• 'Tom Kark KC is very professional and courteous. His knowledge and attention to detail are impeccable.' Chambers UK Inquests & Public Inquiries (2026)
  • 'Tom Kark KC is very good. He carries a weight and is a very understated and elegant advocate. He engaged with the jury well and was great on his feet.' Chambers UK Crime (2026)
  • 'He's a very strong individual, a good advocate and nice to work with.' Chambers UK Professional Discipline (2026)
 

Tom Kark KC

Called to the Bar:1982

Silk:2010

  • Overview

    A well-rounded, well-versed silk revered across the full gamut of Chambers’ practice areas. As an advocate he is authoritative, commanding but deeply fair. Tom is currently chairing the Public Inquiry in Northern Ireland into allegations of patient abuse at the Muckamore Abbey Hospital.

    Tom Kark KC's long-standing presence in professional regulation and discipline has naturally evolved into a leading public law practice. Known for his detailed, empathetic approach and ability to master complex material, he has established himself at the forefront of this field. His work initially centred on intricate medical regulatory cases and high-profile judicial reviews but has since broadened to include wider regulatory matters and public inquiries. A pivotal moment in his career was serving as counsel to the Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust Public Inquiry, where he spent two years in a central role, marking him out as one of the most experienced barristers in inquiry work. 

    Tom was appointed by the Minister of Health in Northern Ireland to chair the Muckamore Abbey Hospital Inquiry, which is investigating the abuse of vulnerable patients. His dual expertise in regulatory and criminal matters gives him a sharp understanding of the tensions that can arise where these fields intersect. In 2018, he led a comprehensive review into the Fit and Proper Person Test within the NHS, which involved engaging with a wide spectrum of stakeholders, from MPs and Chief Executives to whistleblowers and patient groups. Several of his recommendations are currently being implemented. 

    Tom's proficiency in handling complexity also lends itself to corporate and financial crime. As former Standing Counsel to HMRC for eight years, he has worked across the full range of financial offences on both sides of the courtroom. In the wider criminal sphere, he is frequently instructed in serious cases and has experience at every level of the legal system, including inquests and public inquiries. His courtroom presence is both authoritative and collaborative. 

    In the regulatory domain, Tom is consistently instructed in demanding and sensitive cases involving leading regulators. He represents and advises from the earliest stages of proceedings through to appeals in the High Court and Supreme Court. His credibility in this space is further evidenced by his role as a legal assessor for bodies such as the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority and the Osteopathic Council. His broad regulatory and public law expertise continues to see him entrusted with some of the most significant inquiries and inquests in the UK. 

    Reviews

    Chambers UK 2026: Professional Discipline – Band 1; Inquests & Public Inquiries – Band 3; Crime - Band 4

    Legal 500 2026: Professional Disciplinary and Regulatory Law - Leading Silk - Tier 2; Inquests and Inquiries - Leading Silk - Tier 4; Crime - Leading Silk - Tier 3 

    'Tom Kark KC is very professional and courteous. His knowledge and attention to detail are impeccable.' Chambers UK Inquests & Public Inquiries (2026)

    'Tom Kark KC is very good. He carries a weight and is a very understated and elegant advocate. He engaged with the jury well and was great on his feet.' Chambers UK Crime (2026)

    'He's a very strong individual, a good advocate and nice to work with.' Chambers UK Professional Discipline (2026)

    'Tom is a thoughtful, analytical and very well-reasoned barrister.' Chambers UK Professional Discipline (2025)

    'Tom is exceptionally diligent in his approach to every case. He is analytical and has real flair as an advocate.' Legal 500 Inquests and Inquiries (2025)

    'Tom is calm and measured in his approach to oral advocacy. He has an attractive style that makes it a pleasure to listen to his submissions. He is also a very good lawyer and can be relied on to identify a good point quickly.' Legal 500 Crime (2024)

    'Tom's experience shines through, evidenced by his excellent decision-making throughout complex proceedings.' Chambers UK Crime (2023)

