Administrative & Public Law

Phillippa Kaufmann KC is pre-eminent at the Bar for public law challenges which arise in the context of the criminal justice system, and is well versed in all manner of judicial reviews.

"Phillippa can really adapt her style depending on what she is making submissions on."

"Phillippa is exceptionally good to work with. She is a very good advocate."

"I could just listen to her advocacy all day because she makes her case so compelling."

Clare Montgomery KC is a renowned advocate whose public law work spans a number of areas, including challenges to the scope and legality of criminal and regulatory decisions. She has a particular emphasis on administrative and public law claims which rely on human rights grounds.

"Clare is a genius. She is a unique barrister that has mastered the overlap between civil and crime."

"Clare displays sharp intellect with excellent knowledge of criminal law and its application to a public law context."

Daniel Squires KC acts in domestic and international public law proceedings, often where there is a significant human rights overlap. He is particularly strong in cases arising in the context of national security and criminal justice. He is typically instructed by claimants and NGOs bringing challenges to legislation and public policy.

"Daniel is really intelligent and he boils a case down to what you can win."

"Daniel is a phenomenal barrister. He is clear-eyed, analytical and strategically focused on the goal of the litigation."

"The quality of his written work is fantastic."

Edward Craven is sought after to represent claimants in complex judicial reviews relating to human rights. His recent cases involve high-profile challenges involving issues of immigration, refugees' rights and unlawful civilian killings in conflict.

"Edward is brilliant at the law. He drafts very well and recognises the bad and good points."

"Edward Craven writes beautifully."

"Edward has a good knowledge of public law and the crossover with international law."

Raza Husain KC is a pre-eminent silk whose administrative and public law experience is predominantly in the area of immigration and asylum. He represents claimants seeking to challenge decisions of the Home Secretary and other public bodies. He is well-versed in arguments relying on EU freedom of movement and human rights law.

"Raza provides unparalleled quality of advice and insight across the spectrum of public law and human rights."

"Raza is in total command of the law and facts. He works exceptionally hard. He is very skilful and tenacious in the cause of his clients."

"On his feet, his advocacy style is passionate. He delivers his submissions with a sense of passion that instils not only confidence but also stirs emotion."

Tim Owen KC regularly appears in domestic and international public law proceedings. His expertise encompasses judicial reviews challenging immigration policy, police practice and other claims in the criminal context. He is also instructed in commercial and regulatory judicial reviews.

"Tim is extremely good on the law and a very persuasive advocate."

"Tim is a very impressive advocate. He is very good in court and a very clever lawyer."

"Tim is a very powerful advocate. He is quite forward-leaning in his approach and he is very forensic in submissions."

Chris Buttler KC is a renowned counsel with a strong track record of appearing in high-profile judicial reviews. He has considerable experience challenging government departments' and other public bodies' decisions. He is particularly proficient at claims that rely on equality and human rights law. Recent work includes matters arising from the government's pushback policy.

"His skeleton arguments are very impressive."

"Chris is brilliant at devising strategy and presenting the case. He’s also responsive and a pleasure to work with."

"His advocacy is outstanding and simply exceptional."

"Chris has an easy style of advocacy which doesn't reveal how complicated some of the arguments are. He makes everything sound very simple and easy to understand even when a very tricky issue."

Helen Mountfield KC brings her considerable expertise in equality law and human rights to public and administrative law cases before domestic and international courts. She frequently represents public bodies in high-profile challenges to social security provisions. Her other experience includes local government issues and disputes relating to workers' rights.

"Helen has a good grasp of all the issues and wider context. She has a good awareness of the wider environment and she is easy to work with."

Hugh Southey KC leads significant challenges to government policy, particularly in the areas of crime, national security and immigration. He is especially proficient at challenging police conduct through judicial review.

"Hugh really fights for his clients but he is very creative with his legal arguments and he thinks about a problem."

Alex Bailin KC is adept at the application of public and administrative law in the criminal justice and commercial spheres. He routinely appears in domestic and international public law and human rights proceedings.

"Alex is utterly persuasive. His written work is excellent."

Danny Friedman KC is well regarded for his appearances in domestic and international public law proceedings, especially where there is an overlap with human rights and criminal law. He has extensive experience handling judicial reviews in the policing and social housing contexts.

"Danny is a wonderful advocate."

"Danny is an enormously committed and enthusiastic advocate. He really delivers to his clients."

David Wolfe KC represents individual claimants and NGOs seeking to challenge decisions of local authorities, government departments and other public bodies. His recent experience has focused on challenges relating to major infrastructure projects and environmental issues.

"David has an extraordinary mind. He is fantastic with clients."

"The quality of his work is always very high."

James Stansfeld offers significant expertise in all manner of public law challenges, including acting in judicial reviews and appeals for both claimants and central government. He is most often instructed in complex extradition, national security and human rights issues.

"James is particularly good at national security work and anything with a crime public law crossover."

"James Stansfeld is very effective in advocacy and the way he makes submissions."

"James is very impressive in conferences and his written advice."

"His work is turned around at speed but with great precision and accuracy. He is empathetic with the client."

Jessica Jones is lauded in the market for her handling of high-profile judicial review challenges on behalf of claimants. She is known for applying her criminal law background to highly contentious public law cases in the contexts of equality and discrimination, social security and citizenship.

"Her drafting is incredibly impressive and spot-on."

"Her drafting is excellent. She is very easy to work with and a team player but she is also strategic."

"Jessica is incredibly hardworking and committed."

