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Civil Liberties & Human Rights

Helping Bereaved Families at Inquests

Susie-Labinjoh-2
Susie Labinjoh
Partner
Cormac McDonough
Cormac McDonough
Partner
Jocelyn Cockburn
Jocelyn Cockburn
Partner
Maria O'Connell
Maria O’Connell
Partner
Nancy Collins
Nancy Collins
Partner
Sasha Barton
Sasha Barton
Partner
Alisha McSporran
Paralegal
Aniqa Khan
Paralegal
Aston Luff
Aston Luff
Solicitor
Brid Doherty
Brid Doherty
Solicitor
Charlotte Sykes
Charlotte Sykes
Solicitor
Darcey Hayes
Paralegal
Eliza Bell
Trainee
Guy Mitchell
Guy Mitchell
Solicitor
Lottie Baldwin
Lottie Baldwin
Solicitor
Megan Finnis
Megan Finnis
Solicitor
Rebecca Shotton
Rebecca Shotton
Trainee
Ruth Waters-Falk
Ruth Waters-Falk
Solicitor
Sabrina Pinto_Website
Sabrina Pinto
Paralegal
Sarah Flanagan
Sarah Flanagan
Associate
Sebastian Del Monte
Sebastian Del Monte
Solicitor
Shakti Bhagwansingh
Shakti Bhagwansingh
Solicitor
Sion Morgan
Sion Morgan
Solicitor
Siri Beck-Friis
Siri Beck-Friis
Paralegal
Will Heath
Will Heath
Paralegal

We have a long-standing record of representing bereaved families’ interests throughout the inquest process.

An inquest is an investigation into an ‘unnatural’ death or a death in custody. We’ve supported families through some of the most sensitive and high profile inquests, fighting to have their questions answered and concerns addressed.

Our experienced solicitors work to release  information and documents and capture evidence. This ensures the inquest process is as thorough as possible so that it addresses the concerns of the family, and ensures the authorities are held to account for failings.

We also assist families through many different types of related investigations. From Public Inquiries to IOPC investigations, Prison and Probation Ombudsman investigations and any investigations held by healthcare authorities.

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What’s an inquest?

An inquest is a legal investigation conducted by a coroner to establish the circumstances surrounding a person’s death. It occurs when someone suffers a violent, unnatural or sudden death where the cause is unknown. It may take place where a death occurs in custody, following police contact, or in psychiatric detention.

For families trying to ensure that the investigation answers their concerns, and provides them with information promptly, the process can seem intimidating and complicated.

 

"[SUSIE LABINJOH] ATTENTION TO DETAIL IS SECOND TO NONE, SHE HAS FANTASTIC CLIENT SERVICE." CHAMBERS UK

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How can we help you in an inquest?

Our team provides a bespoke service to our clients. We ensure they have as much information as possible about the circumstances surrounding the death, which can also help them find some closure. In the appropriate circumstances, we advise on relevant complaint procedures and other avenues, including compensation claims. We can challenge coroner’s decisions through judicial review proceedings in the Administrative Court if a coroner fails to investigate a death properly.

Related investigations

We assist families through many different types of related investigations. This includes Public Inquiries to IOPC investigations, Prison and Probation Ombudsman investigations and complex cases involving multiple agencies, including social services, mental health trusts and the ambulance service.

Close links to inquest organisations

We work closely with INQUEST, a charity that works for truth, justice and accountability for families, and campaigns for policy change at the highest level. Some of our team are members of the INQUEST Lawyers Steering Group, and all of our inquest team belong to the INQUEST Lawyers Group, a network of lawyers working closely with INQUEST and families.

"COMPASSION TOWARDS US AT A TIME WHEN MANY OTHER PEOPLE WERE DISMISSIVE MADE ME AND MY FAMILY FEEL THAT SOMEONE UNDERSTOOD AND WAS WILLING TO FIGHT FOR US.”

“YOU PURSUED THIS CASE WITH RELENTLESS VIGOUR AND COMMITMENT FROM THE START AND HAVE NOT BEEN AFRAID TO GO THE EXTRA MILE WHEN NECESSARY."

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Why choose Hodge Jones & Allen?

Highly Experienced

The team are leading Human Rights and Civil Liberties Specialists with a huge amount of experience with inquests. You will be in safe hands.

Award Winning

The team have won several awards both individually and as a team. They’re recognised as leaders in the field with a team that comprises highly experienced solicitors including Susie Labinjoh and Jocelyn Cockburn.

Care and Compassion

The team are highly experienced in helping people through tough times. You can be assured that your case will be dealt with compassionately.

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“The whole legal team are professional and empathetic with excellent communication.” “They are excellent in all regards, and are extremely kind, patient and helpful.” “The quality of their lawyers, the work they generate and the way they handle cases are excellent.” – Chambers UK, 2023

“Hodge Jones & Allen’s expertise and passion in this field are truly outstanding. Their comprehensive approach, combined with their deep understanding of the legal complexities involved, allows them to deliver impactful representation” – Legal 500, 2024

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How to make an inquest claim

Contact our highly experienced team

Whatever your needs, our team of highly experienced solicitors will provide you with the help and advice you need. To seek advice from our specialist team of human rights solicitors you should contact one of our experienced team for free, either by telephone or through our online form.

We’ll gather the information to review your case

Once we have all the information we need we’ll let you know if you have a case which we can assist with. We’ll then arrange a time to meet or talk through to discuss your needs and particular situation in greater detail.

Help you with the best resolution

You’ll be allocated a solicitor specialising in the field to help you find the best possible resolution during a stressful and often sensitive time.

Contact our specialist team today on
0808 271 9413
or request a call back.
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"Thank you for the hard work that you did on the case to make the inquest run smoothly and to get justice for the family at its hard time. It was like we have someone fighting for the small people."

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