Public Inquiries

Martin Smith is a partner in the public and regulatory team at Fieldfisher who specialises in public inquiries. He advises those conducting major public inquiries, and is currently acting as Solicitor to the UK COVID-19 Inquiry.

"Martin is absolutely encyclopaedic about all things related to public inquiry work."

"Martin is always incredibly approachable. He is incredibly adept at dealing with sensitive issues in a constructive way."

"Martin knows all there is to know about public inquiries. He is quite simply the leader in this field."

Tim Suter has extensive experience advising on the conduct of high-profile public inquiries. He predominantly acts in the role of solicitor to the inquiry and has recently acted in this role in the Manchester Arena and Jalal Uddin Inquiries.

"Tim is thoughtful and considered in his approach to inquiries."

"Tim has encyclopedic knowledge of law and procedure. He has an instinctual feel for the right strategic approach to any public inquiry."

"He is a go-to person for national security inquests and inquiries."

Oliver Carlyon is a member of the regulatory group at Fieldfisher. He regularly provides advice to those running public inquiries, core participants and other key witnesses. Recently, he has been involved in the IICSA and UK COVID-19 inquiries.

"Oliver rises to any challenge and remains solution-focussed throughout. He brings a very wide range of experience on inquiries and inquests."

"He is pragmatic, sensible and completely unflappable."

"Oliver is super smart and effective. He is a real pleasure to deal with."

Laura Taylor is a skilled legal director who advises clients on complex, high-profile public inquiries. She currently acts as a lead solicitor for a UK Covid-19 Inquiry module.

"Laura is extremely detail-oriented and meticulous."

"Laura has got the strength and organisational skills."

"Laura is calm under pressure and a pleasure to work with."

Manchester-based Abigail Scholefield is an experienced legal director at Fieldfisher who acts for a range of clients in high-profile public inquiries. Key instructions she has recently handled include the IICSA and UK Covid-19 inquiries.

"Abigail is brilliant at organising large teams and dealing with voluminous documents."

"She is an experienced public inquiries lawyer."

Nicola Margiotta is a widely respected director at Fieldfisher and recommended for her appearances in public inquiries. She has recently worked on the UK Covid-19 Inquiry.

"Nicola is forward thinking. She is a highly intelligent and superb practitioner."

"She takes a very strategic approach to matters."

"Her attention to detail is very strong. Her ability to hold vast amounts of information in her mind at one time whilst maintaining the big picture is very impressive."