’
‘Kate Maynard is outstanding, very professional and leaves no stone unturned.’
‘Stefano Ruis is dedicated to securing effective outcomes for his clients. Stefano takes difficult tactical decisions in a realistic, strategic, and results-driven manner. Stefano has spent many years pursuing difficult public law challenges against the police, and that has given him unique insights and experiences which are of real value.’
Key clients
Alfred Omishore
INQUEST and Stopwatch
The family of Thomas Orchard
Louise Grennan
Carla Cumberbatch
Fresh View Swift Properties Limited
IML/LST
Milicent Christian
5Rights Foundation
Ali Babitu Kololo
Work highlights
- Acting for the family of Oladeji Omishore in an ongoing judicial review of the IOPC’s decision to treat police officers involved the restraint of Oladeji prior to his death as witnesses rather than subjects of a conduct or criminal investigation.
- Acting for two charities as interveners before the Supreme Court in a case concerning the evidential test for determining how and whether police officers may commit misconduct when using force.
- Acted for companies bringing judicial review proceedings of Magistrates Courts regarding their decisions in respect of Account Freezing Orders.
Hodge Jones & Allen
Hodge Jones & Allen fields a team of expert lawyers with years of experience in cases relating to miscarriages of justice, inquests, and actions against the police. Practice head Susie Labinjoh regularly handles civil actions against the police and prison services, as well as leading on political protest cases. Jocelyn Cockburn focuses on environmental justice, while Sasha Barton has extensive experience representing vulnerable victims of violence where the police have failed to protect and investigate. The practice has also established a solid reputation for judicial review work, covering challenges against a range of public entities including the CPS, Independent Office for Police Conduct, and the UK Government.
Practice head(s):
Susie Labinjoh
Other key lawyers:
Jocelyn Cockburn; Sasha Barton
Testimonials
‘Throughout my professional engagements with their firm, I have witnessed their unwavering commitment to upholding the principles of administrative and public law.’
‘Hodge Jones & Allen’s team of dedicated lawyers consistently demonstrate a deep understanding of the complexities involved in this field. Their comprehensive approach, combined with their exceptional legal skills, allows them to effectively navigate intricate administrative and public law matters.’
‘A go-to firm for administrative and public law. They benefit from cross-disciplinary knowledge amongst the teams.’
‘HJA has a stand-out reputation for its public law work and in my experience has provided an outstanding client service in every single case I have worked with the firm on over many years. Be it inquest, inquiry, civil action against the state or its wide breadth of Administrative Court work and judicial reviews for campaigners and individuals, it provides genuine specialist excellence.’
‘Extremely attentive and sensitive to clients’ needs.’
Key clients
The family of Michelle Jones
Grenfell Tower Inquiry
Extinction Rebellion
Ahmed Mohammad Ali Adan
Kings College London Students
Family of Michael McDonagh (Deceased)
Undercover Policing Inquiry – International Solidarity Movement & Others
Jessica Branch, Caspar Hughes and others
The family of Ella Adoo-Kissi-Debrah
The Family of Alex Tostevin
Kristina O’Connor
Neville Lawrence
Work highlights
- Acting for over 50 core participants in the Grenfell Tower inquiry.
- Representing over 75 protestors who were arrested after participating in various demonstrations.
Irwin Mitchell
Irwin Mitchell is regularly instructed by a diverse range of individuals and organisations, including large campaign groups, in complex and high-profile judicial reviews challenging local authority policies and decisions, human rights abuses by public bodies, and wider public interest cases. Practice head Yogi Amin
is well known for handling high-profile cases and strategic litigation, including policy challenges in a broad range of key sectors. Oliver Studdert is highly skilled representing children bringing judicial review proceedings under the Children Act 1989, while Rebecca Chapman’s practice focuses on community care and Court of Protection work. Associate Oliver Carter is developing a strong reputation, especially regarding cases against government departments, local authorities and NHS bodies.
Practice head(s):
Yogi Amin
Other key lawyers:
Oliver Studdert; Rebecca Chapman; Oliver Carter
Testimonials
‘Oliver Carter looks like a public law star of the future. Bright, knowledgable and committed to his clients.’
‘They are the big player on the scene in this area. They are good at what they do, and their associates know their stuff.’
‘Irwin Mitchell’s public law team has exceptional individuals at all levels of seniority. They excel in complex claims and work collaboratively and creatively to achieve excellent outcomes for their clients.’
‘Oliver Studdert is an exceptionally sharp lawyer with a wealth of experience in public law claims. He is creative and thoughtful in case preparation and exudes a calm confidence in his work.’
‘Oliver Carter is an excellent practitioner with a developing public law practice.’
‘The team’s commitment to obtaining the best result for their client is second to none. This includes the time and effort of carrying out FOI requests and data collection exercises in difficult challenges. They offer high quality services in pro bono cases.’
‘Very strong ethical practice, thorough and good access to barristers.’
‘My experience with Irwin Mitchell was 100% positive. Rebecca Chapman always listened to my concerns and responded appropriately. She always had genuine empathy with how I was feeling and dealt with everything I asked her to and more.’
Key clients
Survivors of the Manchester Arena Attack
Two social work managers working in the Children Services of a large Local Authority
Sarah Becker
Linklaters LLP
The public law practice at Linklaters LLP is particularly adept at acting for businesses and public bodies on business critical and complex judicial review matters, with specialist expertise across the media, technology, transport, financial services and energy sectors. Practice head Tom Cassels is a prominent public law figure, representing the UK Government, international companies, and major charities in high-stakes public law disputes. The practice also handles a steady stream of advisory work, guiding clients through complex and novel principles of administrative and public law.
Practice head(s):
Tom Cassels
Other key lawyers:
Jacqueline Chaplin; James Phoenix
Testimonials
‘Experience in advising on extremely high-profile matters.’
‘Tom Cassels is excellent at distilling technical points into easily understandable advice.’
‘Legal and professional excellence. Very approachable, easy to work with, and a collaborative approach. Nothing is too much trouble.’
‘Very responsive and the work is well planned with future issues anticipated which helps ensure you are on the “front foot” and not merely reacting. The firm works as a team and is able to bring in experts from different disciplines to assist where they add value.’
