The Legal 500 > United Kingdom - The Bar > Regional Bar > Western Circuit > Inquests and inquiries

Coverage By Practice AreaRegional Bar

Back to United Kingdom - The Bar

Inquests And Inquiries

Albion Chambers
St John's Chambers

Leading Silks

Kate Brunner QC - Albion Chambers

Leading Juniors

Marcus Coates-Walker - St John's Chambers ‘ He has a sound understanding of coronial law, and is a skilled advocate when it comes to cross-examining clinicians. ’
Tom Leeper - St John's Chambers
Rachel Russell - St John's Chambers
Alexander West - Albion Chambers ‘ An accessible and efficient communicator with an ability to quickly assess the essence of a case and devise an appropriate strategy. ’
Emma Zeb – Gatehouse Chambers ‘Emma is a brilliant tactician. Thorough and well prepared, with an extremely robust brand of advocacy. Advice to the client is presented in a clear fashion and to the point, and the difficult matters are not strayed away from. Emma has a detailed grasp of the facts and provides very clear guidance as to what is required by those instructing her, well ahead of time. She is available and responds to enquiries in a timely fashion. A pleasure to work with. ’

Inquests and inquiries in Regional Bar

Albion Chambers

Albion Chambers' inquests department has notable capabilities in handling Article 2 and jury inquests. The set is also home to the leader of the Western Circuit, Kate Brunner QC, who is highly regarded for her strength both in criminal and regulatory matters and inquests. In the inquests space, Brunner represents families of the deceased, police forces and NHS trusts, and has particular expertise in inquests in the health care space. Alexander West is praised for his 'encyclopedic case and statute knowledge'. In 2021 Richard Shepherd and Anna Richardson were both appointed to the circuit bench.

Testimonials

Set

‘A lot of strength and depth; I was offered alternative support of high quality whenever required.’

‘Impressive, providing seamless support.’

Clerking

‘Excellent clerking – will always go the extra mile to help.’

St John's Chambers

In the inquests and inquiries space, recent instructions for St John's Chambers' team include acting for the families of the deceased, local health boards, prisons, and care homes. Tom Leeper sits as a deputy coroner and regularly acts in inquests pertaining to deaths in hospitals, workplaces and custodial settings. Marcus Coates-Walker is active in inquests concerning healthcare provision. In August 2021 Emma Zeb  moved to Gatehouse Chambers.

Testimonials

Set

‘Chambers has strength-in-depth in terms of counsel who are experienced and knowledgeable in coronial law.’

‘Chambers has an on-going training programme covering topics relevant to coronial law, inquests and inquiries. St John’s Chambers has great strength in depth in all areas of the law in which me and my team practice. The barristers we wish to instruct are usually available and all are very approachable. During lockdown the webinar training programmes offered by chambers have been second to none.’

‘St John’s is a big name in the South West.’

Clerking

‘Adam Marston, in particular, is incredibly helpful and brilliant to deal with.’

‘The clerks are great – particularly Adam Marston who has a quick response time and always seems to meet my needs.’

‘Annette Bushell is charming and efficient, with skills developed through years of experience. I have also found Hugh Maguire to be a very helpful individual and pleasant to deal with. You feel that an effort is being made to provide a good service.’