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    Public Law & Regulation

Public Law & Regulation

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Helping you navigate public law and regulation

Our public law solicitors have a strong track-record in creating regulatory frameworks, and a reputation for showing companies how to successfully navigate their way through them.

Our team provides a complete service in regulation, administrative and constitutional law, human rights and judicial review for central and local government, regulators and private companies.

We handle contentious and non-contentious work, including the development of law from policy formation and drafting through to its successful application, bringing and defending legal challenges against the decisions of public authorities in judicial reviews or tribunals.

We have acted in several leading cases, both for and against the government and regulators – including the first award of damages to a commercial firm under the Human Rights Act 1998 (R (Infinis plc and another) v GEMA).

Wide ranging experience

We are experienced in advising both decision makers and those affected by decisions.

Many of our team members have worked for, or been seconded to, central government departments and sectoral regulators giving us good insight into how they work, their responsibilities and concerns, and the political and public policy context in which they operate, including how they interact with other public bodies.

We also have extensive experience advising organisations across a wide range of regulated sectors including energy, water, transport, life sciences, medicines, food and drink, telecoms and others.

Our public law solicitors have a strong track-record in creating regulatory frameworks, and a reputation for showing companies how to successfully navigate their way through them.

Our team provides a complete service in regulation, administrative and constitutional law, human rights and judicial review for central and local government, regulators and private companies.

We handle contentious and non-contentious work, including the development of law from policy formation and drafting through to its successful application, bringing and defending legal challenges against the decisions of public authorities in judicial reviews or tribunals.

We have acted in several leading cases, both for and against the government and regulators – including the first award of damages to a commercial firm under the Human Rights Act 1998 (R (Infinis plc and another) v GEMA).

Wide ranging experience

We are experienced in advising both decision makers and those affected by decisions.

Many of our team members have worked for, or been seconded to, central government departments and sectoral regulators giving us good insight into how they work, their responsibilities and concerns, and the political and public policy context in which they operate, including how they interact with other public bodies.

We also have extensive experience advising organisations across a wide range of regulated sectors including energy, water, transport, life sciences, medicines, food and drink, telecoms and others.

How we can help

Here are just a few areas we can offer our support and guidance.

Statutory functions, duties and powers

We regularly advise central government and arm's length public bodies on statutory functions and powers. This experience spans numerous sectors. We also advise regulated companies on their statutory obligations. For other companies, we can advise on whether actions you're subject to are within a public body's powers.

Statutory functions, duties and powers

We regularly advise central government and arm's length public bodies on statutory functions and powers. This experience spans numerous sectors. We also advise regulated companies on their statutory obligations. For other companies, we can advise on whether actions you're subject to are within a public body's powers.

Principles of public law

Principles of public law

Public authorities need to act within the boundaries of public law. We regularly provide legal advice to public authorities on how to develop policy and make decisions within these boundaries. If you're concerned that your company is subject to decisions and processes that have strayed outside of these boundaries, we can advise and represent you too.

Legal and regulatory frameworks

Legal and regulatory frameworks

We're experts in developing new regulatory frameworks, as well as reforming and developing existing frameworks. This experience spans the UK, as well as international locations. We have helped set up a number of new public bodies, advising on policies and procedures. And if you're subject to legal and regulatory frameworks, we can help you meet your obligations in this area.

Enforcement procedures

Enforcement procedures

We're experts in drafting and advising on regulatory enforcement policies, statutory enforcement notices and public law schemes. We can also assist with all aspects of the investigation and enforcement process, from initial evidence gathering and analysis to advising decision-makers and helping draft decision documents.

Judicial review

Judicial review

We advise and represent claimants, defendants, interested parties and interveners in judicial review proceedings. Our work for both claimants and defendants allows us to view a case from all sides when advising on litigation strategy. We also understand the administrative strain you face during this process and can offer advice and assistance with the practical side of litigation, such as drafting statements and disclosure exercises.

Product regulation

Product regulation

We regularly advise companies across a number of sectors – including food and drink, life sciences, medicines, cosmetics and cannabis – on the legal requirements that apply to their products. We advise on all regulatory issues including ingredients, licensing and registration, and labelling.

