Anna is an incisive, compassionate and humane lawyer. She matches high intellectual ability with strength of conviction, and real understanding of a client's trauma.

Overview

Anna Morris KC specialises in inquests and inquiries, civil liberties and human rights and private and public law claims involving public authorities. Anna is recognised as a New Silk by Chambers and Partners, and as a Tier 1 (2023 Silk) by The Legal 500. Anna acts for bereaved families and claimants in private and public law proceedings.

Anna is frequently instructed in high profile and complex public inquiries and inquests and is currently instructed as leading counsel in the Covid 19 Public Inquiry in 3 Modules of the Inquiry, by Covid Bereaved Families for Justice (Modules 2,5 and 6) and by a large number of individuals impacted by the C19 vaccine in Module 4. Anna is also leading counsel acting for INQUEST who are core participants in The Lampard Inquiry into the deaths of inpatients within mental health hospitals in Essex.  Anna has been appointed the North Manchester Coroner as Counsel to the Inquest into the death of a child within the family home.

Inquests & public inquiries

Anna is frequently instructed in high profile and complex public inquiries and inquests and is currently instructed as leading counsel in the Covid 19 Public Inquiry in 3 Modules of the Inquiry, by Covid Bereaved Families for Justice (Modules 2,5 and 6) and by a large number of individuals impacted by the C19 vaccine in Module 4. Anna is also leading counsel acting for INQUEST who are core participants in The Lampard Inquiry into the deaths of inpatients within mental health hospitals in Essex.

As a junior, Anna represented several bereaved families in the Manchester Arena Inquiry. Anna also represented 14 families who lost loved ones at the historic Inquests into the Hillsborough Stadium disaster.

Anna’s inquest practice specialises in complex inquests that engage Article 2 ECHR. A natural jury advocate with extensive experience developed within the criminal and civil courts, Anna frequently represents families in complex multi-agency inquests. These include prison and police related deaths and deaths involving restraint. She has particular expertise in inquests that involve those suffering complex mental health issues, both in state detention, detention under the Mental Health Act 1983 and in the community. Anna has a particular interest in inquests and those involving the deaths of women following their experience of domestic abuse or where the deceased was vulnerable or had complex needs.

Anna also provides specialist advice to families before and after the inquest process in respect of civil claims in damages. She is also experienced in Judicial Review proceedings arising from the inquest process..

Anna, alongside Pete Weatherby KC gave evidence to the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights about Hillsborough Law, the Duty of Candour and legal aid funding (equality of arms) for all families in inquests where the state is involved.

In response to a question from Joanna Cherry MP, Anna explains the importance of legal representation for bereaved families at inquests in relation to the prevention of future deaths and the identification of systemic failings within public bodies.

Anna and Pete explain how a Duty of Candour could reduce length and cost of major public inquiries, increase public safety and prevent future deaths.

Responding to an important question from Joanna Cherry, Pete Weatherby KC explains to the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights how the “backstop” of a criminal offence attached to serious non-disclosure would help enforce a Duty of Candour.

Human rights

Anna specialises in advising and representing Claimants in both civil claims for damages and public law remedies. Anna is recognised as Tier 1 (2023 silks) by The Legal 500 and New Silks in Chambers and Partners in Civil Liberties and Human Rights. 

Anna is the Human Rights Editor of Stones’ Justices’ Manual (Lexis Nexis) and the Author of “The Protest Handbook” (2nd Ed 2020) (Bloomsbury Professional). 

Anna has a particular interest in claims against public authorities on behalf of children and vulnerable adults, including those with mental health issues. Anna works with a number of groups who are survivors of child sexual exploitation and is developing expertise in litigation in this area. 

Anna advises in claims under the Human Rights Act against police forces for their failure to investigate allegations of serious offences or handle sensitive data appropriately in breach of Article 2, 3 and 8 ECHR. 

Anna also specialises in claims against the police and public authorities arising from political demonstrations and incursions on the right to freedom of assembly and freedom of speech, violations of Articles 8, 10 and 11 ECHR.

Civil actions against the police & public authorities

Anna is recognised as one of the leading claimant barristers in the area of police law, and she is ranked as a New Silk in Chambers and Partners. She has particular expertise in claims arising out of protests and demonstrations, and in claims that involve police contact with vulnerable adults and children. Her parallel expertise in inquests that arise following deaths in police or state custody means that she also frequently advises on civil claims under Article 2 ECHR, the right to life. 

Anna has a particular interest in claims against public authorities on behalf of children and vulnerable adults, including those with mental health issues.

Anna also advises legal and campaigning organisations on topics such as mental health and policing and the accountability of police for investigating allegations of child sexual abuse. 

Crime and Protest Rights

Anna began her career at the bar as a criminal defence practitioner and is an experienced Crown Court and Court of Appeal advocate who has represented defendants accused of terrorism, serious drugs importation, multi-million-pound fraud and other serious offences. Anna brings her breadth of knowledge across the civil and public law fields to legal arguments around disclosure, abuse of process and admissibility of evidence.

