1 Crown Office Row is ‘an excellent set’ with ‘a strong inquest team’ which draws upon the chambers’ wider expertise in clinical negligence, personal injury, and human rights law. Peter Skelton KC continues to represent the Metropolitan Police in the Undercover Policing Inquiry. Matthew Hill is currently acting as leading junior counsel in the Infected Blood Inquiry. Turning to inquests, Shaheen Rahman KC acts for families and healthcare providers in death in hospital inquests, while David Manknell KC has of late been active in a number of inquests relating to air crashes.
Inquests and inquiries in
London Bar
1 Crown Office Row
Testimonials
‘Chloe Turvill is friendly, helpful and great at liaising with Counsel to accommodate requests.’
‘The clerks at 1 Crown Office Row are organised and brilliant at their jobs.’
‘1 Crown Office Row is a brilliant set for Clinical Negligence work and Inquest work.’
‘1 Crown Office Row have a strong inquest team, with good advocates who are well appraised in recent coronial developments.’
5 Essex Chambers
5 Essex Chambers houses a team of ‘clear leaders in the field of inquests and public inquiries‘. The group is well-known for acting for local authorities, the government and the emergency services in proceedings. Fiona Barton KC handles cases crossing over with her police law practice, having represented Devon and Cornwall Police in the inquests in relation to the 2021 Plymouth shootings, carried out by a man who had his shotgun returned to him after an assault allegation earlier that year. Jason Beer KC‘s recent track record includes instructing as counsel to the Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry and representing the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities in the Grenfell Tower Inquiry. Anne Studd KC works on cases with law enforcement elements. At a junior level, Alison Hewitt handles cases concerning deaths in custody, among others, while Beatrice Collier was one of several members of chambers instructed in the inquest into the death of Gaia Pope, who went missing in November 2016 after making an allegation of rape, which Dorset Police did not action. Francesca Whitelaw KC took silk in 2023.
Testimonials
‘The clerks are always very helpful, running an excellent tight ship.’
‘The clerks are fantastic, very approachable and quick to respond.’
‘All of the clerks are very helpful, facilitating support, advice and advocacy when required.’
‘This is a very solid set, with talented barristers throughout and real expertise in all area of police law, inquests and public enquiries.’
‘All Counsel from this set has been highly professional and capable.’
‘The set is well recommended from areas of immigration, public law, inquiries and inquest work’
Doughty Street Chambers
With vast experience in representing bereaved families, Doughty Street Chambers is widely recognised for its inquests and inquiries expertise. Caoilfhionn Gallagher KC is acting for the family of Steve Dymond, who took his own life after a polygraph test branded him a “love cheat” on The Jeremy Kyle Show, in the inquest into his death. Jude Bunting KC is active in a number of cases relating to Northern Ireland, including representing the widow of a member of the public killed when they drove into a security forces ambush of IRA members in 1987. Alison Gerry handles cases involving deaths following contact with the police, while Tom Stoate represented an eighteen-year-old woman, on remand awaiting sentencing for robbery at HMP Bronzefield, whose baby died after she gave birth alone in her cell. Fiona Murphy KC took silk in March 2023.
Testimonials
‘Doughty Street have a strong and busy inquests team.’
‘Doughty Street continues to be the powerhouse in this area – a great team.’
‘Doughty Street is a leading inquests and inquiries set, with real strength in depth.’
‘This set is very strong for human rights and inquest work – they have a broad range of barristers, all very skilled, but with a helpful cross-section of knowledge and experience across many different practice areas.’
‘An excellent set for public law and inquests.’
Serjeants' Inn Chambers
Serjeants’ Inn Chambers garners praise for its ‘extensive experience and strength-in-depth‘ in the inquests and inquiries arena. John Beggs KC is representing the Wiltshire Police in the inquiry into the death of Dawn Sturgess, who died in July 2018 following exposure to the nerve agent Novichok used by Russian agents in their attempted murder of double agent Sergei Skripal. Bridget Dolan KC is regularly instructed in high-profile inquests, specialising in lengthy Article 2 cases, and Nageena Khalique KC acts for local authorities, bereaved families and the NHS in inquest proceedings. Turning to the set's juniors, Edward Pleeth is instructed by government departments in inquest proceedings, while Rachel Spearing represented the Tavistock Gender Identity Clinic in an inquest into the suicide of a prospective patient; the inquest took place a few days after a judicial review concerning the clinic's waiting times.
