Chambers Review
Provided by Chambers
Inquests & Public Inquiries - The Regions (Bar)
What the Team is Known For
Parklane Plowden is trusted by bereaved families, corporate bodies and government departments to represent them in inquests. Members are particularly well equipped to handle inquests arising from deaths in custody, care homes, NHS hospitals and other institutions. An interviewee highlights that the set fields "many experienced counsel who are able to navigate and advise on complex legal issues and explain complicated aspects of litigation to the client". Its work regularly touches on complex mental health-related issues, and the barristers are notably experienced in sensitive matters concerning self-inflicted deaths. Parklane Plowden has been representing claimants in inquiries concerning the deaths of Mackenna Rose Thackray, Mark Ziemicki and Ryan Vincent.
Strengths
All members of chambers are capable counsel with amazing clerks. The clerking team are fantastic and always go the extra mile.
The clerks are very helpful. They put instructions to barristers ASAP and always provide the availability of a barrister.
At Parklane Plowden, the clerks are all very good and very responsive. They are accommodating and helpful, so it feels like there are more people engaging with us.
The clerks at Parklane Plowden are exceptional. They have a collegiate approach and offer a nose-to-tail service.
The clerks are very responsive and willing to go the extra mile in circumstances where plans for conferences and hearings have needed last-minute changes.
Notable practitioners
Richard Copnall draws strength to his inquests practice through his experience of handling clinical negligence cases. He has a varied practice but is particularly adept at handling inquests that involve allegations of medical negligence, typically representing bereaved family members.
Richard is quite a formidable operator.
Richard Copnall is a very solid performer.
Abigail Telford has a notable inquest practice. She is much in demand to represent the bereaved at inquests involving deaths of vulnerable individuals. When needed, she brings her broader expertise in personal injury and clinical negligence to bear for her clients.
Abigail Telford is unbelievably good with clients, because she completely empathises with them. She is very bright.
Abigail is a really clever person. She speaks with a great deal of authority and can present points clearly. She goes about her questioning in a way that is subtle and picks her battles well.
Abigail is very thorough, forensic in her approach and also adept at client care.
Abigail Telford is a very capable counsel with a wealth of experience. She is able to advise on complex matters.
She is very approachable and super friendly. Her attention to detail is excellent; she covers all possibilities on a case. Abigail has a great manner which resonates with clients.
Leila Benyounes leads the inquest group in chambers. She specialises in inquests and clinical negligence, and she regularly acts in Article 2 jury inquests, particularly those arising from hospital deaths or involving sensitive mental health issues. Benyounes is also a member of the Attorney General's A Panel and sits as assistant coroner for Gateshead and South Tyneside and West Yorkshire (Eastern).
Leila is excellent counsel. She has fantastic advocacy skills.
I had a positive experience with Leila. She is very compassionate and understands the overall outcome the clients are trying to achieve.
Leila Benyounes provides very thorough advice and is approachable.
Tom Barclay-Semple is noted for his burgeoning inquests practice. Having spent time at a leading law firm before joining the Bar, Barclay-Semple has gained notable experience handling sensitive healthcare-related incidents and deaths. He has earned a growing reputation as a rising star for his representation of both bereaved families and NHS trusts.
Tom Barclay-Semple is exceptionally intelligent and hard-working. He goes the extra mile for clients and has very good knowledge of inquests and procedures and laws.
His attention to detail is amazing, and the advice he follows up with is always thorough. Tom is an overall great barrister. Clients love him.