Inquests
UK Guide 2025 : UK-wide
Band 1
About
Provided by Bhatt Murphy
Inquests
All of the lawyers at Bhatt Murphy work with the families of those who have died in custody or in other controversial circumstances.
The firm has particular experience working on deaths in custody by reason of restraint, police shootings and those which occur through self-harm. It works closely with non-governmental organisations outside the court room to highlight patterns of preventable deaths and to contribute to public debate and to try and achieve progressive change.
It is Bhatt Murphy’s experience that the primary objective of any bereaved family is to find out as much information as possible about the circumstances of the death; to make sense out of their grief at the loss of their loved one; and to ensure that lessons are learnt from their own tragedy so that others may not have to suffer as they have done.
Public Inquiries
Bhatt Murphy lawyers have been involved in a number of significant inquiries constituted both prior to and since the Inquiries Act 2005 including:
- The Butler Inquiry concerning the handling of deaths in custody within the Crown Prosecution Service (1997)
- The Inquiry into the death of Victoria Climbie (2000)
- The Hillsborough Independent Panel (2010)
- The Leveson Inquiry (2012)
- The Public Inquiry into Undercover Policing (2016)
- The Daniel Morgan Independent Panel (2013 - to date)
- The Public Inquiry into the police shooting of Anthony Grainger (2016)
- The Grenfell Tower Inquiry
- The UK Covid-19 Inquiry
Chambers Review
Bhatt Murphy has a substantial presence acting for clients in connection with both inquests and public inquiries. The firm predominantly represents bereaved families and NGOs. It has particular expertise handling matters where deaths occur following police or state contact, as well as deaths which occur through self-harm. Recent matters the firm have handled include the Sheku Bayoh, Brook House and Grenfell Tower inquiries.
Work Highlights
- Bhatt Murphy represented Long Covid Kids, Long Covid SOS, Long Covid Support, Disability Rights UK, Disability Wales, Disability Action Northern Ireland and Inclusion Scotland as core participants in the UK Covid-19 Inquiry.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The team has good communication and involves families in the decisions."
"We are very happy with their service and attention to detail."
"The lawyers communicate complex legal concepts in a clear and accessible manner."
"The team is incredibly diligent, hardworking and ensures the client comes first."
"The lawyers specialise in inquests and therefore they have expert knowledge on all the processes involved."
"The team has good communication and involves families in the decisions."
"We are very happy with their service and attention to detail."
"The lawyers communicate complex legal concepts in a clear and accessible manner."
"The team is incredibly diligent, hardworking and ensures the client comes first."
"The lawyers specialise in inquests and therefore they have expert knowledge on all the processes involved."
Notable Practitioners
Raju Bhatt is a founding partner of Bhatt Murphy. He is highly respected for his representation of individuals seeking accountability from the state. Recent matters include acting for Medical Justice and former detainees in the Brook House Inquiry, and his appointment as an assessor on the Sheku Bayoh Inquiry.
"Raju is very good with clients."
Charlotte Haworth Hird advises vulnerable individuals and their families at inquests. Her practice focuses on representing bereaved families of those who have died while in state care, including mental health patients and other vulnerable adults.
"Charlotte is incredibly effective both in strategy and finding an effective way to make change. She is very calm too."
"Charlotte is a brilliant technical lawyer."
Shamik Dutta is experienced at representing core participants in public inquiries. His recent instructions include acting in connection with the Grenfell Tower and UK Covid-19 inquiries, among others.
"Shamik has very strong expertise."
"He’s an amazing lawyer who is always available to speak on the phone or email and will always make the time."
Carolynn Gallwey is experienced in the representation of bereaved families in inquest proceedings. She is knowledgeable in police law and often undertakes matters involving mental health and detention.
"Carolynn has consummate client skills. She is thorough."
"Carolynn has great communication."
"She is a fantastic inquests lawyer."
Sophie Naftalin is an experienced lawyer who acts for families in connection with inquest proceedings. Her practice focuses on vulnerable individuals and sensitive topics revolving around mental health, domestic abuse and failures of state bodies.
"Sophie is amazing from day one. She is professional, empathetic and supportive."
Ranked Lawyers at
Bhatt Murphy
UK-wide
Members
Provided by Bhatt Murphy
Caleb Simpson
Catherine Shannon
Catriona McGregor
Erica San
Eva Roszykiewicz
Hamish Arnott
Jane Ryan
Joanna Khan
Mark Scott
Megan Phillips
Michael Oswald
Molly Cox
Niamh McLoughlin
Ooi Amy
Renata Sweeney
Simon Creighton