    'He is a very strong advocate and it is appreciated that he ensures Inquiry material is available and understood by everyone.' Chambers UK Inquest & Public Inquiries (2023)

    'Tom is a star performer. One of the best.' Legal 500 Professional Disciplinary and Regulatory Law (2023)

    ‘Tom has a quiet authority about him. He prepares exceptionally, knows all the detail of a case, is extremely personable, and effectively conveys to clients and juries alike that he is reasonable, has authority, and ultimately can be trusted.‘ Legal 500 Inquests and Inquiries (2023)

    'A highly regarded tactician and advocate.' Chambers UK Crime (2022)

    'Very good with clients.' Chambers UK Professional Discipline (2022)

    'His great skill in his ability to have difficult conversations. He is fantastic to work with.' Chambers UK Inquests & Public Inquiries (2022)

    'Exceptionally knowledgeable and provides well thought through and considered advice.' Chambers UK Crime (2021)

    'Absolutely superb at the interface of professional discipline and criminal matters. He is a fair prosecutor who is very careful, measured and knowledgeable.' Chambers UK Professional Discipline (2021)

    'He's phenomenal. He is so good at investigations and he has a phenomenal work ethic. Both dependable and hard-working. He's an effective advocate and he is incisive in his questioning. He's meticulous, charismatic and very compelling on his feet.' Chambers UK Inquests and Public Inquiries (2021)

    'Tom is a great team player and respects the roles that everybody plays in a prosecution. He has an excellent manner with expert witnesses and bereaved families. He makes sound tactical decisions.' Legal 500 Crime (2021)

    'A sound, efficient and thorough prosecuting counsel.' Legal 500 Professional Disciplinary and Regulatory Law (2021)

    ‘Distinguished, hugely experienced, solutions-focused and a big hit with clients.’ ‘Extremely well versed in professional discipline; he eats, drinks and sleeps this stuff.’ Chambers UK Professional Discipline (2020)

    ‘He has a formidable track record in inquests and inquiries.’ Chambers UK Inquests & Public Inquiries (2020)

    ‘He deals with opponents and challenging points of law with skill, professionalism and calm.’ Legal 500 Crime (2020)

    ‘A consummate professional.’ Legal 500 Professional Disciplinary and Regulatory Law (2020)

    ‘He is a very calm and reassuring barrister who exudes trust.’ Chambers UK Inquests & Public Inquiries (2019)

    ‘An authoritative and commanding advocate who is easy to work with.’ Chambers UK Professional Discipline (2019)

    ‘Often the first choice for high-profile cases.’ Legal 500 Professional Discipline and Regulatory Law (2018)

    ‘He is a very good advocate, very calm, persuasive and really hard-working. He is really focused and diligent.’ ‘As an advocate, he is very fair, considered and articulate.’ Chambers UK Inquests & Public Inquiries (2018)

    ‘A leading silk in the field and a very effective advocate. He is experienced and well versed in regulatory work generally and in GMC work.’ ‘Fantastic for the criminal-disciplinary cross-over.’ Chambers UK Professional Discipline (2018)

    ‘Very thorough in his preparation, he is a supremely hard worker.’ Chambers UK Inquests & Public Inquiries (2017)

    ‘An authoritative and commanding advocate.’ Legal 500 Professional Discipline and Regulatory Law (2017)

    ‘He is incredibly approachable and easy to talk things through with.’ Chambers UK Professional Discipline (2015)

    ‘Tom Kark QC is a very hard worker and delivers on time. He has a very understated and effective delivery as an advocate.’ Chambers UK Inquests & Public Inquiries (2014)

    Appointments

    • Recorder
    • Legal Assessor 
    • Referee under Schedule 3 to the Customs and Excise Management Act (CEMA) 1979
    • Accredited by the Bar Council to provide Public Access

    Professional Memberships

    • Association of Regulatory & Disciplinary Lawyers (ARDL)
    • Bencher of Inner Temple
    • Health & Safety Lawyers' Association (HSLA)

    Education

    • Buckingham University 

        

    Privacy Notice

    Recent Cases

    News

    Articles

  • Corporate and Financial Crime

    Building on his foundations as Standing Counsel to the HMRC, Tom Kark KC has the full arsenal a corporate and financial lawyer wants.

