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.
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Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
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.’
Key clients
- Jersey Hemp
- Myeloma UK
Work highlights
Acted for Jersey Hemp in a landmark CBD judicial review against the UK Home Office.
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