Testimonials
‘Very efficient and commercial service. Lee Johnson is a pleasure to deal with and always strives to find a solution. His approach is far superior to others in terms of ability to deliver a prompt and efficient service.’
‘Josie Ryan really is an excellent clerk. She is meticulous, responsive, and always willing to go the extra mile.’
‘Fantastic set with brilliant Counsel at every level. They wipe the floor with the competition.’
‘Very strong set in the field of inquest law.’
‘The chambers is brilliant, the go-to set for this practice area.’
‘The clerks are consistently supportive, helpful and efficient.’
Garden Court Chambers
‘One of the leading chambers for inquest proceedings work,’ Garden Court Chambers has longstanding experience with high-profile inquests and inquiries. The team is extensively recognised for its representation of bereaved families, and cases regarding the Human Rights Act and Article 2 cases. Leslie Thomas KC specialises in representing families of individuals who have died after contact with the police, while in Northern Ireland Brenda Campbell KC continues to represent the mother of Noah Donohoe, a child who went missing from his home and was found dead in a storm drain six days later. Turning to the set's juniors, Emma Favata was instructed on the inquest into the death of Rachel Garrett, a woman took her own life while receiving psychiatric care; it is alleged that her medical professionals were aware of her suicide risk but were negligent in not sectioning her. Una Morris represented the family of Joe Pooley, a vulnerable young man who was murdered by a violent criminal in breach of his licence conditions.
Testimonials
‘Top quality service offered by the clerks to clients in inquests and inquiries.’
‘Garden Court are one of the leading barristers chambers for inquest proceedings work.’
‘Garden Court offer a wide range of specialist inquest counsel and are my go-to chambers for instruction.’
‘Garden Court Chambers is an excellent set of Chambers. They are packed with very high quality barristers, who work very hard and do work which really matters.’
‘The clerks are consistently supportive, helpful and efficient.’
Matrix Chambers
Matrix Chambers boasts a ‘strong team with strength in depth‘ and an excellent track record in appearing in high-profile inquests and inquiries. Danny Friedman KC continues to be involved in the Grenfell Tower and COVID-19 inquiries, leading Raj Desai in the former. Jonathan Glasson KC has expertise in cases involving national security and has been instructed in the Bloody Sunday and Mark Duggan inquests, while Phillippa Kaufmann KC represented the family of Jermaine Baker into the public inquiry into his death – Baker was shot dead by armed police while engaged in a plot to free two prisoners being transported to Wood Green Crown Court. At junior level, Ifeanyi Odogwu often acts for families in controversial cases involving the police, and has recently been instructed by the family of a woman who was killed in a crush outside the Brixton Academy prior to a concert by Afrobeats act Asake. Adam Straw KC and Nick Armstrong KC both took silk in 2023.
Testimonials
‘Matrix is a top chambers for inquests and public inquiry work.’
‘A strong team with strength in depth, availability of counsel and training programmes.’
‘Matrix has some significant practitioners in the area of public inquiries, acting for a mixture of state and non-state core participants.’
Temple Garden Chambers
‘A high quality and impressive set when it comes to inquest and inquiry work‘, Temple Garden Chambers‘ team is well known for representing public bodies, government departments and bereaved families in inquests. Keith Morton KC was instructed in the high-profile inquest into the death of a woman who suffered anaphylaxis after consuming a wrap from Pret a Manger from a wrap labelled as vegan that contained traces of a dairy product. David Barr KC acts as leading counsel to the Undercover Policing Inquiry. Elsewhere in chambers, Sian Reeves has been instructed in the inquest into the death of a man who died after being hit by a train having just been discharged from hospital. Nicholas Chapman is the first junior for the Cabinet Office in the COVID-19 Inquiry.
Testimonials
‘Dean Norton is approachable and very reliable.’
The clerks room is very efficient and helpful, particularly Keith Sharman.’
‘Chambers provide a good overall service with a real depth of barrister talent, capable of providing support for all levels of case management.’
‘Temple Garden Chambers is amongst the best in the field of health and safety and inquests and inquiries. The Silks are highly regarded, the senior juniors well known and highly regarded in the market with some excellent up and coming juniors.’
‘Clerks provide a good level of support and a friendly approach to client relationships, both in terms of negotiations with regard to specific cases and with ongoing case management.’
