Public Inquiries

We have significant experience both of running such inquiries and representing individuals and organisations required to appear at them. We therefore understand the full process from both sides, allowing us to provide comprehensive advice on all aspects of these complex proceedings.

Giving evidence to a public inquiry can be a daunting prospect, with potentially significant implications for your reputation and your future. We understand the importance of handling these matters with sensitivity and clarity. We will work tirelessly to ensure you have confidence in the process and that your interests are represented and protected effectively.

How our expert team can help you with a public inquiry or inquest

Our public inquiry lawyers are well-placed to assist with matters including:

• running public inquiries and investigations;
• preparing written evidence to submit to an inquiry; and
• providing public inquiry representation.

Why choose our public inquiry lawyers?

We are one of the leading teams of public inquiry lawyers in the UK, having worked on numerous government inquiries, as well as independent inquiries and investigations for organisations including the British Medical Association (BMA), the Labour Party and Ofgem.

We are ranked by leading client guide the Legal 500 for our expertise in Administrative and Public law, reflecting our exceptional skills and knowledge in this complex area.

One of our core strengths is that we understand the wider issues surrounding public inquiries and investigations, having seen first-hand the impact on those involved. Whether you are looking for answers or need to provide evidence to an inquiry, we can make sure you know what to expect and give you the best chance of securing the outcome you need, while protecting your wider interests, including your reputation.

Our experience with public inquiries and investigations

The Bloody Sunday Inquiry

Members of our team acted for prominent government witnesses at the Bloody Sunday Inquiry (also known as the Saville Inquiry after its chairman, Lord Saville of Newdigate), established to examine the circumstances surrounding the killing of 13 civilians by paratroopers during the Troubles.

The Hutton Inquiry

Members of our team acted for both the Kelly family and key government figures, Sir John Scarlett (former head of MI6) and David Omand (first Permanent Secretary and Security and Intelligence Coordinator in the Cabinet Office), at the Hutton Inquiry which examined the circumstances surrounding the death of the government scientist Dr David Kelly.

The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA)

We acted for witnesses called to give evidence (both in writing and orally) at the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA). We supported those witnesses in providing their evidence to the Inquiry, and in dealing with potential criticisms of their actions.

The Infected Blood Inquiry

We are acting currently for the British Medical Association (BMA) in relation to witness evidence provided to the Infected Blood Inquiry. The ongoing Inquiry was established to examine the circumstances in which men, women and children receiving NHS treatment were given infected blood and infected blood products during the 1970s and 1980s.

The Forde Inquiry for the Labour Party

We continue to provide the secretariat to the Forde Inquiry, which was established by the Labour Party to investigate the circumstances surrounding the creation and subsequent leaking of the confidential report concerning the handling of alleged antisemitism within the party.

The Iraq Fatality Judicial Inquiry

We continue to provide legal support to the Iraq Fatality investigations, a judicial inquiry set up to examine the circumstances surrounding allegations of unlawful killing by British forces.