‘They have a broad and deep knowledge of what is happening in the sector and wider world which brings valuable insight. For high-profile work, they also have the necessary professional gravitas both with my board and with third parties up to and including Government.’
‘The collaborative approach, the ability to really understand what matters to the client and what constitutes the right result beyond just the legal issues.’
Key clients
The Energy Administrators (Teneo Financial Advisory Limited) and Bulb
The Department for Transport
Medical Protection Society
Ola UK Private Limited
Experian Limited
LGBT Foundation and Stonewall
Privacy International
Hg Capital LLP and Intas Pharmaceuticals Limited, Accord Healthcare Limited and Accord-UK Limited
Shawbrook Bank Limited
Annington Property Limited, Annington Holdings Limited
Camelot UK Lotteries Limited
Home Builders Federation
Work highlights
- Acting for Annington Property in its judicial review of the Ministry of Defence’s attempt to regain property rights over 38,000 properties.
- Acting for Camelot in relation to the competition for the Fourth National Lottery Licence, valued at over £3.6bn.
- Advising The Energy Administrators and Bulb on the £1.2bn administration of Bulb and the sale of Bulb to the Octopus Energy Group.
Osbornes
Osbornes is highly regarded for conducting judicial review challenges against local authorities and the SSHD, especially in regard to adverse age assessments for unaccompanied asylum-seeking minors. The team is led by William Ford, who has brought numerous successful judicial review challenges on behalf of a wide range of claimants, including homeless applicants, care leavers, disabled persons, migrants subjected to a hostile environment, and social security claimants. Alex McMahon advises on issues concerning housing, community care, and asylum support, while senior associate Edward Taylor focuses on protecting the rights of children, regularly working with international charities to do so.
Practice head(s):
William Ford
Other key lawyers:
Alex McMahon; Edward Taylor
Testimonials
‘Osbornes provides a first-class service to clients, really advocating on their behalf.’
‘Osbornes are extremely knowledgeable and professional throughout.’
‘The team at Osbornes is very good.’
‘William Ford is the best housing and public law solicitor of his generation.’
‘Excellent public law firm, strongly dedicated to its vulnerable clients.’
‘Osbornes are one of the leading firms dealing with claims by unaccompanied asylum-seeking minors and age disputed young people. Their case preparation is heads above others I have seen in this field.’
‘Alex McMahon is brilliant with vulnerable clients and very thorough.’
‘Osbornes are a fantastic team who really stand out in the market in the fields of housing and social care. A friendly and approachable team who are shrewd litigators and adept at complex strategic claims.’
Simpson Millar LLP
Active across the full range of administrative and public law areas, Simpson Millar LLP handles complex judicial review work spanning community care, children’s rights, and education, with a particular specialism in acting for victims of trafficking. Chris Callender forms part of the leadership trio and has extensive experience bringing claims against the police and prisons for failing in their duty of care. Co-head Victoria Pogge Von Strandmann specialises in public law challenges concerning the rights of children and vulnerable migrants, while co-head Dan Rosenberg is an expert in education-related judicial reviews, particularly unlawful exclusions.
Practice head(s):
Victoria Pogge Von Strandmann; Chris Callender; Dan Rosenberg
Other key lawyers:
Silvia Nicolaou Garcia
Testimonials
‘A fantastic team who demonstrate the highest level of work at all levels. They consistently act in complex claims and those involving vulnerable clients.’
‘Victoria Pogge Von Strandmann is meticulous, approachable and efficient, and a go-to for complex and challenging cases.’
‘The Simpson Millar team are very strong in this area.’
‘Dan Rosenberg is a very good solicitor with great experience and judgement.’
‘Simpson Millar are absolutely excellent at dealing with cases at the interface of public law and immigration law. The team is tenacious, creative and extremely thorough.’
‘Victora Pogge Von Strandmann has exceptional leadership qualities and always adds value to cases undertaken by her team. She quickly gets on top of a case, with strategic insight and a remarkable eye for detail. She leaves no stone unturned.’
‘The administrative and public law team is one of – if not the – strongest claimant-focussed public law teams in the industry. They have a particular expertise in representing vulnerable clients, including children and victims of trafficking and torture. The team is full of exceptionally dedicated, compassionate and highly intelligent lawyers, who will not stop fighting for the client until justice is done.’
Key clients
Diarra Dillon -v- HM Assistant Coroner for Rutland and
North Leicestershire – Court ref no: CO/246/2022
VK v Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust
Grandmother of teenage boy with special needs
Humanist parent of a year 9 child in a Worcestershire state secondary school
KH v SSHD CO/3127/2022
MR v SSHD JR-2022-LON-001604
MD v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2022]
Work highlights
- Acted for Diarra Dillon in connection with a judicial review of the failure of the assistant coroner to issue Prevention of Future Death notices to the prison and healthcare services following the conclusion of an inquest into the death of a young person in prison.
- Acted in connection with a judicial review of the failure of the Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust to make prompt arrangements for medical support in regards to fitting a supra pubic catheter.
- Acted for the grandmother of a teenage boy with significant Special Educational Needs in a matter concerning the Department for Education’s new behaviour advice for schools which effectively implied that it was appropriate to sanction children so long as they understood the rule or instruction and were not unable to act differently.
A&O Shearman
A&O Shearman continues to handle a steady stream of commercial public law, judicial review and public procurement mandates, with clients ranging from regulated corporates and utilities, to public bodies and major NGOs. Heading up the group is Andrew Denny, who offers particular expertise advising on public law aspects of major projects, including the lawfulness of government decisions and freedom of information matters. Maeve Hanna is highly sought after by large corporates, financial institutions and charities.
Practice head(s):
Andrew Denny
Other key lawyers:
Matthew Townsend; Maeve Hanna
Testimonials
‘A&O provides clients with excellent support and service. Individual lawyers are experienced and supported by legal teams that allow for fast responses to client queries and concise advice. You always feel with A&O that it will go the extra mile to get your case over the line.’
