Inquests & Public Inquiries

Andrew O'Connor KC is incredibly knowledgeable about inquests and public inquiries. He typically acts on behalf of state agents and other interested parties in inquests of national and international significance. He is well versed in matters involving questions of national security and is adept at advising coroners when serving as counsel to the inquiry.

"Andrew is calm and unflustered. He has a very good head for strategic decisions."

"Andrew is very strategic and good at working out what is important."

"Andrew is my first choice. He is so client-friendly and he has such good strategic nous."

Cathryn McGahey KC demonstrates great aptitude when appearing on behalf of core participants in public inquiries. She is a skilled representative of state agents in inquests and has a particular focus on proceedings involving deaths in custody. She has developed a specialism in cases concerning child protection.

"Cathryn is extremely tenacious and determined, especially in court. She is very experienced in national security matters."

"Cathryn is a good leader of the team."

Keith Morton KC is a superb choice for inquests involving health and safety law, particularly in the context of aviation accidents. He represents regulators, businesses, local authorities, individuals and bereaved families.

"Keith is always very well prepared, and his written work is excellent."

"He is one of my go-to barristers in difficult cases."

"Keith is one of the safest pairs of hands in the business. He is measured, understated and thorough."

"Keith is a very fluent and effective barrister. Coroners take note when he speaks."

Nicholas Moss KC is an exceptional barrister who is regarded as one of the best advocates of his generation. He is much sought after to act as lead counsel in complex Article 2 inquests and public inquiries. He is particularly strong in inquests arising out of military and prison deaths, and adept in matters involving issues of national security.

"The way he approaches an inquest is a masterclass."

"Nicholas is very meticulous in preparation, very thorough and industrious."

"Nicholas is extremely detailed and he can marshal huge amounts of detail. His work ethic is extraordinary."

"He is second to none in attention to detail. He leaves no stone unturned but he is also a good strategist."

"The way he masters the detail but distils it into identifiable points is remarkable."

David Barr KC receives instructions in a wide range of inquests and public inquiries, frequently acting as counsel to the inquiry.

"David does an excellent job. He maintains a calm and steady progression through very difficult inquiries."

Fiona Canby brings an impressive background in health and safety law to her work for interested parties and core participants in major inquiries.

"Fiona is on top of the law. She knows what the key issues are for her clients."

"Her advocacy is very strong."

Nicholas Chapman is a member of the Attorney General's A panel. He has been instructed by central government bodies in most of the key public inquiries recently undertaken.

"Nicholas is good at getting the best out of the team and setting the overall strategy."

Dominic Adamson KC has significant experience in inquests and public inquiries relating to health and safety matters. He frequently acts on behalf of bereaved families, independent businesses or local authorities in such cases.

"Dominic is particularly well versed in the law. He can put his points very clearly and succinctly."

"Dominic is very personable and pragmatic."

"Dominic is good on his feet and he handles clients well."

Saoirse Townshend is a highly talented barrister who frequently represents central government departments in a variety of high-profile public inquiries, recently including the Brook House and Covid-19 Inquiries.

"Saoirse is a good advocate. She is unflappable and intelligent."

Juliet Wells represents bereaved families in complex Article 2 inquests. She has additionally acted for a government body in a major public inquiry.

"Her written work is concise and very clear."

"Juliet has great attention to detail and she is technically astute."

Richard Boyle has a breadth of public inquiry and inquest experience. He has been instructed as counsel to the inquest and acted on behalf of government departments in high-profile inquiries.

"Richard is a really beautiful advocate. He is very calm."

"Richard is bright and across the details of the case. He has an engaging yet robust advocacy style."

"He is very personable with clients and has very good work output."

"Richard is very astute and a very good drafter."

Susan Jones is a talented inquests barrister who is highly skilled in sensitive matters examining deaths occurring in various circumstances, including where there are allegations of medical negligence. Her practice touches on complex issues such as mental health.

"Susan is a powerhouse and she works tirelessly hard. She has encyclopedic knowledge."

"She gets to grips with a case and explains complex issues to a client."

"Susan is a very good inquest practitioner."

Harriet Gilchrist is recognised for her appearances in high-profile public inquiries and inquests. She is particularly adept at handling matters involving police custody issues and clinical negligence.

"Harriet provides clear and strategic advice. She is calm and sensitive to clients' needs, particularly in times of high stress."

"Harriet has good attention to detail."