Public Law, Planning and Regulatory

Members of the Public Law, Planning and Regulatory Group have the highest degree of experience of the specialist areas of public bodies and are regularly instructed by those bodies and by individuals and groups affected by their decisions. Civitas Law is a 'leading public law, planning and regulatory set' (Chambers UK 2011) and the expansion of regulatory functions has been readily embraced by practitioners.

All members of the group have recognised special expertise in discrete areas of law and act for and against national bodies and departments, and local authorities, throughout Wales and in England.

Tribunal and public inquiry work is a growth area and a number of members were extensively involved in the E Coli Inquiry set up by the National Assembly. As well as representation at all levels there is significant advisory work, often on an ongoing basis.

Areas of expertise within our group include:

Animal Welfare
Care Standards
Consumer Protection and Trading Standards
Data Protection and Freedom of Information
Disciplinary Hearings
Education
Environmental Law (including carbon trading)
Food Safety and Environmental Health
Health and Safety
Housing and Anti-Social Behaviour Orders
Human Rights
Immigration
Judicial Review
Lands Tribunal
Licensing
Procurement
Public Inquiries
Social Security
Town and Country Planning
Trade Descriptions
Vehicle Recovery

'Lawyers heap praise on Graham Walters of Civitas Law, who is widely considered to be expert in judicial review, planning and procurement claims. Clients appreciate that "he always ensures that he gets to the bottom of what he's dealing with before giving an opinion." Walters is also deemed to be "accomplished at explaining the law to lay people and turning work around quickly." His recent caseload includes a public inquiry into an appeal against refusal of planning permission for a site within a National Park.' (Chambers UK Guide 2012, for Adminstrative and Planning law)

'Recommended in the region is Graham Walters of Civitas Law. He has an impressively broad practice with strength in public law, planning, judicial review and compulsory purchase. He is praised for turning work around quickly, and lay clients appreciate the intelligibility of his advice. He remains a popular choice amongst Welsh Ministers and Welsh Assembly Members.' (Chambers UK Guide, 2012, for Public law)

'Civitas Law's Graham Walters, who ‘has gravitas while also being extremely approachable, accommodating and practical’, is a standout figure at the Welsh Bar and has an impressive planning and licensing practice.' (Legal 500, 2011)

'Anthony Vines, who is also a consumer credit expert, handles a wide range of complex public and commercial law matters.' (Legal 500, 2011)

'South Wales Police regularly instruct Victoria Hillier on a range of civil applications' (Legal 500, 2011)

'Mona Bayoumi is noted for her substantial immigration practice' (Legal 500, 2011)

Members Practising in this Area

Bryan Thomas (1978)			Mona Bayoumi (2004)

Graham Walters (1986)			Nicklaus Thomas-Symonds (2004)

Nicholas David Jones (1987)			Victoria Hillier (2005)

Mair Coombes Daives (1988)			Rebecca Mansell (2005)

Anthony Vines (1993)			Ryan Amesbury (2007)

Richard Cole (2000)			Cathrine Grubb (2007)

Simon Hughes (2003)