Three Raymond Buildings
Three Raymond Buildings is ‘a great set with a number of hugely impressive KCs and juniors‘ with key strengths in coronial law, with many members of the set regularly appearing in cases for police forces and officers. Hugh Davies OBE KC draws on his expertise in police law to represent police authorities and officers in inquests; his recent caseload includes acting as lead counsel to West Yorkshire Police Inquest relating to the death of a suspected leader of an organized crime group who was found to have been lawfully killed by armed officers. In other major matters, Hugo Keith KC continues to act as lead counsel to the Covid-19 Public Inquiry. Within the junior pool, Kevin Baumber has an extensive practice in Article 2 inquests, and Ailsa Williamson is representing the officers who detained a man who died following cocaine use and police restraint in the inquest into his death.
Testimonials
‘The clerking team are very strong at Three Raymond Buildings, particularly Chris Feather and Dean Brown.’
‘The clerks are very accommodating, responsive and a pleasure to work with.”
‘An excellent set for Inquests and Inquiries.’
‘An excellent set with great KCs and Juniors.’
‘The barristers within this set are supported by a brilliant engine room of clerks.’
2 Hare Court
Alongside 2 Hare Court‘s extensive work across criminal and health and safety work, the set also has experience in complex and highly significant inquests and inquiries. Jonathan Laidlaw KC represented Harley Facades in the Grenfell Tower Inquiry. Alexandra Tampakopoulos specialises in cases concerning state institutions - she represented Oxford Health Foundation NHS trust in an inquest into the death of a mother and daughter who jumped in front of the train; the trust assessed the mother's mental health seven weeks before the incident and deemed her not to need further support. On the junior side, Nikita McNeill is representing the Welsh government in the COVID-19 Inquiry. Paul Renteurs appears in inquests concerning deaths in custody and care homes.
Testimonials
‘Louis Lockwood is one of the most efficient clerks I have ever come across. He is attentive, responsive and an asset to 2 Hare Court.’
‘Chloe Skingsley is a top rate clerk. She is trustworthy and efficient. Her knowledge of the market is exceptional.’
‘They really are a stand out chambers and are a go-to set for inquest work.’
‘Hannah Thomas is extremely knowledgeable and experienced in inquests which is often rare for someone of her call. Her manner with clients is exceptional.’
‘The clerks are excellent and always helpful and a joy to work with. There are a number of Barristers at these chambers that I use for inquests and all, without exception, are excellent.’
39 Essex Chambers
39 Essex Chambers is very well known for acting in high-profile public inquiries. For example, Kate Grange KC is currently acting as one of three leading counsel in the Grenfell Tower Public Inquiry, while Eleanor Grey KC is currently acting as lead senior counsel for the Department of Health and Social Care in the Infected Blood Inquiry. Among the juniors, Rachel Sullivan is acting as junior counsel to the Department of Education in the COVID-19 Inquiry; Emily Wilsdon is continuing to represent the Home Office in the Brook House Inquiry; and Samantha Jones focuses on high-profile and complex cases of deaths in which medical negligence is alleged.
Testimonials
‘Sheraton Doyle is excellent, there hasn’t been a problem yet that she has been unable to solve.’
’39 Essex is always one of my go-to chambers for public law matters.’
‘Over the last several years, 39 Essex has built and incredibly strong team of counsel who have experience in public inquiry work.
‘A helpful and efficient set of Chambers, with helpful clerks and a range of excellent counsel.’
’39 Essex’s prestige in the area of inquests and inquiries increases year-on-year.’
‘The clerk’s room is a model operation. They are absolutely on top of their game ensuring confidentiality walls, a massive undertaking they manage superbly.’
QEB Hollis Whiteman
‘Outstanding set‘ QEB Hollis Whiteman houses an ‘impressive range of advocates‘ with longstanding experience in appearing in high-profile inquiries. Nicholas Griffin KC is representing the former GP of Steve Dymond, the Jeremy Kyle Show participant who took his own life after filming an episode of the tabloid talk show. Anne Whyte KC is sought after for her expertise in handling Article 2 inquests. At the junior end of chambers, Susannah Stevens specialises in complex and high-profile cases often on behalf of medical professional and pertaining to contentious medical evidence, while Thomas Coke-Smyth represented the family of a young man with learning difficulties who committed suicide a short time after being released from police custody.
