Public Law & Judicial Review
Specialist Judicial Review Lawyers
Our lawyers are highly experienced in challenging public bodies in a range of difference areas. Osbornes are able to draw on the breadth of work they cover across the other areas of law for which we have legal aid contracts. These include housing, community care and welfare benefits.
“They are tenacious, approachable, and extremely effective in representing the interests of their clients including in highly complex cases.”
“Osbornes Law has a well-regarded practice which sees the firm act in judicial review challenges against local and central government bodies.”
Expert lawyers specialising in public law
Public bodies must comply with rules when carrying out their public functions. Where they fail to comply with the rules this can be challenged by way of Judicial Review.
Examples of the type of cases our specialist public law solicitors can assist with include the following:
- Challenges to decisions concerning homelessness duties
- Challenges to Local Authorities’ housing allocation schemes
- Cases involving welfare benefits
- Failures by Children’s services involving children and young persons
- Cuts to public services
- Age assessment challenges
- Securing access to support for asylum seekers and migrants
- Challenges to the decision making of the Legal Aid Agency in relation to legal aid.
Our team also provide advice and training to charities and public sector organisations.
If you disagree with a decision, or you are concerned about the impact of a rule or policy of a public body, please contact the Public Law team at Osbornes to discuss whether it is something we can assist with.
Judicial Review FAQs
What is a public body?
A public body is an organisation carrying out a public function. Examples of public bodies include Local Authorities, government departments, and Housing Associations.
How will my public law case be funded?
Osbornes Law is able to conduct public law case work under our Public Law contract with the Legal Aid Agency. For those that do not qualify for legal aid we can discus other funding options.
If I win my public law case what order will the Court make?
The Court will not substitute its decision for that of the public body. The Courts roles is supervisory and to ensure that the law has been complied with. It can strike down unlawful acts but in almost all cases a successful Judicial Review claim will simply rule as unlawful the act that is complained of by the Claimant, thus requiring the public body to make a fresh decision.
Are there other organisations I can get help from
Below is a list of useful organisations who may be able to help:
- The Public Law Project https://publiclawproject.org.uk/
- Child Poverty Action Group https://cpag.org.uk/
- Shelter https://www.shelter.org.uk/
- The Equality and Human Rights Commission https://equalityhumanrights.com/en
- The Aire Centre https://www.airecentre.org/
"Osbornes are always very good at dealing with complex cases. They are a very knowledgeable and experienced team."
"They are very flexible and accessible for vulnerable young people who don't fully understand the legal system."
"The team adapts with the constant changes that are taking place in the public law sphere; they handle complicated matters with ease."
William Ford is experienced in representing tenants in disrepair and possession claims, as well as homelessness appeals and judicial reviews concerning allocation of housing.
"I have nothing but praise for Osbornes Law. They provide an excellent client centered service. I would not hesitate to recommend them. A client would be in very safe hands with them."
‘I have worked with Osbornes on judicial reviews, in which they have an excellent reputation.’
"The team are exceptionally dedicated and hard-working. The team also have an excellent command of the applicable legal principles and are adept at exploring the best evidence on behalf of their clients."
"The team are regularly involved in complex challenges including strategic litigation and policy challenges."
‘They are a go-to for confident, diligent and careful work and really excel in client care and knowledge in the field.’
"Osbornes are an extremely strong team with highly capable solicitors, associates and partners working in public law."
"The administrative and public law team at Osbornes are highly experienced with a consistently high standard of work. They have tackled some of the most important recent public law cases involving housing and social welfare issues."
Housing and Community Care InsightsVIEW ALL
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Court Judgment means EU Nationals with Pre-Settled Status can access benefits and housing On 18 December 2020 the Court of Appeal handed...
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Background to the Case Osbornes Law were instructed by a disabled tenant who had been decanted from her temporary accommodation...
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Education provision to age disputed migrants
The thorny issue of education provision to age disputed migrants There was an interesting article in The Guardian last week...
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You are homeless because you are in shared...
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Rejecting tenants on housing benefit deemed indirect discrimination
In a recent decision in the County Court at York it was held that a letting agent’s policy of...
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I am vulnerable and homeless but the Council...
Homelessness law and procedure can be very complicated. We hope this blog gives you some helpful pointers but it is...
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I have lost my job and I have...
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The ONS reported in 2019 that between 2007 and 2017 the number of households in the private rented sector in the UK increased...
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When does a Local Authority have to provide...
Absolutely anyone can be struck down by misfortune and find themselves in a situation where they are homeless. Though many...
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I have a disrepair issue can I withhold...
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