Department profile
Clyde & Co LLP

Inquests

UK Guide 2026 : UK-wide


Clyde & Co LLP

Rankings

About

Provided by Clyde & Co LLP

Our inquests & advocacy team regularly provides representation at Coroner’s inquests, instructed by NHS Trusts, health and social care organisations and indemnity providers. We also assist our Scottish clients with fatal accident inquiries (FAIs) and public inquiries. We understand the full range of challenges in this area including investigations, critical conclusions, adverse publicity, reports to Prevent Future Deaths, and involvement by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE).

We appreciate that giving evidence at an inquest can be a daunting experience. The proceedings and terminology can be intimidating and confusing. We provide vital support and guidance throughout.

Our healthcare lawyers have been involved in some of the largest inquests in the UK in recent years. Clients regularly commend our skills and expertise in this complex area. They particularly appreciate our ability to identify accurately the issues in advance, giving them sufficient time to deal with them before going to court. We help drive a fair process and accurate conclusion.

We can help at each stage of the process, including advising when a death should be reported to the Coroner, when to investigate and when to refer to the police or the HSE. We liaise with the Coroner’s Court throughout and advise on how to meet your obligation to provide disclosure.

We provide advice on the initial analysis and on the likely legal risks, and review investigation reports to ensure they are as robust as possible.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Inquests - UK-wide

Band 2

Band 2


What the Team is Known For
Clyde & Co has a specialist dedicated team that acts for clients on a range of inquests, predominantly in the context of secure prison estates. It often represents prisons, detention and security service operators in their handling of Article 2 inquests, as well as related civil and damages claims.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • They have our best interests at heart.

    Inquests respondentUK
  • They give sound legal advice and knowledge in relation to this area of the law. They are readily available to assist with all stages of the inquest process ensuring attention to detail and compassion.

    Inquests respondentUK
  • Clyde & Co is solid and dependable.

    Inquests respondentUK
  • The team is knowledgeable, and trustworthy, with a strong emphasis on thoroughness and attention to detail.

    Inquests respondentUK
  • Clyde & Co is very supportive to our requests. It has a very good team that can do our full breadth of work.

    Inquests respondentUK

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 2Lucy Ryder
    Band 2Lucy Ryder

    Lucy Ryder

    Legal director at Clyde & Co, Lucy Ryder has a breadth of experience handling Article 2 inquests arising from deaths within the secure estate. She has particular expertise in inquests involving issues of self-inflicted deaths, physical restraint and illicit substances.

    • Lucy represented us on an inquest. She does all the legwork and makes sure our people are well-prepared. She makes everyone feel at ease and comfortable.

      Inquests respondentUK
    • Lucy Ryder is very responsive and takes our matters forward.

      Inquests respondentUK
  • Band 2Michelle Flint
    Band 2Michelle Flint

    Michelle Flint

    Michelle Flint heads the prison team at Clyde & Co. She focuses her practice on advising private companies operating in the secure estate, and has substantial expertise handling inquests arising from prison deaths.
    • I don't know anyone who works harder. Michelle has enormously good client care. She is always very thorough and very collaborative and is one of my favourite solicitors to work with.

      Inquests respondentUK
  • Associates to watchMichael Ledwith
    Associates to watchMichael Ledwith

    Michael Ledwith

    Michael Ledwith is a senior associate at Clyde & Co in the prison team. He undertakes a wide variety of Article 2 inquests on behalf of clients operating within the secure estate.
    • Michael works very hard. He gives it a 100% to represent us fully and ensures we are aware of any issues.

      Inquests respondentUK

Ranked Individuals at Clyde & Co LLP (3)

UK-wide

Members

Provided by Clyde & Co LLP

What success is built on

Chambers is the leading data and intelligence partner for the legal sector.

Explore thought leadership