We have extensive experience in advising and representing parties at public inquiries. We can help individuals and organisations who are involved, or wish to be involved, in public inquiries covering matters such as:
- Government actions or inactions
- Institutional failures
- Major accidents or disasters
- Public health crises
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.
Initial consultation
Understanding your concerns and providing tailored legal advice, even before an inquiry begins.
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.
Representation
Expert representation during the inquiry process and at hearings.
Documentation
Assistance with preparing and submitting necessary documents, including supporting with the preparation of witness statements.
Strategic advice
Guidance on the best approach to take during the inquiry process, including written and oral submissions and advice on disclosure received.
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.
“I've been very grateful for the support that Katie Wilkins and Oliver Studdert have provided in helping my organisation contribute to the Covid-19 Inquiry.
We had not engaged with an inquiry before, and their support in managing the preparation of written submissions, gathering evidence, and in giving oral evidence has been valuable.
The inquiry process is complex and their support and guidance, as well as liaising with the inquiry, has made a huge difference to what we have been able to offer the Inquiry and enabling us to meet the requirements the Inquiry set out.” - 5* Trust Pilot Review
“Ollie and Katie were fantastic support throughout the Covid Inquiry. They helped explain the complex legal processes, interpreted the requests and requirements, advised on drafts and generally held our hand - even coming along on the day when we gave evidence. Can't thank them enough!” - 5* Trust Pilot Review
"I write to express my sincere and heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to Grace Kelway and Tim Annett at Irwin Mitchell, as well as my barrister Shahram Sharghy at 1 Crown Office Row. I especially want to thank Grace who went above and beyond to help me during a very difficult time.
After a very long and traumatic criminal trial we then had to deal with a Public Inquiry, during which Grace, Tim and Shahram became our voices. They helped us prepare what was needed for the inquiry in a way that made it less traumatic. They pushed and asked all the right questions which as a family we wanted answering during the inquiry. Grace regularly made sure we were happy with what was being asked at the inquiry we had regular meetings, so we fully understood the process and even just to check in.
I will always be grateful to Grace who over the past 7 years who become like a friend. She was always on the other end of the phone if there was a problem or if I just needed to talk. Irwin Mitchell respected that we didn’t want to be part of a media circus, they gave us a personal choice, and I would highly recommend them either for a negligence claim or to represent you at a public inquiry." - Client
