Grace Forbes

Inquests & Public Inquiries

Inquests:

Grace is regularly instructed to represent individuals who have been named as Properly Interested Persons (PIPs) at inquests. She has particular experience in representing medical professionals, including those at risk of criticism.

Grace is able to draw on her substantial experience in criminal law and professional discipline to recognise when an inquest may have implications in either of those fields, and to advise her clients accordingly.

Notable Cases:

Inquest into the Death of P, (representing Dr. A, Dr. M and Dr. L) (2020)

Grace was instructed to represent three doctors at an inquest that lasted a week and attracted substantial media attention. The case involved questioning multiple expert witnesses.

Inquest into the Death of the death of Baby U, (representing Dr. M) (2019)

Grace was instructed to represent a surgeon in an inquest involving the death of a newborn baby. The case involved a potential conflict between Grace’s client and the Trust who had employed them, which required careful handling throughout the hearing.

Inquest in relation to the Manchester Arena Attack (2019)

Grace was instructed to assist with a complex disclosure review in relation to the inquest into the Manchester Arena attack.

Inquest into the Death of H (representing Nurse A) (2018)

Grace was instructed to represent a nurse in an inquest involving the death of a patient who had absconded from a psychiatric hospital. Her client was at risk of serious criticism, a situation which Grace navigated with great care. The inquest lasted two weeks and involved complex legal arguments relating to causation.

Inquiries and Investigations:

Grace also has experience in public inquiries and investigations.

Grace was instructed across multiple strands of IICSA, including in relation to the Child Migration Programme, Rochdale, the Anglican Church and Bishop Peter Ball.

Grace contributed to research into how the criminal justice system handles cases of child sex abuse and was selected by the Inquiry to speak on this issue in a live-streamed seminar. She was also instructed by the Inquiry to assist with complex disclosure exercises involving large volumes of highly sensitive material.

Grace was also instructed for the defence on behalf of a highly successful businessman facing a Serious Fraud Office investigation. The case involved a complex disclosure review involving a large volume of evidence.

Grace also assisted with a sensitive disclosure exercise on behalf of a professional football club in anticipation of a high profile FIFA investigation.