    Overview

    A barrister with a penchant for the complex, Tom’s skill set lends itself effortlessly to the intricacies of corporate and financial crime. Formerly Standing Counsel to the HMRC for eight years, Tom’s career has manoeuvred through the full spectrum of financial crime offences, both for the prosecution and defence.

    Experience 

    As standing Counsel for nearly a decade, Tom was involved in some of the largest fraud prosecutions in the country including the largest diversion fraud ever prosecuted at the time. He has defended those prosecuted for fraud and business crime whether by the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) or other agencies for several decades and his experience covers cases involving a wide range of fraud including mortgages; arbitrage; insider dealing; company fraud; fraud on government funding in the film industry; internal computer misuse; car market manipulation of prices; internal company theft and money laundering.

    Notably Tom has successfully defended in a sanctions-busting case investigated by both UK and USA authorities involving the export of prohibited material to Iran.

    As well as serious fraud and 'white collar crime' Tom has also recently been involved in several gross negligence manslaughter cases and related health and safety offences arising from deaths in the workplace.

    He is a counsel who has a great sense of the big-picture and what to focus on to get the best outcome for the client.

    Notable Cases

    R v Jones (2018)
    Tom Kark QC and Rachna Gokani defended Jones in a private prosecution of a multi-million pound fraud. 

    R v Babamiri, Hawkins & related companies (2014)
    Successful prosecution for gross negligence manslaughter and related health and safety act offences.

    R v S (2012)
    Tom Kark QC and Rachna Gokani instructed by Russell Jones and Walker Solicitors successfully defended a British/Iranian client charged with sanctions busting.

    Reviews 

    'Tom's experience shines through, evidenced by his excellent decision-making throughout complex proceedings.' Chambers UK Crime (2023)

    'A highly regarded tactician and advocate.' Chambers UK (2022)

    'Exceptionally knowledgeable and provides well thought through and considered advice.' Chambers UK (2021)

    'Tom is a great team player and respects the roles that everybody plays in a prosecution. He has an excellent manner with expert witnesses and bereaved families. He makes sound tactical decisions.' Legal 500 (2021)

    ‘Distinguished, hugely experienced, solutions-focused and a big hit with clients.’ Chambers UK (2020)

    ‘He deals with opponents and challenging points of law with skill, professionalism and calm.’ Legal 500 (2020)

    ‘An authoritative and commanding advocate who is easy to work with.’ Chambers UK (2019)

    ‘He is often the first choice for high-profile cases. He is an authoritative and commanding advocate who is easy to work with.’ Chambers UK (2016)

    ‘A very impressive advocate who has an understated manner and is very persuasive in his questioning.’ Chambers UK (2016)

    ‘He has a good sense of the big picture and what the client actually needs.’ Chambers UK (2016)

    ‘He is very personable and great with clients.’ Chambers UK (2015)

    Recent Cases

    News

  • Crime

    A well-respected jury-advocate with over 30 years’ experience, Tom Kark KC impresses with his vast knowledge and authoritative approach.

    Overview

    Tom Kark KC is recognised for his experience across all areas of general crime and associated fields. Frequently instructed to prosecute and defend the most serious of crimes, his career has taken him into niche fields within the sphere, where his knowledge of Customs & Excise, expert evidence, various professions (healthcare amongst others) and their regulations has made him a formidable member of a team and an equally formidable opponent. He has experience at every tier of the criminal legal system from pre-charge to Supreme Court as well as in linked proceedings in other areas of the law such as inquests and public inquiries.

