Administrative & Public Law: Traditional Claimant: London & UK-wide

This firm has an outstanding reputation for representing claimants in cases concerning allegations of abuse of power, ill-treatment or neglect of duty by police, prison and immigration detention authorities.  It regularly represents those challenging the Home Office, the Crown Prosecution Service and the Ministry of Justice. Market sources indicate that the firm has "great specialist knowledge of human rights that make it stand out from the rest."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Simon Creighton specialises in prison and public law and is particularly well known for his work on behalf of prisoners serving life sentences. Founding partners Raju Bhatt and Fiona Murphy are acknowledged as influential in their fields. Bhatt specialises in inquests into deaths in custody. He was also appointed to the Hillsborough Independent Panel that will oversee the release of documents relating to the 1989 disaster. Murphy's strongest focus is on intentional tort claims. Tony Murphy has successfully settled claims on behalf of groups of demonstrators, including for those at the Kingsnorth Climate Camp and G20 protests. Mark Scott continues to focus on cases involving child deaths in custody and the rights of immigrant detainees.

Bindmans houses the know-how to represent claimants in relation to investigatory duty, local government, discrimination and access to justice cases. Recently the group acted for the Law Society in a successful challenge to the results of the Legal Services Commission’s awarding of family law contracts.  In addition to individuals, clients include companies, professional bodies and non-governmental organisations such as the General Council of the Bar, Allied Vehicles and the General Social Care Council.

KEY INDIVIDUALS John Halford is a "dedicated and gifted public lawyer," sources say, adding that "his creativity forces opponents to raise their game." He is well known for his work on instructions relating to the Race Relations Act. Stephen Grosz leads the public law and human rights team. He is advising the Equitable Members Action Group in a challenge to the government's scheme of compensation for those who have suffered relative loss. Markets sources agree he has a deserved reputation and is a "top-quality public lawyer." Saimo Chahal is hailed by sources as a "real rainmaker." She is best known for her work with vulnerable patients in the mental health domain. Tamsin Allen has caught the spotlight with her input to a judicial review of the Metropolitan Police over the News of the World phone hacking allegations, whilst Gwendolen Morgan is praised for taking a "creative, hard-working and robust" approach to her work. She successfully represented the Badger Trust in a challenge to the Welsh Assembly Government’s proposed badger cull. Anna Mazzola, who has joined from Hickman & Rose, is "thoughtful and meticulous" in her approach to cases, interviewees note.

This niche public law firm provides "first-class" advice in matters relating to immigration, local government and social welfare concerns. Highlights include running a test case on the detention of illegal immigrants with health concerns, including those that have been diagnosed with HIV/AIDS. It is also involved in a judicial review challenge to cuts in grants provided by local authorities.  

Client Service "Their high-calibre practitioners focus on delivering the very best quality."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Sue Willman is head of the public law and human rights department. She is considered by peers to be a pre-eminent figure in the treatment of immigrants within the UK. Polly Glynn is admired for her work on judicial reviews relating to community care, healthcare, planning and environmental law. She is currently challenging a planning decision affecting a member of the travelling community. Gareth Mitchell recently advised in a test case concerning the scope of the Upper Tribunal’s new judicial review jurisdiction. Clients say he is "efficient, analytical and pays close attention to detail." Adam Hundt focuses on cases with healthcare, discrimination and human rights law aspects, whilst Louise Whitfield is described as a "serious heavyweight" by interviewees. Her recent work centres on equality and discrimination challenges arising from within the public sector.

Leigh Day appears in many of the highest-profile public law cases, including the recently concluded Binyam Mohammed case. It also challenged the government's refusal to ban the export of a drug used in the execution of death row prisoners in the USA. The team's wide expertise covers matters relating to prisoner law, access to medical care, disabilities and the right to adequate legal representation.  Sources consistently acknowledge the firm as housing a team of "highly rated experts." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Head of department Richard Stein is considered by many to be a leader in claimant public law. His work extends into cases dealing with health, education, environmental and both 'right to life' and 'right to die' concerns. Sean Humber is an expert in issues relating to prison and environmental law. Clients note he has "a sharp eye for identifying what really counts." Jamie Beagent impresses clients by "taking a novel point and turning it into a winning argument." He has particularly strong grasp of immigration and asylum matters. Rosa Curling is advising Redress on the obligations of the police to investigate suspected Rwandan war crimes when the alleged perpetrator is in the UK. She also represents individuals who claim not to be receiving appropriate community care services. Frances Swaine specialises in the public law aspects of social care, healthcare, inquests and education. She is representing applicants requesting that an inquest into the death of Dr David Kelly be resumed.

This niche firm specialises in criminal defence, immigration and civil liberties work. It is especially noted for its strength in handling terrorism-related cases. Sources commend the firm's "boundless commitment and dedication" in pursuing justice for clients.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Team head Gareth Peirce is deemed an "iconic figure and fantastic public law expert" by an impressive range of interviewees.  

This firm's profile continues to grow, the public law team's taking of two cases to the Supreme Court in the past year providing evidence of its increasing strength. Other highlights include challenging the Department of Health’s contaminated blood compensation scheme and working on a judicial review of plans to remove roadside kerbs in areas of central London.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Practice head Andrew Lockley is held in high esteem by sources, with one noting that "no one touches him over education reviews, tribunal work and planning decisions." Yogi Amin specialises in healthcare and community care, earning strong praise for his work in challenging medical treatment decisions.

This specialist Birmingham-based firm has a well-established reputation for handling public law cases across the country. It is renowned for its work on behalf of those affected by terrorism concerns. Lawyers are also acting for claimants and their relatives over allegations of unlawful detention, ill-treatment or death by British troops in Iraq.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Philip Shiner enjoyed recent success before the ECHR in a case relating to the UK's decision to transfer individuals to the Iraqi authorities. Sources say he is "grounded, bright and always fights tooth and nail." Dan Carey attracts praise for his understanding of public inquiries and human rights law, especially in relation to death row cases.

Christian Khan has proven itself capable of bringing a wide number of challenges against public bodies including local councils, police authorities, the Ministry of Justice and the Crown Prosecution Service. At a cross-border level, the firm is advising on alleged breaches of international and domestic law arising from within the Palestinian occupied territories.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Louise Christian is regarded as a "formidable force" by peers. She continues to represent bereaved families at a number of prominent inquiries, including the recent Potters Bar inquest.

This team earns recognition for handling public law work that arises through the firm's established criminal and police law team. The group is currently involved in a judicial review that will seek to determine the meaning of ‘miscarriage of justice’ in setting compensation payments. Hickman & Rose also has particular expertise in challenging Criminal Records Bureau disclosures, cautions and refusals to prosecute.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Daniel Machover will be taking a role in the forthcoming public inquiry into the police shooting of Azelle Rodney. Sources say: "His preparation and attention to detail is phenomenal," adding that "he knows the Human Rights Act inside out." She is recommended for her strength in challenging failures to prosecute in cases of rape. Beth Handley is endorsed by the market for her work on civil claims against the police and the Ministry of Justice.

The size of this team has expanded recently to include six solicitors, further enhancing its reputation in the field. It is held in high regard for challenging the actions of local authorities, government departments and NHS bodies across the country.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Founding partners Karen Ashton and Alastair Wallace are admired for their "first-class advice" and "a sense of commitment that always inspires confidence." Ashton specialises in social welfare cases, while Wallace guides clients in challenging polluting or intrusive planning applications.