Legal teams are involved in all stages of a public inquiry. Dr Wilcox will appoint a solicitor to the inquiry who will play a key role in the development of the terms of reference, amassing and assessing evidence, taking statements from witnesses, coordinating the hearings and drafting the final report.

Dr Wilcox and his panel will also be advised by counsel to the inquiry. This role is typically filled by a senior barrister, supported by a team of juniors. Their remit is to check that the panel operates within the terms of reference and to question witnesses who provide oral evidence at inquiry hearings. Counsel to the inquiry will be responsible for asking questions of witnesses at the hearings. The hearings’ focus are to be fact-finding investigations, not adversarial. Though, somewhat understandably, there will no doubt be a strength of feeling in the hearing room.

Core participants and key witnesses may also instruct their own legal teams to advise them of their rights and obligations throughout.