extremely

client-

focused,

dynamic

and

professional"

Legal 500

Benjamin Hay

Benjamin Hay

Profile

Since 2009, Benjamin Hay's practice has been dominated by instructions on high profile inquiries and inquests which are fact-intensive, politically sensitive and often given rise to legal complexities; including acting as junior counsel to the Inquests into the London Bombings of 7th July 2005. In addition Benjamin has retained a healthy employment and personal injury practice and, as a junior counsel to the Crown (C Panel), he regularly acts on behalf of government departments in an array of fields.

Education

BVC: Inns of Court School of Law (Outstanding, 2nd in order of Merit)

PgDL: BPP, London (Distinction, 1st in order of Merit)

MA Hons: Cambridge University, Robinson College (First Class, History)

Scholarships and Awards

  • Baron Dr. Ver Heyden de Lancy Prize (Middle Temple, 2004)
  • The Scarman Scholarship (Inns of Court School of Law, 2004)
  • The Diplock Scholarship (Middle Temple, 2003)
  • Harmsworth Entrance Exhibition (Middle Temple, 2003)
  • Robinson College Titular Scholarship (2000)
  • Robinson College Prize (2000)

 

Notable Cases

  • Inquests into the London Bombings of 7 July 2005: Counsel to the Inquests (led by Hugo Keith QC) into the 56 deaths caused by the terrorist bombs on London's transport system, presided over by Lady Justice Hallett. 
  • R (Home Secretary) v HM Coroner for Inner West London [2010] EWHC 3098 (Admin): Whether a coroner has the power to exclude interested persons and their legal representatives from proceedings in the interests of national security. 
  • Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust Inquiry: Inquiry into the care provided by Mid Staffordshire Foundation Trust from 2005 - 2009. Acting as Counsel to the Inquiry (led by Keith Morton QC) chaired by Robert Francis QC.
  • The Nimrod Review: Inquiry into the loss of the Nimrod MR2 in Afghanistan in September 2006. Acting as Counsel (led by Robin Tam QC) to two top ranking RAF officers. 
  • The Office of Government Commerce v the Information Commissioner: Appeal to the Information Tribunal concerning disclosure of reviews of the Home Office's Identity Card programme pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act 2000.