    He is recognised for being a commanding advocate whilst remaining a real team player.

    Experience 

    Tom has extensive experience in general and commercial crime. 

    His three decades of jury trial experience has involved all types of serious crime including murder, manslaughter, death by dangerous driving, rape, offences against children, gun offences, armed robbery, and the importation, manufacture and supply of drugs.

    He is adept at dealing with the full range of homicide cases including gross negligence manslaughter and cases involving Health and Safety Legislation. 

    He has dealt with numerous high level drug importations and diversion cases, including prosecutions for the Serious Organised Crime Agency.

    Tom’s unrivalled experience of professional regulation make him a formidable choice of counsel for cases with criminal charges that have arisen from a professional’s conduct, whether it be a professional in the financial, legal, education or healthcare sector. This experience makes him especially well-placed to continue with matters as they invariably meander through various tribunals and wide-ranging legal sectors.

    Tom is a Recorder with a Serious Sexual Offences ticket; he has exceptional understanding of criminal law and its application in the Courts and is particularly experienced in sexual offences, serious and historic. Tom has particular expertise with vulnerable witnesses and has trained others in the profession on this topic.

    Notable Cases

    R v DP (2021)
    Tom Kark QC and Arabella MacDonald represented a man alleged to have killed a rival drug dealer by shooting him in the head. After a 3 month trial at Teesside Crown Court the client was acquitted of Murder 

    The Shoreham Airshow Disaster (2019)
    Tom Kark QC and Kerry Broome were instructed by the CPS to prosecute Andrew Hill, who was charged with the manslaughter of 11 people when his ex-military jet crashed onto the A27 in Sussex on 22 August 2015.

    R v Kamara & Aka-Kadjo (2018)
    Allegation of murder against two gang members who were accused of stabbing a 17 year old victim with a samurai sword in South London.

    R v Cherrywood Investments Ltd, Mike Holland & Grant Oakes (2017)
    Tom Kark QC and Fraser Coxhill prosecuted the company for health and safety offences and Mike Holland and Grant Oakes for Gross Negligence Manslaughter. 

    R v Weeks & Weeks (2017)
    Operation Mappleton - Counsel for the Crown led by Tom Kark QC and Paul Raudnitz in the prosecution of two brothers for the White Heart manslaughter case.

    R v S & Or's (2016)
    Tom Kark QC prosecutes four in machine gun murder in Harlesden at Central Criminal Court. 

    Reviews

    Legal 500 2026: Crime - Leading Silk - Tier 3 

    Chambers UK 2025: Crime - Band 4

    'Tom has a very calm and authoritative presence.' Chambers UK Crime (2025)

    'Tom is calm and measured in his approach to oral advocacy. He has an attractive style that makes it a pleasure to listen to his submissions. He is also a very good lawyer and can be relied on to identify a good point quickly.' Legal 500 Crime (2024)

    'Tom's experience shines through, evidenced by his excellent decision-making throughout complex proceedings.' Chambers UK Crime (2023)

    'A highly regarded tactician and advocate.' Chambers UK Crime (2022)

    'Exceptionally knowledgeable and provides well thought through and considered advice.' Chambers UK Crime (2021)

    'Tom is a great team player and respects the roles that everybody plays in a prosecution. He has an excellent manner with expert witnesses and bereaved families. He makes sound tactical decisions.' Legal 500 Crime (2021)

    ‘He deals with opponents and challenging points of law with skill, professionalism and calm.’ Legal 500 Crime (2020)

    ‘An authoritative and commanding advocate who is easy to work with.’ Legal 500 Crime (2018)

    ‘He is a very good advocate, very calm, persuasive and really hard-working. He is really focused and diligent.’ Chambers UK (2018)

    ‘Very thorough in his preparation, he is a supremely hard worker.’ Chambers UK (2017)

    ‘An authoritative and commanding advocate.’ Legal 500 (2017)

    ‘He is very personable, good with witnesses and someone who manages juniors really well.’ Chambers UK (2016)

    Recent Cases

    News

  • Regulatory

    A highly respected Silk within the Professional Regulatory field, Tom Kark KC is the first choice for serious and high-profile professional discipline cases; his wide breadth of knowledge in this practice area gives a whole new dynamic to a case.

