The instruction, which followed a competitive tender process by the Inner London South District Coroner’s Court, will see the firm assume the function of the Coroner’s Office, taking responsibility for the running of the closely-watched and high-profile inquest.
The inquest will begin on the 22 September and last for approximately three months.
The Barlows team is being led by partners David Knapp and John Goodman who will report to the appointed coroner Sir Michael Wright.
The inquest, which will look into the shooting of Brazilian national Jean Charles de Menezes - who was shot on the 22 July, 2005, in
In addition, 6 King’s Bench Walk’s Nicholas Hilliard QC is also advising the coroner.
BLG partner David Knapp commented: “It is unusual that a firm of solicitors will be instructed to assist on a coroner’s inquest, but in a case like this, with a large amount of work involved, including a considerable amount of sensitive documents, it was felt the coroner needed his own legal team.”
Other parties involved in the proceedings are being represented by a number of firms including Kingsley Napsley, for the Metropolitan Commander in charge of the operation. The Menezes family is being represented by Tooks Chambers’ Michael Mansfield QC.