The Inquiry Team

Jason Beer KC is the Head of Chambers of 5 Essex Court and sits as a Deputy High Court Judge (King’s Bench and Chancery Divisions) and as a Recorder of the Crown Court. He has a multi-disciplinary background specialising in public inquiries, inquests, public law and police law. Jason has considerable experience of leading teams of counsel in complex and sensitive investigations and inquiries. Before taking Silk, he was Junior Counsel to the Crown. 

Julian Blake is a barrister at 11 King’s Bench Walk. He is a member of the Attorney General’s ‘A’ Panel of Counsel and has a broad public law, coronial law, and information law practice. Julian began his career prosecuting and defending criminal cases as a member of the criminal chambers 6KBW and has extensive experience in matters concerning private and regulatory prosecutions.

Emma Price is a barrister at 5 Essex Court and a member of the Attorney General’s ‘B’ Panel of Counsel. She specialises in public inquiries, inquests, public law, human rights and civil liberties, information law and personal injury. Emma is particularly experienced in complex, historic investigations and inquiries.

Catriona Hodge is a barrister at 5 Essex Court and a member of the Attorney General’s ‘C’ Panel of Counsel. Her practice encompasses public law, police law, inquests, data protection and human rights. As part of her practice in police law, Catriona has considerable experience of advising on the conduct of criminal and disciplinary investigations. 

Sam Stevens is a barrister at 2 Temple Gardens and a member of the Attorney General’s 'B' Panel of Counsel. He specialises in employment law, human rights and the law relating to professional negligence. He has extensive experience of group litigation, including those cases involving public bodies.

Ruth Kennedy is a barrister at 11 King’s Bench Walk. She is a member of the Attorney General’s 'B' Panel of Counsel. Ruth specialises in all areas of commercial, employment, human rights and public law. She has considerable experience of acting in whistleblowing cases, investigations and large group litigation.

Megan Millar, a barrister at 6KBW College Hill. She is a member of the Attorney General’s 'Junior Junior’ Panel of Counsel. Megan specialises in crime, human rights and public law. She has experience of prosecuting and defending in the Crown Court and of judicial review proceedings, particularly those involving a criminal law element.

Solicitor to the Inquiry

Segun Jide is a Solicitor and worked as a human rights lawyer conducting litigation in immigration and human rights law before joining the Government Legal Department. He has extensive experience of dealing with significant public law cases and Inquiries at the Government Legal Department. Segun is assisted by a team of Inquiry lawyers.

Deputy Solicitor to the Inquiry

Helen Eyre is a Solicitor who has specialised in civil, criminal and asset forfeiture matters, before and on joining the Government Legal Department. She has over twenty years experience across government and non-departmental public bodies, working on novel, significant and high-profile litigation.

Segun and Helen are assisted by a team of Inquiry lawyers.

Leila Pilgrim serves as the Secretary to the Inquiry, working with Sir Wyn Williams to implement his decisions. The secretariat team, led by Leila, takes charge of key responsibilities such as stakeholder engagement, as well as overseeing the administration and logistical operations of the inquiry. Leila is a former barrister and was recognised as a leader in public service in the Women in Westminster: The 100 List 2024.