5KBW has a long-established reputation for excellence in public inquiries and inquests, providing specialist advocacy and strategic advice to individuals, organisations, and government bodies.
Public inquiries and inquests carry significant legal, financial, and reputational consequences for those involved and many are accompanied by very significant public and media attention.
Public Inquiries
Members of 5KBW have acted in many of the most significant inquiries of recent times, including:
- The COVID-19 Inquiry
- The Grenfell Tower Inquiry
- The Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry
- The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse
- The Independent Inquiry Relating to Afghanistan
- High-profile inquests including deaths in custody, deaths following police contact, and cases involving medical negligence
Our members are regularly instructed as counsel to the inquiry or to represent core participants in the most complex and high-profile inquests and public inquiries.
We provide:
- Legal advice and case preparation, including the identifying and obtaining of further evidence
- Cross-examination of expert and factual witnesses
- Skilful forensic analysis of the evidence, including reviews of expert evidence
- Assistance in drafting witness statements, submissions and written evidence requests under section 9 of the Inquiry Rules 2006
- Strategic risk management advice for organisations involved in inquiries, including considering and advising on restriction order applications and redactions for issues of national security and privacy
We support our clients not only with robust advocacy but also meticulous preparation and strategic foresight, anticipating developments and guiding them through every stage of proceedings.
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Inquests
Members of 5KBW are recognised for their expertise in coronial law, regularly appearing before Coroners’ Courts across the UK to handle cases involving:
- Deaths in custody and following police contact
- Workplace fatalities and corporate responsibility cases
- Military deaths and fatal incidents abroad
- Medical negligence and hospital deaths
- Fatal accidents, including road traffic collisions and sporting incidents
- Cases involving national security and terrorism-related fatalities
Our team also has significant experience in challenging coronial decisions through judicial review.
Our members represent a broad range of interested parties, including:
- Bereaved families seeking answers and accountability
- Public bodies and government departments
- Emergency services, including police and fire rescue services
- Healthcare providers, hospitals, and medical professionals
- Corporations and commercial organisations
- Military personnel and defence institutions
We understand the complexities and sensitivities involved in inquests, ensuring that clients receive clear, expert guidance tailored to their needs.
Why choose us?
- An experienced team of barristers with a track record of effective representation of families, professionals, businesses, and public institutions
- Recognised leaders in the field
- Exceptional advocates adept at handling sensitive, high-profile, and legally complex matters
If you require expert legal representation in a public inquiry or an inquest, please contact our clerks to discuss how we can assist you.
