An inquiry typically sets out to establish:

• What happened, and why?
• What decisions went wrong, and what went right?
• What lessons can be learned to prevent a recurrence of any adverse impacts from these events?

In the UK there two main types of public inquiry:

• Statutory
• Non-Statutory

Statutory public inquiries, which are the most common, are governed by the Inquiries Act 2005. Under the act, the Chair of the Inquiry is granted powers to compel testimony and release other forms of evidence where necessary.

Why P.A. Duffy & Co Solicitors

At P.A. Duffy & Co Solicitors, our Inquiries team have advised on some of the largest statutory public inquiries and investigations in recent years. Our experienced team have a unique understanding of the procedural and regulatory framework across the UK and Ireland, providing strategic legal advice in a variety of circumstances.

P.A. Duffy & Co Solicitors are ranked in the Chambers UK Legal Guide for UK Wide Public Inquiries, we are recognised for our expert advice to core participants in responding to an inquiry and witness support to participants called to give evidence.

Areas of Expertise

Our Inquiries team can provide expert advice and assistance with:

• Public Law and Administrative Law.
• Advice for inquests, inquiries, and judicial reviews.
• eDiscovery for large-scale document review, complex disclosure reviews and redactions.
• Advising on complex evidence requests.
• Drafting and advising on submissions, including witness statements and providing essential witness support.

Our Experience

• Representation of Northern Ireland Covid Bereaved Families for Justice (a group of circa 200 bereaved families) in the UK Covid 19 Inquiry.
• Representation of bereaved family and survivor core participants in the Omagh Bombing Inquiry.
• Representation of Ladies with Letters in their campaign for a statutory Public Inquiry to investigate failings in the cervical screening programme in Northern Ireland which resulted in a review of over 17,000 women's smear tests.
• Hickson Commission: Representation of an abuse survivor in the Commission of Investigation relating to convicted pedophile Billy Kenneally.