Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Inquests - UK-wide

1
Band 1

What the Team is Known For

Leigh Day has a wide array of expertise in handling both inquests and public inquiries. The team has substantial expertise representing bereaved families in some of the most complex and high-profile inquest proceedings. It also handles major instructions on behalf of core participants to a public inquiry. The firm has handled matters including the Infected Blood and Undercover Policing inquiries, as well as inquests touching on deaths of prisoners, maternity and baby deaths, and food safety and allergies.

Work Highlights

  • Leigh Day were instructed by mother of the late Beth Langton in relation to the inquest into Beth’s death, concerning her ingesting a poisonous substance that she ordered online.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

Merry Varney
1
Merry Varney
1
Band 1

Merry Varney is highly regarded for her representation of bereaved families at inquests. She has particular expertise in representing vulnerable children, adults and patients. Varney's recent work has included acting for the families of Jodey Whiting and Luke Ashton at the inquests into their deaths.

Merry Varney is one of the most important names in this space, a star. Everyone knows her, she has been in this area for all of her career.

Merry runs a huge case load and is known as a top lawyer. She has huge strategic oversight.

Merry is the Don of Inquests. She is tenacious, brilliant and deeply committed to her clients. She manages to be on top of all her cases at all times, she builds deep and trusting relationships.

Merry is a dedicated professional with excellent knowledge of gambling and wider issues.

Anna Moore
3
Anna Moore
3
Band 3

Anna Moore is a partner in the human rights team at Leigh Day. She has experience acting in high profile inquests. Anna has particular experience representing clients at inquest related to deaths of children and mental health.

Anna is an excellent lawyer with amazing client care skills.

Anna is a thought leader in the work she does. She is driven, capable and excellent.

Anna Moore does a lot of high profile inquest work and human rights work. She is incredibly good, solid, effective, runs it very effectively, very soft approach but determined. Her style works well.

Caleb Bawdon
Associates to watch

Caleb Bawdon is an associate solicitor in the human rights department. His specialisms lie in inquests that involve online harms such as suicide forums and poison ordered online used in suicides.

Caleb is incredibly efficient, impeccably prepared. I've been really impressed with his insights and his thoughtfulness in approaching his cases given he is so junior.

Caleb is a rising star. He is detail-oriented, builds incredible strong and compassionate relationships with his clients, and has a real head for case strategy.

Caleb is an up and coming star.

Dan Webster
Associates to watch

Associate Dan Webster is part of the human rights team at Leigh Day. He regularly represents bereaved families at inquest, particularly those involving gambling-related suicides.

I've seen the work of Dan Webster who is very good. A rising star in this area.

Dan has a tenacious approach to all the cases he does. Even when faced by the surliest, most stubborn coroners, he maintains a focused enthusiasm for the work.

Dan is absolutely exceptional, never had to edit his drafting. He is quick and has good judgement.

Ranked Lawyers at
Leigh Day

Provided by Chambers
Filter by
Band

UK-wide

Inquests

Merry Varney
1
Merry Varney
1
Band 1
Anna Moore
3
Anna Moore
3
Band 3
Caleb Bawdon
Associates to watch
Dan Webster
Associates to watch