An extension of the firm’s renowned disputes offering, the offering at Herbert Smith Freehills LLP spans all contentious and non-contentious aspects of public and administrative law, including judicial review, tribunal proceedings, government inquiries, and statutory appeal work. Jointly leading the practice are the vastly experienced Andrew Lidbetter and Nusrat Zar, whose combined experience covers an extremely broad range of key sectors including media, telecoms, energy, transport, utilities and financial services. Jasveer Randhawa is another key contact and trusted advisor to major commercial organisations and public bodies and regulators, while senior associate James Wood has developed a solid reputation for expertise regarding professional disciplinary investigations and freedom of information issues.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘HSF have been our advisors for over 20 years. They combine excellent sector knowledge with first-class public law advice.’
‘They provide comprehensive, well considered advice, are always available and are on your side.'
‘The best public law team in the City.’
‘Andrew Lidbetter is the country's leading public law solictor, extremely knowledgeable and a brilliant tactician.’
- ‘Jasveer Randhawa is already one of the top public lawyers in London, a devastatingly brilliant intellect which she wears commendably lightly.’
‘Andrew Lidbetter is one of the best.’
‘Outstanding public law practice with huge experience.’
'Our go-to team for public law matters.'
Key clients
- High Speed Two ("HS2") Limited
- Stagecoach Group plc
- British Sugar plc
- Severn Trent Water Limited (“STW”) and Severn Trent Property Solutions Limited (“STPS”)
- Post Office Limited
- NNB Generation Company (SZC) Limited
- Centre for Advice on Individual Rights in Europe ("AIRE")
- AQUIND Limited
- Church of England: Several entities including the Church Commissioners and the Archbishops’ Council
- Water UK
- Neptune E&P UKCS Limited
Work highlights
- Acting for High Speed Two in defending a procurement claim relating to its decision to acquire 54 high speed trains for operation on the UK's new high speed railway.
- Acting for British Sugar in its judicial review challenge to the decision by the UK Government to introduce an autonomous tariff quota for raw cane sugar with effect from the end of the Brexit transition period.
- Acting for STW and STPS, two of the defendants in group litigation which was commenced by around 140 personal search companies against the major water and sewerage companies in England and Wales.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
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Leading associates
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Next Generation Partners
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Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Andrew Lidbetter, Nusrat Zar