Public Law and Inquiries

187 Chambers’ members have significant experience in the fields of public inquiries and non-statutory reviews, as well as challenges to decisions of public authorities through judicial review. Our public law and inquiries expertise includes strategic advice to and representation of those involved in such proceedings, whether individuals, corporations or public bodies (such as government departments).

Our barristers have been involved in several significant and complex public inquiries, both as counsel to the inquiry and representing core participants or other interested parties. These include:

• The Undercover Policing Inquiry, chaired by Sir John Mitting
• The Grenfell Tower Inquiry, chaired by Sir Martin Moore-Bick
• The UK Covid-19 Inquiry, chaired by Baroness Heather Hallett DBE
• The Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry, chaired by Sir Wyn Williams
• The Independent Inquiry relating to Afghanistan, chaired by Sir Charles Haddon-Cave

Our members also have experience of acting in non-statutory inquiries and other reviews, most recently as part of the Dame Linda Dobbs Review.

187 Chambers’ barristers are involved in bringing and defending claims for judicial review, often arising from other areas of specialism within Chambers. These include:

• Challenges to the exercise of investigatory powers (such as orders for production, search or restraint)
• Challenges to some decisions of criminal courts
• Challenges to the decisions of public authorities, such as prisons

Members are also involved in representing government departments in challenges to Executive decisions and policy. A number of members have been appointed to the Attorney General’s Panel of Counsel or are part of the Junior Junior scheme.

Based on our significant experience, 187 Chambers’ public law and inquiries team are able to offer clients a range of expertise when it comes to providing counsel to advise and represent those involved in these areas of law.