Shalini Patel
Head of Public Law and Human Rights
English
Our Public Law and Human Rights Solicitors specialise in community care and children’s rights, assisting children and young people in care, care leavers, vulnerable migrants and families with disabled children in challenging unlawful decisions taken by Local Authorities related to their accommodation and support.
Decisions made by Local Authorities can have a huge impact on the people who rely on their services. We specialise in advising on and bringing judicial review claims to challenge unlawful decisions made by Local Authorities, ongoing failures or refusals to act as well as challenging unlawful policies operated by Local Authorities.
Fill in the form below to get in touch with one of our dedicated team members, or call our team today on: 0800 260 5010
We're rated‘Excellent’
Our Public Law and Human Rights Solicitors will challenge unlawful decisions or actions that concern the welfare of children as laid out in the Children Act. Our solicitors have the expertise to:
Our Public Law and Human Rights Team specialise in challenging the care provided for migrants in the UK without settled status including those who may be entitled to accommodation and support under the Care Act 2014.
For our work representing victims of trafficking and assistance with asylum support, see our Public Law Judicial review work for more information.
If this doesn’t apply to you and you have a family member or loved one who lacks capacity to make important decisions for themselves, our Court of Protection Team can help you.
For support in recovering care home fees or advice on NHS Continuing Healthcare Funding, get in touch with our Care Homes Team.
We're rated‘Excellent’
Simpson Millar5 stars
Michaela
Michaela has been handling my case, and I honestly can’t put into words how amazing she has been. She keeps me updated every step of the way and always makes sure I understand what’s happening. Michae...
SJ
Simpson MillarI have worked with several members of…
I have worked with several members of the public law team and each one of them is extremely skilled, diligent, caring and thorough, including with vulnerable clients. Communication is very responsive...
Anna
Simpson MillarEve was great with my case
Eve was great with my case , she was very thorough, she gave me options and good legal advice. Very professional and competent. I am happy she handled my case .
Brandy Feimata Taylor
Simpson MillarEve French of Simpson Millar handled my…
Eve French of Simpson Millar handled my public law case in a very professional manner. The communication and service she provided were excellent. She is the best lawyer I have ever dealt with. I would...
Lukasz
Simpson MillarExcellent representation -Eleanor Gauld Solicitor
Eleanor Gauld, Solicitor, represented me recently through an inquest in Coroner’s court. Her work is flawless. She and Simpson Millar in general, were exemplary in their work and the service they pro...
Hazel Williams
Simpson MillarVery great solicitor
Very great solicitor , she changed my life , very professional and welcoming , you very lucky to have a solicitor like Catherine. All I have to say for her is Thank you very much for everything you ha...
Nanta Number
Simpson MillarInquest Assistance
The charity INQUEST put me in touch with Simpson Millar to assist my family with legal representation. We were introduced the to solicitor Amiee Brackfield. From the first point of contact to the conc...
Heather vangasse
Our expert Public Law and Human Rights Solicitors have years of experience in bringing judicial review proceedings. We specialise in and are passionate about assisting our clients in securing justice and accessing the services they are entitled to.
We also specialise in bringing challenges to unlawful policies being operated by Local Authorities which are affecting individual clients or a group of individuals.
We have a Legal Aid Agency contract in community care and most of the work we do is publicly funded. We can advise on whether clients are eligible for legal aid or not and explore alternatives such as fixed fee advice, no win no fee agreements and crowd funding.
Public authorities must act lawfully, fairly and in accordance with their legal duties. This guide explains when public bodies may be held accountable for unlawful decisions, human rights breaches or failures to fulfil their responsibilities. It also outlines the legal options that may be available, including judicial review and compensation claims, and why obtaining specialist legal advice promptly is important.
The Legal Aid Agency reversed its refusal of Exceptional Case Funding and Legal Help following a pre-action judicial review challenge brought by Simpson Millar's Public Law and Human Rights team. The case highlights how applicants outside the family categories prescribed by LASPO may still qualify for legal aid where Convention rights are engaged and demonstrates the importance of challenging funding decisions where an initial refusal may be based on an overly restrictive interpretation of the law.
The Home Office's proposed use of AI-assisted Facial Age Estimation (FAE) for asylum seekers has raised significant legal and safeguarding concerns. This article explores how the technology works, the legal framework governing age assessments, why children's organisations are concerned, and whether AI can be used consistently with existing protections. It also explains how disputed age assessments can be challenged and what the growing use of AI could mean for children's rights.
Fill in the form below to get in touch with one of our dedicated team members, or call our team today on: 0800 260 5010