Testimonials
‘They are really good. Sam Window is great – very friendly to all levels of staff, highly responsive and helpful in dealing with requests at short notice. Full marks.’
‘A leading set in all its practice areas.’
‘QEB Hollis Whiteman is an outstanding set.’
‘A very good set with an impressive range of advocates.’
‘Brilliant clerks – they are very responsive and collaborative.’
Crown Office Chambers
At Crown Office Chambers, Simon Antrobus KC is continuing to represent ITV in the inquest into the suicide of a Jeremy Kyle show participant. Turning to the set's juniors, Mike Atkins is representing Sodexo, the provider of security to a hospital, in the inquest into the death of a man who was hit by a car after being refused admission by the practitioners at the hospital. Sandesh Singh recent workload includes representing Look Ahead in the inquest into the death of a man who was restrained by security guards after following a woman into the ExCeL Centre.
Testimonials
‘Toby Sparrow is the best clerk by a distance. He is responsive, amicable, and provides a service that other Chambers could only dream of. A real asset to their team.’
‘Clerking at Crown Office Chambers is amazing: Toby Sparrow leads the Regulatory team and is incredibly attentive.’
‘A market leading set that has build up a group of sector experts at both senior and junior levels.’
‘Crown Office have a stellar offering – the go-to for health and safety and inquest and inquiry work.’
‘Crown Office have become a go-to set in this practice area. The clerks are very efficient and personable. The set has a very impressive range of junior Counsel.’
‘The clerks are first rate, responsive, commercial and approachable.’
Henderson Chambers
Henderson Chambers is a ‘go-to set for inquests and inquiries‘. Members are well known for representing clients from the transport, manufacturing and construction sectors, to name a few areas. Prashant Popat KC is currently acting for Studio E Architects in the Grenfell Tower Inquiry; Oliver Campbell KC represented cladding manufacturer Siderise. Junior James Purnell represented BMW UK in an inquest into the death of a police officer whose car caught fire due to an engine fault. Abigail Cohen‘s practice includes cases touching on health and social care.
Testimonials
‘Henderson Chambers’ clerks cannot be matched by any other set. Professional, practical, and personable – all factors which make a solicitor’s job much easier. Daniel Kemp is particularly worthy of an individual mention. His service over the years has been impeccable.’
‘Daniel Kemp and Daniel Smith are both excellent.’
‘Henderson Chambers is my first port of call for inquest matters. They have a great breadth of barristers in this area, to suit a wide range of inquests.’
‘The clerks are always friendly and approachable. They team area a pleasure to work with.’
1 Crown Office Row
Testimonials
‘Chloe Turvill is friendly, helpful and great at liaising with Counsel to accommodate requests.’
‘The clerks at 1 Crown Office Row are organised and brilliant at their jobs.’
‘1 Crown Office Row is a brilliant set for Clinical Negligence work and Inquest work.’
‘1 Crown Office Row have a strong inquest team, with good advocates who are well appraised in recent coronial developments.’
5 Essex Chambers
5 Essex Chambers houses a team of ‘clear leaders in the field of inquests and public inquiries‘. The group is well-known for acting for local authorities, the government and the emergency services in proceedings. Fiona Barton KC handles cases crossing over with her police law practice, having represented Devon and Cornwall Police in the inquests in relation to the 2021 Plymouth shootings, carried out by a man who had his shotgun returned to him after an assault allegation earlier that year. Jason Beer KC‘s recent track record includes instructing as counsel to the Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry and representing the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities in the Grenfell Tower Inquiry. Anne Studd KC works on cases with law enforcement elements. At a junior level, Alison Hewitt handles cases concerning deaths in custody, among others, while Beatrice Collier was one of several members of chambers instructed in the inquest into the death of Gaia Pope, who went missing in November 2016 after making an allegation of rape, which Dorset Police did not action. Francesca Whitelaw KC took silk in 2023.
Testimonials
‘The clerks are always very helpful, running an excellent tight ship.’
‘The clerks are fantastic, very approachable and quick to respond.’
‘All of the clerks are very helpful, facilitating support, advice and advocacy when required.’
‘This is a very solid set, with talented barristers throughout and real expertise in all area of police law, inquests and public enquiries.’
‘All Counsel from this set has been highly professional and capable.’