‘Maeve Hanna is a lawyer with extensive public law experience, good breadth of knowledge and a constructive approach to advising clients and ensuring they understand the options before them. She is excellent at engaging and informing counsel and ensuring her legal teams are on top of their work and the issues they should be addressing in any case.’
‘The main strengths are that the practice takes the time to learn about your individual business and add value. Whilst other providers may provide legal advice on the specific issue, the time Allen & Overy take to learn about the business they are advising means their advice is provided knowing the entirety of its impact.’
‘Andrew Denny goes above and beyond for us as a client and always has an innovative approach to the issues we face.’
Key clients
Tim Dunn and Charlotte Charles
Hitachi Rail Limited and Bombardier Transportation UK Limited
Bail for Immigration Detainees
Equator Principles Association
Chartered Institute of Management Accountants
RMI
CMS
With considerable depth of expertise across heavily regulated sectors such as financial services, gambling, life sciences, healthcare and sport, the public law offering at CMS draws on expertise from numerous relevant disciplines, from regulatory and competition, to commercial and IP litigation. Practice head Dan Tench combines his public and media law expertise to provide advice for clients in the public policy arena, while Tamsin Blow is noted for her expertise in the media and gambling sectors.
Practice head(s):
Dan Tench
Other key lawyers:
Tamsin Blow; Omar Qureshi; Gowri Chandrashekar
Testimonials
‘The team bring together experience of media and tech, hard-edged commercial experience, and public law experience which makes them a formiddable ally when dealing with regulatory investigations and enforcement action.’
‘Dan Tench is extremely experienced across sectors, and can draw upon this in any situation.’
‘Great team support on a difficult case provided at all levels.’
Key clients
Walleys Quarry Limited
Octopus Energy
National Grid Electricity System Operator (“NGTSO”)
Gravis Capital Management
Road User Charging Adjudicators (“RUCAs”)
Microsoft
Liberty Speciality Markets Limited and Stars Homes Limited
Work highlights
- Representing Octopus Energy in three expedited judicial reviews commenced against the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy by British Gas, Scottish Power and E.ON respectively challenging BEIS’ decision to approve the transfer of the business of Bulb Energy (in administration) to Octopus Energy.
- Representing Walleys Quarry, as an interested party, in a judicial review brought against the Environment Agency in relation to allegations the EA was not complying with the law requiring it to protect the life of five-year-old Mathew Richards, in Silverdale, Staffordshire.
- Represented Microsoft in the Competition and Markets Authority’s investigation into Xbox subscription practices.
Rook Irwin Sweeney LLP
With a particularly strong reputation regarding the rights of disabled children, adults and their families, the public law practice at Rook Irwin Sweeney LLP is also highly regarded for its skill in areas such as health and social care, and education law. The firm's three founding partners remain at the helm: Polly Sweeney has a particular interest in strategic litigation involving the rights of children; Anne-Marie Irwin acts for individuals, charities and NGOs in large judicial reviews; and Alex Rook’s specialism lies in mental capacity and human rights law. Alice Cullingworth is also highly recommended.
Practice head(s):
Alex Rook; Polly Sweeney; Anne-Marie Irwin
Other key lawyers:
Alice Cullingworth; James Betts
Testimonials
‘My experience with the team has been remarkable. They are a cohesive group dedicated to the success of each client.’
‘I worked primarily with Alex Rook. Alex was always pleasant, dedicated and a true pleasure to work with. He went out of his way for us time and again and showed an exemplary level of sensitivity, integrity and dedication.’
‘Excellence, knowledge, and professionalism.’
Key clients
Alexander Harvey
Eva Echo
Gendered Intelligence
Good Law Project Limited
The Runnymede Trust
Residents of St Elizabeth’s Care Home
Sofia Sheakh
Exeter and District Mencap
Work highlights
- Acted for Good Law Project and others in a judicial review to challenge NHS waiting times for gender identity services.
- Act for a child who has Special Educational Needs and disabilities in a judicial review regarding the Government’s consultation on its SEND Green Paper.
- Representing the charity Exeter and District Mencap in a challenge to Devon County Council’s proposal to close a swathe of services for disabled people across the county.
Russell-Cooke LLP
Russell-Cooke LLP is increasingly engaged in complex judicial review and public inquiry work, drawing on its recognised regulatory expertise and growing specialisms in planning, housing, criminal law and immigration. Practice head John Gould
is a public law specialist and regularly prepares independent reports on governance and related issues for public sector organisations. Michael Stacey is known for both bringing and defending high-profile judicial reviews, particularly regarding policy issues affecting the charity sector.
Practice head(s):
John Gould
Other key lawyers:
Michael Stacey; Graham French; Alex Ground; Lauren Cormack; John Webster
Testimonials
‘Fantastic team, great litigation skills and friendly.’
‘Michael Stacey is a fantastic litigator; shrewd and tactical but with excellent legal knowledge and excellent client-handling skills.’
‘The team has great strength in depth which means that work can be delegated down extremely effectively.’
‘Graham French has great experience and is calm and authoritative.’
‘This is a highly committed team with a strong understanding of the wide and varied aspects of administrative law.’
‘Vastly experienced in public law, especially as it applies to regulators in the legal services and financial services sectors.’
‘John Gould has been a leader in the field over many years. Michael Stacey is one of the best young partners around. The ultimate safe pair of hands; hardworking and super-bright, they can be totally relied on to handle matters of importance and complexity.’
Key clients
Core Participants in the Grenfell Inquiry
Solicitors Regulation Authority
CILEx Regulation Limited
The Law Society of England and Wales
Parent of an 18 year old with serious medical needs
Trans parent seeking a Passport for his child without a birth certificate
Mother of two children, one whom has Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Work highlights
- Acted for core participants in the Grenfell Tower inquiry.
- Advised a transgender man who gave birth to his child on a free-standing application under the Human Rights Act 1998 to permit a passport application, without a birth certificate.
- Successfully defended CILEx Regulation in judicial review proceedings.
Saunders Law
Saunders Law is regularly involved in high-profile and cutting edge work in the field of public and administrative law, including major public inquiries, inquests, judicial reviews and other HRA-related claims. Heading the public inquiries team is Cyrilia Knight, who brings extensive expertise handling civil claims against the police and other public authorities to the group. Human rights specialists Nia Williams and Clare Evans are also key contacts.