    Overview

    Tom is highly recommended for complex regulatory cases requiring sensitivity and experience; he has long been the go-to silk in this field.

    He presents and defends in difficult and noteworthy cases for and against leading regulators. He has a sat as a legal assessor for regulators such as the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority and the Osteopathic Council.

    Tom’s experience in this field takes him from advising pre-charge all the way to High Court and Supreme Court appeals. His practice has extended to see him becoming lead counsel for related public inquiries and representing interested persons at inquests.

    Tom was appointed to conduct a review of the effectiveness and operation of the fit and proper person test as it is applied within the NHS. Click here to read the Kark review, and click here to see his appearance before the Parliamentary Health and Social Care Committee. The NHS is currently working on implementing the majority of his recommendations.

    Tom has been appointed by the Minister of Health Northern Ireland to Chair the Muckamore Abbey Hospital Inquiry into abuse of patients with mental disabilities and learning difficulties. This can be seen here. 

    Experience 

    Tom’s practice originated in criminal law, defending white collar fraud cases and prosecuting serious crime. Over the past ten years his practice has focused on Regulatory and Disciplinary law, prosecuting for the General Medical Council and General Dental Council and both prosecuting and defending in many other regulatory tribunals including Chiropractors, Opticians, and Solicitors.

    In 2010 he was appointed Counsel to the public inquiry into the role of the commissioning, supervisory and regulatory bodies in the monitoring of Mid Staffordshire Foundation NHS Trust.

    Tom has presented in complex and noteworthy cases for the General Medical Council, including those of Dr Skinner (overuse of Thyroxine), Dr Barton (Gosport War Memorial Hospital mis-prescribing Diamorphine) and Dr Trossel (using stem cell therapy in the purported treatment of multiple sclerosis). In 2015 Tom presented the case of Dr Waney Squier, a leading baby shaking expert and represented the GMC subsequently on appeal.  

    Tom has also recently appeared in the Court of Appeal on behalf of a nurse for the RCN, on judicial review and on Section 40 Medical Act appeals on behalf of the GMC and in the Supreme Court on behalf of the General Pharmaceutical Council.

    Tom’s experience has placed him at the very top of this area of work; he has incredible experience and takes great care. In October 2019 Tom Kark spoke at the patient safety conference in Westminster, organised by ‘Patient Safety Learning’ and this is the interview which took place immediately afterwards.

    Notable Cases

    Chair of the Muckamore Abbey Hospital Inquiry (2021 – current)
    In 2021 Tom was appointed by the Minister of Health Northern Ireland to Chair the Muckamore Abbey Hospital Inquiry into abuse of patients with mental disabilities and learning difficulties. The Public Inquiry is running in parallel with the largest ever police investigation of patient abuse.This can be seen here.

    The Kark Review (2019)
    Tom Kark QC conducted an independent review for the Minister for Health of how effectively the fit and proper person's test prevents unsuitable staff from being redeployed or re-employed in health and social case settings. The majority of the recommendations are currently being implemented.

    NMC v Doherty (2017)
    Tom Kark QC represented Nurse Doherty in her appeal to the Court of Appeal (Civ) against the decision of the County Court to uphold a refusal to register her.

    Royal Pharmaceutical Council v Khan 2016 (Supreme Court)
    Represented the General Pharmaceutical Council in their appeal to the Supreme Court against a decision of the Inner House of Sessions in Scotland on a matter of significance across the regulatory field. The appeal was won.

    R (on the application of Squier) v the GMC (2015) EWHC 299 (Admin)
    Appeared on behalf of the GMC in an application for judicial review of two decisions of the Fitness to Practise Panel.

