Expert Judicial Review Solicitors UK
Challenging unlawful decisions made by public bodies across England and Wales
If you believe a public body has acted outside the law, our experienced judicial review solicitors in the UK can help you challenge that decision. Whether you are bringing or defending a claim, we guide you through each stage with clarity and care.
Call us on 0208 016 2308 or complete our online form. With one call or click, legal support is within reach.
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What Is A Judicial Review?
A judicial review is a legal process that allows you to question whether a decision, act or omission by a public body was lawful. It does not decide whether the decision was right or wrong, but whether the correct legal procedure was followed.
Typical examples include decisions made by government departments, local authorities, police, NHS bodies and regulators. In immigration cases, it is often used to challenge Home Office or tribunal decisions where there is no right of appeal.
Who Can Apply for Judicial Review?
You may apply if you have a sufficient interest in the decision, meaning it affects you directly or indirectly. This can include individuals, companies or organisations acting in the public interest.
The court decides whether you have standing to bring the claim. Judicial review should only be used when no adequate alternative remedy exists, such as an internal appeal or complaints process.
The Judicial Review Process
The process begins with a Pre-Action Protocol letter sent to the public body. This sets out your proposed claim and gives the authority a chance to respond, usually within 14 days, though extensions are common in complex cases.
If the matter cannot be resolved, you can apply for permission to bring a claim in the Administrative Court. The court first decides whether the case is arguable and should proceed to a full hearing.
If permission is granted, the claim moves to the substantive stage, where a judge reviews the legality of the decision-making process. After hearing both sides, the court may give judgment immediately or issue a written decision later.
If either party disagrees with the result, they can ask for permission to appeal to the Court of Appeal, but only if there is a real prospect of success or an important legal issue to resolve.
Note: Most immigration judicial reviews are now heard in the Upper Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber) rather than the High Court. Different forms (Form T480) and fee rules apply in those cases.
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If your claim succeeds, the court can:
- Quash the unlawful decision so it must be remade lawfully
- Order the public body to perform a legal duty
- Prevent it from acting unlawfully
- Declare what the law or parties’ rights are
- Grant an injunction to stop further unlawful action
In immigration cases, quashing orders and injunctions are most common, requiring the Home Office to remake its decision.
Urgent Judicial Reviews
Some cases are treated as urgent, for instance, if you face imminent removal from the UK, homelessness due to council inaction, or serious harm because of a government decision.
In these circumstances, you may request urgent consideration by filing Form N463. The court can shorten time limits and may decide the case more quickly than usual to prevent irreversible harm.
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There are three main legal grounds for challenge:
Illegality – when the public body acts beyond its legal powers or ignores relevant considerations.
Irrationality – when a decision is so unreasonable that no reasonable authority could have made it.
Procedural unfairness – when the decision-maker fails to follow fair procedures.
A further ground may arise where the decision breaches the Human Rights Act 1998 or the Equality Act 2010.
Time Limits
Applications must be filed promptly and within three months of the decision being challenged. For planning decisions, the limit is six weeks. Acting quickly is essential, as even short delays can lead to refusal.
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Judicial review can be expensive, but several funding options exist.
You may qualify for Legal Aid if your case meets the financial and legal tests set by the Legal Aid Agency. In some circumstances, a Conditional Fee Agreement (No Win, No Fee) can be arranged. Where a case raises issues of wider public importance, the court may grant a Judicial Review Costs Capping Order (JRCCO) to limit potential costs liability.
Updated Court Fees (as of December 2025)
- Application for Permission: £174
- Renewal / Oral Hearing (after refusal on the papers): £389
- Continuation / Post-Permission Fee (final hearing): £874
Before starting a claim, we always explain likely costs, funding options and any steps that might resolve the dispute without going to court.
How Our Judicial Review Solicitors Can Help
We advise individuals, charities and businesses across England and Wales. We assess the strength of your case, prepare pre-action correspondence, draft legal documents and represent you at hearings.
Our focus is to achieve fair outcomes efficiently while managing risk and keeping costs transparent.
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Before proceeding with judicial review claims, the court must grant permission. Claims must be filed within the specified time frame. Typically, you have three months from the date of the judgment you are challenging to file your claim.
Planning cases take only six weeks from the decision date, which is even less time. Furthermore, the court requires claims to be filed “without delay.” Case dismissal may occur even if the delay is within the standard time limit.
