Weightmans LLP houses a capable public inquiry team that has experience with the Covid-19 Inquiry, the Thirlwall Inquiry, and the Undercover Police Inquiry. The practice is led by Martin English in Liverpool. Also located in Liverpool, Jessica Swift is ‘an exceptional advocate’, who focusses on the healthcare sector. Swift provides support to healthcare professional throughout the inquest process. Based in Birmingham, Henry Bermingham has more than two decades of experience advising public bodies on a range of matters.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘They have strong public inquiry knowledge and experience.’

  • ‘Tom Thurlow has outstanding client management skills. He keeps them happy while ensuring that their expectations are managed, and counsel can get on with their tasks.’

  • ‘They are kind, responsive, and have huge experience.’

  • ‘They are brilliant. A one-stop shop for all matters.’

  • ‘They are a very well managed and effective team. They are great to work with and effective in difficult situations.’

  • ‘Martin English has been consistently outstanding. He is always available, responsive, and has a deep knowledge of the relevant material.’
  • Jessica Swift is an exceptional advocate with the skills to be able to give advice in a straightforward and practical way.’
  • ‘They have great industry knowledge and are very responsive.’

Key clients

  • North West Ambulance Service
  • NHS Blood & Transplant
  • Greater Manchester Combined Authority
  • Microbiological Society
  • British Transport Police
  • Association of Directors of Public Health
  • Telford & Wrekin Council
  • East Riding of Yorkshire Council
  • Sheffield City Council
  • Surrey Police
  • Sussex Police
  • Medical Defence Union
  • Medical & Dental Defence Union of Scotland
  • Medical and Dental Indemnity Protection UK
  • Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust
  • Assent Building Control
  • Former executives of Countess of Chester Hospital
  • Liverpool Women’s Hospital
  • Association of Ambulance Chief Executives

Work highlights

  • Representing a cohort of former executives of the hospital involved in the newly established public inquiry investigating the neonatal deaths, which resulted in the conviction and imprisonment of a neonatal nurse.
  • Advised the Microbiology Society on the ongoing UK Covid-19 Public Inquiry.
  • Advised two of the principal Core Participants on the Manchester Arena Inquiry.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Martin English

Other key lawyers

Henry Bermingham, Jessica Swift, Tom Thurlow, Sam Harland