Inquests & Public Inquiries | UK Bar

Manchester-based Deans Court Chambers possesses a long track record in handling complex and sensitive inquests. The set's barristers are sought after throughout the North West by commercial entities, notably in the care sector, and by local authorities, central government, healthcare practitioners or the police. In addition, members are instructed as counsel to the coroner or chair in many of the most prominent inquests and public inquiries taking place in the region and nationwide. Members of the set recently represented parties in the inquest into the death of Brianna Ghey, as well as acting in an Article 2 inquest regarding the death of Ayeisha Coates Mohammed. Clients highlight Deans Court Chambers' "experience and quality, excellent client care and outstanding listening skills" as strengths.

Lincoln House Chambers offers an impressive depth of expertise in the field of inquiries and inquests. Several of its members have appeared in the Manchester Arena and Infected Blood Inquiries as well as the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse, among other matters of major importance. The barristers are frequently sought out to provide expert representation to a wide range of interested persons, spanning government departments, professional bodies, healthcare sector clients and police forces, and to act as counsel to the inquest or inquiry. A source states that the set offers "a range of exceptional expertise" and "understands the market very well and appreciates the needs and expectations of clients". Lincoln House Chambers is also noted for representing the coroner in The King (on the Application of Veronica Robinson) v HM Coroner for Blackpool and Chief Constable of Lancashire, a judicial review before the High Court.

David Wright is the director of clerking.

Park Square Barristers is a go-to set for interested persons in inquests, including government departments, police forces, healthcare organisations, local authorities and education bodies. Members additionally act for bereaved families. The set boasts an impressive bench of barristers skilled in the inquests field, with several government panel members and assistant coroners among its roster. One interviewee reports that "there is clearly a real collegiate atmosphere in the set; the support and knowledge sharing gives the barristers a real edge." The group has represented The Health & Safety Executive on an inquest arising out of the 2011 Gleision Mining Disaster. Other high-profile mandates handled by Park Square Barristers include the UK COVID-19 Inquiry and the inquest into the death of Jacob Billington.

Richard Sadler is the senior managing clerk.

30 Park Place is a leading set at the Welsh Bar and is highlighted for its impressive capabilities in a wide range of sensitive inquests and public inquiries. The chambers' barristers have received instructions in many of the major recent inquiries, such as acting on behalf of hundreds of victims across Wales and Northern Ireland in the Infected Blood Inquiry. The set boasts further strengths in all manner of inquests such as those concerning the police, healthcare providers and care homes. Members have been instructed in the UK COVID-19 Inquiry and Gleision Mining Disaster Inquest.

Phillip Griffiths is the senior clerk.

New Park Court Chambers demonstrates a considerable depth and breadth of expertise in the inquests and inquiries field. Members have acted in several recent high-profile matters, including the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, the UK COVID-19 Inquiry and the Omagh Bombing Inquiry. The set is also equipped to handle a wide range of complex inquests such as those involving the police and medical practitioners, in which members draw on their coronial, criminal and professional disciplinary experience. Paul Greaney KC tends to be instructed as counsel to the inquest or inquiry; other barristers from the set have acted for core participants or interested persons including care providers and the bereaved.

Teresa Pugh is the practice director.

Barristers at No5 Barristers' Chambers appear in coroners' courts throughout the land and are a reliable choice for any inquest instruction. Areas of expertise include health and safety-related matters concerning workplace or care settings. The barristers have considerable experience in inquests involving the police or prisons. A client states that "with regard to advocacy, this set has an array of extremely experienced and formidable barristers. They have excellent attention to detail, quickly identify areas of risk and respond robustly." Counsel from the set recently appeared in inquests touching on the deaths of Thomas McCauley and Max McMullen.