Moving swiftly to satisfy these time limits and guarantee the best possible case is necessary. If you want more information about how our team can help you, contact us now!
When thinking about a court review, it’s essential to know how much it might cost and what kinds of funds are available:
1. Legal Aid
People who get means-tested benefits and have a good chance of winning their case can get legal help. Find out whether you are eligible for legal aid assistance.
2. No Win No Fee Agreements
Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to avoid paying for legal representation up front by taking advantage of “No Win, No Fee” arrangements.
3. Protective Costs Orders (PCOs)
If your case is unsuccessful, PCOs protect you from paying the defendant’s costs. These are only available when the court deems it in the public interest for the case to be challenged. If you don’t have a PCO, you might have to pay both your and the defendant’s legal fees, which can add up to at least £30,000 under challenging situations. A PCO helps limit this financial risk.
Before starting a judicial review, we explore all possible alternatives, such as mediation, Ombudsman appeals, and complaint procedures, to help minimize costs. Feel free to reach out if you have concerns about costs we’re here to guide you through your options.
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The Judicial Review Solicitors at Immigration Solicitors UK are widely regarded by many as some of the best criminal defence solicitors in the North of England, specifically specialising in judicial review.
You can reach us via phone; the phone number is at the top of the website’s home page. However, a team member can contact you, or you can simply complete the form on our website.
Our team is renowned in this country for producing good results. They have extensive legal expertise, experience in Judicial Reviews, technical understanding, and practical experience. Our team is committed to ensuring you gain the knowledge required when dealing with your complicated case.
The public has confidence in our North West, Midlands, and London staff members. If you choose Immigration Solicitors UK, you will want to know that they have a team of dedicated and experienced judicial review solicitors who will support you throughout the process.
As your attorneys, we are always available to give you legal advice or representation, day or night. Contact Immigration Solicitors UK today and get the best delivered when you need it most.
You can challenge decisions made by public bodies like government departments, local councils, the NHS, police forces, schools, and regulatory authorities, provided the decision is unlawful.
You can challenge decisions made by public bodies like government departments, local councils, the NHS, police forces, schools, and regulatory authorities, provided the decision is unlawful.
Need urgent help? Call:
We work with individuals, businesses, and government agencies, bringing and defending claims with confidence and expertise. Additionally, we work together with you to pinpoint the most pressing problems and get a thorough understanding of your priorities right here and now. Our strategy enables us to effectively handle your case while providing you with straightforward, strategic, and practical counsel according to your requirements.
If you’re already trying to keep up with your hectic schedule, we know how difficult it may be to deal with court claims. That’s why we put so much effort into presenting your case professionally and with the appropriate tone so that everything goes smoothly.
Legal aid is simple get the support from our expert judicial review solicitors. Just follow these steps:
1. Reach Out to Us
We have a team of specialized judicial review lawyers in London who are always willing to help you with any proceedings. You are welcome to call or email us at your leisure, and we can offer you private, realistic help.
2. Case Evaluation and Representation
After that, when we gather all the necessary information for your case, we will study it to understand your requirements. We will ensure you receive every resource required to move forward, connect you with a competent attorney, and discuss your financing options.
3. Finding the Best Solution
Our goal is to assist with selecting the best judicial review solicitors in London. We will handle all the processes, guaranteeing you ease and convenience in this procedure.
Let us deal with the legal details while you attend to what counts.
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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Whose decisions can I challenge?
You can challenge decisions made by government departments, councils, the police, NHS trusts, schools or other public bodies performing a public function.
What makes a decision unlawful?
A decision may be unlawful if it exceeds legal powers, breaches fair procedure or violates rights under the Human Rights Act.
What happens if permission is refused?
You may request an oral renewal hearing within seven days. If permission is granted at that stage, the case will proceed to a full hearing.
How much does a judicial review cost?
Court fees are currently £174 to issue a claim and £874 for the substantive hearing. Legal Aid or other funding may be available depending on your circumstances.
Contact Our Judicial Review Solicitors UK
Our dedicated judicial review solicitors assist clients across London, the Midlands and the North of England.
Call 0208 016 2308, email us, or complete our online enquiry form. We’ll respond promptly to discuss how we can help you challenge or defend a public law decision.
Immigration Solicitors UK – clear, professional legal guidance when it matters most.
