Inquests & Public Inquiries

Hugh Davies KC is a strong choice to represent individual police officers facing considerable scrutiny in inquests and public inquiries, often involving parallel professional discipline proceedings. He is especially experienced in inquests involving police shootings.

Hugo Keith KC frequently represents individuals, state agents and other participants in sensitive public inquiries and inquests, usually under considerable media attention. His broad expertise includes sensitive police law, terrorism and national security issues. As a renowned criminal silk, he is a particularly popular choice for inquests that involve parallel criminal proceedings. Keith has been appointed lead counsel to the UK Covid-19 Inquiry.

Patrick Gibbs KC has a strong track record of being instructed in the highest-profile inquests and inquiries, particularly where police conduct is under scrutiny. He is well suited to handling inquests that might result in criminal liability or disciplinary action. He routinely appears on behalf of all participants, including state agents and bereaved families.

Sarah Le Fevre represents clients at all stages of the coronial process and in public law challenges arising from the conduct of inquest proceedings. Her expertise encompasses cases concerning health and safety law, the police and hospital-related deaths. She has also made a number of notable appearances in public inquiries.

Clair Dobbin KC is consistently involved in the most high-profile inquests and inquiries. She chiefly counsels state agents, including police forces and government departments, and also has experience serving as counsel to the inquiry. Her practice has a particular emphasis on inquests relating to prison and police custody deaths.

Matthew Butt KC is a respected silk with a wide-ranging inquests and inquiries practice, in which he often represents the police. He has been instructed in many of the most controversial inquests and inquiries concerning acts of terrorism, such as the Fishmongers' Hall and London Bridge inquests, and the Manchester Arena Inquiry.

Richard Horwell KC predominantly represents police forces in sensitive and politically charged public inquiries. He offers guidance on related developments in counter-terrorism policing. He is also instructed by other state agents, including NHS trusts and educational institutions.

Stephen Walsh KC is recognised in the market for his track record of handling difficult briefs in high-profile inquests and public inquiries. He is routinely instructed by a broad range of core participants, including professional associations, fire brigades and private companies. Walsh's expertise includes health and safety legislation, and the handling of inquiries into major disasters.

Guy Ladenburg brings wide-ranging legal expertise to his work in significant inquests and inquiries, focusing on the representation of police forces and individual officers.

Kevin Baumber is a police law specialist barrister who brings considerable expertise to inquest work owing to his role as assistant coroner for Hertfordshire. He focuses his practice in particular on Article 2 inquests arising from deaths in police custody or otherwise involving the police.

Reka Hollos is an impressive barrister particularly sought after to represent the police and other state actors in a broad array of inquests and public inquiries.

Genevieve Woods is a junior barrister recommended for her appearances in public inquiries and a wide range of inquests. She often acts on behalf of police officers, government departments and serves as part of a counsel team in inquiries.

Saba Naqshbandi KC has represented core participants in a number of public inquiries. Her recent inquests work demonstrates strong expertise in railway safety matters.