Administrative & Public Law
UK Guide 2025 : Northern Ireland
Band 1
About
Provided by Cleaver Fulton Rankin
The Public and Administrative law team at Cleaver Fulton Rankin is led by Chairman and Director, Karen Blair. The team advise regarding the powers of the new District Councils in the context of the ongoing reform of public administration culminating in new Councils on 1 April 2015; transitional arrangements resulting from the ongoing reform of local government; advising public bodies on vires issues and the rights of the public to participate in the decision making process; advising private companies and individuals regarding the challenge of decisions by public bodies by way of judicial review; advising Notice Parties where a decision in their favour has been challenged by a third party in judicial review proceedings; representing respondents in judicial review challenges; advising public bodies on their internal processes and policies to reduce the risk of challenge going forward; and advising the public and private sector in relation to the Freedom of Information and Data Protection legislation.
The team advise a number of key public sector clients in a wide range of contexts. The administrative law practice is closely related to the firm’s planning and environmental practice where they advise applicants and notice parties in planning and environmental judicial reviews. The team also provide specialist administrative law advice in the procurement context, advising both tendering authorities and individual tenderers.
Chambers Review
Cleaver Fulton Rankin predominantly represents regulators, local authorities and other public bodies in a range of administrative and public law matters. The firm advises on issues such as judicial reviews, statutory appeals and disciplinary proceedings. It is also adept at advising commercial clients on challenging planning and other government decisions. The firm is particularly adept in the healthcare and pharmaceutical regulatory spaces and has a prominent environmental practice.
Work Highlights
- Cleaver Fulton Rankin represented Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council in more than 65 judicial reviews that challenged planning decisions.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Cleaver Fulton Rankin is clearly commercially aware in their approach to sourcing clients and dealing with clients in a commercial marketplace."
"The team provides very sound advice, great knowledge and project confidence and reassurance in their handling of complex and sophisticated matters."
"The lawyers have a recognised specialism in public law in Northern Ireland. Their strength is working for a lot of public regulatory bodies."
"Cleaver Fulton Rankin is clearly commercially aware in their approach to sourcing clients and dealing with clients in a commercial marketplace."
"The team provides very sound advice, great knowledge and project confidence and reassurance in their handling of complex and sophisticated matters."
"The lawyers have a recognised specialism in public law in Northern Ireland. Their strength is working for a lot of public regulatory bodies."
Notable Practitioners
Karen Blair heads the public law offering at Cleaver Fulton Rankin. She is noted for her extensive experience handling judicial review matters and has considerable expertise in planning challenges.
"Karen's own input in relation to cases is characterised by hard work, an expert grasp of the legal issues and complex factual backgrounds, courtesy and excellent communication."
"She has a record of deep knowledge in the practice area that can put a client at ease."
Brendan Martyn is a director at Cleaver Fulton Rankin. He has a wide-ranging public and administrative law practice which sees him regularly representing local authorities and regulatory bodies.
"Brendan's grasp of complicated legal issues and factual backgrounds is impressive. His interpersonal skills are excellent; he is calm under pressure and works hard."
"Brendan is very strong, knowledgeable and instils great confidence."
Stephen Masterson has a broad public law and regulatory practice. He demonstrates considerable expertise in judicial review challenges in a planning context.
"As well as having an excellent grasp of relevant areas of law, Stephen is polite, reliable, presents well and works hard. He is open to a challenge and versatile."
Ranked Lawyers at
Cleaver Fulton Rankin
Northern Ireland
Members
Provided by Cleaver Fulton Rankin
Anna McClimonds
Head of Department
Stephen Masterson
Industries
Provided by Cleaver Fulton Rankin
Energy
Government
Health Care
Mining & Metals
Pharmaceuticals & Life Sciences
Real Estate
Utilities