Press release – October 2026

Specialist inquest solicitor Gemma Vine has achieved Band 1 status in the latest Chambers UK directory rankings for inquests, securing UK-wide top-tier recognition for her high-profile human rights and public inquiry work.

The ranking reflects Gemma’s national reputation for representing bereaved families and vulnerable individuals in complex coronial proceedings and public investigations. Based at the Leeds headquarters of employee-owned law firm Ison Harrison, Gemma has spent years at the forefront of major public interest legal campaigns across the country, predominantly acting in cases centred on mental health services, but also acts on deaths involving armed forces veterans, as well as those involving domestic violence issues.

Among her most prominent campaign achievements, Gemma was instrumental in driving the reform of UK crossbow legislation. Working alongside survivor Laura Sugden following the murder of Shane Gilmer in 2018, Vine spearheaded a multi-year legal and public push that led to government proposals prohibiting crossbow sales and introducing mandatory licensing schemes.

The Band 1 recognition arrives as Ison Harrison cements its position as a leading regional practice handling complex, large-scale public inquiry work. The firm has been appointed as the lead law firm representing hundreds of families and individuals in the statutory TEWV Public Inquiry, examining patient safety, care standards, and systemic failings at Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust.

Commenting on her Band 1 ranking, Gemma Vine, partner at Ison Harrison, said:

“Securing Tier 1 status in Chambers is a significant personal honour, but more importantly, it highlights the strength and dedication of our entire department. Inquest and inquiry work is about fighting for truth, accountability, and long-overdue institutional change for families during their most vulnerable moments. Whether pushing for legislative overhaul on dangerous weapons or ensuring hundreds of voices are heard in major public inquiries, our team remains utterly committed to delivering justice.”

Jonathan Wearing, managing partner at Ison Harrison, added:

“Gemma’s inclusion at the very top of the Chambers rankings is thoroughly deserved. Her relentless advocacy, evident in both her pioneering work on crossbow law reform and her ongoing representation of families, exemplifies the high-calibre legal representation our firm strives to provide.

“As an employee-owned business, every member of our team is directly invested in our culture, practice standards, and service to clients. Gemma’s achievement reflects not only her exceptional personal expertise but also the strength, professionalism, and growing standing of our broader public law and regulatory practice on a national stage.”

In 2022, the firm became one of the first major law firms in the UK to transition to a 100% employee-owned model. Ison Harrison now employs more than 500 staff across Yorkshire and the North West, offering the broadest range of legal expertise and services. The firm was also recently named among the UK’s top ten employers in the “Best Big Places to Work” category by The Sunday Times.

ENDS

Further information about Ison Harrison is available at www.isonharrison.co.uk