Sophie Kemp
Kingsley Napley LLPThe ‘outstanding’ public law team at Kingsley Napley LLP is spearheaded by Sophie Kemp, who regularly advises individuals, charities, and institutions on public inquiries and inquests. The ’highly intelligent’ Nick Wrightson is recommended for his skills handling commercial and regulatory reviews. The team has been strengthened by the addition of Harry Carter and Natalie Cohen in January 2024. With more than three decades of experience as a government lawyer, Carter has extensive expertise in advising on public inquiries, such as the Grenfell Inquiry, the Covid-19 Inquiry, and the Infected Blood Inquiry. Cohen joins the team after gaining significant experience as a litigator for the government; her broad capabilities extend to judicial reviews, inquests, and human rights challenges. Adam Chapman retired in April 2024.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Nick Wrightson is highly intelligent and pragmatic. He has a wealth of experience and expertise in a range of public law work from complex JRs through to highly involved and difficult public inquiries. He remains a joy to work with at all times. Formidable and highly recommended.'
- ‘Sophie Kemp is an excellent communicator; she gives clear advice and has a very broad knowledge of inquiry and independent review law.’
- ‘They are very competent and knowledgeable. They have a broad range of expertise and a strong reputation.’
- ‘They have outstanding experience in the field of public law and act for a wide variety of clients.’
- ‘Nick Wrightson is a great solicitor. He has an excellent knowledge of public law, sound judgment, and he's a pleasure to work with.’
- ‘Natalie Cohen brings a wealth of experience and insight from her years in government. She is exceptionally thorough and conscientious.’
- 'Kingsley Napley has one of the most outstanding teams of public lawyers in London. They are a go-to firm for challenging public law case.'
- ‘They are very professional and hugely efficient. They have a real expertise in the field.’
Key clients
- The Payment Systems Regulator
- Spotlight on Corruption
- ClientEarth
- Kate Brunner KC in her capacity as Chair of the Isle of Man Independent COVID Review
- Amer Choudrey
- Police and Crime Commissioner for the West Midlands
- The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman
- Intellectual Property Regulation Board
- Construction Industry Council Approved Inspectors Register Limited
- The Institute and Faculty of Actuaries
- Catholic Bishops Conference of England and Wales
Work highlights
- Acted for the Payment Systems Regulator, the economic regulator for the payment systems industry in the UK, in the first claim for judicial review brought against it.
- Acted for the police and crime commissioner for the West Midlands in a successful judicial review challenge to a Home Office consultation on the transfer of the PCC’s functions to the Mayor of the West Midlands.
- Advising Client Earth and a coalition of advocacy groups and NGOs on prospective environmental legislation.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Nick Wrightson
Kingsley Napley LLPPractice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Sophie Kemp