Public Inquiries

Compass Chambers is a leader in the field of Public Inquiry representation.

Advocates from Compass Chambers regularly provide expert advice and advocacy in this specialist area of practice, in the role of counsel to the inquiry or in representing a wide variety of core participants. Our members are recognised consistently for Public Inquiry work in Chambers UK and in Legal 500. Our advocates are also happy to provide structured and tailored training to litigators working in this area. 

Compass Chambers has core strengths in a number of practice areas which complement our Public Inquiry work. This means our advocates are well-placed to advise not only in relation to Public Inquiry proceedings themselves, but also on associated proceedings, such as damages claims, applications for judicial review, criminal prosecutions, and other forms of regulatory sanction.

Our highly-experienced counsel bring adaptability and strategic thinking to Public Inquiry work, using the latest case management software to prepare and present evidence and submissions to inquiry panels.

Our advocates have been instructed in every public inquiry in Scotland held under the  Inquiries Act 2005 where they have variously appeared as counsel to the inquiry or on behalf of core participants such as duty-holders, public bodies and families of deceased persons. Those inquiries include:

  • The Campbell Inquiry (Fingerprints)
  • The Penrose Inquiry (Contaminated blood)
  • The Vale of Leven Inquiry (Hospital-acquired infection)
  • The Stockline Inquiry (Gas explosion)
  • Edinburgh Tram Inquiry
  • Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry
  • Sheku Bayoh Inquiry
  • Scottish Hospitals Inquiry (Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow / Royal Hospital for Children and Young People and Department of Clinical Neurosciences in Edinburgh)

In addition to acting in Scotland-based inquiries under the Inquiries Act 2005, our members have been instructed in public inquiries with a UK-wide remit, including the Billy Wright Inquiry in Northern Ireland and the current UK-wide Infected Blood Inquiry.

Contact Us

  • Compass Chambers
    Parliament House
    Edinburgh
    EH1 1RF