Administrative & Public Law

Caoilfhionn Gallagher KC is instructed to represent claimants in high-profile public law and human rights challenges to legislation and government policy. Gallagher is well known for her pioneering work in children's rights cases; additional areas of expertise include policing.

"Caoilfhionn is a world class advocate and defender of human rights."

"Caoilfhionn is absolutely the person you want on your side."

Edward Fitzgerald KC is a pre-eminent silk with vast experience in domestic and international public law. He receives instructions from NGOs and individual or corporate claimants challenging controversial legislation and policy. He is recommended particularly for cases involving human rights, criminal and constitutional law.

"Edward is incredibly good at weaving cases into extraordinary submissions. He is one of the most effective advocates and he does it with huge charm."

"Edward is a force to be reckoned with."

"He delivers fantastic paperwork. He is absolutely the best."

Martin Westgate KC typically acts for individual claimants and NGOs seeking to challenge secondary legislation and public body decisions. He is particularly strong in cases involving welfare cuts, housing and discrimination.

"Martin holds the court's attention well on complex technical points."

"Martin is very clever and knows all aspect of public law. He's an encyclopaedia of it."

"He is like the grandfather of public law relating to social injustice. He has an absolutely lovely manner in court and he is a really effective advocate in court."

Shu Shin Luh pursues significant public law challenges on behalf of marginalised claimants and interveners. She is particularly committed to safeguarding the rights of children and migrants. Her substantive expertise includes immigration, human rights, social welfare and education. Sources commend her considerable expertise in the law on human trafficking.

"She has incredible expertise around trafficking. She is very capable, very detail-oriented and methodical. Her oral submissions are really impressive."

"Shu Shin Luh is a real powerhouse of a barrister with a phenomenal output of work. She is a go-to for migrant rights in public law."

"She is a powerhouse of a barrister. The quality of her work is unparalleled."

"Shu Shin Luh is a brilliant advocate with incredible instincts for strategy and a wealth of knowledge of public law."

Adam Straw KC is a superb advocate who is a popular choice for claimants and interveners in public law challenges arising in the context of national security, criminal law and immigration detention proceedings. He has particular expertise in public law cases that overlap with human rights law.

"Adam is a very calm, considered and effective advocate."

"His advice is clear and thorough."

"He is a very measured and really excellent advocate in court. I find him to be just very knowledgeable, easy to talk to and very responsive."

Adam Wagner has produced impressive work in judicial review proceedings brought against the government by individuals and campaign groups. Past cases include an array of human rights-based challenges arising from COVID-19, including cases on enforced quarantine, protests and the failure to investigate Downing Street parties.

"Adam delivers effective advocacy."

"His ability to think strategically about the case as a whole is invaluable. His court room submissions are focused and targeted for maximum impact and make a significant difference to the outcome."

Jamie Burton KC is involved in significant challenges to central government and local authority decisions on the provision of public services and welfare benefits. He has particular expertise in claims involving social housing and community care. He is highly proficient in claims relying on EU and human rights law.

"James is a very good creative thinker but he is also good at taking it back to the law."

"Jamie is a really exceptional advocate on this feet."

"Jamie has exceptional subject knowledge and he is incredibly creative."

Jude Bunting KC has an excellent track record of successfully challenging policy and decisions of public bodies. His expertise encompasses human rights, equality and discrimination, policing and criminal law. Recent major challenges include Court of Appeal and Supreme Court cases arising from the Troubles in Northern Ireland.

"His incredible breadth of expertise and strategic insight makes him a game-changer for any challenge."

"Jude is just extremely skilled and approachable. He covers all the bases, doesn't leave any stone unturned and goes through all the evidence. He is always available to discuss any issues that come up."

"Jude is very quick on his feet."

Laura Dubinsky KC specialises in judicial review cases concerning immigration and asylum. She is especially strong in cases involving EU freedom of movement and human rights law. Her expertise in immigration detention appeals is of particular note, having appeared before the Supreme Court in cases on that subject.

"Laura is a really good strategist and is really good at seeing the bigger picture."

"She is really good at strategy and understanding the clients' needs. Her advocacy is really strong as well."

"Laura is forensic with evidence, compelling on her feet and a brilliant strategic thinker."

Angela Patrick continues to excel at the Public Law Bar following a decade working in Parliament and subsequently for JUSTICE. She has acted in a wide range of prominent judicial reviews, taking in criminal justice, the conduct of inquests and many other issues.

"Her client care is super strong. She is very empathetic and realistic in her advice. Her drafting is especially detailed and thorough. She doesn't leave any stone unturned."

Anthony Vaughan continues to develop a strong reputation for his work in public and administrative law. He often represents claimants and interveners in challenges to Home Office immigration policy. He is also adept at handling challenges that deal with the crossover between criminal and immigration law.

"Anthony has excellent attention to detail and excellent witness handling skills."

"Anthony is a details barrister. He has got good powers of analysis and can turn work around quickly."

"Anthony has a real attention to detail."

Antonia Benfield is renowned by peers for her strong advocacy and knowledge in the areas of public law, immigration and asylum. She acts for vulnerable claimants, including individuals with mental health issues and asylum seekers. Age assessment and unlawful detention claims feature heavily in her practice.

"Antonia is very responsive as well as clear in her advice and on what evidence is needed. She thinks strategically and provides very helpful guidance and support."

"Antonia is very good and very accessible."

Graham Denholm chiefly counsels claimants in judicial reviews challenging decisions of the Home Secretary. He is well versed in cases concerning immigration detention, age assessments and asylum appeals.

"Graham has amazing knowledge and he is very reliable. He has an excellent eye for detail and he is a joy to work with."

"He is smart and thoughtful. He is just a really good practitioner."

Stephen Cragg KC has a strong track record of appearing in innovative public law challenges on behalf of claimants. He is especially well known for his handling of judicial reviews which involve an overlap with community care, social welfare and human rights law. He also appears as special advocate in cases concerning national security.

"Stephen is really good on his feet and in written arguments."

Donnchadh Greene is respected for his representation of claimants in judicial review challenges. He has a particular emphasis on cases involving data protection and immigration issues.

"His advice is clear; he cuts straight to the relevant issues and he is able to provide helpful guidance."

"Donnchadh is really forensic; he knows every document."

"His written advocacy is good and he is excellent with the client."

Joshua Jackson has an active practice representing vulnerable claimants. He is instructed in a wide array of challenges related to immigration, human trafficking and welfare.

"Joshua is extremely bright and robust."

"His drafting is very persuasive and precise."

Michael Spencer has an impressive track record of appearances in judicial reviews concerning immigration and asylum policy.

"His submissions are always very clear and precise."

"Michael is a very good thinker and very good drafter."

"Michael is able to think quickly on his feet. Most of all he is a pleasure to work with. He has good client care and he is able to grapple with the issues quickly."