Public Law & Regulatory

Michael Tomlinson is regularly instructed to advise and act in a range of work that is encompassed within the Public law and regulatory group.

In particular Michael has an interest in the following:

• Animal health and welfare
• Civil actions against the police
• Education law
• Environmental law
• Judicial review
• Licensing
• Marine and Fisheries related regulations
• Proceeds of crime related matters
• Regulatory compliance
• Town and Country Planning Act matters

Michael is predominantly, but not exclusively, instructed to advise and act on behalf of local authorities in this area. He appears before all levels of the judiciary and various tribunals in order to represent his clients' interests.

Michael also has an interest in Education Law. He has a particular interest in school appeals, exclusions and other pupil disciplinary matters as well as negligence in the field of education. He also appears in cases brought under s444 of the Education Act.

In proceeds of crime related matters, Michael receives instructions in applications following criminal proceedings and following the seizure and detention of cash in summary proceedings. He has recently appeared in a case where the benefit figure was in excess of £1.5m.

This area of Michael's practice compliments his appointment to Attorney General's Regional Panel, where he is able to undertake both advocacy and advisory work for all Government departments.

Recent Major Cases

R (on the application of Guest) v Director of Public Prosecutions [2009] EWHC 594 (Admin) - Judicial Review - successfully appeared on behalf of the claimant challenging a decision of the CPS not to prosecute an alleged violent offender.

R (on the application of W) v Department for Work and Pensions (2008) - advising and drafting claim for Judicial Review considering the interrelationship between the Insolvency Act 1986 and the Social Security Administration Act 1992. The DWP offered to settle the JR proceedings on terms sought by the claimant.

R (on the application of Culley) v Dorchester Crown Court [2007] EWHC 109 (Admin) - Judicial Review: appeared before Forbes J on behalf of the interested party.