‘The set is well recommended from areas of immigration, public law, inquiries and inquest work’
Doughty Street Chambers
With vast experience in representing bereaved families, Doughty Street Chambers is widely recognised for its inquests and inquiries expertise. Caoilfhionn Gallagher KC is acting for the family of Steve Dymond, who took his own life after a polygraph test branded him a “love cheat” on The Jeremy Kyle Show, in the inquest into his death. Jude Bunting KC is active in a number of cases relating to Northern Ireland, including representing the widow of a member of the public killed when they drove into a security forces ambush of IRA members in 1987. Alison Gerry handles cases involving deaths following contact with the police, while Tom Stoate represented an eighteen-year-old woman, on remand awaiting sentencing for robbery at HMP Bronzefield, whose baby died after she gave birth alone in her cell. Fiona Murphy KC took silk in March 2023.
Testimonials
‘Doughty Street have a strong and busy inquests team.’
‘Doughty Street continues to be the powerhouse in this area – a great team.’
‘Doughty Street is a leading inquests and inquiries set, with real strength in depth.’
‘This set is very strong for human rights and inquest work – they have a broad range of barristers, all very skilled, but with a helpful cross-section of knowledge and experience across many different practice areas.’
‘An excellent set for public law and inquests.’
Serjeants' Inn Chambers
Serjeants’ Inn Chambers garners praise for its ‘extensive experience and strength-in-depth‘ in the inquests and inquiries arena. John Beggs KC is representing the Wiltshire Police in the inquiry into the death of Dawn Sturgess, who died in July 2018 following exposure to the nerve agent Novichok used by Russian agents in their attempted murder of double agent Sergei Skripal. Bridget Dolan KC is regularly instructed in high-profile inquests, specialising in lengthy Article 2 cases, and Nageena Khalique KC acts for local authorities, bereaved families and the NHS in inquest proceedings. Turning to the set's juniors, Edward Pleeth is instructed by government departments in inquest proceedings, while Rachel Spearing represented the Tavistock Gender Identity Clinic in an inquest into the suicide of a prospective patient; the inquest took place a few days after a judicial review concerning the clinic's waiting times.
Testimonials
‘Very efficient and commercial service. Lee Johnson is a pleasure to deal with and always strives to find a solution. His approach is far superior to others in terms of ability to deliver a prompt and efficient service.’
‘Josie Ryan really is an excellent clerk. She is meticulous, responsive, and always willing to go the extra mile.’
‘Fantastic set with brilliant Counsel at every level. They wipe the floor with the competition.’
‘Very strong set in the field of inquest law.’
‘The chambers is brilliant, the go-to set for this practice area.’
‘The clerks are consistently supportive, helpful and efficient.’
Garden Court Chambers
‘One of the leading chambers for inquest proceedings work,’ Garden Court Chambers has longstanding experience with high-profile inquests and inquiries. The team is extensively recognised for its representation of bereaved families, and cases regarding the Human Rights Act and Article 2 cases. Leslie Thomas KC specialises in representing families of individuals who have died after contact with the police, while in Northern Ireland Brenda Campbell KC continues to represent the mother of Noah Donohoe, a child who went missing from his home and was found dead in a storm drain six days later. Turning to the set's juniors, Emma Favata was instructed on the inquest into the death of Rachel Garrett, a woman took her own life while receiving psychiatric care; it is alleged that her medical professionals were aware of her suicide risk but were negligent in not sectioning her. Una Morris represented the family of Joe Pooley, a vulnerable young man who was murdered by a violent criminal in breach of his licence conditions.
Testimonials
‘Top quality service offered by the clerks to clients in inquests and inquiries.’
‘Garden Court are one of the leading barristers chambers for inquest proceedings work.’
‘Garden Court offer a wide range of specialist inquest counsel and are my go-to chambers for instruction.’
‘Garden Court Chambers is an excellent set of Chambers. They are packed with very high quality barristers, who work very hard and do work which really matters.’
‘The clerks are consistently supportive, helpful and efficient.’
Matrix Chambers
Matrix Chambers boasts a ‘strong team with strength in depth‘ and an excellent track record in appearing in high-profile inquests and inquiries. Danny Friedman KC continues to be involved in the Grenfell Tower and COVID-19 inquiries, leading Raj Desai in the former. Jonathan Glasson KC has expertise in cases involving national security and has been instructed in the Bloody Sunday and Mark Duggan inquests, while Phillippa Kaufmann KC represented the family of Jermaine Baker into the public inquiry into his death – Baker was shot dead by armed police while engaged in a plot to free two prisoners being transported to Wood Green Crown Court. At junior level, Ifeanyi Odogwu often acts for families in controversial cases involving the police, and has recently been instructed by the family of a woman who was killed in a crush outside the Brixton Academy prior to a concert by Afrobeats act Asake. Adam Straw KC and Nick Armstrong KC both took silk in 2023.
