Department profile
Cleaver Fulton Rankin

Administrative & Public Law

UK Guide 2026 : Northern Ireland


Cleaver Fulton Rankin

Rankings

About

Provided by Cleaver Fulton Rankin

The Public and Administrative law team at Cleaver Fulton Rankin is led by Chairman and Director, Karen Blair. The team advise regarding the powers of the new District Councils in the context of the ongoing reform of public administration culminating in new Councils on 1 April 2015; transitional arrangements resulting from the ongoing reform of local government; advising public bodies on vires issues and the rights of the public to participate in the decision making process; advising private companies and individuals regarding the challenge of decisions by public bodies by way of judicial review; advising Notice Parties where a decision in their favour has been challenged by a third party in judicial review proceedings; representing respondents in judicial review challenges; advising public bodies on their internal processes and policies to reduce the risk of challenge going forward; and advising the public and private sector in relation to the Freedom of Information and Data Protection legislation. 

The team advise a number of key public sector clients in a wide range of contexts. The administrative law practice is closely related to the firm’s planning and environmental practice where they advise applicants and notice parties in planning and environmental judicial reviews. The team also provide specialist administrative law advice in the procurement context, advising both tendering authorities and individual tenderers.

Industries (7)

  • Real Estate
  • Government
  • Pharmaceuticals & Life Sciences
  • Health Care
  • Utilities
  • Energy
  • Mining & Metals

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Administrative & Public Law - Northern Ireland

Band 1

Band 1


What the Team is Known For

Cleaver Fulton Rankin predominantly represents regulators, local authorities and other public bodies in a range of administrative and public law matters. The firm advises on issues such as judicial reviews, statutory appeals and disciplinary proceedings. It is also adept at advising commercial clients on challenging planning and other government decisions. The firm is particularly adept in the healthcare and pharmaceutical regulatory spaces and has a prominent environmental practice.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Cleaver Fulton Rankin defended Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council in a judicial review challenging the council's decision not to prosecute the owner of a dog which was responsible for an attack.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • The team stands out for its responsiveness, client attentiveness and strategic advice.

    Administrative & Public Law respondentUK
  • Cleaver Fulton Rankin are highly experienced and well resourced. There is never any delay in providing a response.

    Administrative & Public Law respondentUK
  • The thoroughness, drive and resiliency that CFR displayed was exceptional.

    Administrative & Public Law respondentUK
  • CFR quickly get to grips with the issues and are thorough and methodical. Their forensic advice always puts clients in the best position to make fully informed decisions.

    Administrative & Public Law respondentUK
  • Cleaver Fulton Rankin are highly personable, very efficient and prompt.

    Administrative & Public Law respondentUK

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Senior StatespeopleKaren Blair
    Senior StatespeopleKaren Blair

    Karen Blair

    Karen Blair is a consultant at Cleaver Fulton Rankin. She is noted for her extensive experience handling judicial review matters and has considerable expertise in planning challenges.

  • Band 3Brendan Martyn
    Band 3Brendan Martyn

    Brendan Martyn

    Brendan Martyn is a director at Cleaver Fulton Rankin. He has a wide-ranging public and administrative law practice which sees him regularly representing local authorities and regulatory bodies.

    • Brendan has a talent for distilling large amounts of information into a concise client update.

      Administrative & Public Law respondentUK
    • Brendan is a strong administrative and public law lawyer.

      Administrative & Public Law respondentUK
  • Star AssociatesStephen Masterson
    Star AssociatesStephen Masterson

    Stephen Masterson

    Stephen Masterson has a broad public law and regulatory practice. He demonstrates considerable expertise in judicial review challenges, especially in the area of planning.

    • Stephen is an excellent solicitor in the field of regulatory and public law work.

      Administrative & Public Law respondentUK
    • Stephen provided invaluable assistance during judicial review proceedings.

      Administrative & Public Law respondentUK
    • Stephen is open to challenges and is versatile. His work demonstrates integrity, awareness and in particular demonstrates an important appreciation of the demands of working for public authorities.

      Administrative & Public Law respondentUK
    • Stephen is able, hard-working and helpful.

      Administrative & Public Law respondentUK

Ranked Individuals at Cleaver Fulton Rankin (3)

Northern Ireland

Members

Provided by Cleaver Fulton Rankin

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