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Deans Court Chambers

Inquests & Public Inquiries

UK Bar Guide 2026 : The Regions (Bar)

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Deans Court Chambers

Rankings

About

Provided by Deans Court Chambers

Deans Court Chambers is recognised as a leading set providing a comprehensive service and substantial expertise in Inquests. 

Our extensive experience includes:

 - Individual and organisational preparation for inquests;

 - Members of the team having acted as Counsel to the Inquest;

 - Advocacy in the course of inquests;

 - Advice and advocacy in relation to challenges to the decisions of coroners. This has included members of the team acting for and advising Coroners in respect of claims for Judicial Review;

 - Advice in the collation of and presentation of evidence and material to best address and avoid Coroner's regulation 28 Prevention of Future Death duty;

 - Assistance in the aftermath of inquests in relation to the implementation of recommendation and ensuring organisational learning.

 

Members of the team have received instruction in many high profile inquests such as:

 - Dr Harold Shipman;

 - Inquiry into Hyponatraemia Related Deaths in Northern Ireland;

 - Barrow Legionnaires Outbreak;

 - Cockermouth Floods - PC Barker Inquest;

 - Chester-le-Street/Dreamscape Fatalities;

 - Samuel Linton Inquest.

 

Members of the team regularly act for families, trusts, CCG, Fire Services, Local Authorities, medical professionals, the Care Quality Commission, drivers and companies in the fields of construction, rail and transportation, in cases covering a vast range of complex legal and factual issues. These frequently include high profile Article 2 inquests

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Inquests & Public Inquiries - The Regions (Bar)

Band 1

What the Team is Known For

Manchester-based Deans Court Chambers possesses a long track record in handling complex and sensitive inquests. The set's barristers are sought after throughout the North West by commercial entities, notably in the care sector, and by local authorities, central government, healthcare practitioners or the police. In addition, members are instructed as counsel to the coroner or chair in many of the most prominent inquests and public inquiries taking place in the region and nationwide. Members of the set recently represented parties in the inquest into the death of Brianna Ghey, as well as acting in an Article 2 inquest regarding the death of Ayeisha Coates Mohammed. Clients highlight Deans Court Chambers' "experience and quality, excellent client care and outstanding listening skills" as strengths.

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Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • All of the clerks we deal with are friendly and really helpful. They work closely with us, trying to make sure that we can arrange conferences on time, and they are really down to earth.

    Inquests & Public Inquiries respondentUK Bar

  • The clerks at Deans Court Chambers are very responsive and helpful, and they try to go the extra mile to find someone on short notice.

    Inquests & Public Inquiries respondentUK Bar

  • The clerking is superb. Peter Kelly is a senior clerk who is incredibly responsive and helpful.

    Inquests & Public Inquiries respondentUK Bar

  • The clerk Ben Bennett-Williams is absolutely fantastic.

    Inquests & Public Inquiries respondentUK Bar

  • The set always has brilliant clerking. Matthew Gibbons is just fantastic; he is so receptive.

    Inquests & Public Inquiries respondentUK Bar

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Sophie Cartwright
    Sophie Cartwright

    Sophie Cartwright

    Sophie Cartwright KC is revered for her superb knowledge of coronial law, leading to her frequent appointment as counsel to the inquiry in high-profile inquests or public inquiries.

    • Sophie is a leader in inquests and public inquiries.

      Inquests & Public Inquiries respondentUK Bar

    • I would recommend Sophie Cartwright KC.

      Inquests & Public Inquiries respondentUK Bar

    • Sophie is very experienced.

      Inquests & Public Inquiries respondentUK Bar
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  • Virginia Hayton
    Virginia Hayton

    Virginia Hayton

    Virginia Hayton is instructed by local authorities across the North West. She has strong knowledge of health and safety matters, and has acted in numerous inquests involving issues of social care or policing.

    • Virginia was able to instil confidence and trust in the client while maintaining a no-nonsense approach. 

      Inquests & Public Inquiries respondentUK Bar
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  • Elizabeth Dudley-Jones
    Elizabeth Dudley-Jones

    Elizabeth Dudley-Jones

    Elizabeth Dudley-Jones is a highly sought-after barrister for representation in sensitive inquests. She acts on behalf of police forces and local authorities as well as healthcare providers. She is well versed in Article 2 inquests involving allegations of medical negligence and those concerning deaths in custody.

    • Elizabeth is a phenomenal advocate. She is excellent with witnesses and equally robust in written submissions.

      Inquests & Public Inquiries respondentUK Bar
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  • Tom Gent
    Tom Gent

    Tom Gent

    Tom Gent acts for individuals, companies and care providers as well as local authorities in a range of inquests. He is particularly well equipped to handle matters with a health and safety law crossover.

    • Tom is very thorough and always wants to do an excellent job for the clients. He is down to earth and approachable.

      Inquests & Public Inquiries respondentUK Bar

    • Tom Gent is a good and thoughtful advocate.

      Inquests & Public Inquiries respondentUK Bar
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  • Joseph Hart
    Joseph Hart

    Joseph Hart

    Joseph Hart is instructed in sensitive inquests focusing on accidents in the workplace. In addition to counsel work, he sits as an assistant coroner.

    • Joseph is a very intelligent operator and a good strategist.

      Inquests & Public Inquiries respondentUK Bar
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  • Peter Smith
    Peter Smith

    Peter Smith

    Peter Smith draws strength from his health and safety practice to represent business clients, including employers and care providers, at related inquests.

    • Peter was very thorough and professional. He's great with clients.

      Inquests & Public Inquiries respondentUK Bar
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Ranked Barristers at Deans Court Chambers (6)

The Regions (Bar)

Members

Provided by Deans Court Chambers

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