Inquests & Public Inquiries

Janine Wolstenholme has substantial experience acting on behalf of government bodies in inquests. She is particularly adept in matters involving deaths in prison, or scrutinising the decisions of the National Probation Service. Wolstenholme sits as assistant coroner for West Yorkshire (Eastern) and Lancashire and Blackburn with Darwen.

"Janine Wolstenholme is a really safe pair of hands. She's extremely good on the law and very impressive at getting up to speed."

"Janine is fabulous. She's a coroner herself, so her experience is invaluable and she expresses that well. I will definitely be instructing her again."

"I cannot rate Janine highly enough. She is the go-to barrister for KC-quality representation with a genuine depth of knowledge. Her demeanour in court is excellent."

"Janine is an impressive and extremely capable advocate whose powers of persuasion result in excellent results for her clients, even when the odds are stacked against her."

Kate Wilson has particular strengths in inquests involving complex medical issues and expert evidence. She is instructed by the Ministry of Justice in Article 2 inquests, as well as acting for families, local authorities and other parties. She is appointed as an assistant coroner for Liverpool and Wirral and a Deputy District Judge of the North Eastern Circuit.

"Kate is a brilliant barrister. She is bright and can cut through issues."

"I trust Kate implicitly with knowing the material and she has such a kind nature, always involving everyone on the team."

"The instructions that Kate receives are KC level, and it is matched by the service she delivers. Watching her make submissions or arguments is like a masterclass - she is superb, second to none."

"Kate is an excellent barrister in every respect."

Kirsten Mercer is joint head of Park Square Barristers' inquest team. She is highly sought after by government departments to provide counsel in relation to inquests, typically involving the management of prison services or probation. Mercer sits as assistant coroner for Newcastle and North Tyneside and Northumberland (North and South).

"Kirsten is a top-quality barrister. Her experience is so evident in the courtroom. She has an amazing style - tenacious with a clear understanding of the relevant laws."

"Kirsten is very knowledgeable, and her skill set is excellent in every respect."

Richard Wright KC is a heavyweight silk in the North East region. He offers significant experience in high-profile inquests and public inquiries, bringing to bear his broader skill set, which includes crime and health and safety. He has recently been instructed as part of the UK Covid-19 Inquiry counsel team and has previously acted in the Manchester Arena Inquiry.

"Richard is one of the most senior criminal barristers in the land. He's a fantastic fellow - incredibly engaging."

"Richard is a very bright silk who draws aptly on his experience as a judge and litigant. He takes the time to assess what it is that we want and communicates clearly throughout the process."

"Richard Wright is a brilliant legal mind."

"Richard Wright KC is an absolutely outstanding barrister, one of the very best. He's truly phenomenal."

"Richard Wright KC handles very difficult situations with great skill and in a way that sets him apart from others."

Craig Hassall KC is instructed for bereaved families and institutional clients in large-scale inquests and inquiries. He has substantial experience in matters concerning health and safety or medical issues.

"Craig is a class act. He shows excellent judgement, responds quickly and is fantastic with clients."

Matthew Stanbury offers a diverse set of experience including acting for families in prison or care-related inquests and in 'justice after acquittal' cases.

"Matthew is an expert in public law. His collaborative and common-sense approach puts him head and shoulders above other barristers in the field,"

"Matthew is fearless in his representation of his clients' interests."

"Matthew Stanbury is a very good advocate with great knowledge of inquest law."

Simon Connolly has developed a substantial practice in the area. He is regularly sought out to act in Article 2 inquests. He is instructed by public and private bodies, with recent work for care providers and the police. He sits as an assistant coroner for County Durham and Darlington.

"Simon has encyclopedic knowledge of inquest processes, procedure and case law, which he couples with an impressive medical knowledge."

"Simon is a fierce advocate who is trusted with a lot of higher-risk cases."

"Simon Connolly has an excellent background in healthcare that he really brings to bear in his practice."

"Simon Connolly is the go-to barrister for difficult inquests."

"Simon is very experienced, with good knowledge of the requirements of in-house clients."

Caroline Wood earns plaudits for her representation of both bereaved families and defendants in inquests. A significant portion of her practice pertains to deaths occurring in or around healthcare units. She has notable experience appearing in jury and Article 2 inquests.

"Caroline has excellent attention to detail. She's able to collate reams of information to deliver excellent client service."

Helena Spector is commended as an up-and-coming junior in the inquest and inquiry space. She punches well above her call, having already acted on several high-profile mandates, such as the UK Covid-19 Inquiry. On the inquest front, she represents both bereaved families and defendant institutions in complex proceedings, including Article 2 and jury inquests.

"Helena is a delight to work with. She's very bright and detailed, with a can-do attitude."

"Helena is the most amazing junior I have ever come across. She's a star of the future, handling matters in a way that's years ahead of her call."

Naomi McLoughlin is a rising star in the regions. She advises a broad range of clients, include private professionals, police departments, healthcare providers and bereaved families. She has notable experience with inquests concerning prisons, in addition to both Article 2 and jury inquests. She also sits as an assistant coroner in Yorkshire West (Eastern).

"Not only is Naomi a strong and reliable advocate, but she is so personable and easy to work with."

"Naomi is a brilliant mind, capable and trustworthy. She's very much at home in the inquest environment."