For individuals / Public law
Public power.
Careful scrutiny.
When a decision by a public authority affects your rights or livelihood, understanding the correct challenge matters. We help you identify the decision, the available route and the procedural questions that need prompt attention.
Identify the decision and the legal route
Judicial review in England and Wales concerns the lawfulness of the exercise of public functions. It is not simply a rehearing because you disagree with the result. A statutory appeal, complaint or another remedy may need to be considered first. We discuss the authority, the decision and the practical effect on you.
Build a precise factual record
Preparation can involve reviewing the decision and reasons, organising correspondence, identifying the relevant policy or procedure and researching potential grounds. Any pre-action correspondence, drafting or representation is separately scoped. Allegations of misfeasance in public office require distinct analysis and should not be treated as interchangeable with judicial review.
Act on deadlines, not assumptions
Bring the decision letter, its date and receipt date, relevant applications, correspondence and any review or appeal already pursued. Judicial review has strict timing requirements, and some categories have shorter statutory limits. A complaint or discussion with us does not itself suspend the deadline.
Further reading: Ministry of Justice: Civil Procedure Rules, Part 54. Information reviewed 28 September 2026.
Before you book
Your questions, considered.
Does permission have to be obtained?
Judicial review claims under CPR Part 54 generally require the court’s permission. The procedure and appropriate forum must be checked against the particular decision and any specialist statutory route.
Can I claim compensation through judicial review?
The remedies and any separate damages claim require careful analysis. Judicial review should not be assumed to provide compensation for every unlawful decision.
What can the initial meeting achieve?
We can identify the urgent procedural issues and information needed to assess the route. An initial consultation does not include issuing proceedings or obtaining interim relief.
The next step
Tell us what matters.
Start with a dedicated consultation to discuss your circumstances and the support your matter may require.
Book a Consultation
