Inquests & Public Inquiries

Caoilfhionn Gallagher KC frequently appears for bereaved families in significant inquests that are often at the centre of broader social justice campaigns. She is particularly proficient in proceedings that scrutinise the adequacy of police investigations. Her significant public law expertise means she is a strong choice to appear in judicial reviews concerning coronial decisions and the scope of inquests, particularly in issues such as anonymity orders.She has experience providing counsel to clients on issues relating to the protection of children.

"She is really good at strategy, not only legal strategy but also how to ensure wider implementation of clients' needs are considered beyond the courtroom. She is very good on her feet."

"Caoilfhionn is a very clever and effective performer."

Adam Straw KC has a strong track record of being instructed in major inquests and inquiries, typically on behalf of bereaved families. He also frequently appears in public law proceedings and human rights litigation arising out of inquests and public inquiries.

"Adam is an extremely intelligent advocate. He is able to distil complex questions of law into simple and understandable submissions."

Alison Gerry brings her deep expertise in human rights law to bear on her inquests practice. She typically acts in Article 2 proceedings which involve deaths in prison, police custody and mental health institutions.

"Alison is able to cut to the key points within huge amounts of material, keeping the jury engaged."

"Alison is very clever and methodical. She is very detailed."

Angela Patrick has notable expertise in public law, which she draws upon to represent participants in complex inquiries and inquests.

"Angela is extremely hard-working and thorough. She is dedicated to the clients."

"Angela is all over the detail for everything. She is very diligent and she spots the right points. She is incredibly personable and easy to work with."

"Angela is phenomenal. She is hard-working and incisive."

Sam Jacobs is a popular barrister with considerable experience acting in inquests and public inquiries such as the IICSA and the Undercover Policing Inquiry. He is particularly well equipped to represent families in inquests concerning prisons and police custody, or mental health services.

"Sam is a really good advocate, drafting really strong written submissions."

"Sam has measured and powerful submissions."

"Sam's knowledge is impeccable. His drafting is excellent."

Tom Stoate is praised as a barrister who brings a high level of skill and sensitivity to his representation of bereaved families at death in custody and mental health-related inquests, as well as those arising from acts of terrorism.

"The way he can think on his feet and incorporate late information in the process is strong."

"Tom is a brilliant barrister and really good with clients. His advocacy in coroners' court is very good too."

Jude Bunting KC has wide-reaching experience which includes inquests arising from deaths in prison, deaths in police custody and proceedings arising from the Troubles in Northern Ireland. His deep expertise in public and administrative law means he is also well placed to advise on judicial reviews concerning coronial decisions.

"Jude is an astute and knowledgeable practitioner with a particular expertise in matters relating to media."

"Jude is a very polished advocate."

"Jude is a great advocate."

Maya Sikand KC excels in the representation of bereaved families in complex Article 2 inquests, particularly those involving examination of policing or prisons. She has further experience acting in high-profile inquiries including the Undercover Policing Inquiry.

"Maya is really good on her feet."

"Maya is a pleasure to work with and knows the law well. She is great with clients. Her advocacy and drafting is second to none."

"Maya is very practical and her advocacy is terrific. She is very forceful and she gets the points across. Her written advice is good too."

Aswini Weereratne KC has attracted acclaim for her work in numerous inquiries, particularly the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse, of which she has acted in multiple strands.

"Aswini has a very intelligent and effective style of advocacy."

"Aswini has exceptional attention to detail. Her written and oral submissions are fantastic."

"She listens well so she can see how to master her argument and where needed, whether in court, at a meeting or in mediations."

Fiona Murphy KC brings to the Bar her years of experience as a solicitor handling inquests and inquiries. She predominantly advocates on behalf of bereaved families in a wide range of matters, with a particular emphasis on inquests touching on police conduct.

"Fiona has a remarkable eye for detail. She is a great strategist when navigating tricky litigation and she is incredibly strong on police law."

"Fiona conducts good questioning of witnesses."

"Fiona is so strategic on how she approaches things. She is so thoughtful."

Nick Stanage is instructed in high-profile public inquiries. He has represented key core participants in the Undercover Policing Inquiry and the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse's Lord Janner investigation.

"Nick manages to handle the case with real judgement and sensitivity."

Oliver Lewis is a highly capable inquest and public inquiry barrister. He represents bereaved families in complex Article 2 inquests and has acted for a large bereaved families group in the Covid-19 Inquiry.

"Oliver has a strength in understanding healthcare-related inquests."

"Lewis is brilliant at dealing matters involving mental health. That's his area of expertise."

Laura Profumo has notable expertise in inquests concerning mental healthcare settings and frequently acts for bereaved families. She has also represented core participants in the Brook House Inquiry and the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse.

"Laura is incredibly bright and very hard-working. She is a really effective and strong advocate."

"Laura is really great with clients. She really knows her inquest law and procedure. She knows it inside out."

"Laura is elite with her advocacy."

Matthew Turner has expertise in representing bereaved families at inquests, with a focus on deaths in medical and prison settings. He is notable for having secured findings of neglect in multiple inquests.

"Matthew is very personable and provides excellent client care. He provides responses in a very timely manner."

"Matthew provides clear and concise advice. He has strength and conviction in submissions and questioning."

Shanthi Sivakumaran has appeared in multiple public inquiries, including the Grenfell Tower, Undercover Policing and Covid-19 Inquiries.

"Shanthi is always thoroughly prepared and clear on what evidence needs to be focused on."

"Shanthi is organised, hard-working, diligent and knowledgeable."