Anna has a strong reputation for successfully defending protesters accused of committing offences during demonstrations. With her expertise in protest law across the criminal and civil fields, Anna has been involved in a number of significant areas of litigation around political protest and is the co- author of “The Protest Handbook” (2nd Edition 2020) (Bloomsbury Professional).

International

Anna holds a Master of Laws (LLM) in International Law and Human Rights from the University of Nottingham.

Anna has worked as an investigator in Southeast Asia for Reprieve, and worked in both the Philippines and Laos on death penalty investigations before coming to the Bar.

Anna has advised and delivered training on behalf of several international organisations including the UN, the OSCE and Amnesty International.

Anna continues to work with and advise international human rights defenders’ networks. Anna has a particular interest in advocating for the rights of women and girls, particular those that have been subject to sexual abuse or domestic abuse.

Background

Anna holds a Master of Laws (LLM) in International Law and Human Rights from the University of Nottingham. After graduation, Anna worked as a caseworker in a Legal Aid firm in Nottingham, before deciding to become a barrister. Anna was research assistant to Sir Keir Starmer KC when he was in practice at Doughty Street Chambers.

Anna has worked as an investigator in Southeast Asia for Reprieve, and worked in both the Philippines and Laos on death penalty investigations before coming to the Bar.

In 2012/2013 Anna was an Associate Lecturer at Birkbeck College, University of London and convened the Criminal Justice Process module on the BSc in Criminology and Criminal Justice.

Publications and media appearances

Books

  • The Protest Handbook (2 Editions)
  • Human Rights Editor – Stones’ Justices Manual – 2020-2023
  • Blackstone’s Guide to the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008

Evidence to Parliamentary Committees

  • Oral and Written Evidence to Joint Committee on Human Rights on “Hillsborough Law” / Duty of Candor and Equality of Arms in funding for bereaved families at inquests. Read the Committee’s Report here
  • Written Evidence to House of Lords Committee on Inquiries – Read the Committee’s Report here

Anna has written for Westlaw, Lexis Nexis Updates and Inquest Lawyers Magazine, and The Guardian.

Training and Seminars

Anna regularly provides training to solicitors and other barristers on Coronial law and litigation under the Human Rights Act. These include the Legal Action Group and the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers. In 2024 Anna Chaired the Garden Court North Event “Middleton – 20 Years On “[ Link to website piece on Middleton]

Anna has advised and delivered training on behalf of a number of International organisations including the UN, OSCE, Reprieve and Amnesty International.

Memberships

  • Inquest Lawyers Group
  • Police Action Lawyers Group
  • Human Rights Lawyers Association
  • International Bar Association

Privacy Notice

Anna’s Privacy Notice may be viewed by clicking here.

Recommendations

Anna is a fearless advocate, both on her feet and also in her written work, and she is empathetic, sensitive, and compassionate to the families that she works with and fights for them every step of the way. In addition, the way that she deals with witnesses at inquests is professional and calm, ensuring that the relevant and important evidence is obtained from the witnesses in a way that also does not cause them distress.The Legal 500, 2025
Anna is the ultimate professional and she is extremely good with clients and robust with opponents when required. She is extremely knowledgeable of the law and is always able to offer practical solutions.The Legal 500, 2025
Anna is a sensible and highly able advocate who excels in her management of vulnerable witnesses and sensitive material. She is well-organised and rigorous, both in terms of her preparation and examination of witnesses and evidence, and her understated and calm disposition coupled with a very sharp intellect mean that she is the perfect choice for inquests involving vulnerable participants and state agencies.The Legal 500, 2024
Anna Morris stands out from everyone else; she leaves no stone unturned and is often involved in high-profile cases.Chambers and Partners 2023
Anna is an incisive, compassionate and humane lawyer. She matches high intellectual ability with strength of conviction, and real understanding of a client's trauma. She is also tactically aware, and due in part to sitting as an assistant coroner she understands how best to present a case to the court.The Legal 500, 2022
Anna Morris is highlighted by clients for her 'encyclopaedic knowledge of Coronial law that meant she was able to robustly challenge and push back against the Coroner's decision-making every step of the way.The Legal 500 2021 (Inquests and Inquiries)
Anna is an excellent advocate. Her knowledge of the law is exceptional and her drafting skills persuasive. However, her key attribute is her kindness, empathy and her compassion for the families that she represents. These skills combined make her a force to be reckoned with, in this area of law.The Legal 500 2021 (Administrative and Public Law (including Civil Liberties and Human Rights))
She's very methodical and explains things really simply and clearly. Clients feel their expectations are really clearly managed. She is strategic, has in-depth knowledge of her subject, is personable with clients and is respected by coroners and other parties alike.Chambers UK, 2020
Fantastic in multi-agency inquests and always calm, clear and strong.Legal 500, 2020
Her warm, friendly and sympathetic demeanour complements her fierce and no-nonsense approach to advocacy. Chambers UK, 2019
Anna has good court presence... she is reliable and up for a challenge... she is very knowledgeable and is always on the end of the phone.Chambers UK, 2018
One of the few people who can combine huge intellectual prowess with very practical skills.Chambers UK, 2017

 

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