Public Inquiry Solicitors

Our experts have been involved in a number of high-profile inquiries, including:

The UK Covid-19 Inquiry

Examining the UK’s response to, and the impact of, the Covid-19 pandemic. Our Public and Human Rights team have supported different charitable organisations to give evidence and engage with the inquiry as a core participant.

The Manchester Arena Inquiry

Following the attack on the arena in May 2017. Our Public and Human Rights team supported members of the survivors’ group.

The Thirlwall Inquiry

Examining the events at the Countess of Chester Hospital following the trial of former neonatal nurse Lucy Letby. Our Medical Negligence team represented one of the families affected.

The Lampard Inquiry

Investigating the deaths of mental health inpatients in Essex. Our Public and Human Rights team is representing a bereaved family member.

Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse

We provided written submissions to the inquiry. Mid Staffordshire Hospital Inquiry Our Public and Human Rights team represented the Patients Association as a core participant.

We will be with you every step of the way through the inquiry. This includes:

1. Initial consultation
   Understanding your concerns and providing tailored legal advice, even before an inquiry begins.
2. Applications
   Assisting with applications to become a core participant, advising where core participant status has been refused, and making other applications to the inquiry legal team where appropriate.
3. Representation
   Expert representation during the inquiry process and at hearings.
4. Documentation
   Assistance with preparing and submitting necessary documents, including supporting with the preparation of witness statements.
5. Strategic advice
   Guidance on the best approach to take during the inquiry process, including written and oral submissions and advice on disclosure received.
6. Separate challenges
   Advice on ancillary matters and potential separate claims. This may include civil claims for damages or judicial review proceedings, for example to challenge decisions relating to the inquiry.

The scope of an inquiry will be set by its terms of reference, which define the issues the government wants to address.

These are often subject to consultation, so having expert advice at an early stage is important to ensure that the views of individuals or groups affected by the issues are considered.

To fully engage in a public inquiry, an individual or group can apply for core participant status. This will be determined by the chair of the inquiry.

Core participants are entitled to access information from the inquiry, such as copies of witness statements or other documents, and can make submissions on the evidence. They might also be able to apply for a costs award to cover the cost of legal representation.