PUBLIC INQUIRIES 

Public inquiries are a very well established means of holding public bodies to account. Normally set up after widespread expression of public concern about a particular event, inquiries are generally recognised as having two principal purposes: to ascertain the facts and to learn lessons for the future. Public inquiries cannot determine civil or criminal liability but can make findings or recommendations from which liability might be inferred.

Public inquiries are invariably high profile, emotionally charged and subject to intense media scrutiny. Representation of core participants and witnesses requires specialist skills and experience which few firms possess. Our lawyers are noted experts who have represented clients in may high profile inquiries. We work cross departmentally to achieve optimum outcomes. Our appointment to the Treasury Solicitor’s legal panel for public inquiry work is testament to our reputation and expertise.

It is vital that your lawyers are not learning their job while the inquiry is progressing. You can have the confidence that we will have people and resources to enable us to represent your interests from the moment that you instruct us, from liaising with the inquiry and assisting you with the production of your evidence, helping you prepare for hearings and handling media inquiries. Recent examples of our work include:

• The Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust Inquiry – we are acting for AvMA (Action against Medical Accidents) and successfully applied for AvMA to be designated as a core participant in the Inquiry
• The Baha Mousa Inquiry – we are acting for a large number of military witnesses
• The Hutton Inquiry – members of our team acted for No 10 and Cabinet Office witnesses

Contact: Adam Chapman

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