Public Law or ‘Administrative’ Law involves challenges to unlawful acts by public bodies, including local authorities, government departments NHS bodies, the Police, DSS, etc.
It is important that people can hold public bodies to account and challenge them when things go wrong. We can help you to identify if your rights, your community’s right or the rights of your family are being challenged or undermined and clearly advise on the road ahead.
Our Public Law specialists have significant expertise in:
- Infected Blood Inquiry
- Judicial Review- Challenges to hospital closures & downgrades.
- Education Law- Challenges to school reorganisation, closures and challenges to library closures
- Historical sexual abuse cases
- Child care negligence by local authorities
- Inquests – Article 2 Inquests
- Actions Against the Police
These are just examples. If you have a Public Law problem involving any public authority, please contact us today to see how we can help.
Who We Act For
Watkins & Gunn represent a wide range of clients in Public Law cases, including:
- Individuals
- Action and campaigning groups
- Charities
- Professional associations
- Unions
- Nurseries, schools and colleges
- Companies
Act Quickly
It is vitally important that one acts quickly to bring a Judicial Review case against a public body. The timeframes are very short – most cases must be brought promptly and within three months of the decision, but some, such as planning, environmental and procurement cases may need to be brought even quicker.
The Legal 500 UK Solicitors 2025 Edition Testimonials
‘Noted for its ability to ‘think innovatively’ and with the ‘clients’ interests firmly in mind’, Watkins & Gunn Limited continues to excel at representing claimants in public law challenges, where it draws upon ‘a deep knowledge of how the practice and procedure of judicial reviews work’. Much of this work is for vulnerable persons as well as public interest groups, with recent highlights including its ongoing representation of Haemophilia Wales in the infected blood inquiry, as well as a considerable number of recent matters for traveller families challenging the decisions of both Welsh and English authorities for their evictions. The vastly experienced Michael Imperato and Lucy O’Brien co-head the team that has over the years gained a very strong success rate in a raft of high-profile cases’
‘They think innovatively and have clients’ best interests firmly in mind.’
‘They have a deep knowledge of how the practice and procedure of judicial reviews work.’
Chambers UK Guide 2024 Testimonials
“The lawyers are excellent advocates and provide guidance and assistance.”
“Watkins & Gunn provides first-class service and excellent communication.”
“The administration, guidance and support have been second to none in terms of enabling me to have a clear attitude towards the case in hand. The team is also always polite and very knowledgeable.”
We have a legal aid franchise with the Legal Aid Agency and we are committed to public funded work where available but also with private funding, fixed fees and group funding arrangements where necessary.
Your Problem Solved
We have decades of experience in helping individuals, groups and organisations with Administrative / Public Law matters and our clients love to refer us on, thanks to our professionalism, expertise, success and clarity on costs and legal advice.
We’ll give you jargon-free advice without any hidden costs.
