Watmores has a long-standing history of acting for public sector clients. We act for a large number of local authorities and health trusts.

It is a rapidly changing world in the public sector and new challenges need to be met. We have a dedicated team of high calibre litigators with experience of the particular needs and requirements of public sector clients. We recognise that whilst economic factors are always of key importance, other matters may be of equal or greater importance in terms of outcome, for example the setting of a precedent, publicity and reputation concerns.

At the core of our commitment to our public sector clients is an appreciation of corporate governance and best value. As a consequence we believe in conducting our business in an open and transparent way and ensure that the advice we provide has at its heart an appreciation of the impact on the public purse.

We work in partnership with our public sector clients. Our litigators are encouraged to build and maintain relationships of trust with specific departments. Effective allocation of work enhances the quality and efficiency of our legal service, allowing each litigator to provide feedback on risk management issues and early identification of trends.

Areas of expertise

The following illustrates the breadth of experience at Watmores:

• Failure to educate (including dyslexia claims)
• Physical and sexual abuse resulting in actions against social workers or schools
• Work-related stress, bullying and harassment
• Injuries on the public highway
• Tree root nuisance
• Workplace injuries including assault, manual handling, slips and trips
• Officials indemnity
• Disease
• Advising on the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000, Freedom of Information Act 2000, Data Protection Act 1998 and Human Rights Act 1998
• Disrepair and property damage

Reported cases

Jolley v London Borough of Sutton - Duty of a local authority as occupier towards children
Dear v London Borough of Newham - Duty of a local authority to remove household refuse
Hippolyte v London Borough of Bexley - A teacher’s duty of care to a pupil suffering from an asthma attack
Keating v London Borough of Bromley - Duty of care of a local authority to a pupil suffering from dyslexia/ special educational needs
B. v Reading Borough Council - Duty of care owed by social workers to the parents of a child wrongly believed to have been abused

Contact: Jon Grunewald or Simon Johnson