Our experienced team can draw on colleagues in regulatory, financial, crime, commercial and clinical negligence whenever their insight is needed.
Being involved in a public inquiry can be a long and stressful process. We’ll guide you through each stage - whether you’re an organisation, a key individual, or someone looking for answers - and help you navigate:
- Complex document and disclosure exercises
- Preparing and reviewing written evidence
- Getting ready for hearings, whether you’re giving evidence or ensuring your questions are put to a witness
- Reputation management, acknowledgement of historic wrongdoing, and professional regulation issues
- Engaging with the inquiry, core participants, and relevant authorities
- Drafting written submissions on key points
- Responding to advance notice of criticism and meeting Inquiry recommendations
Types of inquiries
Fatal accident inquiry
Held in the Sheriff Court under the Fatal Accidents and Sudden Deaths etc. (Scotland) Act 2016, these inquiries investigate deaths in custody, at work, or those considered to be in the public interest. The process involves the Procurator Fiscal, the gathering of witness statements, and a determination by the sheriff with findings and recommendations. Although they are not designed to decide civil liability, the actions of individuals and organisations can still be scrutinised and criticised.
Public inquiry
Usually called by government in response to major issues of public concern, public inquiries aim to understand what happened, why it happened, and how to prevent it happening again and restore public confidence. They may be statutory (under the Inquiries Act 2005) or non-statutory, with statutory inquiries having legal powers to compel evidence and witnesses. Public inquiries are often streamed live, and witnesses may receive significant media attention.
Our track record
We have many years of experience advising and representing clients at some of the highest-profile public inquiries, including:
- Edinburgh Tram Inquiry
- Scottish Hospitals Inquiry
- Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry
- Scottish Covid-19 Inquiry
- Eljamel Inquiry
- Emma Caldwell Inquiry
Support for witnesses
Being asked to give evidence at a public inquiry can feel daunting. We make the process more manageable by acting for witnesses and those required to produce material. Our solicitors, experienced in the sectors under scrutiny, help ensure witnesses are protected from adverse criticism and regulatory consequences. We provide practical advice, guide you through each stage, and support you in presenting evidence clearly and confidently.
Why Choose Us?
- Extensive experience representing Core Participants and witnesses at public inquiries
- Multi-disciplinary team covering regulatory, commercial, healthcare, and other sectors
- Recognised by Legal 500 and Chambers for quality and client service
- Proven track record in high-profile and sensitive cases
- Strategic legal advice, robust representation, and practical project management
- Support for public and private sector clients, as well as individuals
Services
- Pre-inquiry investigations
- Early engagement with inquiry legal teams and other relevant agencies
- Advice on data protection, information governance, disclosure, and confidentiality
- Document management and review
- Witness preparation and support
- Statement taking
- Representation at hearings
- Drafting and presentation of legal submissions
- Reputation management
- Representation in any subsequent litigation
Ready to support you
Whether you’re facing scrutiny or preparing to take part in a public inquiry, we’re here to guide you and protect your interests. Get in touch today to discuss how we can help.
You can find out more information by reading our FAQs here.
