Administrative & Public Law: Mainly Public Sector & Charities
UK Guide 2025 : UK-wide
Band 3
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
(020) 7405 4600About
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
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
- 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
"Sharpe Pritchard has a very strong understanding of the legislation and the consultation process as well as a clear ability to carry out a comprehensive analysis of the consultation results."
"The Sharpe Pritchard team is excellent and efficient."
"The lawyers' handling of any matter is seamless, reflecting a breadth and depth of knowledge which is truly impressive."
"Sharpe Pritchard has a very strong understanding of the legislation and the consultation process as well as a clear ability to carry out a comprehensive analysis of the consultation results."
"The Sharpe Pritchard team is excellent and efficient."
"The lawyers' handling of any matter is seamless, reflecting a breadth and depth of knowledge which is truly impressive."
Notable Practitioners
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."
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
UK-wide
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