Practice area
Judicial Review
Your enquiry, carefully considered
A clear first conversation. A practical next step.
Tell us what happened, what you need to resolve and whether a deadline is approaching. You do not need to know the legal terminology or have every document ready to ask for an assessment.
- Keep key dates, correspondence and any existing reference numbers together.
- We will explain whether we can help, the proposed scope and the funding or fee arrangements before you instruct us.
Judicial review is the court process for challenging the lawfulness of a decision, action or failure to act by a public body, regulator or lower court. We act for individuals and businesses through every stage of the procedure.
We advise on the three established grounds of judicial review — illegality, irrationality and procedural impropriety — together with breaches of the Human Rights Act 1998 and retained EU principles.
Our work covers immigration and asylum judicial reviews, planning and licensing decisions, regulator action, prison and parole decisions, NHS and education decisions, and challenges to statutory guidance and policy.
The filing deadline must be assessed separately from pre-action correspondence. CPR Part 54 requires prompt filing, usually with a three-month outer limit after the grounds arose; some claims have shorter periods. Ask about protective action if waiting for a response could put a claim out of time.
How we can help
- Immigration & asylum judicial review
- Planning & licensing challenges
- Regulator decision challenges
- Education & NHS decisions
- Prison & parole decisions
- Pre-action protocol letters
- Urgent interim relief & injunctions
- Substantive hearings & appeals
Our process
- 1
Initial consultation
Confidential discussion of your matter, the documents available and any time-critical deadlines that apply.
- 2
Strategy & costs
A clear written assessment of your options, realistic prospects and a stage-by-stage costs estimate so you can decide how to proceed.
- 3
Active progression
We carry out the agreed work — drafting, correspondence, negotiation or court proceedings — keeping you fully informed at each stage.
- 4
Resolution
We explain the result, any remaining obligations and the options for enforcement, review or further work. No particular outcome is promised.
Discuss your matter in confidence
Every case starts with a conversation. Speak directly with one of our solicitors and we will explain the options available to you.
Official guidance for this service
Sources checked 1 October 2026. General information; the applicable route depends on your circumstances and jurisdiction.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the time limit for judicial review?
- Under CPR 54.5, the ordinary rule is promptly and no later than three months after the grounds first arose. Planning judicial reviews generally have a six-week limit. Procurement and other statutory routes need a separate deadline calculation. The parties cannot simply agree to extend the CPR deadline.
- What remedies can the court grant?
- The court can quash the decision, order the public body to act or stop acting, declare the law, and in limited cases award damages. Most successful claims result in the decision being retaken lawfully.
- Can I get legal aid for judicial review?
- Alexander James Solicitors accepts privately funded enquiries through this website and does not offer Legal Aid. If you need publicly funded representation, use the official legal-adviser search to find an appropriate provider. Do not delay obtaining urgent advice while looking for funding.
Have a different question? Contact our team for confidential advice tailored to your circumstances.
Judicial Review solicitors near you
We act for clients across England — including Greater Manchester, the North West, Yorkshire, the Midlands and London. Choose your location for a dedicated judicial review page with local information.
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