    GDC v Radeke (2014)
    Presented the case against a dentist whose patient died within 24 hours of an operation.

    GMC v Mao Aweys (2014)
    Presented the case against this doctor for attempting to arrange female genital mutilation on a patient.

    Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust Public Inquiry (2010 – 2013)
    Led the team of counsel to the public inquiry into the serious failings in care at the Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation trust. The inquiry made 290 recommendations which have had far reaching consequences for patient care in the NHS.

    GDC v Addow (2013)
    Represented the General Dental Council in the striking off of Birmingham dentist Omar Sheikh Mohamed Addow.

    Reviews

    Legal 500 2026: Professional Disciplinary and Regulatory Law - Leading Silk - Tier 2

    Chambers UK 2025: Professional Discipline - Band 1

    'Tom is a thoughtful, analytical and very well-reasoned barrister.' Chambers UK Professional Discipline (2025)

    ‘Tom is a star performer. One of the best.‘ Legal 500 Professional Disciplinary and Regulatory Law (2023)

    'Very good with clients.' Chambers UK Professional Discipline (2022)

    'Absolutely superb at the interface of professional discipline and criminal matters. He is a fair prosecutor who is very careful, measured and knowledgeable.' Chambers UK Professional Discipline (2021)

    'A sound, efficient and thorough prosecuting counsel.' Legal 500 Professional Disciplinary and Regulatory Law (2021)

    ‘Distinguished, hugely experienced, solutions-focused and a big hit with clients.’ ‘Extremely well versed in professional discipline; he eats, drinks and sleeps this stuff.’ Chambers UK Professional Discipline (2020)

    ‘A consummate professional.’ Legal 500 Professional Disciplinary and Regulatory Law (2020)

    ‘An authoritative and commanding advocate who is easy to work with.’ Chambers UK Professional Discipline (2019)

    ‘Often the first choice for high-profile cases.’ Legal 500 Professional Discipline and Regulatory Law (2018)

    ‘A leading silk in the field and a very effective advocate. He is experienced and well versed in regulatory work generally and in GMC work.’ ‘Fantastic for the criminal-disciplinary cross-over.’ Chambers UK Professional Discipline (2018)

    ‘An authoritative and commanding advocate.’ Legal 500 Professional Discipline and Regulatory Law (2017)

    ‘He is incredibly approachable and easy to talk things through with.’ Chambers UK Professional Discipline (2015)

    The Legal 500 - The Clients Guide to Law Firms

    Recent Cases

    News

    • Tom Kark KC to Speak at NHS North West Leadership Festival

      Tom Kark KC of QEB Hollis Whiteman will be joining a panel of experts at the NHS North West Leadership Festival, taking place on Tuesday 7 October 2025 at the Totally Wicked Stadium in St Helens.Hosted by the NHS North West Leadership Academy, the Festiva...

      Read more

    • Government to Enact Tom Kark KC's Key Recommendation on Disbarring NHS Managers for Misconduct

      QEB Hollis Whiteman’s Tom Kark KC acknowledges the Government’s confirmation that legislation will be introduced to enable the disqualification of NHS managers found guilty of serious misconduct—an approach recommended by him in his inde...

      Read more

    • UK Government Adopts Kark Review Recommendation in New NHS 10-Year Plan

      The UK Government has today released a new 10-year plan for the NHS of which one of the central recommendations made by Tom Kark KC of QEB Hollis Whiteman in the 2019 Review of the Fit and Proper Person Test will be implemented.The10 year plan announces:F...

      Read more

    • Tom Kark QC, Chair to the Muckamore Abbey Hospital Inquiry, Issues an Update in Respect of Progress and Planned Hearing Sessions

      Allegations of abuse at Muckamore Abbey Hospital, which is run by the Belfast Trust and located on the outskirts of Antrim, first came to light in 2017.  The Inquiry was set up on the 11th October 2021.Tom Kark QC as Chair of the Inquiry, issued an update...

