Inquests | UK

Bhatt Murphy has a substantial presence acting for clients in connection with both inquests and public inquiries. The firm predominantly represents bereaved families and NGOs. It has particular expertise handling matters where deaths occur following police or state contact, as well as deaths which occur through self-harm. Recent matters the firm have handled include the Sheku Bayoh, Jermaine Baker and Grenfell Tower inquiries.

Hickman & Rose has a strong inquest practice that sees members of the firm representing bereaved families in sensitive and high-profile inquests. It has substantial experience handling inquests that arise in the context of contact with the police and the criminal justice system.

Leigh Day has a wide array of expertise in handling both inquests and public inquiries. The team has substantial expertise representing bereaved families in some of the most complex and high-profile inquest proceedings. It also handles major instructions on behalf of core participants to a public inquiry. The firm has handled matters including the Infected Blood and Undercover Policing inquiries, as well as inquests touching on deaths of prisoners, maternity and baby deaths, and food safety and allergies.

Bevan Brittan advises a variety of healthcare, charitable and independent organisations in connection with complex, highly sensitive inquests. It also fields multi-disciplinary teams to advise clients such as regulators, healthcare bodies and government authorities in connection with high-profile public inquiries. In addition, the firm benefits clients with its strong offering of employed barristers and solicitor advocates.

Clyde & Co has a specialist dedicated team that acts for clients on a range of inquests, predominantly in the context of secure prison estates. It often represents prisons, detention and security service operators in their handling of Article 2 inquests, as well as related civil and damages claims.

Farleys Solicitors has notable experience in representing bereaved families in a wide range of inquests involving vulnerable individuals. The firm frequently handles inquests following deaths in prison, police custody or health institutions, among others. Its client base is predominantly based in the North East but the firm acts for clients nationally.

Hodge Jones & Allen is heavily experienced in representing core participants in a wide variety of high-profile public inquiries. The firm also has deep expertise handling inquests on behalf of bereaved families following deaths in contexts such as immigration detention, military deaths or police custody, among others. It has recently acted on matters including the Undercover Policing and Grenfell Tower inquiries, as well as the Fishmongers' Hall inquests.

Hudgell Solicitors is well known for its broad inquests and public inquiries practice. The firm is notable for its representation of bereaved families in high-profile public inquiries including the Post Office Horizon IT and UK Covid-19 inquiries.

Irwin Mitchell is notable for its strong ability to represent bereaved families, coroners and other interested parties, such as disability charities, in high-profile inquests. The firm has particular expertise in representing clients following deaths in detention and deaths involving healthcare services.