The 'client focused, responsive and hardworking' multidisciplinary team at Blake Morgan LLP effectively draws from the expertise of lawyers with core public sector expertise from across several key practice groups, including employment, social housing and commercial. In addition, unlike some of the ranked firms, it has a core focus on public law and, in particular, in-depth expertise on Welsh devolved law in areas including healthcare. In this context, the instructions are not purely restricted to Wales-based entities but also often to English clients seeking guidance as to the interaction with Welsh law. The 'outstanding' Eve Piffaretti heads up the overarching group and provides 'balanced and thorough' public law advice as it pertains to health and social care, including on safeguarding issues, mental health and mental capacity law. Graham Miles ' professional regulatory expertise also regularly seems him involved in the health and social care setting, particularly in the context of advising regulatory bodies investigating and presenting fitness to cases involving practitioners in the space. Miles also has niche prowess in relation to fertility law and genetics and continues to represent the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority, including in relation to the defence of judicial review challenges. The team is also noted for its ability to provide 'high quality advice on the most complex of public sector procurements'. In this setting Penri Desscan  and Simon McCann  regularly take the lead on the non-contentious front, while Joanne Thompson handles public procurement litigation, both for public sector organisations as well as for failed bidders. At an associate level, Sarah Whittle is particularly skilled at defending public sector health care entities against judicial review challenges, and Emily James  has a flourishing state aid practice. 

Benefiting from 'incredible strength in depth' in the public sector (which is reflected by its strong showing in the various NPS lots), Geldards LLP provides 'excellent quality' work to a broad cross-section of clients including local authorities, central government, and regulatory bodies. As well as being able to draw upon the strength of lawyers with public sector expertise from across the firm's full-service offering, the firm is also noted for its pure public law knowledge with a real understanding of 'the law in Wales and the differences that now exist with the law of England and Wales'. Construction head Tony Norris is 'stratospherically brilliant' at advising Welsh Government on key infrastructure projects, as well as in any arbitrations which should subsequently arise. 'Exceptionally well-organised and calm' litigator Jonathan Griffiths is particularly effective at handling judicial review matters for claimants and defendants, as well as in procurement-related cases.  Recognised as a 'keen tactician', Charles Felgate  has a particular focus on public sector panning matters and regularly represents local authorities 'when they hit a brick wall in their toughest cases'. As part of her core public sector employment expertise,  Helen Snow 'is outstanding in her knowledge and experience' within the agricultural space and continues to advise The Agricultural Advisory Panel for Wales on aspects relating to agricultural workers.

The ‘extremely cohesive, efficient and well organised’ multidisciplinary team at Capital Law Limited is ‘fantastically knowledgeable‘ in the space, as was recently underscored by its impressive showing across a multitude of lots on the NPS. The undoubted ‘star player‘, however, remains team head Nicola Mead-Batten  who has ‘the right blend of technical expertise and client facing skills’ and is according to one client: ‘probably the best public law solicitor in England and Wales at the moment’. This expertise manifests itself in a range of ways, including in relation to freedom of information requests and judicial review matters.  ‘Extremely efficient and organised‘ senior associate Trish D’Souza is also a key member of the team, particularly as a result of her ‘excellent knowledge of higher education in the public sector’. 

Public sector-related work has been pivotal to Hugh James‘ strategy since its formation over 25 years ago and it has consequently gained an excellent insight into the requirements of a myriad central/local authorities, as well as third sector entities. This expertise was recently underscored by the firm’s strong showing across the various NPS lots, including gaining a coveted spot as one of the firm’s specifically acting for the Welsh Government.  Ioan Prydderch and Martin Jones  co-head the multidisciplinary team which includes senior associate Justin Davies, who has a market-leading reputation advising on fire safety law and continues to represent South Wales Fire & Rescue Service on enforcement matters.

Under the guidance of the 'exceptional' Michael Imperato , Watkins & Gunn Limited has developed a market-leading reputation acting for claimants seeking to challenge unlawful acts by public bodies. In this context, the firm is particularly accomplished at handling complex High Court judicial review challenges, an area that Imperato has 'an excellent track record of success built upon his vast experience'. Senior associate Lucy O’Brien 'has an amazing eye for detail, particularly in the most complex cases', including those involving Equality and Human Rights.