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Garden Court Chambers

Inquests & Public Inquiries

UK Bar Guide 2026 : London (Bar)

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Garden Court Chambers

Rankings

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Inquests & Public Inquiries - London (Bar)

Band 2

What the Team is Known For

Renowned for its sensitive but robust representation of bereaved families, Garden Court Chambers has retained a strong reputation in inquests and public inquiries. The set represents the bereaved in matters examining the actions or inactions of the police and other public authorities. Members have acted in numerous high-profile cases including the UK COVID-19 Inquiry and Undercover Police Inquiry. One source notes: "They diligently explore issues, advocate with care in order to provide a voice for those whose voices can no longer be heard, and exhaust all potential avenues on behalf of their clients fearlessly in the pursuit of justice."

Colin Cook is the director of clerking.

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Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • When I ask for things at short notice, they are very good at getting things done that need to be done. They are clearly highly organised, and things always run very smoothly there.

    Inquests & Public Inquiries respondentUK Bar

  • The clerks are really helpful and are really responsive. They are really good at helping navigate any last-minute issues and are always eager to find the right fit for the right case.

    Inquests & Public Inquiries respondentUK Bar

  • Tim Hempsted is great and always quick to respond.

    Inquests & Public Inquiries respondentUK Bar

  • There are very knowledgeable people in their clerking team and they really try to be as helpful as they possibly can be.

    Inquests & Public Inquiries respondentUK Bar

  • Joe Fraser and Phil provide a really good service.

    Inquests & Public Inquiries respondentUK Bar

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Leslie Thomas
    Leslie Thomas

    Leslie Thomas

    Leslie Thomas KC has a strong track record of representing bereaved families in highly contentious inquests and major public inquiries, including Article 2 proceedings. He has particular expertise in inquests that concern police conduct, such as deaths by police restraint or police shootings. He also advises on related human rights and public law issues.

    • Leslie goes into battle and really fights for his clients. He is tactical and exceptional at reading the judge and the jury and has the ability to cross-examine and pull apart his opponents' cases.

      Inquests & Public Inquiries respondentUK Bar

    • If he didn't exist, you'd have to invent him. He is a force of nature and there is no one better at running a point then Leslie.

      Inquests & Public Inquiries respondentUK Bar

    • Leslie is not afraid to fight the trickier cases. He inspires so much confidence from the clients and always has great ideas.

      Inquests & Public Inquiries respondentUK Bar

    • Leslie is a true expert in representing families at complex inquests involving the state. He applies his invaluable expertise and is fearless in the pursuit of justice.

      Inquests & Public Inquiries respondentUK Bar
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  • Una Morris
    Una Morris

    Una Morris

    Una Morris is a go-to barrister for families and core participants in sensitive inquests and inquiries. She brings a wealth of expertise spanning civil liberties and police law, offering adept handling of matters concerning the police, prisons and immigration authorities.

    • Una is fearless, committed and compassionate. She will push boundaries and do her utmost to get the best results for her clients in inquests.

      Inquests & Public Inquiries respondentUK Bar

    • Una is smart, detailed and great to work with.

      Inquests & Public Inquiries respondentUK Bar

    • The detailed submissions Una prepares are high-quality and she is on top of everything.

      Inquests & Public Inquiries respondentUK Bar
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  • Thalia Maragh
    Thalia Maragh

    Thalia Maragh

    Thalia Maragh is a committed and analytically gifted barrister who has a notable focus on representing the bereaved in Article 2 inquests, public inquiries and related public law challenges.

    • Thalia's advocacy is relaxed and calm. She has a lovely, smooth style.

      Inquests & Public Inquiries respondentUK Bar
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  • Emma Favata
    Emma Favata

    Emma Favata

    Emma Favata stands out for her effective representation of bereaved families in Article 2 inquests. Clients remark upon the sensitivity with which she approaches cases involving policing, prisons or healthcare.

    • Emma is a solid advocate, and her written advice is always to a high standard.

      Inquests & Public Inquiries respondentUK Bar

    • Emma is an experienced advocate. Clients are left in no doubt that she has carefully considered their case and aims.

      Inquests & Public Inquiries respondentUK Bar
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  • Sarah Hemingway
    Sarah Hemingway

    Sarah Hemingway

    Sarah Hemingway is a highly experienced inquests practitioner specialising in Article 2 matters involving mental health and settings including prison and social care. Among career highlights is her role as deputy first counsel to the Undercover Policing Inquiry.

    • Sarah is very knowledgeable on inquest law and she is very good on her feet.

      Inquests & Public Inquiries respondentUK Bar

    • Sarah is a very well-prepared and good advocate.

      Inquests & Public Inquiries respondentUK Bar

    • Sarah is a very impressive advocate.

      Inquests & Public Inquiries respondentUK Bar
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  • Paul Clark
    Paul Clark

    Paul Clark

    Paul Clark is an accomplished lawyer with substantial experience in complex Article 2 inquests.

    • Paul is super-bright, good at tactical considerations and puts up a good fight.

      Inquests & Public Inquiries respondentUK Bar

    • Paul is a great inquest barrister. He is always on top of the facts, well prepared and devoted to his clients.

      Inquests & Public Inquiries respondentUK Bar

    • His legal submissions on the engagement of Article 2 are incredibly creative and he is willing to put forward bold arguments.

      Inquests & Public Inquiries respondentUK Bar

    • On any complicated Article 2 inquests, I always try to ensure Paul is instructed. He is extremely strong at advocacy and always has fantastic submissions.

      Inquests & Public Inquiries respondentUK Bar
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  • Taimour Lay
    Taimour Lay

    Taimour Lay

    Taimour Lay is a highly talented lawyer habitually instructed by bereaved families on inquests typically scrutinising the involvement of police, prisons and mental health services.

    • Taimour has a nuanced understanding of the law and is able to pitch advocacy for juries and judges alike. Families love his straightforward advice and effective questioning.

      Inquests & Public Inquiries respondentUK Bar

    • Taimour selects the most relevant points and explores them well, delivering an excellent service for his clients.

      Inquests & Public Inquiries respondentUK Bar
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  • Fatima Jichi
    Fatima Jichi

    Fatima Jichi

    Fatima Jichi has particular expertise in mental health-related inquests. She has also acted in the COVID-19 Inquiry.

    • Fatima is great at digesting a lot of information in very short timeframes. Her advice is intelligent and insightful, and she never shies away from fighting her client's corner.

      Inquests & Public Inquiries respondentUK Bar

    • Fatima was absolutely brilliant. She had a good grasp of the factual background, and her cross-examination was prepared and thorough.

      Inquests & Public Inquiries respondentUK Bar

    • Fatima was incredibly persistent and dogged. She really went over and above to get a good outcome for our clients.

      Inquests & Public Inquiries respondentUK Bar
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Ranked Barristers at Garden Court Chambers (8)

London (Bar)

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