4PB has significant expertise in Inquests and Inquiries. In recent years, members have appeared in many of the leading family law inquiry and inquests, including, the Hillsborough Inquest, the Inquest into the death of Ellie Butler and various strands of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA).
4PB has significant expertise in Public Inquiries and Inquests. In recent years, members have appeared in many of the leading family law inquiry and inquests, including, the Hillsborough Inquest, the Inquest into the death of Ellie Butler, various strands of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) and, currently, the Independent Inquiry Relating to Afghanistan.
What is a public inquiry?
- In simple terms, a public inquiry is an investigation into a matter of public concern.
- Public inquiries are convened by the Government to look into the specific facts and circumstances of a particular matter.
- The purpose of an inquiry is to establish facts, ascertain what has happened and why and to prevent any recurrence of the same events.
- Public inquiries are chaired by a senior official (usually a judge) who will lead the inquiry. All parties will be involved in reviewing the documents and evidence. It is the responsibility of the chair to publish the conclusions that are reached and to make recommendations.
- Members of 4PB accept instructions on a wide range of public inquiry matters, with experience acting for individuals, public bodies and as Counsel to the Inquiry.
What is an inquest?
- An inquest is a judicial inquiry in common law jurisdictions, most commonly into the circumstances surrounding a death. Inquests are usually held when the circumstances of a death are unusual, violent, sudden or unexplained.
- An inquest will be opened by a coroner when the cause of death cannot be ascertained following a post-mortem. The coroner will decide the scope of the inquest, but this will usually involve determining who the deceased was, and where, when and how they died.
- Members of 4PB have wide expertise in representing families, local authorities and other interested parties at all stages of inquests.
What 4PB offers
- 4PB’s expert barristers provide:
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- Early advice on strategy.
- Assistance with all ‘pre-hearing’ issues, including managing significant disclosure exercises.
- Representation at family law inquiries and inquests.
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- Members have appeared in the following inquests and inquiries in recent years:
Independent Inquiry relating to Afghanistan.
Michael Edwards is currently instructed by the Ministry of Defence investigating alleged war crimes committed by British forces in Afghanistan
IICSA: Lambeth Council
Alex Verdan KC, Cleo Perry KC and Andrew Powell represented LB Lambeth
IICSA: Child Sexual Exploitation by Organised Networks
Jane Rayson and Charlotte Baker represented Bristol City Council
Cleo Perry KC, Andrew Powell and Harry Langford represented LB Tower Hamlets
IICSA: Accountability and Reparations
Cleo Perry KC represented LB Tower Hamlets
IICSA: Residential Schools
Jane Rayson represented Bristol City Council
IICSA: Child Protection in Religious Organisations and Settings
Cleo Perry KC represented LB Tower Hamlets
IICSA: Institutional Responses to Allegations Concerning Lord Janner
Alex Verdan KC, Sam King KC, Michael Edwards and Pippa Sanger represented Leicestershire County Council
Ellie Butler Inquest
Alex Verdan KC and Michael Edwards represented LB Sutton
Hillsborough Inquest
Professor Jo Delahunty KC acted on behalf of 75 families
Isle of Man Commission of Inquiry into the Care of Young People
Alex Verdan KC was Counsel to the Inquiry; Ceri White acted as his junior
Victoria Climbié Inquiry
Alex Verdan KC represented LB Enfield
Assistant Coroner, Mid Kent and Medway 2010–12, Hertfordshire 2011–14
Alison Grief KC
