Mishcon de Reya LLP is recognised for its strength in public law, particularly where legal issues intersect with politics and governance. The firm acts for a broad client base, ranging from corporations and charities to politicians and high-profile individuals, on matters including judicial reviews, consultation responses, appearances before select committees, and statutory inquiries. Known for navigating politically sensitive disputes, the team advises on the full spectrum of public law challenges. Practice head Katy Colton is a leading figure in political disputes and public affairs, with deep experience advising on high-profile and contentious matters involving complex legal and reputational considerations. James Libson brings a broad client following, acting for high-net-worth individuals, family offices, and corporations. Emily Nicholson enhances the team’s offering with a focus on political litigation and environmental and climate-related public law claims.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The team works on high-end, difficult cases often involving novel issues of law.’

  • ‘Alexandra Agnew is a true superstar associate. Always prepared to take on difficult cases and to fight hard for her clients.’

  • ‘Hugely impressed by Katy Colton. Depth of thought, strength of communication, respect of peers, and appropriately networked.'

  • ‘Mishcon de Reya is excellent in relation to judicial review work, including cases involving human rights elements and those with implications beyond their immediate facts.’

  • ‘Katy Colton is absolutely brilliant. She is an exceptional strategist, extremely bright, and able to explain things clearly to her clients.'

  • ‘Extremely client-friendly and also well equipped to take on the most complicated and important public law cases.'

Key clients

  • Clear the Air in Havering
  • ARC TIME Freehold Income Authorised Fund, Ground Rent Income Fund PLC and PGIM
  • Four applications to the European Court of Human Rights on behalf of a total of 51 claimants
  • Public Law Project

Work highlights

Acting for Clean the Air in its judicial review challenge of a decision by Havering Council not to designate an illegal landfill site as contaminated land.
Acting for 51 corporate entities and leading investment funds (including ARC Time, PGIM and GRIF) in a judicial review challenge to measures in the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 (the "Act").
Acting for the former CEO of Post Office Limited (the "Post Office") in relation to her Core Participant status in the high-profile Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry (the "Inquiry").

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.

Practice head

Katy Colton

Other key lawyers

James Libson; Emily Nicholson; Harry Eccles-Williams; Alexandra Agnew