Inquiries and Investigations
Members of Chambers have acted in a range of high-profile statutory and non-statutory inquiries and investigations, including:
UK Covid-19 Inquiry – acting for core participants in the statutory public inquiry into the UK's response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry – acting for core participants in the statutory inquiry examining the Horizon IT system and the consequences of its use by the Post Office.
Undercover Policing Inquiry – members have acted for the Inquiry Legal Team in relation to the investigation and examination of evidence concerning undercover policing.
Omagh Bombing Inquiry – members have acted in relation to the statutory inquiry into the Omagh bombing and issues arising from the evidence and applications before the Chair.
This experience is complemented by instructions in corporate and public authority investigations, including matters in which there may be parallel regulatory, disciplinary or criminal consequences.
The criminal litigation experience across Chambers provides a strong foundation for work involving inquiries and investigations where there is potential criminal exposure or a risk of parallel proceedings. Members are experienced in assessing the implications of evidence obtained during an inquiry or investigation, advising on potential criminal liability and navigating the relationship between inquiry processes and criminal proceedings.
Members advise and represent clients throughout the inquiry process, including in relation to Rule 9 requests and section 21 notices, the preparation and provision of evidence, disclosure and document review, witness preparation and hearings. They are familiar with the practical and strategic issues that arise when responding to requests for information and evidence, including the scope of requests, relevance, privilege, confidentiality and the management of large volumes of material.
Members have particular experience in restriction and related applications in both statutory and non-statutory inquiries, including applications concerning the disclosure or publication of evidence, restrictions on access to material, anonymity and the protection of sensitive information. They are familiar with the competing considerations that can arise in such applications, including privacy, confidentiality, national security, the protection of vulnerable individuals and the public interest in open and effective inquiry proceedings.
Chambers is also well versed in judicial review and challenges arising from inquiries and investigations, including challenges to decisions made in the course of an inquiry, procedural decisions and issues concerning the exercise of statutory powers. Members can advise on the appropriate approach to challenging inquiry decisions and on the relationship between judicial review, the inquiry process and any parallel criminal, regulatory or civil proceedings.
Members are experienced in dealing with significant volumes of digital evidence and complex disclosure exercises, including document review, disclosure and information management. They regularly advise on data protection and confidentiality issues, public interest sensitivity and sensitive or confidential material.
Members also have experience of working with vulnerable witnesses and understand the particular considerations that may arise when preparing and representing witnesses in high-profile and sensitive proceedings.
We are particularly familiar with the challenges faced by corporate clients and their legal teams where an investigation or inquiry may have significant operational, financial, regulatory or reputational consequences. Members can provide advice at an early stage, assist with evidence gathering and disclosure, prepare witnesses and represent clients throughout hearings and other stages of the process.
INQUIRY LEGAL TEAMS, CORE PARTICIPANTS AND EVIDENCE PROVIDERS
Our members have experience of working on different sides of the inquiry process. This includes acting as part of an inquiry's legal team, representing core participants and advising individuals or organisations required to provide evidence.
This breadth of experience gives Chambers a practical understanding of the competing demands of large-scale inquiries. Members understand the importance of careful case management, proportionate disclosure and effective handling of sensitive material, while maintaining focus on the key issues being examined.
Where appropriate, our barristers can also draw on Chambers' wider expertise in criminal, regulatory and professional disciplinary work, particularly where an inquiry or investigation runs alongside other proceedings.
Clients instruct Chambers for clear, strategic advice, meticulous preparation and effective advocacy in complex and high-profile matters. Whether acting for an inquiry, a core participant, a public authority, a corporate organisation or an individual witness, our members provide specialist advice and representation tailored to the particular demands of the case.
Chambers has a well-established practice in statutory and non-statutory public inquiries and investigations. Members are instructed to act for inquiry legal teams, core participants, corporates, public authorities and individuals providing evidence or otherwise involved in significant investigations.
Our barristers bring particular expertise where inquiries and investigations raise issues of potential criminal liability, substantial and complex disclosure, sensitive evidence and the management of large volumes of digital information. Our experience of criminal litigation throughout Chambers complements this work, providing particular expertise where inquiry evidence, findings or decisions may have consequences for ongoing or potential criminal proceedings.
Members have acted both as part of inquiry legal teams and for core participants and other interested parties. We understand the different demands placed on those involved in an inquiry, whether conducting an investigation, responding to requests for evidence, preparing witnesses or managing the potential legal and reputational consequences of findings.
EXPERIENCE