Independent Investigations | Fieldfisher
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Independent Investigations

Investigations are rarely one-dimensional which is why our multi-disciplinary and highly experienced Investigations team is well placed to provide our clients with the reassurance of knowing that they will have all angles covered from the outset.

Our unrivalled experience of complex public inquiries and inquests means that we are uniquely placed to provide strategic, reputational and commercial advice to clients commissioning or responding to an investigation.

Why choose our Independent Investigations lawyers?

We understand the complexities of different types of investigations and are experienced in acting for commissioning organisations as well as those under scrutiny. We act for clients across multiple sectors, including energy and extractives, financial services, technology, including online safety, life sciences, FMCG, engineering and transport, logistics, telecoms, healthcare and sport.

Whether a client is looking for a swift and focused review within finite time and financial constraints, or requires a wider-ranging exercise, we can provide support through the process, from initial steps through to the final report and implementation 

Our reputation for running investigations that are fair, procedurally robust and compliant with GDPR requirements can provide confidence in the integrity of the process and outcome. We have particular experience handling sensitive subject matters (including those involving national security considerations) and vulnerable witnesses.

We are also well placed to advise clients on cooperating with independent investigations and related interactions with regulators and other enforcement bodies, and on how to minimise the risk of further legal action.

Our experience includes:

• Advising Lord Dyson on the running of his investigation into how BBC Panorama came to interview Diana, Princess of Wales.

• Providing ongoing investigations advice to a global social media company.

• Acting for a UK regulator in relation to its response to a KC-led investigation into internal failures to comply with regulatory standards. 

• Establishing, and providing advice to, an independent KC-led review in the sports sector.

We are recognised as the leading law firm for providing advice to those conducting public inquiries and significant inquests.

Our experienced team has extensive knowledge across key industries and multiple jurisdictions and can tailor individual teams with the right expertise to the needs of our clients.

We pride ourselves on building strong working relationships and multi-disciplinary teams. We are known for being approachable and providing a "human touch" when working with clients on projects that are often subject to intense pressure and scrutiny.  

Project planning and management is integral to our approach to investigations.  This means that we deliver effective investigations on time, providing flexible resource depending on the requirements of the project. 

Our team understands the wider context in which many investigations take place and is experienced in identifying and advising on the key tactical issues that need to be addressed.

We work together with experts across Fieldfisher to advise on associated issues such as responding to subject access requests or dealing with privacy and personal data issues. 

We make use of technology to ensure that we are able to carry out effective investigations and provide cost management and transparency. 

Where additional resourcing is required, the team can utilise Fieldfisher's Condor Alternative Legal Solutions platform to rapidly scale-up capacity.


We are consistently recognised for our expertise, strategic insights and collaborative approach. We understand that investigations can be disruptive and the importance of being accessible and responsive. 

We support clients by providing strategic direction and pragmatic advice, identifying key risks and pressure points to enable business to continue alongside the investigation. We ensure that interactions with staff or other individuals involved in the investigation are handled with care and sensitivity.  

We bring our extensive public inquiry and inquests experience to our independent investigations work. We are Band 1 ranked in Chambers and Partners 2024 (Public Inquiries) and Tier 1 ranked in Legal 500 2024 (Administrative and Public Law). Our clients have said:

Oliver [Carlyon] is a true team player who gets the very best out of everyone in his team. He manages to combine firmness and ability with a real human touch. He has incredible tactical nous, can spot the points that are really going to be key to the inquiry and he is a dream to work with too.

Public Inquiries

Chambers

Martin [Smith] is the most calm and collected man when dealing with unbelievably large inquiries. He has ability to be the voice of reason when required, is unscrupulously fair and is a delight to work with […] Martin is all over the detail, but has a strategic point of view, which is exactly what you need. He understands how things will play out and he gets the politics. He is brilliant.

Public Inquiries

Chambers

Tim Suter is an excellent team player and is a leading light.

Public Inquiries

Chambers

Matthew Lohn is one of the most strategically minded lawyers I have come across, he is very openly focused on the reputation and the needs of the clients and so he protects and advises them.

Administrative & Public Law

Chambers

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