Public Law Disputes

Public law focuses on legislation relating to the conduct of public bodies and organisations and is designed to make sure that they act fairly, lawfully, and rationally.

Our specialist team advises clients on public law matters as well as public procurement advice and disputes.

Key contact

Stewart Morrison

Stewart Morrison

I enjoy the varied nature of litigation. No two cases are ever the same, which is why I decided to specialise in dispute resolution. One of my specialisms is public procurement litigation. I enjoy the fast moving and academically taxing nature of the work, and thanks to my strong academic background, I am able to quickly distil and explain difficult legal concepts.

Meet the team

Our experience

Public law is a specialist area, with wide reaching implications for others, not just the individuals in the matter. Our team has particular expertise in a number of public law areas. We act for clients involved in Freedom of Information appeals and Information Rights disputes, supporting them through the process including appeals before the First Tier Tribunal and Upper Tribunal.

We have also advised clients on bringing and defending applications for judicial review including Stody Estate Limited v Secretary of State for the Environment Food and Rural Affairs, [2018] EWHC 378 (Admin); and Sawkill v Highways England; [2020].

In addition to public law, we support clients with public procurement, including challenging public contract awards and compliance with procurement regulations.

Our clients

We have a track record of working with a range of clients including individuals, partnerships, corporates, not for profit organisations, education providers and trading organisations. Many of our clients are confidential however they all instruct us due to our thorough knowledge of public law and procurement.

Over time we have also developed sector specific expertise including a niche specialism in water abstraction licence appeals and water abstraction advice.

Recognition of our work

Legal 500 2026 – Top Tier Firm

Legal 500 2026 – Top Tier Firm

Legal updates and thought leadership

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Hear what our client say about us

We approached Adam Finch, partner at Harrison Clark Rickerbys, who specialises in hedge funding claims, in order to help us seek compensation for the IRHPs that were mis-sold to us. During that time we were guided throughout the complicated process by Adam in order to put our case forward to the bank.

During the months that we were involved in negotiations with the bank, we found Harrison Clark Rickerbys to be totally professional, thorough and supportive, ensuring that we were fully aware of the procedures and actions needed to be taken in support of our claim. Their advice was invaluable and as “non-sophisticated customers” felt that we were given every opportunity to fight our claim. We are extremely pleased that the outcome was successful and we were awarded the full claim amount plus compensation. Without Harrison Clark Rickerbys’ guidance and support, I do not feel that we may have necessarily achieved the same result.

Finance Group – Adam Finch

I strongly recommend HCR Law for commercial dispute resolution.  The team led by Adam Finch and supported by Cris Manuel-Hughes and Chloe Cottle were first class, taking a strong and no-nonsense approach against slippery and evasive opponents in a complex partnership dispute, and achieving significant victories in every contested hearing.  The team also showed empathy and flexibility in difficult moments, and their timely and pragmatic advice was key to achieving a favourable commercial settlement including payment of legal costs by my opponent.

Client testimonial Dispute resolution

I am extremely appreciative of the outstanding legal representation provided by Claire. Her expertise in handling my professional negligence matter was evident throughout the entire process. Not only was she highly professional and knowledgeable, but she was also very kind and understanding. She skilfully navigated the complexities of the case, always keeping me informed and addressing my concerns.

What impresses me the most was her honesty and level-headedness – she never made unrealistic promises, but instead provided a clear and accurate assessment of the situation and was careful to manage expectations. Her unwavering support and genuine care made a difficult time much more manageable. I wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone seeking legal representation.

Client Professional Negligence Claim

Stewart is very smart; it’s always a pleasure working with him. He is always thinking about the strategic considerations of a case.

Client testimonial Chambers 2026

Natalie is a very good litigator who is very dedicated to her clients and incredibly hard-working.

Client testimonial Chambers 2026

Kate continues to provide an excellent service. She combines a strong knowledge base with an excellent understanding of what clients are seeking to achieve.

Client testimonial Chambers 2026

Elizabeth Beatty is very well respected when it comes to large shareholder disputes. She is trusted by clients and judges and respected by opponents.

Client testimonial Chambers 2026

Dominic Hopkins is simply an excellent lawyer – reassuringly old-school and extremely commercially astute.

Client testimonial Chambers 2026

Ben is very sound, very solid, very thorough and a safe pair of hands.

Client testimonial Chambers 2026

Andrew is a very experienced individual with a great breadth and depth of knowledge. He is always personable and focused on getting results for the client.

Client testimonial Chambers 2026

Adam Finch always has a strong grip on matters at every stage.

Client testimonial Chambers 2026

We would like to take this final opportunity to thank you for all your help, patience and advice in getting the matter successfully settled. You have always been there when we have been in need, with guidance, diplomacy and patience which has helped us so much. It has been a difficult time and such a relief that it is now settled.

Client testimonial Business dispute

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