The ‘irreplaceable‘ team at Bindmans LLP is regularly seen acting on an impressive cross-section of market leading public law cases at any given time; current highlights include representing multiple claimants in litigation against the Secretary of State for Digital, Cultute, Media and Sport concerning regulations affecting the entertainment sector during the pandemic, and bringing a claim against the Metropolitan Police for refusal to investigate the Prime Minister’s alleged breach of Covid-19 regulations. The group is ‘guided with skill and technical excellence‘ by co-chairs Jamie Potter and John Halford. Karen May brings her experience as head of the firm’s education department to bear on judicial review cases in that arena, with Emma Varley also rapidly developing expertise in the same field. Salima Budhani is much lauded for her stellar work with vulnerable and marginalised clients.

Deighton Pierce Glynn is positioned at 'the cutting edge of developing law' and is therefore widely known for its 'brilliant work on the most important cases across the board of human rights and judicial review'. Managing partner Polly Glynn predominantly focuses on challenging failures of public bodies, and as part of this work has set up and runs the innovative Pre-action Protocol Project, which aims to empower communities to enable them to prepare formal legal letters in response to unlawful decisions made by central or local government. Zubier Yazdani is regularly instructed to represent victims of trafficking and modern slavery, both nationally and internationally, while Joanna Thomson has latterly been involved with a number of complex detention cases. The firm also has a strong presence in Bristol, where Adam Hundt is the name to note.

Fieldfisher continues to be regarded as a firm of choice for public inquiry work, as illustrated by its instruction in December 2021 to assist the Covid-19 Inquiry in its initial set up phase, and its continued involvement with the Manchester Arena, Jermaine Baker and Grenfell Tower Inquiries; Tim Suter is the key contact for such mandates. At leadership level, Matthew Lohn and Martin Smith are the names to note - the former has extensive experience advising regulators and commercial organisations in the financial, electoral, sporting and healthcare fields, while the latter's caseload is focused on judicial review, vires issues, statutory interpretation and the fair exercise of powers and duties. Legal director Carina May is also recommended.

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP's 'simply stellar' team is able to draw on the firm's highly regarded disputes practice to expertly handle all contentious aspects of administrative and public law issues across a wide variety of sectors and industries. As well as having 'the resources to bring off big cases', the group also fields an impressive pro bono practice, which supports charities including Liberty, the AIRE Centre, JUSTICE, and the Public Law Project. Andrew Lidbetter and Nusrat Zar are the department's co-chairs, with both bringing significant experience of acting on judicial reviews, statutory appeals, regulatory disputes, investigations, and public inquiries to their roles. 'Depth at both partner and associate level' is another key differentiator; Jasveer Randhawa is an example of the former, while Anna Eliasson is a standout in the latter category.

The offering at Hogan Lovells International LLP falls under the umberella of the firm's global regulatory practice - headed up by 'peerless' Charles Brasted - and is therefore an advisor of choice for commercial clients operating in heavily regulated sectors; the team's current roster of household names includes Uber and Aribnb. The group also benefits from the presence of Robert Gardener, whose 'deep insight into  government and public affairs allows the department to give a political and media angle to their assistance', and ensures its continued place on multiple expert advisory panels and committees. Solicitor advocate Julia Marlow is currently leading on work with Ofgem to support the design and delivery of a new economic regulatory model which will aid the UK’s transition to a greener economy.

Kingsley Napley LLP draws on its ‘extensive history in reputational protection for companies and individuals‘ to field a team which is much lauded for defending commercial judicial review litigation; the firm’s track record includes acting on cases concerning matters as diverse as environmental and social governance, the taxation of political donations and gender issues. ‘Doyen of public law solicitors‘ Adam Chapman continues to provide guidance to the group, which is now headed up by ‘trusted advisor‘ Sophie Kemp. In May 2021, ‘superstar in the making‘ Nick Wrightson was promoted to partner, further deepening the bench of recommended advisors at this level.

As a ‘truly top tier player‘, Leigh Day fields both a core set of practitioners working exclusively on administrative and public law matters – primarily judicial review – and a roster of dedicated lawyers in fields including healthcare, immigration and refugee law,  who regularly bring public law cases in these areas. The team exhibtis ‘courage combined with tactical know-how‘ when litigating at all levels of the court system and across a wide range of subject areas, from cases arising out of armed conflict and environmental protection challenges, through to right to life and right to die issues. Jamie Beagent heads up the practice, which also fields such notable names as Tessa Gregory and Benjamin Burrows. In terms of particular specialisms, Waleed Sheikh is noted for immigration matters, while Merry Varney is the key name for bereaved families and victims of domestic human rights violations.

