James Down

James is HF‘s Head of Inquests and a Partner at Hempsons.

He is a leading healthcare advocate who represents organisations and individuals in complex and high-profile inquests, public inquiries, investigations, and regulatory matters across the healthcare sector.

James leads Hempsons’ nationally recognised inquest practice and regularly represents clients in some of the most challenging inquests, including deaths involving patients detained under the Mental Health Act and hospital deaths involving complex clinical issues. He frequently appears at Article 2 and jury inquests involving multiple agencies and is known for his calm, strategic approach to sensitive and high-profile matters. He also has significant experience representing clients in public inquiries, including acting for a Core Participant in the Manchester Area Inquiry, and is regularly instructed in matters attracting significant national media interest.

In addition to his inquest work, James is Hempsons’ lead contact for health and safety matters. He advises and represents organisations and individuals facing Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigations and prosecutions, providing strategic advice from the earliest stages of an investigation through to court proceedings where required.

James also advises NHS organisations, healthcare providers and clinicians on regulatory, criminal and governance issues arising from serious incidents, helping clients navigate some of the most serious incidents faced by healthcare organisations while protecting their legal, regulatory and reputational interests.

Main areas of expertise

• Inquests
• Public Inquiries
• Health and safety investigations
• Healthcare regulation
• Serious incident investigations
• Criminal defence

The clients he works with

• NHS Trusts
• NHS Resolution
• Independent healthcare providers
• Medical defence organisations
• Healthcare practitioners