Doughty Street Chambers‘ inquests and inquiries team is well known for representing bereaved families; Adam Straw KC is representing the family of Dawn Sturgess in the inquiry into her death from novichok poisoning in July 2018. Elsewhere in chambers, Sam Jacobs is acting for the Trades Union Congress in module 2A of the UK Covid-19 Inquiry, concerning the Scottish government’s political and administrative decision making in response to the pandemic, while Tom Stoate acts as lead counsel to the Inquiry concerning the procurement and distribution of key healthcare equipment and supplies. Adam Wagner KC took silk in March 2025, and Kirsten Heaven joined the team in September 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
- Profile
Profile
Position
Tom Stoate specialises in public and human rights law, civil liberties, claims against public authorities, proceedings in the Court of Protection, criminal justice and media law. Tom has a particular focus on complex inquests and inquiries.
Career
Year of call: 2011
Alongside his work at the Bar, Tom is an Assistant Coroner, and an Associate Lecturer in postgraduate media law at Goldsmiths College, University of London.
Prior to coming to the Bar, Tom worked for a number of years as a political adviser and speechwriter in Westminster, and on the 2008 Obama Presidential campaign. Tom has also worked as a volunteer caseworker at the Free Representation Unit.
What the directories say
"Highly committed and knowledgeable on actions against the police. An excellent advocate and inquest specialist." "He's tenacious, and makes sure he gets absolutely everything out of a case." - Chambers & Partners 2021 (Police Law: Mainly Claimant)
"He's likeable and relatable, which clients respond to, and has a great understanding of deprivation of liberty points." - Chambers & Partners 2021 (Police Law: Mainly Claimant)
"Committed, hardworking, easy to work with and the best courtroom advocate I’ve instructed. Inspires huge confidence in clients, gets respect from the court and strikes fear into the hearts of opposing counsel." - Legal 500, 2021 (Inquests and Inquiries)
"His main strength is his advocacy – he produces the quality of advocacy you'd expect to hear in a criminal court." - Chambers & Partners 2020 (Inquests and Inquiries)
"It's difficult to find counsel with his mix of intellect and ability to be clear and forceful. His background in crime helps clients feel confident in his representation of them." - Chambers & Partners 2020 (Inquests and Inquiries)
Content supplied by Doughty Street Chambers
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Excellent inquiry counsel.'