Frequently Asked Questions relating to Legal Representation in the UK Covid Inquiry

Q. Why is it important that I individually instruct legal representation?

A. It is possible that the Inquiry will not formally recognise the ‘Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice’ as a Core Participant. This is why it is important that the bereaved come together as individuals in a legal sense to ensure strength in numbers and are a prominent voice in the process.

Q. Do I have to instruct Broudie Jackson Canter?

A. No, you have the right to instruct whomever you want but our experience of major inquests and inquiries shows that it’s best to have a single point of representation for the bereaved if possible, minimising severe distraction and maximising the group’s participation.

Q. What should I do next?

A. Once you have instructed lawyers, if you are a member of Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice please continue to recommend other bereaved families join the group to maximise the impact of the bereaved by acting with one voice. If you are not a member, we recommend you consider joining by visiting the following website to find out more - https://www.covidfamiliesforjustice.org/.

Q. What can we as individuals do to support the work of the legal team?

A. You can help in two ways 1. On the legal front and 2. On the non-legal front. On the legal front, we would encourage you to write down your recollections of what happened as soon as you feel comfortable doing so. The sooner you do this, the more accurate your recollections are likely to be. That said, we realise how upsetting that process can be and only you can decide when the best time is for you to recall and document what happened to your family. On the non-legal front, you may be able to assist the Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice group by playing a part in that group. Although we are liaising with and supporting the group we, the lawyers, are not coordinating the campaign of the group so any assistance you can provide on that front has to be through them.