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Public inquiries

Trusted legal advice and guidance on all aspects of public inquiry proceedings.

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Overview Services Our team Our work What others say

Whether you are a core participant, a witness, or a public body, we offer clear, strategic advice to help you navigate the complex procedural and legal issues surrounding public inquiries.

We have significant experience representing individuals and organisations involved in delivering or responding to high-profile public inquiries. These are often sensitive proceedings and require a thoughtful, supportive approach.

With professionalism, confidentiality and care, we help clients navigate all aspects of inquiries. We also effectively and proactively handle reputational and risk issues, including those arising from media attention.

Our team includes legal project managers embedded in Inquiry Secretariat operations and colleagues who have served as Secretary to an inquiry. Their experience and insights ensure clients receive exceptional support across all aspects of planning and legal operations.

We provide a one-stop-shop service, working alongside our dispute resolution and corporate crime and investigations specialists. This unified approach offers a single point of contact, with access to wider firm expertise including in relation to data protection, employment, and D&O (Directors and Officers) insurance.

Services

Solicitor to the Inquiry

Managing inquiries from set-up to final report publication, ensuring the process runs efficiently and smoothly.

Core participant representation

Acting for major core participants in both statutory and non-statutory inquiries, providing expert legal advice.

National security and sensitive policy issues

Handling inquiries involving national security or other high-sensitivity policy issues, providing careful legal counsel. 

Evidence identification and disclosure

Deploying innovative approaches to evidence-gathering, review, and disclosure, including managing large-scale complex evidence processes.

Witness preparation and support

Providing support to witnesses giving written and oral evidence, ensuring they are well-prepared for the inquiry.

Managing public money and policy guidance

Advising on the management of public funds in compliance with government policy and ensuring adherence to best practice. 

Contract management for value assurance

Overseeing the delivery of services to ensure value for money, with a focus on meeting contractual obligations. 

Providing experienced legal project managers who work closely with the Inquiry Secretary and Secretariat, including supporting various functions of the Secretariat.

Our team

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Examples of our work

COVID Inquiry

Providing the solicitor team representing the COVID Inquiry across all modules of the inquiry, including the role of lead module solicitor on several of the modules, managing complex legal challenges and procedural issues, as the inquiry investigated all aspects of the management of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Post Office Ltd

Acting as Recognised Legal Representative for Post Office Ltd in relation to the Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry, advising on Phases 5 to 7 and managing ongoing disclosure throughout this high-profile statutory inquiry.

Brook House Inquiry

Serving as Secretary to the Brook House Inquiry, overseeing the investigation into detainee mistreatment, managing inquiry set-up and public hearings, and report drafting to ensure a thorough and fair process.

Omagh Bombing Inquiry

Providing the solicitor team representing the Omagh Bombing Inquiry, managing complex legal challenges and procedural issues related to this sensitive and high-profile investigation into a terrorist bombing.

Non-statutory inquiry core participant

Advising a core participant in a non-statutory inquiry, handling witness liaison, evidence identification, and disclosure to ensure full cooperation and adherence to inquiry protocols. 

Core participant in the Grenfell Tower Inquiry

Advising a core participant in the Grenfell Tower Inquiry on responding to the largest ever criminal investigation by the Metropolitan Police Service into allegations of corporate manslaughter and health and safety breaches. 

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What others say

“They have a team of excellent litigators that is increasingly involved in high-profile inquests and inquiries.”

Legal 500 UK 2025

“Burges Salmon is brilliant; you can tell how closely they work together and they are able to collaborate with others seamlessly.”

Chambers UK 2025

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Insights

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