Humphrey & Helfrich launch its Administrative and Public Law Unit

What is administrative and public law?

Administrative and public law encompasses any area of law which applies to the relationship between (1) an individual or business and (2) government*. The framework within which government operates is necessarily highly regulated, complex and, on occasion, politically sensitive. A thorough understanding of the mechanisms and regulatory regime which applies to government is essential to ensuring that government functions are carried out correctly and reasonably.

(* the Departments and Statutory Boards of the “Isle of Man Government”, local authorities and other public bodies.)

Who may need administrative and public law services?

Anyone involved in a relationship involving government or its policies may need assistance i.e. an individual, business, parliamentarians and/or government itself.

Examples include – administrative processes (for example, planning, immigration, regulatory compliance or procurement); the need to hold government to account for its actions (legislative change or petition of doleance); commercial advice in relation to any matter between government and another party (commercial, property or employment); government may need advice concerning the exercise of government functions, procedural training, legislative drafting, the preparation or review of commercial documents and/or assistance defending a challenge by an individual or business (litigation and petition of doleance); analysis, review  or preparation of existing or proposed legislation.

What can Humphrey & Helfrich Advocates offer?

The Administrative and Public Law Unit is led by Helen Helfrich (consultant solicitor) who has many years’ experience of advising on administrative and public law from within and outside government and the unit offers the following services –

• advice regarding the exercise of government functions
• drafting and reviewing commercial and statutory documentation between government and others
• statutory interpretation and regulatory advice
• dispute resolution – including pre-action advice and negotiation, litigation, petitions of doleance, inquiries and inquests
• legislative review, drafting and parliamentary procedural advice
• training in relation to the exercise of public functions

Any enquiries for the Administrative and Public Law Unit may be directed to Helen Helfrich at 651951 or to

Hhelfrich@humphreyandhelfrich.com.