Inquests & Public Inquiries

Austin Welch offers an excellent capacity to handle difficult instructions in inquests and inquiries. He draws strength from his experience of health and safety law, and advises a list of clients comprising bereaved families, police forces, businesses and government departments.

"Austin is outstanding. Clients really like him."

"Austin Welch is a top-tier senior junior. He's really good at getting into the detail of things and giving pragmatic advice to clients."

"Austin is destined to be a KC sooner than later. He's up there as the most sought-after junior in the country for inquiry work."

"Austin is my first choice for this type of work. He deals with high-profile inquiries and has an authoritative presence. I couldn't speak higher of him."

"Austin Welch is a great tactician and a powerful voice in court."

David Pojur brings a wealth of expertise to the inquests field owing in part to his appointment as assistant coroner for North Wales. He has considerable capabilities acting in cases involving health and safety fatalities, suicides or deaths in healthcare settings.

"David Pojur is a very measured and very effective junior."

"David is a superb barrister."

Kate Blackwell KC is renowned for her experience in high-profile public inquiries, whether as counsel to the inquiry or acting for core participants. She possesses strong expertise in matters relating to failures in the provision of medical care, and counts the NHS among her clients.

"Kate Blackwell delivers powerful but measured advocacy and she is lovely to work with as leader."

"Kate Blackwell KC is a force to be reckoned with. She strongly represents the client, never shying away from raising points. She's thorough and prepared - an all-round brilliant barrister."

"Kate Blackwell KC is absolutely first class."

Leila Ghahhary is a skilled advocate who has represented both public authorities and the bereaved in numerous inquests and inquiries, including the Hillsborough inquests. She recently represented the Cabinet Office and 10 Downing Street in the UK Covid-19 Inquiry.

"The quality of Leila's output is exceptional. She gets to grip with the details very quickly."

"Leila is a delight to work. She is extremely good at getting to the crux of issues and she is very thoughtful and driven."

Lee Hughes has notable experience in representing public and commercial bodies in Article 2 and health and safety related inquests. His broader areas of expertise include professional negligence, crime, and health and safety. He accepts instructions from the Crown, as a Regional C Panellist to the Attorney General. Before moving to the Bar, Hughes worked as a regulatory solicitor at a leading law firm.

"Lee Hughes is a really excellent barrister and good advocate."

"Lee Hughes is a experienced prosecutor who is always analytical and fair, but he's also a strong defender."

"Lee has a gentle, subtle approach that works well for sensitive defendants or witnesses. He can put them at ease and get what he needs from them. He holds evidence at his fingertips."

"I love instructing Lee, because I know he will do a great job. His attention to detail is superb, his knowledge of law is very in-depth, and his background as a solicitor adds to his insights."