Inquests

We are experienced in supporting organisations in the immediate aftermath of a fatal accident all the way through to inquest. Throughout, we act promptly and decisively, using our expertise and experience to minimise the stress and fallout of the situation.

London lawyer standing outside a courtroom
One of our corporate team standing outside our Thames Valley office.

The legal partner you need

Our team specialises in representation and advocacy in investigations, public inquiries and coroners’ inquests across all industry sectors, including education, sports and leisure, healthcare and construction.

Our extensive experience in this type of work means we understand the wider contexts that could affect your business.

We are skilled at managing the risk of reputational damage and advise on media management and requests for media interviews. We also understand the significance coroners’ findings can have on any future civil or criminal proceedings and advise accordingly to protect your business.

Team around the table talking

Guiding you through the inquest

Following a fatal incident our Insurance, Risk and Regulatory solicitors will:

  • Provide an incident and emergency response following a fatal accident
  • Conduct initial investigations to assess the support you are likely to need and identify any risks
  • Manage internal investigations, with the protection of legal professional privilege, to prepare accident reports and strategy plans
  • Attend pre-inquest reviews, including preparing witnesses and evaluating the evidence collated by the coroner
  • Instruct expert witnesses where appropriate
  • Represent you at final inquest hearings
  • Advise on the outcome of the final inquest hearing, including on any directions for the production of a prevention of future deaths report.

Recognition of our work

Investors in People

Investors in People

Recommended for Quality

Recommended for Quality

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Hear what our clients say about us

Kathryn Gilbertson is highly regarded for her work in the hospitality and retail sectors, as well as her advice to property developers, construction businesses, and facilities management companies.

Legal 500 2025 Health and Safety

Kathryn Gilbertson is the region’s standout partner. She is ‘very committed to client service and is extremely knowledgeable regarding the law in the health and safety and fire safety sectors‘.

Legal 500 2025 Health and Safety

Thank you for your advice, council and everything else

M Shepherd Client testimonial

As well as being incredibly professional and conscientious, Ruth was also incredibly kind and reassuring. This was a very difficult time for me, which had gone on for a long time.

Ruth reassured me with her knowledge of the law but was also a caring and empathetic person to be around. I honestly would not have got through it without her. Thank you so much Ruth.

Client An inquest and with insurance difficulties

As someone who practices at the Bar almost exclusively in the area of health and safety and regulatory law … I can say that Jonathan (Edwards) has a well-deserved reputation for being at the top of his professional tree.

He has a vast array of legal knowledge and also possesses considerable tactical and strategic acumen in relation to whether or not cases should be defended….

James Leonard, Barrister Outer Temple Chambers

I have worked with Jonathan Edwards as my ‘go-to’ legal specialist for over two decades. His strong technical skills backed up by an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the insurance market make him unique and he adds genuine value off the back of this. He has a calm and friendly nature, always taking time to understand us as a business and I am truly grateful for the invaluable support he has provided me over the years.

 

Jamie Lewis, Managing Director Jensten Group Ltd

I have instructed Jonathan over many years, because he quickly grasps and focuses on the key issues of an assignment, provides strong technical advice and delivers excellent outcomes. I know he is very well regarded in the insurance market. Just as importantly, he has a really positive manner that puts clients at their complete ease. He is someone I would thoroughly recommend.

Strong technical advice

Jonathan Edwards is a tremendous asset to have on your side. He combines a forensic eye for detail with astute tactical and practical advice derived from his many years of experience. His case analysis, judgment and ability to master complicated factual and technical details with ease mark him out as an outstanding lawyer. Jonathan is always approachable and calm in even the most highly pressurised situations and he adds real value to every case in which he is instructed.

Angus Withington QC Henderson Chambers

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