Burges Salmon LLP houses ‘a friendly and experienced’ public law team based in Bristol. The practice is co-headed by Gary Soloman and John Houlden. Solomon is skilled with planning statutory challenges, while Houlden specialises in procurement matters. Brian Wong is recommended for contentious matters in the transport sector. Charlotte Whitaker is a further standout lawyer, who has notable experience with public inquiries and inquests.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘They standout for their range of lawyers and their expertise in this practice area. The diversity at this practice is very impressive.’
‘They have an excellent background in representing individuals and organisations in transport-related inquiries. They have a very strong project management team, which is popular with clients.’
'Charlotte Whitaker is very bright and easy to work with.'
‘A friendly and experienced team who are great to work with. They have a roster of interesting and high-profile public-sector clients.’
‘They have a team of excellent litigators that is increasingly involved in high-profile inquests and inquiries.’
‘Burgess Salmon is a large firm experienced in handling public law challenges brought by corporate clients against regulators such as the HSE and the EA.’
'It is rare to meet someone as driven as Charlotte Whitaker, who strives to provide the best quality assistance, advice, and ultimate work product.'
'Charlotte Whitaker's work is of the highest quality. I cannot recommend Charlotte highly enough.’
Key clients
- Environment Agency
- Ministry of Defence
- UK Atomic Energy Authority
- ATOS
- Isle of Anglesey County Council
- North Somerset Council
- Blackbushe Airport Limited
- Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
- Bramley Solar Limited
- Post Office Limited
- Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
- Department for Education
- Bristol City Council
- Torbay Borough Council
Work highlights
- Advised Post Office Limited on the statutory inquiry into the Horizon IT scandal.
- Advised Isle of Anglesey County Council on a matter connected to the Energy Island programme, including a four-week public inquiry.
- Acted for DESNZ for Heat Network development in England & Wales, which involved the establishment of a whole new regulatory regime (through primary and secondary legislation) for heat networks.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Gary Soloman, John Houlden