We have a dedicated team of expert Public Inquiries solicitors who deal with high profile and public cases. Given they involve the public and attract a lot of media attention, our expert solicitors have unrivalled experience in handling them.
A Public Inquiry is an official review of events or actions ordered by a government body to investigate a major incident that has affected the public. When the safety of the public has been compromised, a Public Inquiry is set up that grants the Inquiry full access on everything that has occurred.
Why would you need a Public Inquiry Solicitor?
Affected individuals should seek to become Core Participants in Public Inquiries, appointing a lawyer that is able to navigate the complex, high-profile process and represent their interests. Core Participant status is granted to an individual, organisation or institution that has a specific interest in the work of the Inquiry, and has played, or may have played, a direct and significant role in the subject the Inquiry.
Providing oral evidence can be daunting and technical, but a lawyer can clarify proceedings, address concerns, and offer support. Legal representation does not dilute involvement but enhances understanding. Given the complexity, pace, and public nature of Public Inquiries, it is crucial to choose a lawyer that specialises in this area of law and fully understands the process to ensure you are provided with the best representation.
Public Inquiry cases we have worked on:
Our team of Public Inquiry legal experts boasts a wealth of experience and has been instrumental in some of the most prominent cases in recent history. Their expertise is not just extensive, but also proven in high-profile scenarios.
Manchester Arena Inquiry: Our team of Public Inquiry specialists represented the largest group of the grieving families in this high-profile inquiry on the Manchester Arena terror attack.
Grenfell Tower Inquiry: Our team represented a number of the grieving families in this high-profile Inquiry, where 72 people tragically lost their lives.
The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA): Following serious concerns that several organisations had failed and were continuing to fail to protect children from sexual abuse, our team represented over a hundred victims and survivors over the majority of investigations in this Inquiry
COVID Inquiry: This has been set up to examine the UK’s response to and impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, and our solicitors are representing some of the clinically vulnerable families as well as a group of Pregnancy Baby and Parenting Organisations.
Lucy Letby Inquiry – The Public Inquiry team at Slater and Gordon was instrumental in escalating the Lucy Letby Inquiry to be a statutory Inquiry through a hard working media campaign. We currently represent multiple families impacted and will continue to fight for answers and justice for our clients.
What is a Public Inquiry? - Legal action explained
Our legal expert explains what a public inquiry is and what a potential public inquiry into COVID-19 would consider.
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At all times I felt valued and heard, able to have a voice to give evidence in my own words. I couldn't speak more highly of Richard and everyone, without exception, at Slater and Gordon who gave me the support and strength to see through what was a very long and drawn out process.
Public inquiry client
From our first meeting, Kim Harrison was absolutely brilliant. I was a broken man, but with help from counselling and Kim's professional attitude, it made my journey easier than expected.
Client testimonial (for Kim Harrison)
Why choose our Public Inquiry solicitors?
Our Public Inquiries experts are specialists within this field and have a strong reputation in high-profile inquiries. We prioritise client well-being and anonymity, having represented core participants in inquiries such as the Grenfell Tower and Manchester Arena terror attack.
Our passion and commitment have earnt the trust of other law firms who have approached our team of experts to ask if we would also represent their clients. The Public Inquiries team at Slater and Gordon is passionate and provide their client with the representation they deserve.
We understand the trauma some clients face, and our dedicated experts act dynamically to secure the best outcome, keeping you well-informed every step of the way. It is extremely important to note that although Slater and Gordon may represent several families or organisations at any one Inquiry, we have the resources and the skills within our team to ensure that every family is represented individually.
Co-head of Public Inquiries at Slater and Gordon, Richard Scorer, has nearly three decades of experience specialising in Public Inquiries. His unwavering commitment extends to advocating for victims and survivors consistently securing justice in high-profile cases, whilst campaigning for law changes. As an accredited Fellow of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL) and a top ranked Band 1 lawyer in Chambers and Partners, Richard's expertise are widely recognised. Beyond the courtroom, he contributes to media, authors books, and actively engages in social causes, making him an exceptional leader in his fields, dedicated to justice, healing, and safeguarding vulnerable individuals.
Principal lawyer and co-head of Public Inquiries, Kim Harrison, has over 18 years of experience and is recognised in the independent legal guide, the Legal 500 as a legal individual as well as accredited by the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL) where she is Vice President. Her commitment to personal injury law spans two critical areas: representing abuse and assault survivors, both recent and non-recent, and engaging in Public Inquiries.
With career highlights that include pivotal roles in the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA), representing a large proportion of the bereaved families in the Manchester Arena Bombing Public Inquiry and ground-breaking cases, such as holding the Ministry of Defence accountable for a human rights breach, Kim is dedicated to justice, consistently going the extra mile by sharing her expertise with the media and actively participating in legal associations.
During what was a stressful time, Richard and his team provided me with outstanding advice and support. I was treated with empathy and respect, and, above all, was listened to. An exceptional service.
Public inquiry client
As a victim of sustained abuse, within a very powerful institution who had tried to silence me for decades, a Public Inquiry is a very daunting thing to be part of. Richard Scorer and all his team at Slater and Gordon were incredible with their care, kindness, support and availability to help me through what was at times a very overwhelming and harrowing experience.
Public inquiry client
At all times I felt valued and heard, able to have a voice to give evidence in my own words. I couldn't speak more highly of Richard and everyone, without exception, at Slater and Gordon who gave me the support and strength to see through what was a very long and drawn out process.
Public inquiry client
We offer 'No Win No Fee' funding on accident cases, meaning there's no financial risk to you.
Talk to the experts
We have teams of legal experts who specialise in representing those who’ve suffered injuries as a result of accidents at work and in public places.
Speed of delivery
As specialists in accidents at work and public places, we'll ensure your case is dealt with swiftly, whilst ensuring you receive the maximum compensation.
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We’re a reputable National law firm with expert lawyers in local areas across England, Scotland and Wales.
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Funding for legal representation at an Inquiry is different for each inquiry. If you are granted status to join an inquiry, in most cases, legal provisions are fully funded by the inquiry but this will be assessed by the Inquiry on a case by case basis and may be means tested in some way.
How long does a Public Inquiry take?
Public Inquiries are thorough, complex, and widely different, so the duration of each is varied and they have no set time frame.
How do you attend a Public Inquiry?
If you are a core participant, you will entitled to attend the Inquiry with your lawyers and the hearings are often hybrid and so face to face or virtual attendance is usually possible depending on your preference and their findings are made public. However, as a Public Inquiry, the inquiry is also open to the general public to watch and attend as well.
What happens after an Inquiry?
After an inquiry there tends to be a lengthy report which would usually be published.
How is a Public Inquiry established?
A Public Inquiry is established by a government minister under the Inquiries Act 2005 to investigate events that have caused or could cause public concern. Once they are established, a Public Inquiry is independent of the Government.
During what was a stressful time, Richard and his team provided me with outstanding advice and support. I was treated with empathy and respect, and, above all, was listened to. An exceptional service. Public inquiry client
As a victim of sustained abuse, within a very powerful institution who had tried to silence me for decades, a Public Inquiry is a very daunting thing to be part of. Richard Scorer and all his team at Slater and Gordon were incredible with their care, kindness, support and availability to help me through what was at times a very overwhelming and harrowing experience. Public inquiry client
At all times I felt valued and heard, able to have a voice to give evidence in my own words. I couldn't speak more highly of Richard and everyone, without exception, at Slater and Gordon who gave me the support and strength to see through what was a very long and drawn out process. Public inquiry client