Commercial and regulated industries are faced with an increasingly complex landscape of regulatory and governmental decision-making, resulting in more contentious and non-contentious issues which require strategic advice.
Our market-leading public law and regulatory practice has unrivalled capabilities and experience in advising clients on the full range of contentious and non-contentious administrative and public law and regulatory issues. We bring a commercial and strategic approach, protecting our clients' positions in anticipated regulatory and governmental decision-making, and in proceedings and investigations.
We regularly assist our clients with:
- Judicial review and statutory appeals: We are highly experienced in all forms of disputes involving challenges to public body decision making, including judicial review, human rights challenges, statutory appeals, disciplinary proceedings and regulatory processes. These specialised forms of litigation require a thorough understanding of the substantive principles and procedural rules. We act frequently on cases at all levels of the court system (including in the Supreme Court) and have an established reputation for representing all parties – whether claimant, defendant, interested party, or intervening third party – giving us a unique holistic perspective.
- Procurement disputes: We represent those both bringing and defending litigation arising from public procurement processes. These disputes are often high value, fast-paced and technical, meaning that our broad experience and in-depth knowledge are very valuable in this context.
- Proposed legislative, regulatory and policy changes: We help clients with the legal aspects of consultation responses and wider strategies for engagement with government / regulators, using our knowledge of public law principles to gain effective traction. Acting for both private clients and public bodies, we bring a range of perspectives which helps clients to obtain an optimal outcome while preserving key ongoing relationships with government and regulators. Our disputes experience helps us to ensure that clients 'put their best foot forward' in advance of any litigation.
- Inquiries, investigations and Parliamentary select committees: We are trusted advisers to those involved in public inquiries, under regulatory investigation, and appearing before Parliamentary select committees. We give fast, practical guidance and are adept at managing the procedural, substantive, and strategic considerations which arise, including the increasingly important reputational aspects.
- Freedom of Information: We advise clients on the provision of information to, and how best to obtain information from, public authorities who are subject to the Freedom of Information Act (and similar environmental legislation).