The ‘highly competent and experienced legal team’ at Addleshaw Goddard regularly represents both public bodies – including governmental authorities – and private sector clients in judicial reviews. The firm fields a strong cross-disciplinary team with recognised litigation practitioners, who bring sector experience and insight. Simon Kamstra specialises in high values international disputes with a focus on energy and utilities. ‘Skilled negotiator‘ Bill Gilliam is experienced in health, transport, energy and infrastructure. Clare Dwyer is known for her public law work arising from the Covid-19 pandemic. At managing associate level, Paul Rowley is singled out.

Baker McKenzie is able ‘to guide clients in a strategically astute way‘; the team handles cases spanning a number of different areas, ranging from work stemming from Brexit and the pandemic to environmental issues. The firm recently acted for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees in the litigation over the UK's proposed deportations of asylum seekers to Rwanda. Global co-chair of the compliance and investigations team, Joanna Ludlam, acts for key clients in both the private and public sector, often handling judicial review, regulatory compliance, crisis and reputation management cases. Yindi Gesinde is experienced in public law procurement, and is described by clients as ‘responsive, accessible and bright‘. Nadia Banno is also a name to watch.

Bates Wells is well regarded for advising clients on a wide range of public law matters, ranging from judicial reviews to public enquiries and finance issues with a nexus to the public sector. It regularly acts for third sector clients such as Royal Parks and Oxfam. and is praised for providing 'a superb and responsive service'. Claire Whittle, who was recently promoted to the partnership, is highly regarded for public law challenges, including judicial reviews and statutory appeals. Senior associate Alistair Williams is likewise recommended.

Bevan Brittan LLP is proficient in many sectors of public law, including governance, health, social care and housing. The firm benefits from its cross-departmental teams, combining sector-specific knowledge and public law expertise to provide support to clients which is ‘commercially aware, whilst also being in line with public law principles‘. The team have represented clients in high profile judicial review challenges in both the Supreme Court and European Court of Justice. Virginia Cooper head up the department, acting for a wide range of clients, including the Local Government Association. Stuart Marchant is on the forefront of mental health cases, and has recently handled pre-eminent cases in the Court of Appeal. Olivia Carter leads on high profile and complex judicial review challenges, including those concerning compliance with the Equality Act 2010. Amy Tschobotko is another name to watch, while the team was also boosted by the recent arrival of public & regulatory law expert Melanie Carter from Bates Wells.

Bhatt Murphy is known for its work on behalf of state detainees, bereaved families, protesters and victims of crime. The team has represented NGOs and charities before domestic courts at all levels, as well as the European Court of Justice and European Court of Human Rights. The firm has been acknowledged for its work in challenges to indiscriminate state surveillance powers, litigation in support of child migrants, and cases touching on the rights of women. Janet Farrell specialises in actions for those detained under immigration powers, with a focus on the rights of vulnerable groups including children, pregnant women and victims of torture. Jane Ryan‘s expertise is in the civil liberties of prisoners and those detained under immigration powers, including investigations arising from serious abuse in custody. Michael Oswald is well known for working with clients who have been subjected to misconduct at the hands of the state.

Clifford Chance LLP is extremely well regarded for its judicial review prowess, as well as its focus on government advisory and public policy work. The firm is active both in public and private sector work; at the intersection of the two areas, the group handles public law issues relevant to corporate transactions, strategic positioning, and government relations challenges. The team has latterly been much involved with pandemic-related mandates, which have notably included advising the Vaccine Task Force on procurement law issues surrounding the production and roll-out of the country’s Covid-19 vaccination programme. Heading the team is Andrew Dean, who ‘has the additional unique and invaluable insight from his years in-house advising the most senior stakeholders in central government bodies and procurement authorities‘. Elizabeth Morony leads the dedicated judicial review team.

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP‘s is noted for its expertise in the transport, infrastructure and utilities sectors. The firm’s core client base comprises central government, local authorities, universities and transport authorities. The team regularly advises on transformational projects, governance and structures, and public pensions, as well as fielding a very strong public inquiries team who represent core participants in high profile statutory and non statutory investigations. Huw Jones in Cardiff acts as head of the local government group and is also the employment lead on all public sector matters. Birmingham-based Sarah Jones oversees the public inquiries and investigations offering, in which legal director Isabelle Mitchell also plays an important part. Mukhtiar Tanda and Kuljeet Gill are key senior practitioners in London and Manchester, respectively.