Jessica Simor KC enjoys a busy administrative and public law practice which includes experience representing regulators, charities and other organisations. Recent mandates include commercial judicial reviews, environmental and human rights claims.

"Jessica is a brilliant barrister. Her brain runs faster than others."

"Jessica is a great barrister and she gives great written advice."

Karon Monaghan KC is noted for her expertise in public and administrative law cases pursued on the grounds of equality and human rights law. She has considerable experience of challenging welfare reform on behalf of marginalised claimants.

"Karon is an authority on anything discrimination related."

Raj Desai is highly valued by NGOs and individual claimants for his mastery of public and human rights law. Recent work includes a diverse array of matters, including those relating to discrimination law, welfare provision, and stop and search powers.

"Raj has an ability to take a complex area of law and turn it into a compelling submission in an area of law where it is often difficult to apply it. He is innovative and imaginative."

"His written work is extremely high-quality. He is incredibly intelligent and very thorough."

"Raj has a thorough understanding of public law and human rights law."

Sarah Hannett KC is most often instructed on behalf of central government departments. She is particularly proficient at public law claims which involve human rights law and is an excellent choice for matters concerning data-related issues. Recently, she has appeared in several high-profile public law disputes involving equality law and healthcare.

"Sarah delivers very strong submissions."

"Sarah sees through the chaos and details. She provides a very practical point of view and she is so pragmatic. She knows the law back to front."

Zoë Leventhal KC is involved in substantial public law challenges surrounding welfare reform and social justice. She is adept at representing claimants, interveners and defendants in judicial review, and is skilled across a wide range of subjects within public law. She has handled challenges involving social security, asylum support and environmental law.

"Zoë is an impressive advocate both in terms of her oral or written submission."

"Zoë never misses the point. She is hardworking and astute."

A popular barrister with instructing solicitors, Aidan Wills possesses a broad base of expertise in public law and human rights matters, including those concerning policing. He ably assists clients with advisory work and judicial review challenges, primarily on the claimant side.

"Aidan is very impressive on the cross over in public law and privacy law."

Ayesha Christie has a strong claimant-focused public law practice, typically focusing on immigration and asylum issues. She has appeared in a number of challenges in front of the Supreme Court.

"Ayesha is extremely thorough and detailed. Her research is very thorough and she has great attention to detail."

"Ayesha puts forward the strong arguments. She is incredibly knowledgeable in public law, human rights and anti-trafficking law."

Blinne Ní Ghrálaigh KC is a highly regarded claimant-side barrister who is experienced in public law claims against central government, the police and other organisations. She has a strong command of human rights law and is a superb resource for any case involving protest rights and restrictions. Recent highlights include cases arising from the Troubles in Northern Ireland, including before the Supreme Court.

"Blinne has a thorough understanding and grasp of legislation and the basis of a case. She is totally immersed in it."

"Blinne is very good on the overlap between crime and public law."

"Blinne is a wonderful advocate."

Eleanor Mitchell possesses a broad range of expertise in public law. She is often instructed in high-profile matters involving vulnerable claimants. She has appeared in a string of cases concerning prominent issues of immigration and asylum policy such as the Rwanda scheme and the Windrush scandal.

"Eleanor has a brilliant mind. She is an excellent drafter and a pleasure to work with."

"Her written work is brilliant."

"Eleanor has really impressive knowledge on the immigration front. She is very meticulous and she has an astonishing sense of how things go together."

Jesse Nicholls has a strong track record representing vulnerable claimants in public law challenges concerning access to benefits, equality and human rights issues. He acts in cases involving policing and prisons, inquests and inquiries.

"Jesse is a brilliant junior. He produces really clear and compelling written work. His preparation is meticulous."

Joanna Buckley is a public law barrister often instructed by claimants in judicial reviews concerning the workings of the criminal justice system. Buckley is particularly experienced in challenges against the failure to prosecute alleged perpetrators of sexual assault.

"Joanna is a very thorough drafter and she gets on top of the papers. She brings a different perspective."

"Joanna is unbelievably smart and she writes beautifully. She is a great team player and very creative as a lawyer."

"Joanna is an outstanding junior who also has an incredible attention to detail."

Nicholas Armstrong KC routinely handles significant challenges involving the rights of prisoners and other vulnerable individuals including asylum seekers and disabled people. He has significant experience acting before the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal.

"Nicholas is an effective advocate."

"Nicholas is an incredibly compassionate and committed barrister."

Paul Skinner is a respected barrister noted for his representation of claimants and defendants. He is particularly experienced in cases related to welfare benefits, asylum support and prison conditions.

"Not only does Paul have a comprehensive and sophisticated understanding of the legal issues, but he is charming, good humoured and generous with his time."

"Paul is able to do things on short notice. He prepares the claim really well, understanding issues quickly and he is a joy to work with."

"Paul has good judgement and his written work is excellent."

Katy Sheridan is developing a strong reputation as a public law barrister. She regularly appears in matters concerning immigration and human trafficking.

"Katy is able to review ideas in an extremely forensic way and can quickly identify what is viable and what is not. Her work on evidence is exceptional."

"Katy presents her case well beyond her years of call. She makes cogent written arguments and cogent oral submissions. She is good at taking a judge through the detail."

Zoe McCallum has a strong claimant-focused public law practice. She often acts on behalf of individuals in judicial reviews involving immigration, trafficking and asylum issues.

"Zoe is always extremely helpful and thorough in her work. She is brilliant at what she does."

"Zoe has an impressive grasp of the legal issues and a really clear ability to keep on top of all of the issues in the case. She has a determination to secure the best results for our client."