Public Law

"Public law is not at base about rights, even though abuses of power may and often do invade private rights; it is about wrongs – that is to say, misuses of public power."

Sedley J in R v Somerset CC ex parte Dixon

 Public law is the set of legal principles which govern the exercise of power by public bodies. 

 There are many public bodies of various kinds who make decisions every day which affect the lives of thousands of individuals including government ministers & departments, local authorities, the UK Border Agency (UKBA) the prison service, NHS Trusts, coroners’ courts and many more.

 Although internal procedures challenging these decisions may exist,  many of these decisions do not carry a right of appeal, which makes them susceptible to challenge in the High Court of Justice by way of an application for judicial review. These are court proceedings in which a judge is asked to review the lawfulness of the public body decision which is being challenged. 

 Our team of public law specialists have unrivalled expertise and experience of challenging public bodies in all aspects of judicial review, including obtaining injunctions, emergency orders and other forms of interim relief.

 
 We combine unrivalled legal knowledge and expertise with value for money. We are experienced at advising on formulating and implementing policies, to ensure that decision-making is legally sound. 

 Where challenges are made, we can give a clear assessment of the options and the risks involved. If legal action is unavoidable, we will act robustly on your behalf to ensure the best possible outcome. 

 Our services:

• Public law/judicial review
• Corporate governance and constitutional issues
• Human rights compliance, both procedural and substantive
• White collar crime
• Regulatory investigations
• Local Government
• Employment 
• Reorganisation of public authorities and statutory transfers of contracts, rights, liabilities and staff
• Housing
• Intellectual Property
• Data Protection, Subject Access Request and Freedom of Information
• Regulatory and disciplinary proceedings, including criminal enforcement proceedings
• Health sector law
• Registration of care homes
• Powers and duties of ombudsmen
• Inquiries