Administrative and public law

Fieldfisher

Fieldfisher stands out for its ‘superb strength and depth in the field of inquests and inquiries’. In addition to this, the team also has experience advising on legislative drafting as well as bringing and defending judicial review claims. The practice is co-headed by Martin Smith and Matthew Lohn. Lohn advises both regulators and commercial clients across a variety of sectors, including environmental, financial, electoral, and healthcare. Smith is particularly skilled with public inquiries, such as the Dawn Sturgess Inquiry and the UK Covid-19 Inquiry. The wider team also has a depth of experience with high-profile inquests and inquiries, which includes Tim Suter and Oliver Carlyon. Frankie Everitt is also noted for her assistance with some of the firm's most prominent cases.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘Fieldfisher has cornered the market in the advising of public inquiries. Their experience is unparalleled.’
‘A top-class team headed by Matthew Lohn. They are really good on regulatory matters.’
‘A highly motivated and responsive team who are always well prepared and offer excellent, considered, and proactive advice. All team members have a firm grasp of a series of complex legal points.’
‘All lawyers in the team are excellent, but particularly noteworthy are Matthew Lohn and Frankie Everitt who have consistently impressed with their knowledge, creative thinking, and incisive advice.’
‘They have a superb strength and depth in field of Inquests and Inquiries. They are second to none.’
‘Tim Suter is first-rate with sound judgment and clear strategic thinking. He is fantastic to work with.’
'Martin Smith is the pre-eminent name in public inquiries. He is respected by all. He continues to provide flexible and expert support to Chairs of different inquiries, tailoring the service to their different needs.'
‘Oliver Carlyon is a safe pair of hands. He can be relied on to provide practical advice and excellent client care.’

Key clients

London North Eastern Railway Limited
Northern Trains Limited
South Eastern Trains Limited
Transpennine Trains Limited
The Covid-19 Inquiry
Post Office Limited
Thirlwall Inquiry
WildFish Conservation
Jersey Hemp
Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority
The Inquiry into the death of Jalal Uddin
The Omagh Bombing Inquiry
British Association for Shooting and Conservation
Construction Industry Training Board
The Dawn Sturgess Inquiry
Myeloma UK
Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority

Work highlights

Advised the UK Covid-19 Inquiry on preparing for and holding key hearings as well as defending a high-profile judicial review brought by the Cabinet Office in respect of access to WhatsApp material sought by the Inquiry.
Acted for various railway companies in defending a judicial review against consultation processes run in relation to the proposed closures of train station ticket offices.
Advised Post Office Limited as a Core Participant in the Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry.

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