18th May 2026
Saba Naqshbandi KC represents members of Saffron Cole-Nottage’s family in inquest
Saffron slipped and fell headfirst into rocks on the Lowestoft coastline on 2 February 2025. The Coroner made findings...
Three Raymond Buildings has a long and distinguished history of involvement in major public inquiries and inquests, one of our earliest cases being the Lynksey Tribunal of 1948, a high-profile public inquiry into allegations of political corruption which gripped the nation over the course of two months in 1948.
We are recognised as a leading set in this field, acting in many of the UK’s most important, sensitive and legally complex cases from Hillsborough, 7/7, Litvinenko and Leveson to Grenfell, Manchester Arena, Covid-19 and Post Office.
Our barristers have extensive experience across a broad range of sectors, including policing, terrorism and criminal activity, public safety, healthcare, workplace fatalities, regulatory failures and governmental decision-making.
From statutory and non-statutory public inquiries to complex jury and non-jury inquests, we are known for our exceptional advocacy, meticulous preparation and ability to manage sensitive and often challenging evidence with care, precision and professionalism.
We are regularly instructed both by inquiries themselves and by a diverse range of participants, including bereaved families, public authorities, government departments, corporate bodies, regulated professionals and private individuals. Clients particularly value our sensitive and pragmatic approach, particularly when representing bereaved families and vulnerable witnesses.
Several members of chambers hold, or have held, judicial and quasi-judicial appointments, including roles as assistant coroners and inquiry chairs. This experience provides our clients with valuable insight into the conduct and management of such proceedings.
Drawing on expertise across criminal, regulatory and coronial law, we guide clients through every stage of the process. Our barristers are frequently instructed from the earliest stages of proceedings, to advise on:
As we also represent and advise individuals and organisations caught up in an investigation, we are very well-placed to provide seamless, continuous representation, if legal proceedings ensue.
In addition, we deliver bespoke training on all aspects of public inquiries and inquests, tailored to the needs of public bodies, organisations, corporate clients and legal professionals.
To discuss counsel availability or how we can assist, please contact our clerking team who are able to manage instructions with discretion and efficiency.
REPRESENTATIVE WORK
Public Inquiries (statutory & non-statutory)
Inquests
To find the right public inquiries & inquests barrister, and to discuss any possible instructions, please contact our clerks on +44 (0)20 7400 6400 or email clerks@3rblaw.com.
Public inquiry established following the May 2017 attack at the Manchester Arena which resulted in the deaths of 22 people. Greater Manchester Police are represented by Richard Horwell KC, Guy Ladenburg, Daniel Mansell, John Greany and Ruby Shrimpton. British Transport Police are represented by Patrick Gibbs KC and Reka Hollos. Matthew Butt KC represents Counter-Terrorism Police Headquarters. Hugh Davies OBE KC represents two specialist GMP command officers. Saba Naqshbandi represents an individual Core Participant.
Public inquiry established following the high-rise fire which broke out in the Grenfell Tower block of flats in North Kensington, London resulting in the deaths of 72 people. The London Fire Commissioner is represented by Stephen Walsh KC, Sarah Le Fevre, Emma Collins and Bo-Eun Jung. The National House Building Council is represented by Matthew Butt KC and Saba Naqshbandi.
Public inquiry following a police shooting in the course of the operation surrounding an attempted escape from custody on the way to Wood Green Crown Court. Matthew Butt KC and Ruby Shrimpton appear on behalf of the Metropolitan Police Service.
Inquests into the death of four young men in Barking murdered by Stephen Port. Hugh Davies OBE KC and Clair Dobbin KC represented fourteen police officers designated as Interested Persons. Robert Morris advised three police officers appearing as witnesses.
Jury inquest arising from the deaths of two individuals in the terror attack at Fishmongers’ Hall on 29 November 2019. Matthew Butt KC and Genevieve Woods appeared on behalf of the Metropolitan Police Service. Sarah Le Fevre appeared on behalf of The Worshipful Company of Fishmongers. Kevin Baumber represented a number of ‘Prevent’ officers.
Clair Dobbin KC was leading junior counsel to two of the Inquiry’s investigations: children in the care of Lambeth Council and Rochdale. Richard Horwell KC and Genevieve Woods represented the Catholic Archdiocese of Birmingham as part of the Roman Catholic Church investigation. Reka Hollos represents The Purcell School for Young Musicians and Genevieve Woods represents Wells Cathedral School and the Yehudi Menuhin School, both as part of the Residential Schools Investigation.
Inquest into the deaths of seven individuals following a tram crash in Croydon in November 2016. Jonathan Ashley-Norman KC and Bo-Eun Jung appeared on behalf of the Office of Rail and Road, the regulator of tramways and the prosecuting authority in relation to criminal proceedings arising out of the incident.
Public inquiry examining the conduct of undercover officers attached to two historic units: the Special Demonstration Squad and the National Public Order Intelligence Unit. Reka Hollos is junior counsel on behalf of the Metropolitan Police Service.
Public inquiry established following the death of Dawn Sturgess by Novichok poisoning in connection with the Salisbury Novichok attacks. Ruby Shrimpton is instructed as junior counsel for the Metropolitan Police Service.
“Three Raymond Buildings offers considerable expertise in handling inquests as a result of its longstanding practice in this area”. Chambers UK 2026
“Very strong strength in depth in relation to inquiry and inquest work.” Legal 500 2026
“One of the premier sets in the country for Inquiry work.” Legal 500 2025
“Jam packed with talented, caring barristers.” Legal 500 2025
“Three Raymond Buildings has effective and high-quality barristers across all levels of seniority, which gives them a very strong offering for this kind of work as it needs a substantial team of counsel in varying roles.” Chambers UK 2024
“A great set with a number of hugely impressive KCs and juniors‘ with key strengths in coronial law.” Legal 500 2024
| Address | 3 Raymond Buildings, Gray’s Inn, London WC1R 5BH |
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| DX | 237 LDE |
| Opening hours | 08:30 – 18:30 |
| Telephone | +44 (0)20 7400 6400 |
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| clerks@3rblaw.com | |
| Senior clerk | Public Inquiries & Inquests |