Practice head(s):
Nia Williams; Cyrilia Knight; Clare Evans
Testimonials
‘The firm provides a high-level service concerning public law claims and actions against the state. They are true experts in inquests, judicial review claims and actions against the police.’
‘Saunders Law really delivers for its clients and explores every avenue to find the right and best outcome for clients.’
‘Very committed and passionate lawyers at every level.’
‘I have had the privilege of working closely with Saunders Law over the years, specifically in public inquiry work involving administrative law. Their dedicated and exceptional legal team consistently delivers outstanding results.’
‘The team provides a wraparound standard of care for clients while handling cases of the utmost severity and sensitivity.’
‘Clare Evans is a fabulous lawyer – nuanced, insightful and meticulous in her approach. She trains and leads her team to uphold the highest standards of client care and case progression.’
‘Very committed and passionate lawyers at every level.’
Key clients
Grenfell Tower Inquiry
Infected Blood Inquiry
Covid Inquiry
Family of Kyle Maher (Judicial review)
BW
KTH
Family of AK
Family of KC
Trowers & Hamlins LLP
With recognisable strength in both contentious and non-contentious work, Trowers & Hamlins LLP is highly active in commercial judicial review and transparency issues, as well as advising on public sector powers and governance issues. Lucy James, who heads the firm’s national commercial litigation team, has expanded the contentious procurement offering, while public sector head Scott Dorling has vast expertise advising on vires, procurement and state aid issues for local authority projects.
Practice head(s):
Lucy James; Scott Dorling
Testimonials
‘I appreciate the commercial and client-focused approach to both advisory work and litigation displayed by the team.’
‘Lucy James as lead partner skilfully combines coverage of the issues with appropriate delegation. She is always sufficiently abreast of matters to be able to properly and sensitively advise the client, whilst also being alive to the need to manage costs and to delegate where appropriate. She is tenacious and flexible as the situation demands.’
‘Lucy James is down-to-earth, commercial and client-focused. She is authoritative and supportive and is a simple pleasure to work with.’
‘Good client care, well informed and articulated advice.’
‘Relationship building is very strong, and as a client who does not have a legal background all questions asked are treated with respect even if they were basic.’
‘I have worked with various teams and every one of them has been approachable and responded promptly to requests and instructions, even when made with a very short timeframe.’
‘Excellent teamwork and collaboration, with expert input from all instructing solicitors.’
‘Lucy James has real depth of knowledge and expertise in administrative law and judicial review practice.’
Key clients
Birmingham City Council
Excession Technologies
Central Bedfordshire Council
Ambition Institute
Harlow District Council
Trafford Borough Council
Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council
Watkin Jones & Son Limited
North Warwickshire Borough Council
Plymouth Council
Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust
Work highlights
- Advised Birmingham City Council on issues arising in its capacity as Host City for the Commonwealth Games.
- Acted for Ambition Institute in a procurement claim against the Secretary of State for Education, represented by the Department for Education.
- Acting for Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council in a claim for breach of planning law and seeking injunctive relief against an individual land owner and also against persons unknown.
Wilson Solicitors LLP
Wilson Solicitors LLP is known for its legal aid work and regularly represents clients affected by the actions of public bodies, with a commitment to acting for the most marginalised individuals, including victims of torture and trafficking, children, vulnerable families, disabled people, and those with mental health problems. Head of public law James Wilson, who has also been acting as firm managing partner since April 2023, has overseen an expansion into inquest work to complement the established judicial review and test litigation experience. Nina Rathbone Pullen and Katy Robinson lead the work, with the latter having particular expertise in community care. Nusrat Uddin specialises in strategic litigation relating to modern slavery and trafficking. Jed Pennington was promoted to partner in January 2023 and specialises in judicial review and civil actions challenging immigration detention.
Practice head(s):
Nina Rathbone Pullen; Katy Robinson
Other key lawyers:
Jed Pennington; James Wilson; Nusrat Uddin
Testimonials
‘Wilson Solicitors consistently excels in complex claims and those involving cross-over areas of practice. They are an excellent team with exceptional lawyers at all levels and are a go-to firm for strategic claims.’
‘Brilliant, inventive lawyers who really care about their clients.’
‘Wilsons are at the top of their game in all aspects of public law concerning the rights of migrants and asylum seekers. Their expertise in immigration law feeds into the public and administrative court work.’
‘They have strategic insight into using judicial reviews as a vehicle to get damages for clients. All their lawyers are brilliantly trained, diligent and smart.’
‘Excellent strategic thinking in terms of systemic litigation without losing sight of each client’s individual case; Nina Rathbone Pullen’s knowledge of the field is exceptional.’
‘Really top-class public law team with particular expertise in trafficking, migrant support and immigration public law cases.’
‘Brilliant team for migrant support-related community care and public law.’
‘Wilsons is the firm I most regularly recommend to people looking for representation. Brilliant from top to bottom; filled with passionate and exceptional lawyers who represent the very best that the legal aid sector has to offer.’
Key clients
ASM (Iraq)
Medical Justice
20 individuals who were detained at the Manston detention facility
6 individuals who brought judicial reviews challenging GPS tags
Wong v Basfar
R (on the application of All the Citizens) & Supply Chain Coordination Limited, Collaborative Procurement Partnership LLP, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care
Migrants Organise
G – client held at Napier barracks
FAO and ALN – clients held in unsuitable asylum support accommodation in former jail cells at ‘Clink 78’ hostel
IZ – age disputed client
Work highlights
- Represented a victim of trafficking in a Supreme Court case, in which the client successfully established that a diplomat is not immune from civil claims of trafficking and domestic servitude.
- Representing an asylum seeker and victim of modern slavery in a challenge to the government’s Rwanda plan.
- Acted in a successful challenge against the UK government’s decision to procure rubber gloves from the PPE supplier Supermax, despite clear indicators of forced labour in the supply chain.