The 'simply phenomenal' team at Gold Jennings is headed up by 'dynamite solicitor' Clare Jennings, whose 'technical brilliance, strategic oversight and exceptional creativity' is singled out by clients. The group is particularly well known for its work on migrant rights, cases against the police, and inquests. Name partner Matthew Gold is recommended for his expert representation of claimants in substantial and complex claims for wrongful arrest, false imprisonment, malicious prosecution, and misfeasance in public office.

Mishcon de Reya LLP‘s core specialism lies in handling judicial review claims involving a wide range of matters engaging human rights issues. The firm regularly engages in defending politically motivated persecutions, including extradition claims. The group also has a strong track record of holding companies and governments to account. Managing partner James Libson  has built a very strong reputation for high profile clients, including charities and corporations. Maria Patsalos has experience acting on claims relating to political asylum. Managing associate Katy Colton ‘has the business and political awareness that few lawyers of her seniority have‘.

BDB Pitmans is equally proficient in both contentious and non-contentious mandates in the public law arena; in both instances, the expertise is drawn from the firm’s Parliamentary and healthcare regulation practices. Public Inquiries and inquests form a significant part of the team’s regular work roster. Matthew Smith oversees the group, while Sinéad Lester works closely with Government agencies on sensitive issues concerning public interest immunity. Richard Langley is particularly skilled in judicial review, regularly handling high profile cases for clients including Network Rail and the Metropolitan Police.

DAC Beachcroft LLP fields a strong, specialised and defendant-focused team. The bulk of the work revolves around judicial review, with sector specialisms ranging from education to insurance; the firm is heavily involved with work in the health and care sector, especially around the NHS’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic. The firm is equally well placed to handle a range of both complex advisory and contentious matters. Alistair Robertson heads the team - he is described as 'calm, measured, and tactical'.

Duncan Lewis Solicitors regularly engages in high profile strategic public law litigation, with a particular focus on vulnerable claimants in cases relating to prison law, court of protection, mental capacity and social welfare issues. They firm has also been successful in representing Grenfell Tower core participants and assisting individuals in the Windrush Scheme. Toufique Hossain leads the area of immigration in public law, with experience conducting high profile class action challenges. James Packer litigates across test cases concerning access to the Courts, unlawful detention and enforced removals. Rohena Wallace is a name to watch for her work in representing vulnerable clients.

The ‘incredibly thorough‘ team at Hickman & Rose regularly brings public law challenges against decision-makers within the criminal justice system, ranging from police forces to the Government. The team is led by Daniel Machover, who is described by one client as operating ‘at the top of his field‘. The firm has recently been increasingly involved with mandates concerning allegations of torture. Kate Maynard  has a significant inquest and inquiry caseload. Recently promoted partner Helen Stone is a name to watch for her work in representing families of people who have died in police and prison custody.

Hodge Jones & Allen is well known for its expertise in actions against the police, inquests and miscarriages of justice. Within medical law, the team has niche expertise in public law challenges against medical institutions such as the NHS. Susie Labinjoh is highly regarded for her expertise in seeking compensation for the victims of miscarriages of justice; recent highlights include acting on behalf of Extinction Rebellion protestors and Kings College London students. Jocelyn Cockburn is frequently involved in inquests relating to deaths in police custody. Sasha Barton specialises in challenges against state bodies, including representing vulnerable victims of sexual assault, rape and domestic violence.

Irwin Mitchell is regularly involved in complex cases invoking the Human Rights and Equality Acts, acting against public bodies and challenging secondary legislation brought in as a result of Covid-19. Yogi Amin is the national head of the public law team, specialising in judicial review, Human Rights Act cases and mental capacity law. Oliver Studdert specialises in children’s rights, community care and Court of Protection cases. Rebecca Chapman is experienced in mental capacity law, assisting to alleviate the issues clients experience with accessing appropriate medical care.

The Linklaters LLP team provides a service covering aspects of public and administrative law, ranging from judicial reviews across a range of sectors, to mandates with a nexus to media and technology. The team is praised for providing a 'combination of commercial acumen and sector specific specialisms, making a rounded offering across disputes and corporate', and is adept at acting for businesses and public bodies on complex matters which require urgent resolution or involve issues of significant public interest. Practice head Tom Cassels is sought after by high-profile clients to provide senior level advice, and is commended for his ‘superb strategic vision and tactical nous‘.

