Crime Solicitors

At Duncan Lewis Solicitors, we take immense pride in having supported our clients affected by the Grenfell Tower fire—a disaster that stands as one of the most tragic events in recent UK history. We have been deeply committed to ensuring that the voices of the survivors, the bereaved, and those directly impacted by the fire are heard and that they receive the justice they deserve. Our hope is that the findings of the public inquiry will not only deliver justice for the families who lost loved ones but also lead to the prosecution of those whose actions contributed to this devastating event.

The Grenfell Tower fire of June 14, 2017, remains one of the most devastating tragedies in recent UK history. With the loss of 72 lives and countless others affected, the disaster has prompted an extensive public inquiry, published on September 4, 2024, to understand the causes and prevent future occurrences.

Duncan Lewis Solicitors has played a significant role in supporting and representing core participants, including survivors, the bereaved, and others directly affected by the fire.

Linda Barker and her team represented 10 persons who had lost family members. One client sadly lost six members of his immediate family in the fire. These are clients who were, and still are extremely emotionally vulnerable and required empathy, compassion and great patience.

Our firm was committed to ensuring that the voices of those most affected were heard, providing them with robust legal support throughout the inquiry process. We brought together experts from various legal fields, including criminal defence, public law, housing, and personal injury, to deliver comprehensive representation to our clients.

The core participants represented by Duncan Lewis Solicitors, included survivors of the fire, relatives of the deceased, and other individuals directly involved in or affected by the tragedy. These participants were crucial in providing vital evidence, through both documents and oral testimony, to the Inquiry panel, significantly contributing to the investigation's depth and scope.

The Grenfell Tower Inquiry: Purpose and Scope

The public inquiry, ordered by the Government, was established to investigate events of serious public concern, particularly those involving loss of life. Its primary goals were to determine what happened, how it occurred, and what steps could be taken to prevent similar tragedies. The report, a comprehensive 1,670-page document, provides detailed accounts of the events leading to the fire, the systemic failures, and the culpability of various parties involved in the construction and refurbishment of the tower.

Findings and Consequences of the Inquiry

The Grenfell Tower Inquiry report uncovered shocking levels of negligence and dishonesty among those responsible for the safety of the building. A significant factor in the disaster was the "systemic dishonesty" of manufacturers who sold combustible cladding materials. The report revealed that these companies engaged in deliberate manipulation of testing processes and misrepresented safety data, thereby endangering the lives of the tower's residents. Furthermore, the Inquiry criticised the regulatory system in place at the time, labelling it "seriously defective." The government's failure to actively monitor and address known risks associated with cladding systems was highlighted as a critical oversight. The report noted that successive governments had 26 years to act on these dangers, yet failed to implement necessary safety measures.

One of the most significant recommendations from the report was the establishment of an independent regulatory body to oversee the construction industry. This body would be responsible for regulating construction products, testing, certification, and licensing of contractors, with a focus on higher-risk buildings. Additionally, the Inquiry recommended that the profession of fire engineering be formally recognised and protected by statute, ensuring that only qualified professionals can practice.

Looking Ahead: Delivering Justice and Ensuring Change

In discussing the findings of the inquiry, Duncan Lewis Consultant Linda Barker, who specialises in complex inquiries and public law cases, said:

“We are incredibly proud to have supported our clients who were affected by the Grenfell Tower fire through some of the most challenging circumstances imaginable. We have been inspired by their remarkable bravery and resilience in coping with the aftermath of this tragedy and speaking out about their experiences.

“We sincerely hope that the conclusions in today’s report are the first steps towards delivering justice for the families and implementing the critical changes needed to prevent such horrific tragedies from happening in the future.”

Duncan Lewis Solicitors: Your Partners in Justice

At Duncan Lewis, we are committed to supporting our clients with compassion and dedication. Our award-winning team specialises in areas such as public law, actions against public authorities, and criminal defence, providing comprehensive support throughout each stage of the inquiry process. Our experienced solicitors have a deep understanding of the legal complexities involved and are adept at handling sensitive issues that may arise during an inquiry. We have a proven track record of successfully representing clients in public inquiries, including the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, and ensuring that their voices are heard.

Our inquiry team include lawyers from various departments, including the criminal defence, civil liberties and human rights, public law, and personal injury teams. This breadth of expertise ensures that clients receive the highest standard of advice, assistance, and support throughout their involvement in an inquiry.

Linda Barker is a Consultant Solicitor at Duncan Lewis Solicitors, where she has been a dedicated member since 2012. With over 20 years of experience representing a loyal client base, Linda specialises in a wide range of criminal matters, from shoplifting and fraud to murder and complex fraud investigations. She also is currently involved and heads a team on The Covid Inquiry.

Initially qualifying as a Barrister in 1991, Linda transitioned to becoming a solicitor to engage more directly with clients, traveling across the country to provide hands-on representation. She has extensive experience handling high-profile cases and interacting with the media. Linda's expertise also extends to challenging complex legal issues, such as the law on "Joint Enterprise," which she has contested at the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court. She is also an accredited duty solicitor, qualified to advise and assist clients at police stations.

For advice or assistance, contact Linda at LindaB@duncanlewis.com, or via telephone at 020 3119 0295.

For more information and assistance visit Actions Against Public Authorities, the criminal law defence team or the full Duncan Lewis Solicitors.