The INQUEST Lawyers Group (ILG) is a national network of lawyers with specialist expertise in inquests into deaths involving the state. ILG members predominantly represent bereaved families and share INQUEST’s values, including our commitment to ending the harms caused by systems of detention, punishment and state violence.
The ILG is integral to INQUEST’s work. It enables us to connect bereaved families with legal representatives who understand the complexities of contentious deaths and who approach inquests with independence, care and a commitment to justice. Find out how to join.
Why the ILG exists
For over thirty years, ILG members have represented bereaved families in some of the most significant and challenging inquests and inquiries in the UK.
The ILG strengthens INQUEST’s casework, policy and campaigning by bringing together lawyers with extensive experience of inquests into:
- deaths in prison
- deaths in police custody or following police contact
- deaths in immigration detention
- deaths in mental health settings
- major incidents and disasters such as Hillsborough, Marchioness and Grenfell
What the ILG does
The ILG provides a space for lawyers to share expertise, stay informed, and collectively push for change in the post-death investigation system. It supports INQUEST’s campaigning for a fairer inquest process and for legal representation for all bereaved families.
ILG members contribute to policy development, coronial reform, and efforts to improve transparency, accountability and learning after deaths involving the state.
Benefits of ILG membership
- Referrals from INQUEST: relevant cases from our national casework service are directed to ILG members.
- Specialist knowledge-sharing: access to a private and secure ILG email group, with updates on case law,judgments and changes in policy, and practice.
- Access to INQUEST’s expertise: information and advice from INQUEST’s casework and policy teams on inquests, investigations and systemic issues.
- Media support: INQUEST may issue press releases or provide media advice in selected cases.
- Policy influence: opportunities to input into INQUEST’s policy and campaigning work including meetings with the Chief Coroner, PPO, IOPC, Legal Aid Agency and other key bodies.
- Training and events: invitations to ILG trainings and seminars on current issues in inquest law and practice (CPD points available), plus preferential rates for INQUEST training.
Membership criteria
ILG membership is open to:
- individual barristers (including pupils)
- solicitors firms
Members must:
- predominantly represent bereaved families at inquests
- share INQUEST’s objectives and values
Please note:
- We conduct due diligence as part of the application process.
- Barristers’ chambers cannot join, but individual barristers can.
- Senior coroners cannot be members of the ILG but the Chief Coroner has confirmed that assistant coroners may be members of ILG.
- The ILG operates on trust and professional judgement. Members must inform INQUEST if their practice changes and they feel they no longer meet the membership criteria.
Make a Donation
Every year, INQUEST supports hundreds of families bereaved by deaths involving the state. We are independent of government and entirely reliant on grants and donations to continue our vital work.
Support us and bereaved families in the fight for truth, justice and accountability by becoming a regular donor today.