Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP is recognised for its broad expertise across all aspects of administrative and public law, handling both contentious and non-contentious matters across a wide array of sectors. The team regularly represents claimants, defendants, interested parties, and interveners, with a growing and diverse client base spanning both the public and private sectors. Practice head Nusrat Zar is widely respected for her work on judicial reviews, statutory appeals, and regulatory disputes. James Wood plays a central role in advising on public law and regulatory proceedings, with his practice also covering policy development, inquiries, and freedom of information matters. Andrew Lidbetter, now a consultant to the team, brings unmatched experience and insight, contributing to the firm’s continued reputation as a go-to adviser on major public law challenges.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The public law team is incredibly strong at all levels, from associates to partners. The service they provide is as sleek as a raft of sea otters.'
‘Andrew Lidbetter and Nusrat Zar are both great at looking at cases from a strategic point of view, even in areas of law which may be outside of their core expertise.'
‘The team is a market leader in claimant judicial review. They have a top-class operation from top to bottom.'
‘Top tier advice; reliable and responsive; thoughtful and anticipating issues in the best interests of clients.’
‘James Wood is excellent and seen as a leader in public and regulatory law issues.'
'Hannah Lau is brilliant; really responsive and calm under pressure; excellent and sharp analysis.’
Key clients
- Grosvenor Limited, Cadogan Group Limited, and other entities in these groups
- The Church Commissioners for England
- High Speed Two Limited
- Severn Trent Water Limited and Severn Trent Property Solutions Limited
- EDF Group
- Public Law Project
- Centre for Advice on Individual Rights in Europe
- National Grid Holdings One plc
- Child Poverty Action Group
- Virgin Atlantic Airways Limited
- Horserace Betting Levy Board
Work highlights
Acting for Grosvenor and Cadogan in bringing a high-profile judicial review of the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024, challenging measures involving a £2 billion transfer in value.
Acting for Sizewell C Limited as an interested party in two judicial reviews concerning the development of a new nuclear power station.
Acting successfully for Severn Trent Water and Severn Trent Property Solutions in group litigation brought by around 140 personal search companies concerning access to and charges for “environmental information” under the EIRs.
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.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
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
Nusrat Zar
Other key lawyers
James Wood; Andrew Lidbetter; Christine Iacono; Hannah Lau; Antonia Smith