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.

Speak to a specialist

Contact

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William Ford Partner
Housing and Social Care

    • “Osbornes is recognised for its strong public law practice, with particular expertise in judicial review.”

    • “Osbornes Law has a well-regarded practice which sees the firm act in judicial review challenges against local and central government bodies.”

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    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.

    Find out if we can help

    Enquiry Assessment Form

    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/
    • The team is also experienced in homelessness and community care issues, as well as public law and judicial review claims.

      Chambers UK 2026

    • A strong team with real knowledge of the practice area.

      Chambers UK 2026

    • Osbornes Law has a well-regarded practice which sees the firm act in judicial review challenges against local and central government bodies.

      Chambers UK 2026

    • They identify and address gaps in information and find creative solutions to resolve complex cases.

      Chambers UK 2026

    • The solicitors at Osbornes Law are proactive, knowledgeable, friendly and very reliable.

      Chambers UK 2026

    • Osbornes Law's public law team are so impressive and really knowledgeable.

      Chambers UK 2026

    • They are extremely proactive, act sensitively and work effectively.

      Chambers UK 2026

    • We know we are able to put our trust in their expert team achieving the best possible outcome in difficult matters.

      Chambers UK 2026

    • Osbornes Law team are brilliant. They are very responsive especially in urgent challenges.

      Chambers UK 2026

    • The firm frequently acts in housing-related challenges, including those involving social care, children’s rights, and NHS charging decisions.

      Legal 500 2026

    • The firm is experienced in holding both local and central government bodies to account.

      Legal 500 2026

    • Osbornes is recognised for its strong public law practice, with particular expertise in judicial review.

      Legal 500 2026

    • Their work is always of the highest standard with an unwavering focus on supporting vulnerable clients through litigation.

      Legal 500 2026

    • Osbornes is just a phenomenal team. They have a real reputation for excellence, strategic approaches, and obtaining positive outcomes for clients.

      Legal 500 2026

    • The team has a thorough knowledge of the subject and makes sure they respond to all the clients' needs and wishes.

      Legal 500 2026

    • I have truly enjoyed working with Osbornes and have always received top-quality service.

      Legal 500 2026

    • Taylor a really good public lawyer.

      Chambers 2025

    • The Osbornes Law team is very solid quality across the board.

      Chambers 2025

    • The lawyers provide good standards of practice.

      Chambers 2025

    • They are one of the go-to firms for public law in London. They have real strength in the depth of their team and work hard for their clients.

      Chambers 2025

    • Osbornes have a strong team with some truly excellent individuals.

      Legal 500 2025

    • Edward Taylor is an outstanding public law solicitor. He has particular skills in working with vulnerable clients and in complex and fast-moving cases.

      Legal 500 2025

    • They are tenacious, approachable, and extremely effective in representing the interests of their clients including in highly complex cases.

      Legal 500 2025

    • Osbornes Law are a truly excellent team. They cover a range of immigration, housing, and social care matters with a core commitment to representing vulnerable clients.

      Legal 500 2025

    • Alex McMahon is another notable team member who practices across housing law, public law, and community care.

      Legal 500 2025

    • A market leader across public law, international cases, financial and children work.

      Legal 500 2025

    • The team is particularly well regarded for its expertise in accommodation rights and asylum support. It also has dedicated expertise in social welfare matters.

      Chambers UK 2024

    • Osbornes Law has a well-regarded practice which sees the firm act in judicial review challenges against local and central government bodies.

      Chambers UK 2024

    • Osbornes are on top of the law and best practice surrounding age assessments of putative children; this filters through to their case preparation and client care at every stage

      Chambers UK 2024

    • All of the team have strong expertise and are able to address enquiries quickly.

      Chambers UK 2024

    • Osbornes are a fantastic team who really stand out in the market in the fields of housing and social care.

      Legal 500 2024

    • Excellent public law firm, strongly dedicated to its vulnerable clients.

      Legal 500 2024

    • Osbornes provides a first-class service to clients, really advocating on their behalf.

      Legal 500 2024

    • Osbornes is highly regarded for conducting judicial review challenges against local authorities and the SSHD

      Legal 500 2024

    • "Osbornes are always very good at dealing with complex cases. They are a very knowledgeable and experienced team."

      Chambers UK 2023

    • "They are very flexible and accessible for vulnerable young people who don't fully understand the legal system."

      Chambers UK 2023

    • "The team adapts with the constant changes that are taking place in the public law sphere; they handle complicated matters with ease."

      Chambers UK 2023

    • William Ford is experienced in representing tenants in disrepair and possession claims, as well as homelessness appeals and judicial reviews concerning allocation of housing.

      Chambers UK 2023

    • "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."

      Legal 500 2023

    • ‘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."

      Legal 500 2023

    • "The team are regularly involved in complex challenges including strategic litigation and policy challenges."

      Legal 500 2023

    • ‘They are a go-to for confident, diligent and careful work and really excel in client care and knowledge in the field.’

      Legal 500 2023

    • "Osbornes are an extremely strong team with highly capable solicitors, associates and partners working in public law."

      Legal 500 2023

    • "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."

      Legal 500 2023

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