Administrative & Public Law

Caoilfhionn Gallagher KC is instructed to represent claimants in high-profile public law and human rights challenges to legislation and government policy. Gallagher is well known for her pioneering work in children's rights cases; additional areas of expertise include policing.

Edward Fitzgerald KC is a pre-eminent silk with vast experience in domestic and international public law. He receives instructions from NGOs and individual or corporate claimants challenging controversial legislation and policy. He is recommended particularly for cases involving human rights, criminal and constitutional law.

Martin Westgate KC typically acts for individual claimants and NGOs seeking to challenge secondary legislation and public body decisions. He is particularly strong in cases involving welfare cuts, housing and discrimination.

Shu Shin Luh pursues significant public law challenges on behalf of marginalised claimants and interveners. She is particularly committed to safeguarding the rights of children and migrants. Her substantive expertise includes immigration, human rights, social welfare and education. Sources commend her considerable expertise in the law on human trafficking.

Adam Straw KC is a superb advocate who is a popular choice for claimants and interveners in public law challenges arising in the context of national security, criminal law and immigration detention proceedings. He has particular expertise in public law cases that overlap with human rights law.

Jude Bunting KC has an excellent track record of successfully challenging policy and decisions of public bodies. His expertise encompasses human rights, equality and discrimination, policing and criminal law. Recent major challenges include Court of Appeal and Supreme Court cases arising from the Troubles in Northern Ireland.

Laura Dubinsky KC specialises in judicial review cases concerning immigration and asylum. She is especially strong in cases involving EU freedom of movement and human rights law. Her expertise in immigration detention appeals is of particular note, having appeared before the Supreme Court in cases on that subject.

Jamie Burton KC is involved in significant challenges to central government and local authority decisions on the provision of public services and welfare benefits. He has particular expertise in claims involving social housing and community care. He is highly proficient in claims relying on EU and human rights law.

Angela Patrick continues to excel at the public law Bar following a decade working in parliament and subsequently for JUSTICE. She has acted in a wide range of prominent judicial reviews, taking in criminal justice, the conduct of inquests and many other issues.

Antonia Benfield is renowned by peers for her strong advocacy and knowledge in the areas of public law, immigration and asylum. She acts for vulnerable claimants, including individuals with mental health issues and asylum seekers. Age assessment and unlawful detention claims feature heavily in her practice.

David Lemer has a strong practice that centres on national security matters and as special advocate in immigration proceedings.

Graham Denholm chiefly counsels claimants in judicial reviews challenging decisions of the Home Secretary. He is well versed in cases concerning immigration detention, age assessments and asylum appeals.

Joshua Jackson has an active practice representing vulnerable claimants. He is instructed in a wide array of challenges related to immigration, human trafficking and welfare.

Michael Spencer has an impressive track record of appearances in judicial reviews concerning immigration and asylum policy.

Stephen Cragg KC has a strong track record of appearing in innovative public law challenges on behalf of claimants. He is especially well known for his handling of judicial reviews which involve an overlap with community care, social welfare and human rights law. He also appears as special advocate in cases concerning national security.

Donnchadh Greene is respected for his representation of claimants in judicial review challenges. He has a particular emphasis on cases involving data protection and immigration issues.

Sarah Dobbie leverages her previous experience as a solicitor in Australia to bolster her highly regarded public law practice, with specific expertise in immigration and asylum related cases. She is a member of the EHRC Panel of Counsel.

Adam Wagner KC has produced impressive work in judicial review proceedings brought against the government by individuals and campaign groups. Past cases include an array of human rights-based challenges arising from COVID-19, including cases on enforced quarantine, protests and the failure to investigate Downing Street parties.

Anthony Vaughan continues to develop a strong reputation for his work in public and administrative law. He often represents claimants and interveners in challenges to Home Office immigration policy. He is also adept at handling challenges that deal with the crossover between criminal and immigration law.