Nationally-recognised experts in public law, judicial reviews, human rights, police and prison law and education
3PB's specialist Public and Administrative Law Group encompasses a wide range of distinct areas, reflecting the many different ways local and central government affect the lives of individuals. The unifying principle is that public bodies operate within defined purposes and have limited powers, and are under a duty to act fairly, reasonably, and lawfully in all their dealings with the public. 3PB's team delivers exceptional success, track record and expertise in Judicial Reviews, civil liberties and human rights, police and prison law and education amongst other public law areas.
3PB’s barristers are highly experienced in interpreting statutory frameworks, understanding and advising on the limits of public authority powers, and ensuring compliance with key legal obligations. This includes duties arising under the Human Rights Act 1998, Data Protection Act 2018, relevant international conventions, and the increasingly significant Public Sector Equality Duty under the Equality Act 2010.
3PB is renowned as a leading public law chambers and a provider of counsel to government bodies at all levels of seniority. There are ten 3PB barristers listed on the Attorney General’s Civil Law Panels who all regularly act for the many UK Government departments, a scheme administered by the Government Legal Department (GLD). In addition, Mathew Gullick KC, a former A Panel member before taking silk, is a longstanding counsel on many of the GLD's more complex public law cases.
Our barristers have extensive experience across local government, healthcare, and social welfare, as well as public law issues arising from 3PB’s wider areas of expertise. These include the regulation of professionals (particularly in the medical and accountancy sectors), education law, the rights of children with special educational needs and their families, and discrimination law. Much of this work involves appearances in the Court of Protection, including the High Court exercising its jurisdiction in this area, covering matters such as medical treatment decisions, end-of-life issues, community care, mental health law, and education disputes.
Our dedicated and highly experienced clerking team provides a specialist service, ensuring urgent advice and representation can be arranged whenever required. The team is particularly experienced in handling emergency orders and out-of-hours applications efficiently and responsively. The group’s practice management team can be contacted for further assistance.
Our Education team is ranked in all major legal directories and includes a wide range of counsel able to assist with discrimination claims, judicial review, safeguarding matters, special educational needs requirements, and admissions and exclusions issues. The team is highly active and readily available to assist with enquiries efficiently and effectively. Our work spans proceedings in the Tribunal, County Court and High Court, as well as disciplinary and independent review proceedings. We regularly act for and alongside some of the country’s most prestigious universities and independent schools.
Our barristers bring a recognised depth of expert knowledge and formidable advocacy skills, underpinned by extensive experience before courts, committees, and tribunals at every level. They are equally known for their outstanding client service, commercial approach, and exceptional work ethic.
