Fieldfisher offers a deep bench of specialists in all aspects of public law advice and litigation; the firm’s areas of expertise range from bringing and defending applications for judicial review, to acting in complex inquests, public inquiries and independent reviews. One of those spearheading the practice is Matthew Lohn, who is highly sought after by individuals and corporates for his knowledge of judicial review, information transfer and fair process. Martin Smith is another key name at leadership level, and brings experience advising private sector organisations on their interaction with public bodies, central government and regulators. Tim Suter has been involved in numerous major inquiries in recent years, including the Manchester Arena bombing and the Covid-19 inquiries, while Sarah Ellson is vastly experienced across key public sectors such as healthcare and education. Carina May is also noted.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Top public inquiry department in the field.’
‘Martin Smith has encyclopaedic knowledge on all matters in the public inquiry world, works on the biggest inquiries and is a great strategist.’
‘Fieldfisher are at the forefront of acting as solicitor to the inquiry for a number of the largest UK public inquiries; it is a testament to to their skill and expertise at running large-scale inquiries of huge public interest.’
‘Martin Smith is the personification of "calmness under pressure" with not only significant inquiry experience but tactical and legal nous.’
‘Excellent team on the regulatory side of public law.’
‘Matthew Lohn is a first-rate practitioner. He is good with clients and very commercial.’
‘Martin Smith is very strong in work relating to inquests and inquiries.’
'Fieldfisher are stellar. Leaders in public inquiries by a country mile. Experts who lead the way nationally, especially in running the whole affair.'
Key clients
- WildFish Conservation
- The Covid-19 Public Inquiry
- Independent Standards Authority
- The Independent Inquiry into the issues raised by the David Fuller case
- Manchester Arena Inquiry
- Construction Industry Training Board ('CITB')
- Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse ('IICSA')
- Council for Licensed Conveyancers ('CLC')
- The Dawn Sturgess Inquiry
- Pearson Education Limited
- Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority ('HFEA')
- The Public Inquiry into the Death of Jermaine Baker
Work highlights
- Issued judicial review proceedings for the charity WildFish against the Secretary of State for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs to force the withdrawal and redrafting of the Government's storm overflow reduction plan.
- Advised the Covid-19 public inquiry on its set-up and establishment.
- Providing ongoing representation to the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority on judicial review challenges, urgent appeals before the Licence Committee, and regular attendance at the Statutory Approvals Committee.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Martin Smith, Matthew Lohn