Fieldfisher’s top-tier administrative and public law team operates at the forefront of the discipline, frequently advising on matters with significant public interest and national security dimensions. The team is known for its wide-ranging practice, which includes not only litigation and public inquiries but also strategic advisory work, such as assisting public and charitable organisations with rule drafting and governance frameworks. Co-head Matthew Lohn brings particular strength in regulatory matters, spanning the financial, electoral, sporting, environmental, and healthcare sectors, and regularly advises both regulators and commercial clients. Fellow co-head Martin Smith has deep expertise in judicial review, vires issues, statutory interpretation, and the proper exercise of public powers, with a strong client base in the private sector. Tim Suter and Oliver Carlyon are standout names in public inquiry and inquest work, acting for both investigators and core participants. Sarah Ellson is also highly regarded for her advisory work across judicial review, appeals, and statutory challenges.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Martin Smith heads up a stellar team of lawyers who have cornered the market in providing the very best service in public law. The team have been instrumental in formulating most of the highest profile public inquiries in recent years.’
‘Martin Smith is, quite simply, the best public lawyer in the UK. The results that they achieve are the envy of other firms in this area of law. They are the cream of the crop.’
‘Fieldfisher are, quite simply, a market leader in public inquiries. They have been involved in many of the most complicated, high-profile national inquiries and have strength in depth.’
‘Martin Smith is simply a masterclass.'
‘Great all-round public law team.’
‘Fieldfisher is one of the very best firms in the inquiries world. It has unrivalled experience of running the most challenging inquiries. It has strength in depth and all levels and is able to meet the biggest challenges.'
Key clients
- Jersey Hemp
- Myeloma UK
- Pearson Education Limited
- Adriatic Land 5 Limited
- The UK Covid-19 Inquiry
- Police and Crime Commissioner for Lincolnshire ("PCCL")
- British Association for Shooting and Conservation ("BASC")
- Thirlwall Inquiry
- Omagh Bombing Inquiry
- Construction Industry Training Board ("CITB")
- The Dawn Sturgess Inquiry
- Post Office Limited ("Post Office")
Work highlights
Acted for Jersey Hemp in a landmark CBD judicial review against the UK Home Office.
Advised the UK Covid-19 Inquiry in preparing for and holding key hearings as well as defending a judicial review brought by the Traveller Movement in respect of a decision not to award public funding for its legal representation in the Inquiry.
Advised Adriatic Land 5 Limited on introducing public law arguments in ongoing and high-profile proceedings in the Court of Appeal.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Matthew Lohn; Martin Smith
Other key lawyers
Tim Suter; Oliver Carlyon; Frankie Everitt