The ‘confident and diligent‘ team at Osbornes is renowned for its Legal Aid work, achieving justice for the most marginalised in society. The firm is known for expertly running judicial review challenges against local authorities, and has recently succefully challenged the Secretary of State for the Home Department in a case relating to adverse age assessments for unaccompanied asylum-seeking putative minors. William Ford undertakes public law challenges across a wide range of areas, including housing, community care, welfare benefits, and support for migrants. Alex McMahon is a specialist within judicial review, frequently representing claimants against public bodies. Edward Taylor is singled out as ‘an exceptional advocate‘.

Simpson Millar LLP advises claimants on the full gamut of public law issues, including niche and specialist areas such as the representation of victims of trafficking and the reunification of unaccompanied asylum-seeking children with family members in the UK. The group also has expertise in children’s rights work, regularly acting in community care challenges for homeless teenagers as well as in child assessment challenges. Chris Callender, who jointly heads up the public law and human rights offering, is an expert in representing children and young people, as is his counterpart Victoria Pogge von Strandmann. Dan Rosenberg oversees the dedicated education and children’s rights offering, while Lancaster-based Imogen Jolly heads up the broader public law department.

Allen & Overy LLP's client base primarily comprises private sector entities, which the firm's 'great minds capable of solving the most complex of problems' advise on the gamut of regulatory issues - including those affecting supply chains - and represent in judicial reviews. Andrew Denny brings an 'an encyclopaedic knowledge of public law' to his role as practice head, while Maeve Hanna 'rolls her sleeves up and lets nothing get in her way of finding a resolution to complex problems'.

CMS' client roster spans sectors ranging from financial services to energy and utilities. The firm excels in providing strategic advice on complex matters, with expertise ranging from representation in judicial review and public law challenges, to advice on clients’ engagement in Parliamentary Select Committees. Dan Tench heads up the practice. Tamsin Blow is an advisor of choice for clients from the media and gambling sectors. Omar Qureshi, who always 'ensures he brings on board the right team for the job', has a diverse practice, which is focused on advising non-public authority clients.

In April 2022, Emma Dowden-Teale took over leadership of the team from former head Paul Stone, who retired; under her guidance, the ‘high-powered‘ group maintains its reputation for contentious and advisory public law matters, particularly those involving regulatory aspects. The firm is particularly lauded for its strong base of ‘senior associates who have driven forward the team‘ - George McLellan is a name to note in this capacity.

Rook Irwin Sweeney LLP focuses its public and administrative work on the rights and interests of disabled children and adults and their families. The firm also brought multiple challenges to government procurement of PPE during the recent Covid-19 pandemic. Polly Sweeney is singled out as a ‘top notch solicitor in the education law field‘. Alice Cullingworth is noted for their expertise in health and social care law. Founding partners Alex Rook and Anne-Marie Irwin continue to be actively involved with a diverse range of cases.

Under the leadership of John Gould, Russell-Cooke LLP's 'fantastic team' continues to stand out for its judicial review expertise, and particularly its activity on behalf of professional regulatory bodies; the recent addition of CILEx Regulation as a client is testament to the firm's reputation in this area. Former civil servant Michael Stacey is praised for his 'bags of experience, common sense and legal knowledge'.

Trowers & Hamlins LLP has a strong contentious focus, with a core client base comprising major players from the health, social care and housing sectors. Key contacts at the leadership level are Lucy James – who heads up the firm’s national commercial litigation practice – and Scott Dorling – who oversees the public sector group. Helen Randall‘s broad workload ranges from navigating complex vires, governance, procurement and public subsidy cases, to advising on the public law asepcts of joint ventures.

Browne Jacobson LLP is instructed by a wide range of public sector clients, from local government to universities across the country, with Welsh clientele being a new niche area of focus. The firm is noted for its strong Public Inquiry practice, and has acted for core participants in the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, and for NHS England in the Manchester Bombing Inquest. Ros Foster focuses on regulatory work and health care clients, having been instructed on a variety of judicial reviews against the Parliamentary and health service Ombudsman. Richard Barlow advises many public bodies on governance, judicial review and vires issues. Ben Standing is a name to watch for his work in environmental public law challenges. Laura Hughes completes the roster of recommended practitioners.

Capsticks LLP is well-known for its specific focus on public law work for the NHS; this includes judicial reviews of decisions to relocate or reconfigure clinical services and decisions that affect the treatment of individual patients with complex health and care needs. Peter Edwards has over thirty years’ experience advising public bodies on their governance and statutory powers and duties, especially with regards to clients in the healthcare sector. Ian Cooper heads up the national advisory and public law team.

