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Deans Court Chambers
Department profile | Deans Court Chambers
Inquests & Public Inquiries

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)

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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.

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 respondent
UK 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 respondent
UK Bar

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

Inquests & Public Inquiries respondent
UK Bar

The clerk Ben Bennett-Williams is absolutely fantastic.

Inquests & Public Inquiries respondent
UK Bar

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

Inquests & Public Inquiries respondent
UK Bar

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

Sophie Cartwright
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Sophie Cartwright
1
Band 1

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.

I would recommend Sophie Cartwright KC.

Sophie is very experienced.

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1
Virginia Hayton
1
Band 1

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. 

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2
Elizabeth Dudley-Jones
2
Band 2

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.

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2
Tom Gent
2
Band 2

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.

Tom Gent is a good and thoughtful advocate.

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Joseph Hart
3
Joseph Hart
3
Band 3

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.

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3
Peter Smith
3
Band 3

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.

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Ranked Barristers at
Deans Court Chambers

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Silks (KC)

The Regions (Bar)

Inquests & Public Inquiries
Sophie Cartwright KC
1
Sophie Cartwright KC
1
Band 1
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Juniors

The Regions (Bar)

Inquests & Public Inquiries
1
Virginia Hayton
1
Band 1
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2
Elizabeth Dudley-Jones
2
Band 2
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2
Tom Gent
2
Band 2
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Joseph Hart
3
Joseph Hart
3
Band 3
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3
Peter Smith
3
Band 3
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Members

Provided by Deans Court Chambers

Aaron Pulford

Ciaran Rankin

Colette Renton

Daniel Paul

Elizabeth Dudley-Jones

Fraser Livesey

Harriet Tighe

Iain Simkin KC

Jacob Dyer

James Paterson

Jonathan Lally

Lisa Judge

Matthew Hooper

Megan Tollitt

Michael Hayton KC

Michelle Brown

Oliver Carr

Robin Kitching

Head of Department

Rosalind Emsley-Smith

Rosalind Scott Bell

Simon McCann

Virginia Hayton