Oliver Carlyon

Overview

I am a partner specialising in inquests, public inquiries, investigations and regulatory risk, with nearly 20 years’ experience advising organisations on complex, high‑profile and sensitive matters.

I act for corporates, public bodies and technology companies, helping them manage investigative scrutiny, engage with regulators, and protect their legal and reputational position. I am particularly experienced in Article 2 inquests, statutory public inquiries and health and safety related investigations.

A distinctive feature of my practice is that I regularly advise inquiry Chairs, panels and Coroners on the conduct of investigations. This includes advising on procedure, scope, fairness, evidence management and hearing strategy in complex and high‑profile cases. This experience gives me a detailed understanding of how investigative decision‑makers assess evidence and reach conclusions, which I use to help clients prepare effectively and engage constructively with investigative bodies.

Inquests and Public Inquiries

I have acted in many of the UK’s most significant inquests and public inquiries, often involving multiple interested persons, intense public scrutiny and complex factual and legal issues. My work includes:

• • Advising organisations facing Article 2 inquests
  • Representing clients in statutory public inquiries
  • Advising inquiry Chairs and Coroners on investigative process
  • Managing disclosure, witness evidence and expert issues
  • Advising on reputational risk and media sensitivity

I am known for providing calm, strategic and practical advice throughout investigations that are legally demanding and emotionally challenging.

Online Safety and Technology Regulation

I also have a growing specialism in online safety, platform regulation and digital risk. I advise global technology companies on regulatory obligations arising under the Online Safety Act, including governance, compliance frameworks and engagement with regulators.

My work includes advising clients in relation to sensitive inquests connected to online harms, as well as providing strategic support on how online safety issues are addressed within investigative and regulatory processes.

Representative matters include:

• • The inquests into the London Bombings of 7 July 2005
  • The Lakanal House Fire inquests
  • The Hillsborough Stadium Disaster inquests
  • The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse
  • The Grenfell Tower Inquiry (supporting the London Fire Brigade)
  • The inquests into the deaths of Anthony Walgate, Gabriel Kovari, Daniel Whitworth and Jack Taylor
  • The Brook House Inquiry
  • The UK Covid‑19 Inquiry
  • The Horizon IT Public Inquiry (acting for the Post Office)