Our team is consistently recognised for its public inquiry expertise, with over twenty five years of experience representing individuals, public figures and organisations in all major inquiries.
What is a public inquiry?
A public inquiry is set up to address significant public concern about major events in order to learn the facts of what happened, as well as lessons for the future. They are high profile, emotionally charged and the focus of intense media scrutiny. Appearing before one can be a daunting experience, whether you are an individual, senior professional, public official, major corporation or public sector body.
Being a witness or core participant in a public inquiry
You may be asked by the inquiry to provide evidence as a witness. You may also apply to be designated a core participant if you played a direct and significant role in the events under investigation, you have a significant interest in the events, or if you face potential criticism when the inquiry publishes its final report. Being a core participant may mean that you face greater scrutiny, but you will have the advantage of being able to access the inquiry’s evidence and engaging fully in the hearings.
Protecting your interests during a public inquiry
We understand that you will have wider interests at stake, be they reputational, professional, commercial or financial, and we can carefully help you chart a course which focuses on those concerns, alongside the immediate demands of the inquiry.
We will work very closely with you to gain complete insight into your situation from the outset. The breadth of our expertise means that you can be confident that your interests are taken care of; from initial contact with the inquiry and assisting you prepare your evidence to ensuring you are ready to appear at a hearing, as well as taking care of your reputation management needs throughout.
Public inquiry solicitors
Led by Adam Chapman, Stephen Parkinson, Emily Carter and Sophie Kemp, our expertise in public inquiries extends across the firm and includes members of our dispute resolution, clinical negligence, and criminal litigation teams, allowing us to resource a substantial and truly experienced public inquiry team.
Our public inquiry solicitors have acted, in particular representing core participants and key witnesses, in many of the major inquiries of our recent years. Currently, we are acting for clients in the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse, the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, the Undercover Policing Inquiry and The Renewable Heat Incentive Inquiry (Northern Ireland).
