About

Provided by Sharpe Pritchard LLP

​Type of work handled

Our team has a longstanding reputation for acting for parties in judicial reviews, injunctions, and statutory reviews and appeals. Our claim to be the ‘go to’ firm for local authorities has its roots in a long-standing close association with the public sector. 

We advise clients from beginning to end, including on pre-action protocol, the merits of the case, the procedures and the costs, including the complexities of protective costs orders. 

Our team focuses its work on the Administrative Court (including the Planning Court) in London. We regularly act for public bodies and applicants across the full range of administrative law actions, including: 

  • planning judicial reviews and statutory appeals
  • environmental cases
  • homelessness cases
  • challenges to consultation exercises and the use of delegated powers
  • breach of statutory duty and vires claims
  • cases relating to the use and designation of land
  • open spaces and village greens
  • rating
  • compulsory purchase cases
  • obtaining injunctions

    ​Categories of clients

    Mainly public bodies and particularly local authorities defending judicial review actions and planning appeals.

    Landowners and businesses making challenges.

    ​Recent work highlights

    We appeared in the Planning Court, Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court in the recent cases relating to the National Planning Policy Framework.

    Chambers Review

    Provided by Chambers
    Administrative & Public Law: Mainly Public Sector & Charities - UK-wide
    3
    Band 3
    What the Team is Known For

    Sharpe Pritchard has a public law practice with considerable experience assisting local authorities, as well as central government and public bodies. The firm is capable of representing clients in judicial review proceedings alongside advising on a broad array of public law matters concerning local government.

    Work Highlights

    Provided by Sharpe Pritchard LLP
    • Sharpe Pritchard represented Braintree District Council in a judicial review challenging the use of land in Essex, a former RAF base, for accommodation for up to 1,700 male asylum seekers.

    Strengths

    Provided by Chambers

    Notable Practitioners

    Provided by Chambers
    U
    George McLellan
    U
    Up and Coming

    George McLellan has a growing practice in advising clients on public law issues, such as judicial reviews, public consultations and regulatory advice. His clients include the likes of private corporations, individuals and central government departments.

    "In terms of public law challenges, especially if it is something knotty and difficult, George is the one I would go to. He is an extremely intelligent lawyer."

    "George is adept at getting the best results for the clients."

    U
    Jonathan Blunden
    U
    Up and Coming

    Jonathan Blunden advises both public and private sector clients on public law matters, including judicial reviews, legislative drafting, statutory appeals and decision-making, among others. He recently joined the public law practice at Sharpe Pritchard.

    "Jonathan Blunden's public law knowledge and experience give him a head start in advising clients on difficult or technical issues."

    "Jonathan is enthusiastic and interested in the area. Clients trust him and listen to his advice and I always recommend him."

    Ranked Lawyers at
    Sharpe Pritchard LLP

    Provided by Chambers
    Filter by
    Band

    UK-wide

    Administrative & Public Law

    U
    George McLellan
    U
    Up and Coming
    U
    Jonathan Blunden
    U
    Up and Coming

    Members

    Provided by Sharpe Pritchard LLP

    Mari Roberts

    William Rose

    Clients

    Provided by Sharpe Pritchard LLP

    Dartford Borough Council

    Heritage England

    Lewes District Council

    Suffolk Coastal District Council

    Industries

    Provided by Sharpe Pritchard LLP

    Public bodies