Inquests & Public Inquiries
UK Bar Guide 2025 : London (Bar)
Band 2
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
(020) 7993 7600Chambers Review
Renowned for its sensitive but robust representation of bereaved families, Garden Court Chambers has retained a strong reputation in inquests and public inquiries. The set boasts "some of the most excellent barristers in the country", according to one source, and their "vast range of specialisms" see them representing the bereaved in matters examining the actions or inactions of the police and other public authorities. They have acted in numerous high-profile cases including the UK Covid-19 inquiry.
Colin Cook is the director of clerking.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The clerking team provides great client service."
"The clerks are very responsive and helpful."
"The clerks at Garden Court Chambers are very responsive."
"The clerking team provides great client service."
"The clerks are very responsive and helpful."
"The clerks at Garden Court Chambers are very responsive."
Notable Practitioners
Leslie Thomas KC has a strong track record of representing bereaved families in highly contentious inquests and major public inquiries, including Article 2 proceedings. He has particular expertise in inquests that concern police conduct, such as deaths by police restraint or police shootings. He also advises on related human rights and public law issues.
"Leslie is an excellent advocate."
Kirsten Heaven has extensive experience in inquests and inquiries. She possesses expertise in various key areas, including deaths in prison, and cases where the investigative duties of the police are placed under scrutiny.
"Kirsten has an exceptional eye for detail. Her preparation of cases is meticulous and precise. She builds confidence and trust with the clients."
"Kirsten provides really brilliant family representation in inquests."
Una Morris is a go-to barrister for families and core participants in sensitive inquests and inquiries. She brings a wealth of expertise spanning civil liberties and police law, offering adept handling of matters concerning the police, prisons and immigration authorities.
"Una is very clear and robust."
"Una provides detailed advice."
Thalia Maragh is a committed and analytically gifted barrister who has a notable focus on representing the bereaved in Article 2 inquests, public inquiries and related public law challenges.
"She draws from her criminal defence practice to support her inquiry work. She's at the top of her game."
Emma Favata stands out for her effective representation of bereaved families in Article 2 inquests. Clients remark upon the sensitivity with which she approaches cases involving policing, prisons or healthcare.
"Emma is great with clients."
"Emma is very concise and gets to the point. She gets straight through and cuts through a lot of noise."
"I go to her because her empathy with clients marks her out from others. If the client is particularly vulnerable, Emma is my go-to. She is very capable of thinking on her feet."
Sarah Hemingway is a highly experienced inquests practitioner, specialising in Article 2 matters involving mental health and settings including prison and social care. Among career highlights is her role as deputy first counsel to the Undercover Policing Inquiry.
"She is a very helpful member of any team and I go to her for advice. She is very popular."