Jonathan advises public authorities on all aspects of public law. He works extensively with central government, including the Government Legal Department (GLD), providing strategic advice on high-profile policy decisions and defending key decisions under legal scrutiny.
Jonathan is experienced in managing complex public law disputes, including judicial review and procurement litigation, and has been involved in some of the most significant public law cases of recent years, such as the rail franchising litigation.
He is also a highly regarded public inquiry lawyer, having acted for core participants in some of the most prominent public inquiries of the past decade. He has supported government departments and public bodies in these contexts, advising on the legal, procedural, and reputational aspects of their involvement.
In addition to his public sector work, Jonathan advises corporate clients in regulated industries, particularly transport and defence, on commercial public law issues.
Jonathan brings a practical, strategic approach to complex regulatory and legal challenges, which has earned him a reputation for clear, practical advice.
He is recognised by The Legal 500 and Chambers as a leading public law expert.
Jonathan Blunden stands out as a star individual. He dealt with many of the major Covid-19 judicial reviews for government. He is exceptional – highly intellectual whilst also very good at client care.”
Jonathan is a complete joy to work with because he is bright, incredibly diligent, highly responsive and goes the extra mile as a solicitor.
He has an in-depth knowledge of the law, as well as the inner workings of government.”
George McLellan and Jonathan Blunden are now two key partners. As a team, their experience across the range of commercial judicial review is second to none. Sharpe Pritchard are lining up for very big things indeed in the public law space. They are superb strategists and are now the natural choice for major industry players looking to challenge government.
Jonathan’s primary clients are public sector bodies and corporates operating in regulated industries. His recent experience includes:
11 March 2025
The Court of Appeal has handed down its judgment in R (British Gas Trading and E.ON) v Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero. This judgment follows the Divisional Court’s earlier refusal to grant British Gas and E.ON permission to judicially review decisions made by the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and…
Read more26 September 2024
The Competition Appeal Tribunal (“CAT”) is this week considering a landmark class action brought against six of England’s largest water companies. The case will have implications for Ofwat, water companies and customers alike. Our regulatory and competition experts consider what we know so far and what lies ahead for the parties and billpayers. Case Overview…
Read more20 September 2024
The Administrative Court Guide (“Guide“) provides detailed guidance on judicial review proceedings in the Administrative Court, summarising relevant case law, the Civil Procedure Rules (“CPR“), and supporting practice directions. Whilst the Guide does not have legal force, it is “required reading” for all involved in judicial review proceedings. The Guide is now in its ninth…
Read more15 March 2024
We have written previously on the string of recent cases confirming that in judicial review litigation the duty of candour ordinarily requires the names of junior civil servants to be disclosed in unredacted form when providing disclosure. In a recent decision – MTA v Secretary of State for the Home Department and Ors [2024] EWHC…
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