The practice at Dentons is primarily dedicated to government work, with the team’s expertise spanning judicial review; competitive tendering; public procurement; environmental issues; and non-contentious advice on the powers, administrative functions, and duties of central and local bodies. The firm recently leveraged its in-depth knowledge of the financial services sector to ensure its recent successful reappointment to the Crown Commercial Service legal panel. Catherine Bingham and Christopher McGee-Osborne are the senior contacts to note.

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher is regularly instructed by corporate clients, sovereign governments, UK public authorities and NGOs on the gamut of public and regulatory disputes, and advisory matters. Recent highlights include significant engagements in the fields of financial sector regulation, journalistic ethics, and challenges against the decisions of data privacy regulators across Europe. Commercial litigator Philip Rocher is a key contact for contentious mandates, while Patrick Doris is regularly handles judicial review matters and cross-border expropriation cases before the European Court of Human Rights.

ITN Solicitors is known for its work in claimant-focused administrative law. The firm engages in challenging and complex litigation, from cases involving issues of national security to cross-border claims. The team is also well known for handling challenges to immigration detention policies. Lochlinn Parker heads up the civil liberties offering, while William Kenyon oversees the public and prison law groups.

Stephenson Harwood regularly advises on the important administrative and public law issues of the day, especially in relation to financial services regulatory matters. The team is also regularly involved in advising clients in relation to EU and UK financial sanctions, acting for public bodies as well as against them; Stephen Ashley is a name to watch for this kind of work. Sean Jeffrey is an expert in the area of financial sanctions, acting on behalf of foreign financial institutions and their senior executives.

The team at TV Edwards Solicitors LLP is particularly known for the public law work it carries out in relation to community care, housing and Court of Protection issues. Monica Kreel is a valued associate who specialises in areas including community care, discrimination and human rights. Jenny Mansell focuses on community care work, including assisting people with physical and mental disabilities with Care Act assessments.

The practice at Wilson Solicitors LLP is headed by James Elliott, who is singled out by one client as ‘a bible on unlawful detention‘. The firm is primarily a legal aid practice, which engages in test litigation and judicial review, with a particular focus on immigration. Katy Robinson specialises in community care and migrants’ rights. Nusrat Uddin focuses her practice on victims of human trafficking and modern slavery. Jed Pennington is also recommended.

Housing-related judicial review, particularly in the field of homelessness and allocations, forms the cornerstone of the practice at Anthony Gold Solicitors LLP. The group is also increasingly using this established expertise to position itself at the forefront of the rapidly evolving law involving regulation of private sector landlords. ‘Incredibly authentic and knowledgeable‘ Andrew Brookes leads the team.

Burges Salmon LLP has an impressive track record of work in the major public sector projects space for notable clients including central government departments, transport and healthcare providers, and environmental authorities. Gary Soloman and John Houlden jointly head up the practice; the former leads on planning and compulsory purchase matters, while the latter focuses on procurement issues.

Hill Dickinson LLP is differentiated by its focus on the healthcare sector; the team advises on issues of corporate governance and NHS commissioning, handles judicial reviews and public inquiries, and assists with data protection matters in this sphere. The firm operates seamlessly across its offices in Liverpool (where Emma Stockwell is the key contact), Manchester, London (the base for recommended practitioner Kiran Bhogal) and Leeds.

Under the expert guidance of Adam Craggs , RPC has carved out a niche leading novel class action judicial review challenges against HMRC; the team is 'live to the peculiaries which confront clients when tax and adminstrative law meet'. Recent highlights have included challenges to the legality of HMRC search warrants and arrest powers, as well as claims in relation to national minimum wage legislation.

Sharpe Pritchard LLP ‘draws on a long and well-deserved reputation for having the best and most informed local government law knowledge‘ to expertly represent a client base consisting predominantly of such institutions in complex judicial reviews. Alastair Lewis brings a ‘practical, problem-solving approach‘ to the team.

For the 'pool of talented lawyers' at Weightmans LLP, statutory public inquiries are the core focus; the firm is typically involved with all major examples of such work at any given time, with current highlights including representation of participants in the Manchester Arena Inquiry and Undercover Policing Inquiry. Martin Forshaw, Hannah Walsh and Martin English are the key senior names to note. Principal associate Simon Cheverst joined from DAC Beachcroft LLP in August 2021.