Inquests & Public Inquiries

Bridget Dolan KC is a highly regarded advocate who regularly appears in complex inquests, including proceedings invoking Article 2 of the ECHR. In addition to her experience representing bereaved families and state agents, she frequently serves as counsel to the inquest. She is recognised as an authority on coronial law and is becoming a go-to choice to defend coroners' decisions in judicial review proceedings.

"Bridget is a go-to for all inquest matters."

"Bridget is very good on mental health."

"She is very personable, good with clients and able to form easy working relationships."

"Her advocacy is robust and informed."

Briony Ballard predominantly acts in inquests, including Article 2 proceedings, which involve alleged or proven clinical negligence. She routinely receives instructions from healthcare professionals, NHS trusts and bereaved families. She is also adept in proceedings involving police or prison deaths, and has significant experience of inquests involving issues of mental health.She draws strength from her experience as an assistant coroner.

"Briony is a superb talent and skilled advocate. She is measured and she has wonderful client skills."

"Briony has good knowledge and she works well with clients."

"Briony is an incredibly strong advocate and her strategic input is excellent."

"She is a very good advocate and very reliable. She is good with clients and witnesses."

Edward Pleeth has a strong track record acting for government, police or NHS clients in a broad range of high-profile inquests and public inquiries. He is renowned for his sensitive approach in matters focused on national security.

"Edward is extremely hard-working and dedicated. He is committed to the task and always goes the extra mile."

"Edward is always a safe pair of hands and he reads coroners very well."

John Beggs KC is a standout silk who typically acts for police forces facing considerable scrutiny in inquests which attract major publicity, and as core participants in public inquiries. He habitually advises on the adequacy of police investigations, as well as deaths resulting from actions or omissions made by the police.

"John is an exceptional advocate and completely fearless."

Cecily White is a barrister with notable experience acting in sensitive jury inquests and public inquiries. She represents NHS trusts and police forces.

"Cecily is good at explaining things really clearly."

"Cecily advises at the highest level. She has a very pleasant and engaging style. She is also eager to learn about the business and understand how it works."

Gerard Boyle KC has considerable experience of handling high-profile inquests and public inquiries. He is routinely called upon by police forces and health services, including NHS trusts.

"Gerard's strength is in his advocacy."

"He has real depth and strength of knowledge for complex inquiries and is a very effective advocate."

James Berry is favoured by a number of police forces for advice and representation in major public inquiries and Article 2 inquests.

"His understanding of the law is excellent. He also has good judgement when it comes to knowing what points to make in legal submissions."

"James is very careful in his advice, always thinking about the bigger picture. He is careful to only advance points that will advance his clients' case."

"James is amazing on his feet."

"He is a really smooth and impressive advocate."

Paul Spencer is well known for his handling of complex inquests arising out of health and social care. He receives instructions from NHS trusts, care homes, psychiatric hospitals, regulatory bodies, doctors and others. He is also capable of handling parallel disciplinary actions.

"Paul has excellent attention to detail and always gets to the nub of the issues in a case."

"Paul is a powerful and persuasive advocate. He can swiftly identify the key issues arising as well as provide clear and concise advice as to best strategy."

"He always has in mind the bigger picture for the client and achieving the best result for them in court."

"Paul is a superb strategist, very experienced and knowledgeable. He is wonderful with clients."

Sarah Simcock has a busy inquest practice and is a popular choice of barrister with police forces, NHS clients or private companies. Among notable recent instructions she has acted as first junior counsel to the Brook House Inquiry.

"Sarah works extremely hard to understand and engage with the evidence. Her oral and written advocacy is excellent."

"She's on top of the detail."

"Sarah has excellent strategic awareness. She is a very safe pair of hands."

Scott Matthewson focuses predominantly on representing private contractors in inquests arising from deaths in prisons. He has considerable expertise in Article 2 jury inquests and those involving clinical negligence and health and safety violations.

"Scott is commercially aware."

"He is a very knowledgeable inquest practitioner."

Debra Powell KC is a popular barrister for inquests concerning clinical negligence and police law. She habitually represents bereaved families, healthcare professionals, NHS trusts and other state agents. Her broad practice sees her appearing in public inquiries concerning healthcare or historic child abuse.

"Debra has an eye for detail. Her understanding of the papers, the issues and how they will impact our client is great."

Ian Skelt KC's inquest practice focuses on deaths concerning police operations. He has been instructed in several inquests arising from the Troubles in Northern Ireland.

"In terms of his advocacy in coroner inquests, he is excellent."

"Ian's strength is in inquests arising from a police context."

Nageena Khalique KC is a highly respected silk who has a busy practice in medical inquests and those concerning deaths in psychiatric care.

"Nageena is easy to work with and clients like her. She establishes a good rapport with witnesses."

Rachel Spearing is well versed in inquests and inquiries; she is instructed as counsel to the inquest and routinely represents police forces in high-profile public inquiries. She has been instructed by the UK Health Security Agency in the Covid-19 Inquiry.

"Rachel is very good both on her feet and in writing."

"She displays great judgement on what issues to pursue and what to drop in court."

"Rachel is knowledgeable of the law and good on complex cases."

Claire Watson KC is well versed in Article 2 inquests, typically involving complex and sensitive issues such as mental health and the adequacy of medical care. Her clients include NHS trusts, bereaved families and police forces.

"Claire is a fantastic advocate."

"Her knowledge and practical ability is second to none."

Dijen Basu KC is an experienced barrister who is regularly instructed in a broad range of inquests. His areas of expertise in this field include inquests arising from police operations and mental health settings.

"Dijen is so unreasonably clever and he is beyond effective."

"He acts for the police in inquests. He took silk and didn't break his stride and is trusted by long-term clients."

Matthew Holdcroft is admired as a thoroughly modern barrister who can be relied upon to find the right tone in the most sensitive cases. He is a firm favourite of police forces and additionally represents the NHS in high-profile inquests and public inquiries.

"He has an incredibly strong work ethic and always goes out of his way to help."

Aaron Rathmell is a junior barrister who is well placed to handle Article 2 inquests. He regularly represents police in a range of inquests.

"Aaron is considered as an advocate. He fights very hard and intelligently for clients."

"Aaron is extremely thorough and well prepared."

Anthony Searle is notably experienced in the representation of bereaved families in medical inquests. He has also represented NHS trusts in inquests.

"His paperwork is great and he is fabulous with witnesses. He is also great on his feet."

"Anthony is calm and composed throughout, ensuring that all witnesses understand the process."

Jamie Mathieson acts for families and medical practitioners in complex inquests, specialising in deaths in medical contexts, particularly involving deprivation of liberty.

"Jamie is a conscientious and thoughtful advocate."

Liam Duffy is frequently instructed in Article 2 inquests in prison and medical contexts. He represents bereaved families, NHS trusts and medical professionals.

"Liam is well prepared and good with clients."