Inquests and Inquiries

We take pride in our coronial law barristers, who have been involved in some of the most significant inquests and public inquiries of recent times.

We have a team of barristers including silks who are distinguished in the field of inquests and public inquiries. We represent bereaved families, individuals, trade unions, clinical practitioners, government bodies, local authorities, police forces, police officers, prison officers and the emergency services in lengthy and complex investigations into unexplained deaths. We have particular expertise in inquests which engage ECHR Article 2.

Our areas of experience include inquests and inquiries relating to:

• Company negligence under health and safety legislation
• Deaths in police custody
• Deaths in prisons
• Deaths in psychiatric institutions and issues regarding the provision of care by mental health treatment providers
• Fatal accidents at work relating to equipment and the workplace
• Hospital / negligence deaths and deaths following medical intervention
• Inquests arising out of road traffic fatalities
• Local authority / social services related deaths
• Military service

We pride ourselves on providing guidance, advice and representation throughout the entire process, from the first contact with the coroner and pre-inquest stages such as attending conferences and pre-inquest reviews, through the forensic overview of medical evidence and records and to the final hearing. We also regularly advise on potential civil claims for damages post-inquest.

Our strength in other complimentary areas of law, such as clinical negligence, crime, health and safety, personal injury and professional discipline, allows us to provide tailored, expert advice and representation, particularly where there is the potential for civil and criminal proceedings. Several members are also appointed as Assistant Coroners therefore can provide unique insight and experience.

Our barristers are routinely sought-after and instructed in high profile inquests throughout the country. We have a number of members are currently instructed to review the unused material and documentation following the Hillsborough Investigation. Louis Browne KC is currently representing The Fire Officers’ Association at the Grenfell Tower Inquiry.

What the Directories Say

“The inquests and inquiries team at Exchange Chambers represents a diverse range of individuals and groups.”
Tier 2 Leading Set – Inquests And Inquiries (Northern and North Eastern Circuits), The Legal 500 2024