Inquests

Garden Court Chambers is noted for its 'strength and depth in actions against the police and inquest work', where it is described as a 'leader in the field'. It provides a 'fantastic service', and the clerks are rated for their quick responses. Owen Davies QC and Courtenay Griffiths QC are recommended among the leading silks. The 'fearless and formidable' Leslie Thomas has a superb reputation for police actions, and inquest and prison work, and is rated for his 'excellent cross-examination skills'. Stephen Simblet is an 'excellent jury advocate' whose 'presence at court shows incredible attention to detail'. The set also receives high praise for its up-and-coming junior juniors.
The Legal 500 2011

Garden Court Chambers has long been among the most committed at the Bar offering representation for families at inquest. We cover deaths in police, prison and immigration custody, as well as deaths at institutions for the mentally ill. We have a particular expertise in police restraint and shooting cases. The team has a strong reputation across the UK in this difficult and sensitive area.

We are active members of INQUEST, the campaigning group which supports families of people who have died, especially while in the custody of the state. We also undertake inquests into deaths associated with medical negligence and accidents at work.

The civil team also has extensive experience in cases involving unlawful killing and neglect and our barristers have appeared in nearly all of the leading cases in this area. We strive to ensure that inquests are rigorous investigations of the circumstances surrounding deaths.

Inquest law has been significantly affected by the incorporation of the Human Rights Act, most notably by the investigative obligation under Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights. The civil team members regularly appear in cases which engage Article 2.

We also publish books and articles in this area, including the 'Legal Action' book and 'Inquests: A Practitioner's Guide' co-written by Leslie Thomas. Team members regularly contribute to the 'Inquest Law' journal.

Civil Clerks

If you would like more information about our Inquests team email the clerks civilclerks@gclaw.co.uk
or call us on 020 7993 7600.

The team

Members of the Inquests team are listed below - click on their names to go to their profiles.

Barrister Year of Call Email Address Ian Peddie QC 1971 Send Email Terry Munyard 1972 Send Email Mark George QC 1976 Send Email Courtenay Griffiths QC 1980 Send Email Nerida Harford-Bell 1984 Send Email Leslie Thomas 1988 Send Email Dexter Dias QC 1988 Send Email Colin Hutchinson 1990 Send Email Stephen Simblet 1991 Send Email Helen Curtis 1992 Send Email Stephen Knafler QC 1993 Send Email Rajeev Thacker 1993 Send Email Rajiv Menon QC 1993 Send Email Sean Horstead 1996 Send Email Maya Sikand 1997 Send Email Emma Favata 1999 Send Email Marina Sergides 2000 Send Email Navtej Singh Ahluwalia 2001 Send Email Irena Sabic 2002 Send Email Brenda Campbell 2002 Send Email Abigail Bache 2004 Send Email Sarah Hemingway 2006 Send Email Anna Morris 2006 Send Email Deirdre Malone 2006 Send Email Kirsten Heaven 2007 Send Email