Browne Jacobson LLP
Fielding public law specialists with in-depth knowledge of the workings of government, as well as the health and education sectors, Browne Jacobson LLP offers the full range of services to local authorities, central government departments, social housing and emergency services providers. Key contacts include Ros Foster, Richard Barlow, Ben Standing and Laura Hughes; the entire team contributes to the key practice specialisms which span inquiries, procurement, subsidy control and other public law areas.
Practice head(s):
Richard Barlow; Laura Hughes
Other key lawyers:
Ros Foster; Ben Standing; Victoria Searle
Testimonials
‘Strong in the health sector and particularly good choice for judicial review more broadly.’
‘Quick response time, thorough research and robust defence to challenges.’
‘Victoria Searle is approachable, tenacious and reliable.’
‘They are able to provide strategic and detailed legal and governance advice for the organisation as a whole and are a valued supplier of legal services.’
‘Works to build excellent understanding of our organisation and provide very responsive and clear advice with solutions.’
‘Laura Hughes is an excellent advisor, solutions focused and able to communicate well.’
Key clients
North East London Integrated Care System
Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
Natural England
London Borough of Croydon
Civil Aviation Authority
Welsh Government
Derbyshire County Council. Derby City Council, Nottinghamshire County Council, Nottingham City Council
Welsh Government
Qualifications Wales
Nottingham City Council
The Coal Authority
Independent Monitoring Authority for the Citizens’ Rights Agreements (IMA)
Marine Management Organisation
Capsticks LLP
Capsticks LLP is well known in the administrative and public law market for defending challenges to the actions and decisions of public bodies actions, as well as for its extensive expertise in representing NHS bodies in complex judicial review proceedings. Peter Edwards jointly leads the team with Leeds-based counterpart Ian Cooper, a health and social care specialist who advises public bodies on their statutory powers and responsibilities.
Practice head(s):
Peter Edwards; Ian Cooper
Other key lawyers:
Georgia Ford; Serena Patel
Testimonials
‘Fantastic partner availability, good and broad knowledge of the sector and very personable.’
‘The Capsticks team are focussed on our requirements – we are a niche regulator and at no stage do we feel that we are, metaphorically, at the end of a conveyor belt. This approach applies across all the functional areas: policy advice, casework and training. It is a pleasure to work with Capsticks – they ‘get’ us.’
‘Peter Edwards delivers an exceptional level of performance at each engagement. Peter knows our organisation well and his advice is tailored to our requirements. Importantly, Peter does not shrink from giving advice which may not be what we wish to hear, but nonetheless enables proper risk management and protection of reputation. Most impressive.’
‘I’ve worked with Capsticks on a number of occasions and highly value the support provided. Their detailed knowledge of the legal framework and caselaw within which healthcare operates is coupled with an appreciation of the challenges currently faced in the sector and a robust knowledge of how the NHS operates.’
‘The support and advice from Peter Edwards is always on the mark and well reasoned, as well as being delivered in a calm and reassuring way that builds confidence.’
‘In spite of being a large player in the field, Capsticks manage to retain the personal touch through excellent partner engagement, availability and top-class expertise.’
‘Peter Edwards has expertise and insight in healthcare governance which is truly second to none. Peter manages to navigate the complexities of the situation with ease, providing clinically precise advise and guidance in a manner that is non-legalistic and tailored to the client perfectly.’
‘The flexibility to support and work with us on legal matters. Significant client focus, understanding of our issues and consideration of options.’
Key clients
Solicitors Regulation Authority
Bar Standards Board
General Chiropractic Council
Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons
Farriers’ Registration Council
NHS North West London Integrated Care Board
United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust
NHS Kent and Medway Integrated Care Board
Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trust
Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust
Work highlights
- Advising on a number of the individual hospital schemes in the NHS New Hospitals Programme.
- Advising The Farriers’ Registration Council on its powers to make rules and/or to apply conditions, in respect of courses, qualifications and institutions providing training to farriers.
- Advising Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust on the best way to set up the group model, having regard to their statutory powers and governance best practice.
Dentons
Noted for its expertise in government-related work, Dentons is knowledgeable across the gamut of contentious and non-contentious work and operates at the cutting edge of major project development work, advising on procurement, industry and environmental regulation, state aid and other European public law issues. The team has recently been re-appointed to the Crown Commercial Services legal panel and is led by the vastly experienced Christopher McGee-Osborne and Catherine Bingham; between them, they oversee a team which boasts considerable experience across a number of key industries, from defence and energy, to transport and finance.
Practice head(s):
Catherine Bingham; Christopher McGee-Osborne
Other key lawyers:
Richard Caird; Katharine Harle
Testimonials
‘The team has a strength in depth and an ability to throw large numbers of excellent people at projects.’
‘They have a sound commercial awareness and they show a lot of common sense in proposing and actioning pragmatic ways forward.’
‘They have an excellent technical ability and understanding of very extensive and technical legislation, and work closely with in-house legal and parliamentary counsel (in very challenging timeframes) on projects.’
‘Christopher McGhee-Osborne has excellent managerial skills and grasp of the breadth of the team’s engagement across large projects, helping to pull disparate elements together in a coherent way and spearheading initiatives to disseminate shared learnings.’
‘Christopher McGhee-Osborne is excellent technically and is available to the client round the clock whenever needed.’
Key clients
Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) (legacy Department for International Development (DFID))
Cabinet Office
Ministry of Defence
Ofgem
Ofwat
Network Rail
DEFRA
Low Carbon Contracts Company
Diagnostics.ai Ltd
Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy
Scottish National Investment Bank
Department for Education
FCDO
Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS)
Transport for London
Acorn CCS (joint venture among Shell UK, Storegga, Harbour Energy and NSMP)
UK National Infrastructure Bank
National House-Building Council (“NHBC”)
Glasgow Prestwick Airport Limited
Marks and Spencer plc
David Wilson Homes (South Midlands) Limited
Places for People
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA)
Department for Transport
Work highlights
- Advising the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy on the Energy Prices Act 2022.
- Advising Ofgem on issues arising from the significant volatility/disruption in the GB energy markets.
- Representing the National House-Building Council in the Grenfell Tower inquiry.
Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher
As well as a broad spread of core advisory and contentious administrative and public law areas, the team at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher has established significant expertise in the fields of commercial judicial review, constitutional law, public international law challenges, and public and parliamentary inquiries. Philip Rocher is a commercial litigator with significant experience handling regulatory disputes, particularly in the financial sector, while Patrick Doris acts for and against sovereign entities, UK public authorities and major NGOs.
Practice head(s):
Philip Rocher
Other key lawyers:
Patrick Doris
Testimonials
‘As a client facing a well-funded and experienced legal attack, I appreciated how GDC guided me to a successful outcome. The team was always approachable with any inquiries I had, no matter the time.’
Key clients
Forensic News LLC
Koza Ipek Group
JUSTICE
Human Dignity Trust
Panel on Takeovers and Mergers
Sukhbaatar Batbold
Thomson Reuters Foundation and Richard Ratcliffe
ITN Solicitors
ITN Solicitors is particularly renowned for its public law expertise in the areas of national security, prisoner’s rights, immigration detention challenges, and policing and deaths in custody. William Kenyon is the public law supervisor and head of prison law; he acts in numerous public law challenges and has particular strength in matters concerning detention. Lochlinn Parker departed for Good Law Practice in May 2023.
Practice head(s):
William Kenyon
Testimonials
‘William Kenyon is doggedly diligent and committed to his clients. He is calm and organised in his conduct of litigation and able to liaise with a team of counsel (and other firms of solicitors) seamlessly.’
‘William Kenyon is a phenomenally hard-working lawyer. He puts real time and care into thinking through all the issues on a case and is utterly committed to doing the best for his client.’
‘ITN’s administrative and public law practice has a strong national security and serious crime element.’
‘William Kenyon is a highly astute lawyer who grasps difficult legal problems and issues quickly, and proposes simple, straightforward solutions. This is a particular skill in the context of measures deployed for national security reasons where the legal framework is vague, and relies on lawyers taking the initiative to protect clients’ rights.’
‘Great crossover strengths in crime and civil liberties.’
Key clients
C4 Habeas Corpus application
ADCU – Uber Challenge
C15 and other SIAC cases
Individual subject to polygraph (‘lie detector’) licence condition
Simon Smart – Category A Security Review Challenge
Injunctions
QX – TEO Challenge
Work highlights
- Acting in an application for habeas corpus on behalf of a client who is being detained indefinitely in a detention camp in North East Syria by the Kurdish authorities.
- Representing a client seeking to review the decision to impose and maintain obligations imposed on him pursuant to his Temporary Exclusion Order.
- Representing several individuals in appeals before the Special Immigration Appeals Commission, in respect of the deprivation of their citizenship on national security grounds.
Pinsent Masons LLP
Pinsent Masons LLP‘s public and administrative team is well known for its ability to handle complex judicial reviews for both claimants and respondents, acting for a variety of major public bodies including UK Government departments, universities and Southern Water. Practice head Robbie Owen advises on a wide range of public law issues, while David Thorneloe is highly sought after for his expertise in judicial review challenges.
Practice head(s):
Robbie Owen
Other key lawyers:
David Thorneloe
Testimonials
‘Pinsent Masons has a very strong public and administrative law offering which includes experts in energy, infrastructure, and local and national government. As well as advisory and dispute work, the firm is also involved in a number of high-profile public inquiries.’
‘The team has great expertise and all the lawyers are very approachable.’
Key clients
Cabinet Office
Department for Health and Social Care
Assurant
Cabinet Office
Department for Health and Social Care
Southern Water
East Midlands Development Corporation
E.ON UK plc
Port of Belfast and Crown Estate Paving Commission
Work highlights
- Advised the Government Legal Department and Cabinet Office on their review of retained EU law in the UK legal system after Brexit.
- Represented E.ON in its judicial review claim against the decision by the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy to provide substantial government subsidies to Bulb Energy and/or Octopus Energy.
- Advise the Cabinet Office on its response to each of the various modules of the Covid-19 public inquiry.
Stephenson Harwood
Utilising an extensive international presence to handle administrative and public law matters, often with a cross-border element, Stephenson Harwood regularly acts for and against public bodies and has a notable strength regarding financial services regulatory issues. Practice head Sean Jeffrey has substantial expertise representing clients against in relation to UK Government-imposed sanctions, while of counsel Stephen Ashley is a specialist in sanctions related to Iran.
Practice head(s):
Sean Jeffrey
Other key lawyers:
Sue Millar; Paul Thwaite; Stephen Ashley; Paul Phillips; Chloe Challinor
Testimonials
‘The company has a great team, from the associates to the partners; all are very professional.’
‘Stephenson Harwood has a dedicated team with particular strength in public law and regulatory issues relating to aviation.’
‘I can say that the team has pretty unparalleled experience in aviation regulation and is able to bring real strength in this area to public law cases.’
‘Paul Phillips is outstanding; he is a real fighter who is highly attuned to his clients’ needs and provides a high level of service.’
Key clients
Gibraltar Financial Services Commission
Ryanair DAC
Arriva Rail East Midlands Limited
North London Waste Authority
CAF (Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles)
United Kingdom Accreditation Service
Various international entities and banks
Work highlights
- Successfully represented Ryanair in a judicial review brought against the Civil Aviation Authority.
- Advised Ryanair on thousands of credit card chargeback requests made under the Visa, Mastercard, and American Express scheme rules by a large number of online travel agents.
- Successfully represented Ryanair in a Competition and Markets Authority investigation into Ryanair and British Airways.
TV Edwards Solicitors LLP
Harnessing crossover specialisms in housing and Court of Protection work, TV Edwards Solicitors LLP has been successful in numerous challenges of local authority social services departments, including those concerning emergency accommodation and care services. Katie Brown jointly leads the social welfare department with senior partner Jacky Starling; they provide extensive expertise in housing and community care law. Jenny Mansell and Monica Kreel are noted at associate level.
Practice head(s):
Jacky Starling; Katie Brown
Other key lawyers:
Monica Kreel; Jenny Mansell
Testimonials
‘A committed team who really support their clients.’
‘Dedicated and extremely competent solicitors who are committed to achieving the best for their clients.’
