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Public Inquiries, FAIs and Tribunals

Ampersand is one for the leading sets for all public inquiry matters, including Fatal accident inquiries and tribunals. Our members have appeared and advised across a number of the leading inquiries as counsel to the inquiry or representing interested parties. Inquiries cover a range of subject matters and some of the notable inquiries members have been instructed in recently include:

  • The Eljamel and NHS Tayside Public Inquiry (Chaired by Lord Weir)
  • UK Covid-19 Inquiry (UK Wide Inquiry – Chaired by Baroness Hallett)
  • Scottish Covid-19 Inquiry (Chaired by Lord Brailsford)
  • Sheku Bayoh Inquiry (Examining the events surrounding the death of Sheku Bayoh and the subsequent investigation and whether race was a factor – Chaired by Lord Bracadale)
  • Infected Blood Inquiry (UK Wide Inquiry – Chaired by Sir Brian Flagstaff)
  • Scottish Hospitals Inquiry (Construction of Queen Elizabeth University Hospital Campus, Glasgow and Royal Hospital for Children and Young People, Edinburgh – Chaired by Lord Brodie)
  • Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry (Chaired by Lady Smith)
  • Edinburgh Trams Inquiry (Chaired by Lord Hardie)
  • Penrose Inquiry (Hepatitis C/HIV acquired infection from NHS treatment in Scotland)
  • Fingerprint Inquiry
  • FV Trident (rehearing of the formal investigation of the sunken fishing vessel Trident)
  • Vale of Leven Inquiry (C. difficile infection)
  • Various Fatal Accident Inquiries including: the Glasgow Bin Lorry Crash, the Jim Clark Rally, various Prison matters, GP and Hospital cases, Care home fire.

Members also regularly appear at tribunal hearings often as advisers or representing interested parties at the hearing. Our members have appeared in many of the UK tribunals including:

  • Criminal Injuries Compensation
  • Employment
  • General Medical Council
  • GTC Fitness to Teach
  • Housing Panels
  • Immigration & Asylum
  • Mental Health
  • NHS and Health Professions Council
  • Nursing and Midwifery Council
  • Scottish Social Services
  • Tax
What the Legal Directories say about Ampersand in Public Inquiries, FA

Chambers and Partners UK Bar Guide 2027

Band 1 Set

Ampersand Advocates is widely recognised as a leader in the Scottish inquiries field, with members regularly instructed in some of the most prominent inquiries and investigations of recent years. The stable combines considerable strength at both senior and junior levels, with advocates bringing expertise from across public law, administrative law and clinical negligence. Members have acted in major proceedings including the UK and Scottish COVID-19 Inquiries, the UK Infected Blood Inquiry, and the Eljamel and Tayside Health Board Inquiry.

The group is also regularly instructed in independent investigations, reviews and Fatal Accident Inquiries, acting for a broad range of clients including government departments, public authorities, NHS bodies, emergency services and private individuals. Clients commend the stable’s “top quality advocates to deal with the most complex Fatal Accident Inquiries”, reflecting its reputation for handling matters of substantial complexity and public importance.

Those recognised are Fiona Drysdale KC, Geoffrey Mitchell KC, Isla Davie KC, Jamie Dawson KC, Lisa Henderson KC, Paul Reid KC, Simon Bowie KC, Susanne Tanner KC, Una Doherty KC, Usman Tariq KC, along with juniors Jennifer Nicholson-White, Ayla Iridag, Michael Way, Mary Ellen Stewart, and Shane Dundas.

See full table here.

 

Legal 500 UK Bar 2027

Tier 1 Set
Ampersand Advocates continues to be instructed in a wide range of public inquiries and Fatal Accident Inquiries, acting for core participants, public bodies and other interested parties in matters of significant public importance. Recent work includes representing core participants in the high-profile Eljamel Inquiry, which is examining the professional practice of a former consultant neurosurgeon at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee. Members have also acted in the Scottish Hospitals Inquiry and in Fatal Accident Inquiries involving complex and sensitive issues, including deaths in custody. The stable’s breadth of experience across inquiry work reflects its strong reputation for handling some of Scotland’s most high-profile and challenging investigations.

Members ranked include Isla Davie KC, Fiona Drysdale KC, Paul Reid KC, Jamie Dawson KC,Susanne Tanner KC, Geoffrey Mitchell KC, Simon Bowie KC, Una Doherty KC, James McConnell KC, and Usman Tariq KC, Ayla Iridag, Shane Dundas, Michael Way, Jennifer Nicholson-White, and Scott Clair.

See full table here.

 

Stable Testimonials:

  • ‘Alan Moffat is genuinely excellent.’
  • ‘Ampersand Advocates has a good clerking team that responds quickly; they have a very helpful team.’
  • “The clerks are extremely responsive and helpful.”