      Read more

    • Muckamore Abbey Hospital: Public inquiry terms of reference announced. Tom Kark QC Chairs the inquiry.

      The terms of reference for the public inquiry into allegations of abuse at Muckamore Abbey Hospital have been announced by the health minister.Allegations of abuse at Muckamore Abbey Hospital, which is run by the Belfast Trust and located on the outskirts...

      Read more

    • Tom Kark QC, Lydia Barnfather and Jocelyn Ledward shortlisted in the Chambers UK Bar Awards 2021

      We are delighted to announce that three members of chambers have been shortlisted in the Chambers UK Bar awards across the fields of Professional Discipline and Crime.The shortlisting is as follows:Professional Discipline Silk of the Year - Tom Kark QCPro...

      Read more

    • Tom Kark QC Appointed to Chair the Muckamore Public Inquiry

      Chambers is pleased to announce the appointment of Tom Kark QC by the Minister for Health (Northern Ireland) to chair the public inquiry into abuse and failings at Muckamore Abbey Hospital, County Antrim.The allegations surrounding Muckamore Abbey Hospita...

      Read more

    • Tom Kark QC is speaking at the Westminster Health Forum Policy Conference

      Tom Kark QC is speaking at the Westminster Health Forum Policy Conference at the Royal Aeronautical Society on the issues of the NHS People Plan, professional leadership and the Fit and Proper Person Test.The Westminster Health Forum Policy Conference wil...

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    • Tom Kark QC appears before the Health and Social Care Committee

      Tom was invited to appear before the Committee to discuss his review of the NHS’ fit and proper persons test. 

      Read more

    • Tom Kark QC invited to speak at The Health Foundation event marking 50 years of inquiries in the NHS

      Tom took part in a panel discussion on ‘Reflections on NHS inquiries; aims and processes.

      Read more

    • Tom Kark QC speaking at Regulation of Healthcare Professionals Conference 2017

      Tom Kark QC is speaking today at Central Law Training's annual conference on the Regulation of Healthcare Professionals.

      Read more

    • Tom Kark QC and Alexandra Felix represent GMC in Dr Waney Squier's appeal

      Tom and Alexandra represented the GMC at the appeal to the High Court by Dr Squier.

      Read more

    • Tom Kark QC and Alex Felix open case against Dr Waney Squier

      Tom and Alexandra represent the GMC at the MPTS hearing as to the fitness to practice of Dr Waney Squier.

      Read more

    Articles

  • Inquests, Inquiries and Public Law

    A Silk whose recognition in other complex and sensitive fields has propelled him into public law work; Tom Kark KC is known for handling the most challenging of cases with great care and authority.

    Overview

    Tom’s presence in the field of professional regulation and discipline over two decades has naturally propelled him into the arena of public law. His detailed and empathetic approach, ability to master the complex, and careful consideration and application of his knowledge has placed him at the top tier of this work.

    A practice that began with complex medical regulatory cases as well as high-profile judicial reviews of regulators, his work has expanded into regulation and inquiries more widely. Tom’s central role in the public inquiry into the mid Staffordshire NHS Health Trust as counsel to the Inquiry over two years makes him one of the most experienced inquiry specialists in the field.

    He has been appointed by the Minister of Health Northern Ireland to Chair the Muckamore Abbey Hospital Inquiry into abuse of patients with mental disabilities and learning difficulties. This can be seen here. 

    As both a regulatory and complex criminal case specialist Tom has a good understanding of the tensions which can arise between the two fields.

    Tom was appointed to conduct a review of the effectiveness and operation of the fit and proper person test as it is applied within the NHS which required extensive examination and interviewing of the full range of NHS participants from chief executives, service chiefs and MPs to whistleblowers and patient groups.  . Click here to read the Kark review, and click here to see his appearance before the Parliamentary Health and Social Care Committee. 

