Inquests & Public Inquiries

Hugh Davies KC is a strong choice to represent individual police officers facing considerable scrutiny in inquests and public inquiries, often involving parallel professional discipline proceedings. He is especially experienced in inquests involving police shootings.

"Hugh brings a powerful criminal court perspective to the way he handles inquests. He is a great fighter for his clients."

"Hugh is extremely authoritative and objective in his judgement and approach."

Hugo Keith KC frequently represents individuals, state agents and other participants in sensitive public inquiries and inquests, usually under considerable media attention. His broad expertise includes sensitive police law, terrorism and national security issues. As a renowned criminal silk, he is a particularly popular choice for inquests that involve parallel criminal proceedings. Keith has been appointed lead counsel to the UK Covid-19 Inquiry.

"I don’t know how he absorbs the level of information which he does and distils it."

"Hugo is one of the best silks around."

Patrick Gibbs KC has a strong track record of being instructed in the highest-profile inquests and inquiries, particularly where police conduct is under scrutiny. He is well suited to handling inquests that might result in criminal liability or disciplinary action. He routinely appears on behalf of all participants, including state agents and bereaved families.

"Patrick works so incredibly hard and puts in as many hours as required to achieve the best outcome for his client. His delivery is superb."

Sarah Le Fevre represents clients at all stages of the coronial process and in public law challenges arising from the conduct of inquest proceedings. Her expertise encompasses cases concerning health and safety law, the police and hospital-related deaths.She has also made a number of notable appearances in public inquiries.

"Sarah is intelligent and unflappable. She is a really great advocate and she has really top judgement."

"Sarah gives very sound advice."

Clair Dobbin KC is consistently involved in the most high-profile inquests and inquiries. She chiefly counsels state agents, including police forces and government departments, and also has experience serving as counsel to the inquiry. Her practice has a particular emphasis on inquests relating to prison and police custody deaths.

"Clair is brilliant at the big strategic calls. She is extremely effective on her feet."

"Clair is really intelligent but she is also able to marshal and present evidence very effectively."

"Clair Dobbin KC is forensic."

Matthew Butt KC is a respected silk with a wide-ranging inquests and inquiries practice, in which he often represents the police. He has been instructed in many of the most controversial inquests and inquiries concerning acts of terrorism, such as the Fishmongers' Hall and London Bridge inquests, and the Manchester Arena Inquiry.

"Matthew is very straightforward, calm and engaging."

Richard Horwell KC predominantly represents police forces in sensitive and politically charged public inquiries. He offers guidance on related developments in counter-terrorism policing. He is also instructed by other state agents, including NHS trusts and educational institutions.

"Richard is very eagle-eyed and quickly gets to the point on weaknesses. He is a strong lawyer and very confident, with great client-handling skills."

"Richard is a formidable advocate but he is also a very cooperative person in the process."

Stephen Walsh KC is recognised in the market for his track record of handling difficult briefs in high-profile inquests and public inquiries. He is routinely instructed by a broad range of core participants, including professional associations, fire brigades and private companies. Walsh's expertise includes health and safety legislation, and the handling of inquiries into major disasters.

"Stephen has an extraordinary gift in advocacy. He makes unpalatable advice palatable. He helps clients and chairs understand it."

"Stephen has great judgement. He is very good and experienced."

Guy Ladenburg brings wide-ranging legal expertise to his work in significant inquests and inquiries, focusing on the representation of police forces and individual officers.

"Guy always delivers excellent advice and advocacy."

Kevin Baumber is a police law specialist barrister who brings considerable expertise to inquest work owing to his role as assistant coroner for Hertfordshire. He focuses his practice in particular on Article 2 inquests arising from deaths in police custody or otherwise involving the police.

"Kevin is a very good advocate because he is very prepared and concise. He doesn't take bad points."

"Kevin is very fair-minded with a strong advocacy style. He is impressive."

Reka Hollos is an impressive barrister particularly sought after to represent the police and other state actors in a broad array of inquests and public inquiries.

"Reka displays very good judgement on which issues to put forward."

"Reka is a very precise questioner and very clever."

Genevieve Woods is a junior barrister recommended for her appearances in public inquiries and a wide range of inquests. She often acts on behalf of police officers, government departments and serves as part of a counsel team in inquiries.

"Genevieve has an ability to deal with people and be able to talk to people about very complex situations. She is incredibly understanding and she has very good advocacy abilities."

"Genevieve just tactically knows where inquest heading and makes a good pitch. Her questioning is very precise."

"Genevieve is excellent, and highly trusted to ensure all aspects of a case are reviewed and any risks highlighted."

"Genevieve is a delight to work with. She is thorough, meticulous and careful."

Saba Naqshbandi KC has represented core participants in a number of public inquiries. Her recent inquests work demonstrates strong expertise in railway safety matters.

"Saba is highly thorough. She is very trusted to ensure that cases of all complexities are handled carefully and efficiently."

"Saba is really good and she straddles different practice areas, which is really useful."