Inquests & Public Inquiries

Danny Friedman KC brings his considerable expertise in human rights law to bear in public inquiries and inquests. Noteworthy work includes acting on behalf of core participants in the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse and the Grenfell Tower and UK COVID-19 Inquiries. He is often instructed in judicial reviews arising in the course of inquests.

Jesse Nicholls is extremely well regarded for his detailed knowledge of inquest procedure and his experience acting in key public inquiries. He frequently represents bereaved families in high-profile inquests, including Article 2 proceedings. He has additional experience acting as counsel to the inquiry. He is particularly capable in inquests scrutinising police conduct and other actions of the state, and is also routinely instructed by families and NGOs in judicial reviews arising from inquests.

Ifeanyi Odogwu specialises in representing family members at inquests into deaths following police custody and restraint, or police shootings. He has an impressive track record of appearances in Article 2 jury inquests and has also brought several judicial review challenges to coroners' decisions. Recently, he has been instructed to appear in the Grenfell Tower and UK COVID-19 Inquiries.

James Robottom has a broad inquests practice which includes matters relating to clinical failings and mental health, prison, and health and safety law. He typically represents bereaved families in inquests and related civil proceedings.

Phillippa Kaufmann KC draws on her revered claimant-side public law practice in representing victims and families in inquests and inquiries. She is well known for bringing challenges to controversial decisions as to procedure, anonymity and the scope of the investigation.

Kirsten Sjøvoll offers capability in a wide range of Article 2 inquests, including those involving clinical negligence or police conduct. She typically acts on behalf of bereaved families.

Raj Desai is well versed in Article 2 inquests investigating deaths involving public authorities, including the police and prison staff. He is routinely called upon by bereaved family members. Desai has additional experience of large-scale public inquiries.

Blinne Ní Ghrálaigh KC is skilled in representing bereaved families and non-state participants in high-profile inquests and inquiries. Her recent highlights include several counsel roles in the Undercover Policing Inquiry.

Jonathan Glasson KC is instructed in high-profile public inquiries and inquests. He is a trusted choice for government bodies and has acted as counsel to the coroner. His recent instructions include acting for a government department in the UK COVID-19 Inquiry.

Nicholas Armstrong KC is frequently called upon to advise on complex and high-profile inquests and inquiries. His breadth of knowledge spans mandates involving mental health, prison and police contact. He also has experience handling sensitive inquests arising from immigration detention.

Anita Davies is widely instructed in the inquiries and inquests sphere, where she predominantly acts on behalf of family members. She is noted for her expertise in prison and healthcare-related inquests.

Robbie Stern is an emerging junior in the field of inquests and public inquiries, who frequently represents bereaved family members. He has particular expertise within complex inquests related to mental health and disability, alongside his civil liberties practice.