Public inquiries and inquests

Because of their sensitive and emotive nature, public inquiries and inquests require lawyers who are experienced in dealing with both the legal aspects and the other parties and stakeholders involved, including the media.

A number of our team are in a position to conduct inquests without the instruction of Counsel. Where we feel the case warrants Counsel, we have a good network with some of the most respected Counsel. We are very familiar with the Work Related Deaths Protocol and the latest developments concerning the requirements of Article 2 investigations.

Kennedys has represented public sector companies and other large organisations in a number of recent public inquiries and has the skills and experience to recognise the key issues amongst the vast quantity of information that is often associated with such cases.

We were instructed by Railtrack Plc to act for them at the Southall Rail Accident Public Inquiry in 1999. Thereafter, we dealt with all three parts of the Ladbroke Grove Public Inquiry, Chaired by Lord Cullen.

From our experience of dealing with major inquiries, we are familiar and experienced in both the ethos and purpose of an inquiry and its workings. This includes powers to require production of documentary and witness evidence, the taking of live evidence, restriction of public access, the enforcement of powers and publication and issuing of reports. We are also well versed with Lord Justice Salmon's Royal Commission on Tribunals of Inquiry and issuing of the so-called "Salmon" Letters and with the terms of the Inquiries Act 2005.

The team is part of Kennedys' Workplace Group bringing together lawyers expert in workplace issues and disputes including employment, health and safety, white collar crime, civil fraud, FSA and environment.