Jennifer Jack

Jennifer leads our public law litigation and public inquiries practice across Scotland. Jennifer is an experienced lawyer who leads a team of lawyers focussing on public, administrative and constitutional law; public inquiries; civil liberties & human rights; and disputes involving the public sector and government (national and local). She was named Public Sector Lawyer of the Year at the Legal 500 Scotland Awards 2023. Jennifer works closely with her clients, taking a pragmatic approach to finding the best solutions for them.

With long-standing recognised specialist expertise in public law and disputes involving public bodies (including government), Jennifer has significant experience of advising and representing clients on public, regulatory and constitutional law issues, including in Judicial Review and Appeals against decisions of a wide range of public authorities. Jennifer draws upon this practical litigation experience when advising clients on statutory/regulatory obligations and wider reputation management.

Jennifer has an outstanding record of success in winning cases for government bodies, regulators, companies, campaign groups and individuals, in court and representing their interests at public inquiries. She is one of a handful of Scottish solicitors with experience of litigating in the Scottish Courts, UK Supreme Court and Court of Justice of the European Union.

Jennifer advises clients on legislation and statutory interpretation, the powers and duties of public bodies, the art of getting decisions right first time and representing clients in situations when decision-making is questioned. The setting might be a Board/committee meeting, investigation, tribunal, court or public inquiry. Decisions could relate to competition /state aid/ procurement, planning/ environmental/ climate change issues, data protection & information law, education matters, looked-after children/ vulnerable adults/ homeless accommodation, or other areas where decisions are made that affect individuals, businesses and communities. Jennifer’s expertise is found in a thorough understanding of the relevant legislative/ regulatory/ procedural frameworks and how to identify and address areas susceptible to challenge.

Jennifer’s thorough understanding of the often legally complex and politically sensitive issues affecting those operating within and engaging with the public sector allows her to give insightful advice, tailored to clients’ specific situations and needs.

She has been recognised as a “Top Ranked Lawyer” by Chambers UK for Administrative & Public Law (14 years of ranking), Civil Liberties & Human Rights, and Parliamentary & Public Affairs. She is also listed as a “Recommended Lawyer” in Environment, Local Government, and Public Inquiries. Jennifer is also the only Scottish lawyer ranked by Chambers UK Guide for work in the UK-wide specialist field of Climate Change.

Additionally, she is a “Leading Partner” in Parliamentary & Public Affairs and is recommended by The Legal 500 for Charities & Not-for-Profit, EU & Competition, Environment, Local Government, and Planning.