Human Rights
Human Rights Solicitors
Public bodies must act lawfully, fairly and compatibly with the Human Rights Act 1998. When they do not, their decisions can sometimes be challenged, often by judicial review, which has strict time limits in England and Wales.
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Overview
What this area covers
The Human Rights Act 1998 requires public authorities to act compatibly with rights in the European Convention on Human Rights, such as the right to liberty, a fair trial and respect for private and family life. The Equality Act 2010 protects against discrimination.
Challenges to public bodies are often brought by judicial review, which asks whether a decision was lawful, rational and procedurally fair. It does not ask whether the decision was the right one.
Common situations
When you may need a human rights solicitor
- A council, government department or other public body has made a decision you believe is unlawful.
- You have been discriminated against by a service provider.
- You believe your rights were breached by the police or state.
The solicitor’s role
How a human rights solicitor can help
A solicitor assesses whether there are legal grounds, sends a pre-action letter, and brings proceedings where appropriate. Judicial review has a very short time limit, requiring a claim to be brought promptly and in any event within three months after the grounds first arose. Shorter limits apply in some types of case.
Costs
What does a human rights solicitor cost?
Legal aid may be available for some judicial review and public law cases, subject to eligibility. Otherwise, hourly or conditional arrangements may apply.
Getting ready
What to prepare before contacting a solicitor
- The decision letter
- All correspondence with the public body
- A timeline of events
Choosing a solicitor
Choosing a solicitor
Look for public law experience specifically.
Every firm listed on Verified Solicitors is regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. You can compare firms’ profiles, locations and reviews before getting in touch.
Find human rights solicitors
Search Verified Solicitors for SRA-regulated firms that handle human rights matters, then compare their profiles.
- Verified solicitors
- Regulated firms
- Free to use
A common question
Can I sue a private company under the Human Rights Act?
Generally the Act applies to public authorities, although private bodies carrying out public functions can be covered. Discrimination claims against businesses usually fall under the Equality Act.
Related legal services
The information on this page is general information, not legal advice. The law and procedures can change and how they apply will depend on your circumstances.