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

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.

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 updates and thought leadership

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Hear what our client say about us

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 found myself in an incredibly difficult and stressful position. Despite being one of the co-founders, out of the blue I found myself on the receiving end of a fabricated allegation, being suspended and then removed from a business that I cared deeply and passionately about. Thanks to HCR, in particular Adam Finch and his Dispute Resolution team, Rachel Roberts and her Employment team plus Derek Callanan and his Corporate team, not only did I stop the shareholder action and employment process in its tracks but I wrested back control and have removed the errant directors. Without HCR’s support, I wouldn’t be sitting here today in charge of a fantastic business with amazing employees.

Client testimonial Dispute Resolution

The Chambers and Partners Guide said ‘HCR Law provides a strong commercial and practical approach that provides clients with an excellent level of advice and support’ and ‘The team has superb knowledge of all property aspects.’

Client testimonial Chambers & Partners

Acting for a range of investors, occupiers, developers, and private individuals, HCR Law is well placed to act in disputes surrounding rent reviews, lease break options, and forfeitures, in addition to boundary disputes and right of way issues.

Client testimonial Legal 500

From the very start, I felt I had full confidence in the practice. I was extremely comfortable with how they dealt with everything from the outset and reassured me in all matters. They had a plan of action and dealt concisely with each matter as it arose.

Client testimonial Legal 500

For me, Kate Hallifax, at the Cheltenham office, was professional, approachable and her expertise immeasurable. To have someone on your side is such a relief when you have never dealt with anything like it before, and they confidently deal with everything. The whole team worked well and certainly went above and beyond on several occasions.

Client testimonial Legal 500

Andrew Cave is an experienced property litigator and a safe pair of hands. He applies a lot of common sense and is outcomes focused.

Client testimonial Legal 500

We were impressed with the manner in which both Steven and Ian were quickly able to appreciate and understand the key commercial and family dynamic issues and turn this into a transparent and effective strategy. Throughout the whole process, they presented a professional and firmly assertive approach which resulted in a settlement being achieved in an excellently negotiated manner.

We would have no hesitation, and indeed it is a great pleasure, in recommending HCR to any prospective client, as they provide an increasingly rare commodity – effective litigation combined with integrity, transparency, competitive fees and excellent client communication.

Client testimonial Dispute resolution

I want to thank Ian for all his time, patience & efforts. He has been a delight to deal with, and I would recommend his services to anyone in need of them.

Client testimonial Restrictive Covenants Dispute

Tom Williams is also noted, focusing on disputes over the supply of goods and service as well as the enforcement of restrictive covenants.

Legal 500 2025 Dispute Resolution

HCR Law’s disputes knowledge is diverse, with experience in unfair prejudice, contractual and shareholder disputes.

Legal 500 2025 Dispute Resolution

HCR Law is well versed in the intricacies of technology focused commercial disputes, and has also demonstrated an ability to work across jurisdictions and handle disputes with international elements.

The Legal 500 2025 Dispute Resolution

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