Client work

Public Law and Regulation - Client work - Ofqual

Ofqual

Ofqual

Our team of public law lawyers has advised the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) since its creation. We have advised Ofqual on all aspects of its statutory obligations and powers, including enforcement, helped draft its regulatory framework and defended judicial review claims taken against it.
Public Law and Regulation - Client work - Department for Energy Security and Net Zero

Department for Energy Security and Net Zero

Department for Energy Security and Net Zero

Our public law lawyers have acted as legal advisors to the Smart Metering project since 2010 advising on a wide range of issues including policy development, compliance with/implementation of EU law, statutory/public law issues and drafting legal instruments and regulatory documents to facilitate and implement the roll-out and operation of smart meters.
Public Law and Regulation - Client work - Wales & West Utilities Ltd

Wales & West Utilities Ltd

Wales & West Utilities Ltd

Our team of public law solicitors represented Wales & West Utilities Limited in judicial review proceedings in the High Court and Court of Appeal. The proceedings challenged the decision of the Competition and Markets Authority in respect of a statutory appeal against Ofgem's GD2 price control decisions.
Public Law and Regulation - Client work - Ofwat

Ofwat

Ofwat

We successfully defended Ofwat at the High Court and Court of Appeal in a judicial review brought by Northumbrian Water Limited. This related to Ofwat's decision to exercise its discretionary powers to offer a lower level of relief, under its applicable price control, in relation to a storm event affecting its quality of service to consumers.
Public Law and Regulation - Client work - Ofqual

Ofqual

Ofqual

Our team of public law lawyers has advised the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) since its creation. We have advised Ofqual on all aspects of its statutory obligations and powers, including enforcement, helped draft its regulatory framework and defended judicial review claims taken against it.
Public Law and Regulation - Client work - Department for Energy Security and Net Zero

Department for Energy Security and Net Zero

Department for Energy Security and Net Zero

Our public law lawyers have acted as legal advisors to the Smart Metering project since 2010 advising on a wide range of issues including policy development, compliance with/implementation of EU law, statutory/public law issues and drafting legal instruments and regulatory documents to facilitate and implement the roll-out and operation of smart meters.
Public Law and Regulation - Client work - Wales & West Utilities Ltd

Wales & West Utilities Ltd

Wales & West Utilities Ltd

Our team of public law solicitors represented Wales & West Utilities Limited in judicial review proceedings in the High Court and Court of Appeal. The proceedings challenged the decision of the Competition and Markets Authority in respect of a statutory appeal against Ofgem's GD2 price control decisions.
Public Law and Regulation - Client work - Ofwat

Ofwat

Ofwat

We successfully defended Ofwat at the High Court and Court of Appeal in a judicial review brought by Northumbrian Water Limited. This related to Ofwat's decision to exercise its discretionary powers to offer a lower level of relief, under its applicable price control, in relation to a storm event affecting its quality of service to consumers.
Public Law and Regulation - Client work - Ofqual

Ofqual

Ofqual

Our team of public law lawyers has advised the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) since its creation. We have advised Ofqual on all aspects of its statutory obligations and powers, including enforcement, helped draft its regulatory framework and defended judicial review claims taken against it.
Public Law and Regulation - Client work - Department for Energy Security and Net Zero

Department for Energy Security and Net Zero

Department for Energy Security and Net Zero

Our public law lawyers have acted as legal advisors to the Smart Metering project since 2010 advising on a wide range of issues including policy development, compliance with/implementation of EU law, statutory/public law issues and drafting legal instruments and regulatory documents to facilitate and implement the roll-out and operation of smart meters.
Public Law and Regulation - Client work - Wales & West Utilities Ltd

Wales & West Utilities Ltd

Wales & West Utilities Ltd

Our team of public law solicitors represented Wales & West Utilities Limited in judicial review proceedings in the High Court and Court of Appeal. The proceedings challenged the decision of the Competition and Markets Authority in respect of a statutory appeal against Ofgem's GD2 price control decisions.
Public Law and Regulation - Client work - Ofwat

Ofwat

Ofwat

We successfully defended Ofwat at the High Court and Court of Appeal in a judicial review brought by Northumbrian Water Limited. This related to Ofwat's decision to exercise its discretionary powers to offer a lower level of relief, under its applicable price control, in relation to a storm event affecting its quality of service to consumers.
Public Law and Regulation - Client work - Ofqual

Ofqual

Ofqual

Our team of public law lawyers has advised the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) since its creation. We have advised Ofqual on all aspects of its statutory obligations and powers, including enforcement, helped draft its regulatory framework and defended judicial review claims taken against it.

Key contacts

Kieran Laird

Kieran Laird

Partner

Birmingham
View our team
Public Law - Public Law & Regulation (UK) - in-page

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Gowling WLG is an international law firm comprising the members of Gowling WLG International Limited, an English Company Limited by Guarantee, and their respective affiliates. Each member and affiliate is an autonomous and independent entity. Gowling WLG International Limited promotes, facilitates and co-ordinates the activities of its members but does not itself provide services to clients. Our structure is explained in more detail on our Legal Information page.

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