The Public Inquiries Team act for both private and public-sector organisations and individuals affected by, or called upon to participate in, many of the most high-profile public inquiries.
As an organisation you and your staff may have been asked to provide written or oral evidence to a public inquiry as a result of your organisation’s involvement in events that are the subject of the inquiry. Our lawyers recognise the particular strain this places on an organisation and have the experience and expertise to advise and assist throughout the process.
The Team aids and represents individuals affected by the events with which a public inquiry is concerned to ensure that the impact of such events is presented accurately to the inquiry.
Our lawyers also provide advice and representation to individuals who have been asked to participate in a public inquiry in any capacity.
The Team is involved in some of the most prominent national public inquiries and have represented clients through every stage. We assist from the initial request for evidence and/or disclosure under Rule 9 of the Inquiry Rules 2006, representation at the inquiry and preparation for giving oral evidence to representing those called to give live evidence to the Inquiry and making written submissions in relation to the report following warning letters (or the ‘Maxwellisation’ process).
The Team is highly experienced in:
- Making applications for core participant status
- Drafting and making submissions in relation to any undertakings the inquiry may seek from the Attorney General
- Advising on closed proceedings, including applications for anonymity and restriction orders over the disclosure of evidence
Our Experience
Grenfell Tower
Representing a core participant to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry who gave three days of evidence. Playing a prominent role in an extremely high-profile Inquiry, it was important to ensure he was thoroughly prepared, not only to provide him with the platform to give his best evidence, but also to deal with the associated media attention.
UK Covid-19
Represented Module 2 witness to the UK Covid-19 Inquiry who advised No.10. as the government assessed strategy options to respond to the pandemic. The Inquiry asked that his witness statement cover a number of complex areas but should be distilled into a narrative that would be easily understood by the reader.
UK Covid-19
Advised a member of a sub-committee of SAGE (Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies) who was asked by the UK Covid-19 Inquiry to provide information and documentation concerning his involvement in aspects of Module 2 of the Inquiry (core UK decision making and political governance).
Key Contacts
Credit to the team for all the preparatory work carried out. On reflection, there wasn’t one topic that hadn’t been considered in the build up to giving evidence and this is testament to all of the hard work Daniel, Liam and Francesca have put in since inception. Daniel in particular has been and continues to be a calm, reassuring and conscientious presence.
Grenfell Tower Inquiry Client