Praised for its ‘fearless and expert representation’ of individuals and communities seeking justice, Watkins & Gunn Limited is at the forefront of the market for claimant public law matters. Michael Imperato ’provides a vast amount of expertise and experience’, including in the context of public law challenges concerning issues of devolved Welsh law. Lucy O’Brien departed the team in September 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'It is a good team of people with an excellent knowledge of the judicial review process.'
- 'Watkins & Gunn provide fearless and expert representation for clients in public law matters.'
- 'They ensure that pre-action correspondence is accurate and comprehensive, which often leads to early settlement or to local authorities revising their decisions. They are very good at spotting new cases or areas of the law where there needs more clarity or consideration.'
- 'Mike Imperato is a strong leader who provides a vast amount of expertise and experience. Clients feel that they’re in safe hands and for good reason.'
- 'Mike Imperato has a keen eye for the best legal arguments to deploy. He has a great manner with clients and is able to put them at ease and reassure them during very difficult and stressful times. His straight talking is greatly appreciated by clients.'
Key clients
- Tref-Y-Rhyg Primary YTJ
- Haemophilia Wales
- Gleision Families
- Ceredigion Schools
- Save the Welsh Air Ambulance Campaigners
- McDonald
- Birmingham Libraries
- Campaign to Save Westfield Nursery
Work highlights
Advising on a judicial review application challenging the lawfulness of the NHS Wales Joint Commissioning Committee’s (JCC) decision to adopt recommendations which would see changes to the Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service.
Acting in the high-profile reopened inquest into the Gleision Colliery Mining tragedy.
Involved in a judicial review challenge to the reorganisation of library provision in the city of Birmingham.
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.
Practice head
Michael Imperato