Skip to content 
If you are training to be a solicitor, you may have heard of public inquiries; but what are they really for, and why should aspiring solicitors or legal professionals care? For that matter, why should we all care?
Public inquiries are official investigations set up by the government to examine events of serious public concern. They are about transparency, accountability, and meaningful change. Often triggered by tragedy, scandal, or institutional failure, inquiries can take years, but when done properly, they shine a light on the truth and offer a path to justice.
What Is a Public Inquiry?
A public inquiry is an independent investigation, usually led by a judge or senior legal figure. It gathers evidence, hears witness testimony, and publishes findings with recommendations. Crucially, inquiries do not assign criminal liability. Instead, they uncover what went wrong, who was responsible, and how to prevent similar events in the future.
When the Law Meets Real Life
Two recent inquiries show just how powerful and necessary these processes can be.
The Grenfell Tower Inquiry
The Grenfell fire was not just a tragedy. It was a devastating failure across multiple systems. As someone currently training to be an on call firefighter, I can say with complete honesty that the Grenfell Inquiry has had a profound and lasting effect on the fire service as well as the family and friends of all concerned. While this inquiry can never bring back the victims, their legacy can bring safety and security for millions of others.
The inquiry officially closed in February this year. 2025. Since then, things have changed. From improved risk assessments and clearer communication protocols to enhanced training and new equipment, I believe lessons have been learned. A great example is the introduction of smoke hoods, now carried by every firefighter. These can be fitted to potential casualties to help lead them to safety faster and with greater protection.
The inquiry has also shone a light on building construction and the use of potentially unsafe materials. It is prompting real change that will make many buildings safer for residents, with the hope of preventing another disaster like Grenfell. It should never have taken such a tragedy, but the inquiry has become a turning point.
The Post Office Horizon Inquiry
I suspect this one like me, makes many people across the UK angry. We are a nation that gets riled up when we see injustice.
Hundreds of sub postmasters were falsely accused and prosecuted due to a flawed IT system. Their reputations, finances, and families were destroyed. These were ordinary people doing their jobs and they were completely abandoned by the system.
The inquiry is finally giving them a voice and exposing just how badly they were failed. It is a reminder of what happens when institutions are trusted without scrutiny. It also shows why we need lawyers who are not afraid to ask difficult questions. Inquiries like this show how the law, even when slow, can still be a force to put things right.
Why Aspiring Solicitors Should Care
Public inquiries offer a powerful insight into how the law responds to systemic problems. For aspiring solicitors and legal professionals, they are a rare opportunity to combine deep legal analysis with real human impact. In short, they also offer valuable job opportunities.
You will encounter:
- Complex legal frameworks
- Sensitive fact finding
- Powerful storytelling
- The chance to serve the public interest
If you are interested in public law, human rights, regulation, or litigation, this is a meaningful space to explore. At Accutrainee, we have had candidates support teams working on a range of inquiries and other major matters. It is challenging work, but deeply rewarding.
How to Get Involved
- Apply to firms or organisations involved in public law or government advisory work
- Look out for paralegal or assistant roles on ongoing inquiries
- Build strong research skills, develop attention to detail, and cultivate resilience
Even if your path leads to commercial law, these skills will serve you well throughout your legal career.
A Final Thought
Public inquiries matter because they give people a voice. They challenge institutions and demand better. Whether it is the families of Grenfell or the victims of the Post Office scandal, these inquiries offer a way to recognise injustice and begin to repair the damage.
If you are starting out in law, do not overlook this space. The work may be difficult. It may be slow. But sometimes, it helps change the world.
Want to explore a legal career that makes a difference?
Accutrainee offers unique training contracts and Accuflex placements across law firms, public bodies, and in house legal teams. We help talented individuals find their path and support change where it matters.
Written by Kevin O’Shea
Talent Manager at Accutrainee
