Kingsley Napley LLP fields a specialist administrative and public law team known for its depth of expertise across both commercial and public sectors. The team regularly advises public bodies, regulators, and major corporates on complex disputes, judicial reviews, and strategic advisory work. Its cross-sector experience spans property, tech, energy, healthcare, and beyond. The firm is noted for acting across the spectrum of public law litigation, representing claimants, defendants, and interested parties in high-stakes judicial review and appellate matters. Practice head Sophie Kemp is a trusted adviser on judicial reviews, ESG matters, business and human rights, and public inquiries. Emily Carter brings valuable crossover expertise in public, regulatory, and information law, often advising regulators in cases involving overlapping legal regimes. Natalie Cohen has a strong track record in high-profile litigation involving central government and regulators, and continues to act on significant judicial review challenges from both claimant and defendant perspectives.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Sophie Kemp was quite simply outstanding - striking a really engaging balance between technical expertise, practical advice, and quasi-emotional support which put me at ease at a terribly stressful time and gave me confidence despite a hugely inflamed and hostile media backdrop to the proceedings.'
‘The lawyers are personable, yet highly professional. They are also approachable, responsive and highly attentive.’
- 'Sophie Kemp is a partner of the highest calibre. She is particularly experienced in understanding the nuances and workings of Public Inquiries.'
‘Sophie Kemp is a top-percentile performer, an outstanding lawyer, with exceptional intelligence. She has the rare gift of having high emotional intelligence, necessary to grasp the intricacy and sometimes delicate nature of matters at the international level.'
‘Natalie Cohen and team really know their stuff. They identify the client's desired outcomes early and prioritise them at every stage of the process. They communicate clearly, concisely, and aren't afraid to ask difficult questions.’
‘Natalie Cohen was absolutely fantastic. Completely on top of the case legally and factually, and utterly unflappable, she was really impressive in her leadership of the team. Her judgment is really sound.'
Key clients
- Independent Schools Council
- West Midlands Police & Crime Commissioner
- Spotlight on Corruption
- Local Government & Social Care Ombudsman
- The Howard League for Penal Reform
- London Fire Brigade
Work highlights
Represented ten claimants supported by the Independent Schools’ Council in a Judicial Review challenge against the government’s flagship policy imposing VAT on independent school fees.
Represented the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner in his successful Judicial Review challenge to the Home Secretary’s decision to transfer the PCC’s powers, thereby abolishing his role.
Represented the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman in defending a Judicial Review brought by Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch Council.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Sophie Kemp
Other key lawyers
Emily Carter; Natalie Cohen; Lord Harry Carter; Fred Allen; Sahil Kher, Charlie Roe