‘Jenny Mansell is an exceptional solicitor. It is always a pleasure to be instructed by her. Her briefs are meticulous and well prepared and she excels in even the most complicated case.’
‘Katie Brown is a well established and highly respected practitioner.’
‘The service from TV Edwards has been exceptional from day one. The team are consistently supportive in all areas, always meeting deadlines and skilled at drawing together the necessary support for our case.’
Anthony Gold Solicitors LLP
Led by the highly experienced Andrew Brookes, Anthony Gold Solicitors LLP has particular expertise in public and administrative law challenges related to housing. The team recently acted in two interventions in the Supreme Court: one judicial review concerning a local authority’s requirement to find suitable accommodation, and the other relating to Rent Repayment Orders for landlords.
Practice head(s):
Andrew Brookes
Other key lawyers:
Giles Peaker
Testimonials
‘Excellent strength in depth.’
‘Andrew Brookes is an outstanding lawyer with tremendous depth of knowledge and tactical nous.’
‘Expertise in challenging property-based matters with local authorities.’
‘Absolute experts in their field. Strong team, up to date with all the recent legislation and case law. Negotiate well and are realistic and sensible.’
‘Giles Peaker is the leading housing solicitor out there. He knows more about housing law than probably anyone else in the field.’
‘Giles Peaker is one of the most experienced and knowledgeable legal commentators in the housing field. His expertise, wit and ability to crystallise complex legal arguments for a wide audience is second to none.’
‘The combination of Anthony Gold’s capabilities, strengths, and practice is unique compared to other firms. They work with clients, devote their time and energy wholeheartedly to the best of their abilities and always work for the client’s interest and represent the client so well. They are very open and transparent, and their practice innovation matches the present practice environment well.’
‘The particular individual who always stands out is Andrew Brookes of Anthony Gold; I worked with him for five years on one of the most important public inquiries known to the broader world, and he instantly recognised the importance of my contribution through involvement.’
Key clients
Safer Renting CIC
Crisis UK
Core Participants in the Grenfell Tower Inquiry
Lowe Guardians
FHCO Limited
Work highlights
- Acted for Safer Renting CIC on intervention in the Supreme Court in Rakusen v Jepson, arguing the public policy point of Rent Repayment Orders under Housing and Planning Act 2016.
- Acting for Crisis on intervention in the Supreme Court in LB Croydon v Imam, arguing on the extent of a local authority’s duty under s193 Housing Act 1996 to secure suitable accommodation for those owed a full homelessness duty.
Hill Dickinson LLP
With considerable expertise spread across the firm's London, Manchester, Liverpool and Leeds offices, Hill Dickinson LLP is known for its skill in handling complex judicial review challenges and high-profile public inquiries and investigations, as well as advising on statutory duties and governance law issues, particularly in the healthcare sector. Emma Stockwell and Kiran Bhogal jointly lead the team.
Practice head(s):
Emma Stockwell; Kiran Bhogal
Other key lawyers:
Emma Galland; Julie Ford
Testimonials
‘Hill Dickinson has always provided a robust service, with varied legal support to ensure all legal matters were handled effectively.’
‘The personal touch, all staff I’ve worked with are clearly knowledgeable and effective at what they do. However, they are all nice people too, personable people, this has always helped the collaboration.’
‘Hill Dickinson, and the NHS and public health sector team in particular, are excellent at responding to the needs of our organisation swiftly, and collaborating with our people to respond urgently to emerging issues. The team provides legal advice and support to a very high standard, and instils a great deal of confidence.’
Key clients
NHS England
Cheshire & Merseyside Integrated Care Board
Health Education England
Greater Manchester Integrated Care Board
Spectrum Community Healthcare
Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust
King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Guy’s and St Thomas’s NHS Foundation Trust
Barts Health NHS Trust
CSH Surrey
Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children
Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust
West London NHS Foundation Trust
Work highlights
- Advised King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust on the jurisdiction of the court to make reporting restriction orders in end-of-life cases.
- Advised Health Education England and NHS England on governance and regulatory matters in preparation for the abolition of HEE and the transfer of its functions to NHSE.
- Instructed as Recognised Legal Representative for the NHS Business Services Authority in the Infected Blood inquiry.
RPC
RPC handles a diverse range of complex challenges against public bodies, with recent highlights including judicial reviews spanning issues such as the legality of search warrants and powers of arrest, as well as a ground-breaking class action against HMRC’s anti-avoidance powers and pensions law. The practice is headed up by the significantly experienced Adam Craggs, who has particular expertise in challenging the decisions of regulatory and investigative bodies.
Practice head(s):
Adam Craggs
Other key lawyers:
Robert Waterson
Testimonials
‘They really fight for their clients. They bring a commercial approach to the litigation that they manage.’
‘The team are very knowledgeable and diligent. The team are able to navigate complexities in a pragmatic fashion which, while involving the clients in the decisions and approach being adopted, does not unnecessarily confuse and complicate things.’
‘Adam Craggs carries an air of authority and calm which is an asset in any situation. He has an enviable ability to cut through the chaff and get to the heart of an issue.’
‘Highly capable team with a wide range of ability.’
Key clients
Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation
Metropolitan International Schools Limited
Newcastle United Football Company Limited
Stephen Hoey and others
Castco Testing Centre Limited
Work highlights
- Acting for Newcastle United Football Club in an HMRC investigation into suspected non-payment of Income Tax, NI Contributions and VAT in respect of agents’ fees paid by NUFC in relation to the transfer of players.
- Acted for Stephen Hoey and a large number of other taxpayers in a judicial review challenge to the way in which HMRC operates certain PAYE provisions to collect tax for certain historic income tax liabilities from employers.
- Successfully defended the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation against a judicial review claim.
Sharpe Pritchard LLP
Sharpe Pritchard LLP is particularly sought after by public sector clients including central government and local authorities, transport bodies and emergency services. Practice head Alastair Lewis has extensive expertise of the energy and transport sectors.
