Inquests
UK Guide 2025 : UK-wide
Band 1
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
(020) 7650 1200Chambers Review
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 Dayrepresented the families of James Furlong, David Wails and Joseph Ritchie-Bennett in inquest proceedings touching upon their deaths. They were murdered by Khairi Saadallahin Forbury Gardens, Reading.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Leigh Day has a strong ability to translate complex information into accessible formats and advise on the key issues."
"The lawyers have expertise in inquests related to younger people and children."
"The team is incredibly organised and on the detail."
"The group is excellent and willing to go the extra mile."
"Leigh Day has a strong ability to translate complex information into accessible formats and advise on the key issues."
"The lawyers have expertise in inquests related to younger people and children."
"The team is incredibly organised and on the detail."
"The group is excellent and willing to go the extra mile."
Notable Practitioners
Emma Jones heads the inquiry team at Leigh Day. She has acted on public inquiries such as the Infected Blood Inquiry, as well as the Undercover Policing Inquiry.
"Emma is extremely knowledgeable. Her expertise in human rights, health and care is invaluable to us."
"Emma has great experience in the area of public inquiries."
"Emma is excellent. She is friendly, professional, responsive, genuinely interested and supportive."
Merry Varney of Leigh Day 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 is incredibly dedicated and wonderful at building rapport with her clients."
"Merry is fantastic. She has a strength where work relates to deaths arising from a gambling context."
"Merry has done a superb job and is a pleasure to work with."