Martin Smith | Fieldfisher
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Professional background

Professional background

I advise public officials and regulators on the proper exercise of their powers, as well as private sector organisations on how to challenge the decision-making of public bodies.
 
I trained as a barrister and have extensive experience of bringing and defending judicial review applications. I have experience of advising clients in the communications, energy and transport sectors on all aspects of public law.
 
I have a particular track record of advising those conducting major public inquiries, inquests and other types of investigation. I led our team of solicitors to the Inquest in to the death of Diana, Princess of Wales and Dodi Al Fayed, the 7/7 London bombings inquests, the Litvinenko Inquiry, the Baha Mousa Inquiry, the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse and the Daniel Morgan Independent Panel. I currently act as the Solicitor to the Covid-19 Inquiry and the Dawn Sturgess Inquiry. I also advise witnesses and organisations on their involvement in inquests, inquiries and other investigations.

Awards & recognition

Awards & recognition

Legal 500
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Legal 500
Administrative and public law
Martin Smith is the pre-eminent name in public inquiries. He is respected by all. He continues to provide flexible and expert support to Chairs of different inquiries, tailoring the service to their different needs.
Legal 500
probably the best and most experienced public inquiry / inquest solicitor around
Chambers and Partners
a fantastic strategist and tactician and one of those extremely meticulous people; his organisational skill is really terrific

Authored pieces

All Resources
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Press Release

Fieldfisher achieves outstanding results in Chambers and Partners 2025 rankings

17.10.2024
European law firm Fieldfisher has improved its position in the Chambers and Partners 2025 rankings. The firm has 11 Band 1 rankings, improved rankings in five areas and 12 new rankings across a range of practice areas in the UK, highlighting the firm’s expertise and commitment to excellence.
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A close-up of an LED screen displays a financial graph with a cityscape in the background. The screen shows a series of dots forming line patterns, representing data. The scene is illuminated with blue and pink lights, giving it a futuristic feel.
Public & Regulatory
Insight

Navigating commercial judicial review: national security and judicial review

06.08.2024
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Two people sit at a table reviewing a document with charts and graphs. One person is holding a pen and gesturing towards the paper, while the other person points with their finger. A laptop and a glass of water are visible in the blurred background.
Public & Regulatory
Insight

Navigating commercial judicial review: consultation challenges

21.05.2024
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Publication

Green Light for Better Implementation of NICE Guidance?

11.10.2012
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What others say…

Legal 500
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Legal 500
Martin Smith is the pre-eminent name in public inquiries. He is respected by all. He continues to provide flexible and expert support to Chairs of different inquiries, tailoring the service to their different needs.
Chambers and Partners
a fantastic strategist and tactician and one of those extremely meticulous people; his organisational skill is really terrific