Testimonials
‘Matrix is a top chambers for inquests and public inquiry work.’
‘A strong team with strength in depth, availability of counsel and training programmes.’
‘Matrix has some significant practitioners in the area of public inquiries, acting for a mixture of state and non-state core participants.’
Temple Garden Chambers
‘A high quality and impressive set when it comes to inquest and inquiry work‘, Temple Garden Chambers‘ team is well known for representing public bodies, government departments and bereaved families in inquests. Keith Morton KC was instructed in the high-profile inquest into the death of a woman who suffered anaphylaxis after consuming a wrap from Pret a Manger from a wrap labelled as vegan that contained traces of a dairy product. David Barr KC acts as leading counsel to the Undercover Policing Inquiry. Elsewhere in chambers, Sian Reeves has been instructed in the inquest into the death of a man who died after being hit by a train having just been discharged from hospital. Nicholas Chapman is the first junior for the Cabinet Office in the COVID-19 Inquiry.
Testimonials
‘Dean Norton is approachable and very reliable.’
The clerks room is very efficient and helpful, particularly Keith Sharman.’
‘Chambers provide a good overall service with a real depth of barrister talent, capable of providing support for all levels of case management.’
‘Temple Garden Chambers is amongst the best in the field of health and safety and inquests and inquiries. The Silks are highly regarded, the senior juniors well known and highly regarded in the market with some excellent up and coming juniors.’
‘Clerks provide a good level of support and a friendly approach to client relationships, both in terms of negotiations with regard to specific cases and with ongoing case management.’
Three Raymond Buildings
Three Raymond Buildings is ‘a great set with a number of hugely impressive KCs and juniors‘ with key strengths in coronial law, with many members of the set regularly appearing in cases for police forces and officers. Hugh Davies OBE KC draws on his expertise in police law to represent police authorities and officers in inquests; his recent caseload includes acting as lead counsel to West Yorkshire Police Inquest relating to the death of a suspected leader of an organized crime group who was found to have been lawfully killed by armed officers. In other major matters, Hugo Keith KC continues to act as lead counsel to the Covid-19 Public Inquiry. Within the junior pool, Kevin Baumber has an extensive practice in Article 2 inquests, and Ailsa Williamson is representing the officers who detained a man who died following cocaine use and police restraint in the inquest into his death.
Testimonials
‘The clerking team are very strong at Three Raymond Buildings, particularly Chris Feather and Dean Brown.’
‘The clerks are very accommodating, responsive and a pleasure to work with.”
‘An excellent set for Inquests and Inquiries.’
‘An excellent set with great KCs and Juniors.’
‘The barristers within this set are supported by a brilliant engine room of clerks.’
2 Hare Court
Alongside 2 Hare Court‘s extensive work across criminal and health and safety work, the set also has experience in complex and highly significant inquests and inquiries. Jonathan Laidlaw KC represented Harley Facades in the Grenfell Tower Inquiry. Alexandra Tampakopoulos specialises in cases concerning state institutions - she represented Oxford Health Foundation NHS trust in an inquest into the death of a mother and daughter who jumped in front of the train; the trust assessed the mother's mental health seven weeks before the incident and deemed her not to need further support. On the junior side, Nikita McNeill is representing the Welsh government in the COVID-19 Inquiry. Paul Renteurs appears in inquests concerning deaths in custody and care homes.
Testimonials
‘Louis Lockwood is one of the most efficient clerks I have ever come across. He is attentive, responsive and an asset to 2 Hare Court.’
‘Chloe Skingsley is a top rate clerk. She is trustworthy and efficient. Her knowledge of the market is exceptional.’
‘They really are a stand out chambers and are a go-to set for inquest work.’
‘Hannah Thomas is extremely knowledgeable and experienced in inquests which is often rare for someone of her call. Her manner with clients is exceptional.’
‘The clerks are excellent and always helpful and a joy to work with. There are a number of Barristers at these chambers that I use for inquests and all, without exception, are excellent.’
