Inquests & Inquiries

Public Inquires are held when there is public concern that something has happened requiring an open, fair and thorough investigation by a body independent from the problem.

They are usually in relation to where there has been a shocking crime, where there has been loss of life, or where events that suggest a major breakdown or breach of the rule of law.

Their aim is to get to the truth of what happened as well as to learn lessons for the future. They are high profile, emotional, and usually the focus of intense media scrutiny.

Involvement in an Inquiry can be a fraught experience, whether you are an individual, campaign group, corporation or public sector body.

You may be a witness or a core participant or you may face potential criticism when the inquiry publishes its final report.

A core participant is an individual, organisation or institution that has a specific interest in the work of the Inquiry, and has a formal role as defined by legislation.

Core participants have special rights in the Inquiry process, they will have the advantage of being able to access the Inquiry’s evidence and engaging fully in the hearings.

Witnesses and Core Participants can apply, through their solicitors, for public funding for legal representation.

Usually wider interests will be at stake, and we can advise on those, alongside the immediate demands of the inquiry.

We will work very closely with you to gain complete insight into your situation. Your interests will be taken care of from the moment you instruct us, from initial contact with the inquiry and assisting you prepare your evidence to ensuring you are ready to appear at a hearing, and taking care of your needs throughout.

Our Team

Our public/administrative law team, lead by Michael Imperato, Head of our Public Law team, have experience of advising and assisting individuals in high profile inquires including a number of historic sexual abuse inquires and the UK wide infected blood inquiry.

We can help you from start to finish through the inquiry and can assist with:

• Conducting a thorough document review
• Preparing documents and statements
• Interviewing witnesses
• Determining the extent of public access
• Protecting the rights of the people involved
• Providing legal representation at Court hearings.

We will work very closely with you to gain complete insight into your situation. Your interests will be taken care of from the moment you instruct us, from initial contact with the inquiry and assisting you prepare your evidence to ensuring you are ready to appear at a hearing, and taking care of your needs throughout.

Our Team

Our public/administrative law team, lead by Michael Imperato, Head of our Public Law team, have experience of advising and assisting individuals in high profile inquires including a number of historic sexual abuse inquires and the UK wide infected blood inquiry.

The Infected Blood Inquiry reported in May 2024 that tens of thousands of people received contaminated blood and blood products through the NHS as far back as 1970. At least 3,000 died and the inquiry estimated that 30,000 were infected with HIV and Hepatitis.  People were infected by blood product treatments or blood transfusions.

It has been called the worst treatment disaster in history of the NHS.

Watkins & Gunn helped victims fight for the inquiry. We then acted for 300 people in the inquiry and are recognised as one of the few law firms in the country with expertise in this area.

We have unrivalled experience in recognising the issues and challenges victims face, in dealing with sensitive matters and leading people through the process.

To register your interest in Watkins & Gunn helping you, please complete the simple online form below or call our team.

How to register your interest

• Complete the simple online form here.
• Call us on 0300 124 0400.

Watkins & Gunn are passionate about holding public bodies to account and have a strong record of achieving positive outcomes for families at inquests.

Our solicitors will guide you through every stage of the process, explaining what to expect, what your rights are, and how best to ensure your concerns are properly addressed. We work sensitively and thoroughly to ensure your voice is heard and your loved one’s death is fully and fairly examined.

Our inquest specialists have extensive experience representing families in Coroner’s Courts and in related proceedings. We regularly assist with:

• Making submissions on the scope and conduct of inquests
• Advising on whether Article 2 (the right to life) applies
• Identifying key issues for investigation
• Requesting and challenging witness evidence
• Making legal submissions on conclusions and findings
• Representing families at inquest hearings
• Judicial review challenges where decisions of a Coroner need to be reviewed

The Human Rights Act plays a vital role in many inquests, and we are highly experienced in advising on how these rights apply and how they can affect the scope and outcome of proceedings.

We understand that funding legal representation can be a concern at an already difficult time. Our team has significant experience in applying for legal aid, including the limited funding available for inquest representation.

Where legal aid is not available, we can advise on alternative funding options, including:

• Private funding
• Fixed-fee arrangements
• Group or shared funding where appropriate

We will always explain your options clearly and ensure you understand the likely costs before proceeding.