Practice head(s):
Alastair Lewis
Other key lawyers:
Mari Roberts; Simon Kiely; Jonathan Blunden; George McLellan
Testimonials
‘I was particularly impressed by Simon Kiely’s ability to give precise, high-quality advice on litigation – both details and strategy – within a very rapid time frame in every instance, regardless of how large or small the point, and his exceptionally empathetic manner and communication skills.’
‘Their people are excellent, extremely capable and truly helpful.’
‘The breadth of knowledge and experience of public law at Sharpe Pritchard is unparalleled, which means solicitors are capable of dealing with each case in detail, and capable of drawing on their broader expertise in any case.’
‘Simon Kiely is exceptional.’
‘Jonathan Blunden is a standout solicitor. He is very bright, and has a good eye for detail, and makes incredibly valuable contributions. He is also great fun to work with; he’s friendly and personable, with a good sense of humour. One of my favourite solicitors to work with.’
‘The team are real experts in administrative and public law. They have strength and depth.’
‘Sharpe Pritchard has unrivalled knowledge and experience of local government matters, in particular litigation involving local authorities. It is strong on both the substantive law and procedural rules.’
‘George McLellan brings tremendous nous and experience to all commercial judicial review and public law matters. He has significant experience of broader judicial review and human rights work. A top choice.’
Key clients
Barking and Dagenham
Waltham Forest London Borough Council
Worthing Borough Council
Vale of White Horse District Council
Thurrock Council
Test Valley Borough Council
Selby District Council
Waltham Forest London Borough Council
Pubs Code Adjudicator
Cheshire East Council
Buckingham Council
Suffolk County Council
Waverly Borough Council
Work highlights
- Representing a number of local authorities, including Barking and Dagenham, before the Supreme Court in a case relating to persons unknown injunctions.
- Acting for the London Borough of Waltham Forest before the Court of Appeal regarding what information can be considered by a Tribunal in an appeal which takes place as a rehearing rather than a review.
- Acting on behalf of Waverley Borough Council in judicial review proceedings against permission granted for gas drilling exploration in Surrey.
TLT
The public inquiries and public law team at TLT represents a broad range of public and private sector clients, including central and local government, non-departmental public bodies, high-profile individuals and blue light services. Practice head Zaqia Rashid has extensive expertise acting on major public inquiries, with particular strength handling large-scale disclosure exercises for HMG.
Practice head(s):
Zaqia Rashid
Other key lawyers:
Catherine Turtle
Testimonials
‘TLT bring a rare combination of knowledge of how the big public sector organisations work with a commercial approach which is punchier and more streamlined than traditional in-house Governmental legal approaches. Particularly in demand for cases involving national security and other cases where vetting is required – they have recruited very effectively in this area.’
‘Zaqia Rashid runs the team with seemingly endless energy and enthusiasm. Always available to look at resourcing with ideas on how to juggle complex cases as the demands wax and wane.’
‘Catherine Turtle is a fantastic inquest and inquiry solicitor. She knows national security workings like few other solicitors.’
‘Zaqia Rashid and Catherine Turtle both are ex-GLD and are hugely knowledgeable about public inquiry work. They now head a formidable team which is competing on all fronts in this field with other established firms. They find themselves working across many inquiries both as solicitor to the inquiry and for core participants.’
‘Under the leadership of Zaqia Rashid, TLT have carved out a unique offering to public sector clients on public inquiries. Their expertise is second to none, and their advice is always swift, well-considered and comprehensive.’
‘Zaqia Rashid is an exceptional leader. She’s deeply committed to providing a high-quality service.’
‘Catherine Turtle is an outstanding expert in her field. Her advice and support is second to none. She works with integrity and professionalism and is also a pleasure to work with.’
‘Catherine Turtle is an excellent senior leader, running a very empathetic team with skilled associates and juniors. Their own development and training is key.’
Key clients
HM Treasury
Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), in the Infected Blood Inquiry (IBI)
Northern Ireland Office (NIO), in the Infected Blood Inquiry (IBI)
Essex Mental Health Independent Inquiry
Undercover Policing Inquiry
Department of Work and Pensions
Former Department for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy
Inquests into the deaths of James Furlong, Joseph Ritchie-Bennett, and David Wails
Department of Health and Social Care
Department of Culture Media and Sport
Inquest into the Death of Benjamin McQueen
Care Quality Commission
Department for Transport
Weightmans LLP
Widely regarded for its comprehensive skill in public inquiries work, Weightmans LLP boasts a diverse range of clients including large corporates, emergency services, and public and regulatory bodies. Martin Forshaw is an expert in police law, while Martin English has been involved in several major inquiries recently, including those related to Covid-19 and undercover policing. Hannah Walsh is also a key name to note.
Practice head(s):
Martin Forshaw; Hannah Walsh; Martin English
Other key lawyers:
Simon Cheverst
Testimonials
‘One of the go-to firms for public law matters, especially for local authorities.’
‘The Weightmans team is a quality team that has acquitted itself well in the time I have worked with them. They have ability at all levels and high capacity for taking on difficult and lengthy tasks.’
‘A very good firm, not at all outgunned by London firms.’
‘A great team. Diligent, incisive and well resourced. A pleasure to be briefed by them. If only all instructing solicitors were as impressive as the team at Weightmans.’
‘Martin English is an impressive team leader. He provides stability and cohesion to those within his team and shows great knowledge of the sector and of his clients’ issues.’
‘The team has particular expertise in public inquiries.’
Key clients
North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust
NHS Blood & Transplant
Greater Manchester Combined Authority
Microbiological Society
British Transport Police
Association of Directors of Public Health
Telford & Wrekin Council
East Riding of Yorkshire Council
Sheffield City Council
Surrey Police
Sussex Police
Medical Defence Union
Medical & Dental Defence Union of Scotland
Medical and Dental Indemnity Protection UK
Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust
Assent Building Control
Work highlights
- Representing the North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust & Greater Manchester Combined Authority in the statutory Manchester Arena public inquiry.
- Acted for the independent inquiry chair for the Sheffield Street Trees Public Inquiry, Sir Mark Lowcock, from establishment through to publication.
- Representing Central & North West London NHS Foundation Trust in ongoing judicial review and appellate proceedings relating to the legal interpretation of the application of Article 2 ECHR in inquests.