Assessing the merits
A candid early view on whether a decision is challengeable — and whether judicial review is the right tool.
Challenging public bodies
Judicial review & public law.
Challenging the decisions of public authorities where they have acted unlawfully, unfairly or beyond their powers — with strategic, clear-headed advice.
When a public body — a council, a regulator, a government department — makes a decision that is unlawful, unfair or outside its powers, judicial review is the route to challenge it. It is a specialist, deadline-driven area with a strict pre-action process, and it rewards early, strategic advice. We assess the merits honestly and act decisively where there is a case.
Whatever the matter, our approach is the same: work out what you actually need, tell you plainly where you stand, and handle it properly — from a senior solicitor you deal with directly, in language that doesn't need a translator. It's law for people who have a business to run.
When clients come to us
You probably need us if…
A council, regulator or government body has made a decision that affects you.
You believe a public body has acted unlawfully, unfairly or beyond its powers.
You've been refused something and want to challenge how the decision was made.
A regulator is taking action against you or your business.
You need to act fast to pause a decision while it is challenged.
You've had a decision and the clock is already running on your right to challenge it.
How we help
Judicial review & public law — in practice.
The everyday work we do in this area. If what you need isn't listed, ask — the odds are we handle it.
Pre-action protocol
Getting the pre-action letter right, which often resolves matters without proceedings.
Judicial review proceedings
Permission applications and substantive hearings, run to strict deadlines.
Regulatory challenges
Challenging and responding to the decisions of regulators and public bodies.
Urgent & interim relief
Acting fast where a decision needs to be paused while it is challenged.
Public law advice
Advising organisations that deal with public bodies on their rights and obligations.
Working with us
What to expect.
A straight answer, fast
We'll tell you quickly whether you have a problem worth worrying about, and what your realistic options are — no drama, no padding, no watching the clock.
Handled by someone senior
An experienced solicitor does your work and stays your point of contact throughout. You won't be pitched by a partner and passed to a junior.
Kept moving, kept informed
We push judicial review & public law forward and keep you updated in plain English, so you're never left wondering where things stand or what happens next.
Common questions
Judicial review & public law — your questions answered.
How long do I have to bring a judicial review?
Claims must be brought promptly and, in any event, generally within three months of the decision — and shorter limits apply in some areas. Judicial review is unforgiving on timing, so if you are considering a challenge, take advice immediately.
Do I have to sue straight away?
No — there is a pre-action protocol, and a well-drafted pre-action letter often resolves matters without proceedings. But the underlying deadline keeps running, so the protocol has to be handled quickly.
What can judicial review achieve?
A court can quash an unlawful decision, require a body to act, or declare what the law is. It reviews how a decision was made, not whether it was the 'right' one — which is why the grounds, not just the outcome, are what matter.
Will I actually deal with a senior solicitor?
Yes. We're a boutique firm by design — you work directly with an experienced solicitor from start to finish, not a junior you've never met. The person who advises you is the person doing the work, and the person you can call.
How will I know what it's going to cost?
We agree the approach and the likely cost with you before any work begins. Where a matter is predictable we'll give you a clear price up front; where it genuinely isn't, a realistic estimate that we keep under review. Either way, the bill never arrives as a surprise.
Do you only act for businesses, or individuals too?
Both. We act for businesses and their owners, and for individuals and families on private-client matters. Many of our clients are business owners whose company and personal legal needs overlap — and we handle both.
Need help with judicial review & public law?
Book a no-obligation conversation — a straight view on where you stand and what to do next.