With continuing growth in public law litigation, public law practitioners must pull together the strands of judicial review, governmental and other inquiries and disciplinary proceedings involving public bodies. We regard ourselves as a leading firm in administrative law and the leading judicial review firm. Top-ranked in both Chambers and Legal 500 for administrative law and commercial judicial review, the firm has built up a loyal following among regulators and those subject to regulation.
The cross-departmental administrative and public law team regularly acts for each of applicants, respondents and intervening third parties. We have a significant inter-departmental team of practitioners with specialist relevant experience to provide advice covering all non-contentious and contentious aspects, in relation to both domestic law and European Convention on Human Rights matters. We also frequently advise on the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and the Environmental Information Regulations 2004.
A brief look at the sectors in which we operate indicates the extent of our practice – the list includes:
- planning
- tax
- environment
- competition
- public sector projects financial services
- financial services
- health sector
- pharmaceuticals
- local government
Our leading reputation is reflected in our client list, which includes AOL, Arriva, BSkyB, Financial Services Compensation Scheme, Institute of Actuaries, London Underground Limited, London Stock Exchange, Ofcom, Ofgem and Vodafone.
Our lawyers contribute to the wider debate around public law issues through articles and seminars, and several have published books on the subject.
Our alliance partners Gleiss Lutz and Stibbe also have leading public law practices. Our work with them on comparative law issues enhances our own practice and understanding of the subject.
Litigation team of the Year
The Lawyer Awards 2007
Herbert Smith - best litigation practice
Vault Guide to the Top 50 UK Law Firms 2007
"An outstanding practice across both the commercial and public sectors in this field has made this firm an 'obvious leader.'"
Chambers UK 2007
"Leading commercial judicial review firm Herbert Smith LLP regularly acts for applicants, respondents and intervening third parties."
Legal 500 UK 2007
"This dominant force within commercial and regulatory law regularly acts for the public sector too as part of a genuinely broad public law practice. The lawyers can turn their hands to judicial review, statutory appeal, and advisory work in an astonishingly wide range of sectors."
Chambers UK 2006