Inquests & Public Inquiries
UK Bar Guide 2025 : London (Bar)
Band 3
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
(020) 7933 8855Chambers Review
QEB Hollis Whiteman has an impressive breadth of expertise in the field of public inquiries and inquests. The "down to earth and switched on" members are "at the forefront of complex inquests and inquiries" work, and often act for public bodies, private companies and the bereaved. The set has strengths advising on medical, policing and military matters. Recent highlights include instructions in the UK Covid-19 Inquiry, the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, the Manchester Arena Inquiry and the Steven Dymond inquest.
Chris Emmings is the senior clerk.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"I am impressed with the service levels that the clerks provide."
"A really responsive and helpful clerking team."
"I am impressed with the service levels that the clerks provide."
"A really responsive and helpful clerking team."
Notable Practitioners
Nicholas Griffin KC is regularly involved in significant public inquiries on behalf of core participants. He has also appeared as an expert witness in such matters. His inquiries practice extends beyondEnglandand includes significant instructions in Jersey and Northern Ireland.
"Nicholas is a very clever advocate who shows great sensitivity and forensic skill."
"Nicholas has excellent judgement and he is very measured in his approach. His drafting is fantastic and his strategic approach is really good."
"He is highly experienced and great with clients. He also has a strategic focus."
"Nicholas is a brilliant lawyer who is very inventive, decisive and empathetic. He is sensitive to the dynamics of a room and he is an exceptional choice for complex inquiry work."
Tom Kark KC appears in a wide array of public inquiries and inquests, including matters relating to healthcare,health and safety, and police conduct. His criminal law background means he is well suited to jury inquests.
"Tom is a highly experienced, respectful and effective advocate."
Thomas Coke-Smyth has an active inquests practice, in which he frequently acts for bereaved families. His inquests work often involves complex medical evidence.
"Thomas is strong on preparation and paperwork. He can advocate effectively but he is also very measured in written submissions."
"Thomas brings a level of experience and knowledge that is second to none. He is fantastic with clients and can immediately gain their trust."
Anne Whyte KC is notable for her skilful representation of police forces at inquests and inquiries investigating police shootings, restraint techniques or the adequacy of criminal investigations.
"Anne is excellent. She's a steady hand under fire in inquest work."
"She's a great advocate."
Charlotte Godber has been involved in a number of the most high-profile inquiries. She has attracted instructions as counsel to the inquiry and representing core participants.
"Charlotte is very clear and robust."
Susannah Stevens appears on behalf of medical practitioners or police officers in complex inquests. She brings notable expertise to cases involving complex medical evidence.
"Susannah is tenacious and analytical."
"Susannah Stevens is particularly strong on inquests. She is a real market leader in police inquests, especially deaths in custody or matters involving police officers."