UK Guide 2026 : UK-wide
Ranked Individuals
Provided by Chambers
Fieldfisher is prominent for its depth of experience representing various parties in connection with public inquiries. The firm is particularly adept at acting in the role of solicitor to the inquiry, but is equally strong at representing core participants and witnesses. Recent instructions the firm has handled include acting on the Thirlwall Inquiry, Dawn Sturgess and UK COVID-19 inquiries.
Provided by Chambers
Fieldfisher acted for a former hospital director, who in 2024 was appointed as an Interested Person in HM Coroner’s Investigations and Inquests into the Deaths of the Patients of Ian Paterson, one of the largest inquests hearings currently before a coroner in the UK in 2025.
Provided by Chambers
Fieldfisher would always be my preferred choice. Its quality of work stands out as well as the speed that it gets work done.
The most interesting thing is how Fieldfisher has managed to create a seamless team, combining all the expertise, knowledge and experience into a single and very effective external advisor.
Fieldfisher is one of the core firms doing inquests. It is unquestionably at the top of the pyramid.
Provided by Chambers
Martin Smith is a partner in the public and regulatory team at Fieldfisher who specialises in public inquiries. He advises those conducting major public inquiries, and is currently acting as Solicitor to the UK COVID-19 Inquiry.
Martin Smith is the go-to person for public inquiries. No one can match him in his experience and knowledge.
Martin Smith is brilliant. There is no solicitor today who knows more about inquiries than him.
Martin Smith is a prominent leader in this field. He is wise and hard-working, while showing his commitment to public service.
Oliver Carlyon is a member of the regulatory group at Fieldfisher. He regularly provides advice to those running public inquiries, core participants and other key witnesses. Recently, he has been involved in the Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry and UK COVID-19 inquiries.
Oliver is really hard-working and has really good judgement. He is really effective at running really cohesive teams.
Olly is very client focused, responsive and very pragmatic. He gave us very nuanced advise.
Oliver Carlyon is at the top for public inquiries and is a top tactician.
Tim Suter has extensive experience advising on the conduct of high-profile public inquiries. He predominantly acts in the role of solicitor to the inquiry and has recently acted in this role in the Thirlwall and Jalal Uddin Inquiries.
Tim's ability to organise a massively complex inquiry is second to none.
Tim is fantastic. He is an excellent strategist, clear sighted and great to work with.
There is no one like Suter. He is outstanding and knows the law backwards. You will not get a more hardworking man.
Laura Taylor is a skilled legal director who advises clients on complex, high-profile public inquiries. She currently acts as a lead solicitor for a UK COVID-19 Inquiry module.
Laura will always make time and be responsive to clients. She is very resourceful and will always find solutions in tight deadlines.
Laura Taylor has worked on some very tricky issues. She is outstanding and incredibly competent.
Laura is very capable and very good with clients.
Manchester-based Abigail Scholefield is an experienced legal director at Fieldfisher who acts for a range of clients in high-profile public inquiries. Key instructions she has recently handled include UK COVID-19 inquiries.
Abigail is very smart, very direct and very effective.
Abigail Scholefield is really effective in running teams. She has really good judgement calls and determines the best course of action.
Abby is doing a huge amount of work; I think she's great.
Public Inquiries
Public Inquiries
Public Inquiries
Public Inquiries
Public Inquiries
Chambers is the leading data and intelligence partner for the legal sector.