39 Essex Chambers
39 Essex Chambers is very well known for acting in high-profile public inquiries. For example, Kate Grange KC is currently acting as one of three leading counsel in the Grenfell Tower Public Inquiry, while Eleanor Grey KC is currently acting as lead senior counsel for the Department of Health and Social Care in the Infected Blood Inquiry. Among the juniors, Rachel Sullivan is acting as junior counsel to the Department of Education in the COVID-19 Inquiry; Emily Wilsdon is continuing to represent the Home Office in the Brook House Inquiry; and Samantha Jones focuses on high-profile and complex cases of deaths in which medical negligence is alleged.
Testimonials
‘Sheraton Doyle is excellent, there hasn’t been a problem yet that she has been unable to solve.’
’39 Essex is always one of my go-to chambers for public law matters.’
‘Over the last several years, 39 Essex has built and incredibly strong team of counsel who have experience in public inquiry work.
‘A helpful and efficient set of Chambers, with helpful clerks and a range of excellent counsel.’
’39 Essex’s prestige in the area of inquests and inquiries increases year-on-year.’
‘The clerk’s room is a model operation. They are absolutely on top of their game ensuring confidentiality walls, a massive undertaking they manage superbly.’
QEB Hollis Whiteman
‘Outstanding set‘ QEB Hollis Whiteman houses an ‘impressive range of advocates‘ with longstanding experience in appearing in high-profile inquiries. Nicholas Griffin KC is representing the former GP of Steve Dymond, the Jeremy Kyle Show participant who took his own life after filming an episode of the tabloid talk show. Anne Whyte KC is sought after for her expertise in handling Article 2 inquests. At the junior end of chambers, Susannah Stevens specialises in complex and high-profile cases often on behalf of medical professional and pertaining to contentious medical evidence, while Thomas Coke-Smyth represented the family of a young man with learning difficulties who committed suicide a short time after being released from police custody.
Testimonials
‘They are really good. Sam Window is great – very friendly to all levels of staff, highly responsive and helpful in dealing with requests at short notice. Full marks.’
‘A leading set in all its practice areas.’
‘QEB Hollis Whiteman is an outstanding set.’
‘A very good set with an impressive range of advocates.’
‘Brilliant clerks – they are very responsive and collaborative.’
Crown Office Chambers
At Crown Office Chambers, Simon Antrobus KC is continuing to represent ITV in the inquest into the suicide of a Jeremy Kyle show participant. Turning to the set's juniors, Mike Atkins is representing Sodexo, the provider of security to a hospital, in the inquest into the death of a man who was hit by a car after being refused admission by the practitioners at the hospital. Sandesh Singh recent workload includes representing Look Ahead in the inquest into the death of a man who was restrained by security guards after following a woman into the ExCeL Centre.
Testimonials
‘Toby Sparrow is the best clerk by a distance. He is responsive, amicable, and provides a service that other Chambers could only dream of. A real asset to their team.’
‘Clerking at Crown Office Chambers is amazing: Toby Sparrow leads the Regulatory team and is incredibly attentive.’
‘A market leading set that has build up a group of sector experts at both senior and junior levels.’
‘Crown Office have a stellar offering – the go-to for health and safety and inquest and inquiry work.’
‘Crown Office have become a go-to set in this practice area. The clerks are very efficient and personable. The set has a very impressive range of junior Counsel.’
‘The clerks are first rate, responsive, commercial and approachable.’
Henderson Chambers
Henderson Chambers is a ‘go-to set for inquests and inquiries‘. Members are well known for representing clients from the transport, manufacturing and construction sectors, to name a few areas. Prashant Popat KC is currently acting for Studio E Architects in the Grenfell Tower Inquiry; Oliver Campbell KC represented cladding manufacturer Siderise. Junior James Purnell represented BMW UK in an inquest into the death of a police officer whose car caught fire due to an engine fault. Abigail Cohen‘s practice includes cases touching on health and social care.
Testimonials
‘Henderson Chambers’ clerks cannot be matched by any other set. Professional, practical, and personable – all factors which make a solicitor’s job much easier. Daniel Kemp is particularly worthy of an individual mention. His service over the years has been impeccable.’
‘Daniel Kemp and Daniel Smith are both excellent.’
‘Henderson Chambers is my first port of call for inquest matters. They have a great breadth of barristers in this area, to suit a wide range of inquests.’
‘The clerks are always friendly and approachable. They team area a pleasure to work with.’