Inquests
UK Guide 2025 : UK-wide
Band 2
Contact number
(020) 7972 9720About
Provided by Irwin Mitchell
The department is unique amongst claimant law firms as it sits within a large Public Law and Human Rights department in a national law firm, with teams in 10 city centre offices focusing on health and social care work alongside the civil liberties work. The team profits from its in-depth knowledge of human rights and administrative law, a desire to seek out policy challenges to produce benefits for the wider public, and a crucial understanding of the interaction between police forces, mental health services and social services.
This is particularly attractive to disability charities when referring claims under the Equality Act and Human Rights Act. Additionally, we receive a significant number of referrals from charities and NGOs including INQUEST, Centre for Women’s Justice, Avon and Bristol Law Centre, Prisoners’ Advice Service, Public Law Project, and StopWatch. In additional we receive regular referrals from a number of regional sexual assault crisis centres.
In addition to the work of our Public Law and Human Rights team, several other teams at Irwin Mitchell specialise in supporting and representing families at inquests within their practice areas, including our Medical Negligence, Military and Serious Injury teams.
Chambers Review
Irwin Mitchell is notable for its strong ability to represent bereaved families, coroners and other interested parties, such as disability charities, in high-profile inquests. The firm has particular expertise in representing clients following deaths in detention and deaths involving healthcare services.
Work Highlights
- Irwin Mitchell represented two families in the inquest proceedings touching upon the deaths of John Bennett, Lacey Bennett, Connie Gent and Terri Harris who were murdered by Damien Bendall.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Their communication is straightforward."
"The lawyers have amazing advice every single step of the way and their knowledge is unprecedented."
"The whole team that I have worked with has made it clear that they are committed to supporting me in achieving the best outcome possible. The detail that has gone into the matter has been exceptional."
"Their communication is straightforward."
"The lawyers have amazing advice every single step of the way and their knowledge is unprecedented."
"The whole team that I have worked with has made it clear that they are committed to supporting me in achieving the best outcome possible. The detail that has gone into the matter has been exceptional."
Notable Practitioners
Fiona McGhie represents families at Article 2 inquests where the deceased has had recent contact with police, both within and outside of police custody or mental health services.
"Fiona came across brilliantly."
Oliver Carter is noted for his experience in handling inquest matters on behalf of bereaved families. His work often focuses on deaths arising in a prison context, as well as deaths following police contact.
"Oliver is knowledgeable, meticulous, personable and compassionate. He is willing to go the extra mile in order to provide a level of service that goes far beyond what is expected."
"Oliver understands the law and he is on top of it."
"Oliver is really thorough and he has a great understanding of what we need."