Public inquiries and other investigations are challenging and time-consuming. You need lawyers with experience and knowledge of how the inquiry operates, able to understand the technical evidence, skilled at project management and alert to reputational issues. The expert team at MFMac, ranked for their public inquiries expertise in the independent legal directories, offers all of that.
We work with our clients to create a team which combines the best skills and expertise of our clients and ourselves. With a large team of experienced personnel, we are able to resource these instructions with whatever numbers are required, at the appropriate grades.
Detailed preparation is required, often involving the review of a huge volume of documents. Our IT systems and personnel assist with this, ensuring we deliver an efficient, cost-effective service.
Our solicitors often provide representation at the hearings themselves. Their advocacy skills and knowledge of inquiry proceedings enable us to deliver a first class and seamless service.
We draw on our large litigation team when advice is required on related proceedings, for example civil claims that may arise from the same factual circumstances as a Fatal Accident Inquiry (FAI) or the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry.
We appreciate inquiries can be challenging for our clients. They are time consuming and create risks to reputation, whether you are a core participant, an interested party or a witness. We ensure that all advice takes account of the relevant reputational and wider policy issues.
Our FAI team has advised on Scotland’s most high-profile cases, including the Clutha Bar and Sumburgh helicopter crash FAIs.
We have extensive experience in public inquiries, such as the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry, and regularly support clients throughout proceedings.
Recently, we represented Transport Scotland at local inquiries for the £3bn A9 dualling programme.
To come
Jenny has led on major public inquiries including the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry and the Edinburgh Tram Inquiry, bringing strategic insight and trusted experience to both public bodies and private companies navigating complex regulatory landscapes.
Douglas advises on high-profile public and private inquiries, combining deep procedural knowledge with commercial awareness to support commercial client in managing risk and reputational impact.
Ewan has played a key role in landmark inquiries and investigations, offering clear, pragmatic advice to public sector clients and private companies seeking robust legal support in high-stakes environments.
Public Inquiries are set up to investigate a wide variety of matters, including large scale loss of life, serious health and safety issues, failure in regulation and other events of serious concern.
The court has issued its Determination in a Fatal Accident Inquiry into the death of 10-year-old Shea Ryan on a construction site in July 2020. The Determination analyses the causes of Shea's death in detail and sets out recommendations to help prevent such a tragedy from occurring again. These recommendations will be of interest to the construction industry.
This article is intended to answer some frequently asked questions regarding Fatal Accident Inquiries (FAIs) in Scotland. An FAI is a formal investigation led by a Sheriff to establish the circumstances surrounding a death, with a focus on preventing future fatalities in similar situations. The inquiry is not intended to assign blame but to examine potential safety lapses and systemic issues. This article addresses the various stages of the FAI process.