Experienced Public Inquiry Lawyers and Inquest Counsel
Ghahhary Thomas LLP represents governments, institutions, corporations, and individuals in public inquiries and inquests across Canada.
Our lawyers act as experienced public inquiry lawyers, commission counsel, and strategic advisors in high-profile, high-scrutiny proceedings. These matters demand precision, discretion, and disciplined advocacy.
Public inquiries and inquests are not ordinary litigation. They involve public accountability, media scrutiny, and reputational exposure. We guide clients through these proceedings with clarity and control.
Representation in Public Inquiries
We act in government-appointed and commission-led inquiries involving:
- Systemic institutional reviews
- Regulatory and policy failures
- Public safety and security matters
- Health system investigations
- Governance and oversight reviews
- National or provincial public concern proceedings
Our role includes:
- Advising on standing applications
- Managing document production obligations
- Preparing witnesses for examination
- Conducting examinations and cross-examinations
- Drafting written and oral submissions
- Crisis Reputation Risk Management
We protect both legal and reputational interests at every stage.
Coroners’ Inquests
We represent participants in coroners’ inquests and investigative hearings involving:
- Deaths in custody
- Healthcare-related fatalities
- Workplace accidents
- Institutional oversight concerns
- Terrorism and mass casualty events
- Public safety events
Although inquests are fact-finding proceedings, their conclusions often influence civil litigation, regulatory enforcement, policy reform, and public perception. Early and strategic legal advice is critical.
Strategic Advice in High-Profile Proceedings
Public inquiries require more than courtroom skill. They require coordinated institutional strategy.
We assist with:
- Internal risk assessment
- Document strategy and privilege review
- Leadership preparation
- Coordination with communications teams
- Managing parallel regulatory or civil exposure
Our approach is structured, measured, and aligned with long-term institutional objectives.
National Capability. International Advocacy Experience.
The partners of Ghahhary Thomas LLP are internationally recognized barristers with significant experience in complex litigation and public law.
We act across Canadian jurisdictions and, where appropriate, work alongside local counsel to deliver seamless representation.
Clients value our ability to remain disciplined in politically and publicly sensitive environments.
Leadership in Public Inquiries and Inquests
Leila Ghahhary is widely recognized as a leading lawyer in the field of public inquiries and inquests. With more than two decades of experience, she has built an outstanding reputation for acting in complex and high-profile matters of national and international significance. One of the few lawyers in Canada with extensive cross-border experience in this area, Leila brings a distinctive international perspective to sensitive investigations involving governments, public authorities, and major public events.
Representative Experience
- Consistently ranked as a top-tier leading lawyer in Chambers Canada, Chambers & Partners UK Bar, and Legal 500 UK Bar, with over 20 years of experience in public law, public inquiries, and inquests
- Counsel to Canada’s Foreign Interference Inquiry, advising on issues of national importance
- Counsel to the UK Cabinet Office and No.10 Downing Street in the UK COVID-19 Inquiry
- Counsel to bereaved families and victims in the UK Manchester Arena Bombing Inquiry
- Counsel to the UK Gosport Independent Panel Inquiry
- Counsel to the UK Information Commissioner in relation to the Northern Ireland Renewable Heat Incentive Inquiry (“Cash for Ash”)
- Counsel to the Assistant Chief Constable of West Midlands Police in the Hillsborough Inquests
- Representation of government departments, public authorities, corporate entities, and healthcare professionals in complex jury inquests
Why Clients Engage Our Public Inquiry & Inquests
Clients choose Ghahhary Thomas LLP because we provide:
- Clear, direct legal advice
- Strong written and oral advocacy
- Strategic thinking under pressure
- Experience in complex public law disputes
- Discretion in sensitive institutional matters
We prepare thoroughly. We act decisively. We protect our clients’ position throughout the process.
Speak with a Public Inquiry & Inquests Lawyer
If your organization has been called to participate in a public inquiry or inquest, early legal guidance is essential.
Contact Ghahhary Thomas LLP to speak with experienced public inquiry lawyers or inquest counsel about your matter.