    In 2021 Tom was appointed by the Minister of Health Northern Ireland to Chair the Muckamore Abbey Hospital Inquiry into abuse of patients with mental disabilities and learning difficulties. The Public Inquiry is running in parallel with the largest ever police investigation of patient abuse.This can be seen here.

    Experience

    Tom has experience of all fields within the practice area of public law. From beginnings as the preferred Silk for complex judicial reviews and public inquiries arising from professional regulation, he has developed a reputation within the field of public law in his own right.

    Sought out to lead the public Inquiry into the role of the commissioning, supervisory and regulatory bodies in the monitoring of Mid Staffordshire Foundation NHS Trust in 2010, Tom continues to act for parties to other public inquiries. Over recent years Tom Kark has led the Kark Review into the Fit and Proper Person Test, acted for the Home Office as a core participant in the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse and headed a highly sensitive internal investigation into allegations of staff misconduct within a Government Body.

    Tom has great experience of inquests. Most notably he has acted for the family of Flight Lieutenant Sean Cunningham, the Red Arrows pilot, accidentally ejected to his death whilst on the tarmac at RAF Scampton. 

    A true team player with a commanding presence, his approach is ideal for this area of work.

    Tom assists Verita with their new independent counsel investigation service.

    Notable Cases

    Chair of the Muckamore Abbey Hospital Inquiry (2021 – current)
    In 2021 Tom was appointed by the Minister of Health Northern Ireland to Chair the Muckamore Abbey Hospital Inquiry into abuse of patients with mental disabilities and learning difficulties. The Public Inquiry is running in parallel with the largest ever police investigation of patient abuse.This can be seen here.

    The Kark Review (2019)
    Tom Kark QC conducted an independent review of how effectively the statutory Fit and Proper Person Test prevents unsuitable staff from being redeployed or re-employed in health and social case settings. The majority of recommendations from ‘The Kark Review’ have been accepted by the Government and are currently being implemented.

    Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (2018)
    Tom Kark QC represents the Home Office in the ongoing inquiry, formerly known as 'The Goddard Inquiry'. Internal Investigation Re: C Confidential Internal Investigation into a Government Body.  Tom Kark QC was recently the Chair of an inquiry which investigated a complaint against a member of  staff

    Internal Investigation Re: C (2018)
    Confidential Internal Investigation for Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Police and Fire Rescue Servicey. Tom Chaired an inquiry which investigated a complaint against a member of staff.

    Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust Public Inquiry (2010 – 2013)
    Tom led the team of counsel to the public inquiry into the serious failings in care at the Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation trust. Sir Robert Francis QC, the Chair of the Inquiry made 290 recommendations which have had far reaching consequences for patient care in the NHS.

    Inquest into the death of Flight Lieutenant Sean Cunningham (2014)
    Represented the family of Red Arrow pilot Flt Lt Sean Cunningham, at the inquest relating to his death after being ejected from his aircraft whilst it was still on the ground.

    Reviews

    Legal 500 2026: Inquests and Inquiries - Leading Silk - Tier 4

    Chambers UK 2025: Inquests & Public Inquiries - Band 2 

    'Tom is a highly experienced, respectful and effective advocate.' Chambers UK Inquests & Inquiries (2025)

    'Tom is exceptionally diligent in his approach to every case. He is analytical and has a real flair as an advocate - calm, measured, yet incisive.' Legal 500 Inquests and Inquiries (2025)

    'He is a very strong advocate and it is appreciated that he ensures Inquiry material is available and understood by everyone.' Chambers UK Inquest & Public Inquiries (2023)

    ‘Tom has a quiet authority about him. He prepares exceptionally, knows all the detail of a case, is extremely personable, and effectively conveys to clients and juries alike that he is reasonable, has authority, and ultimately can be trusted.‘ Legal 500 Inquests and Inquiries (2023)

    'His great skill in his ability to have difficult conversations. He is fantastic to work with.' Chambers UK Inquests & Public Inquiries (2022)

    'He's phenomenal. He is so good at investigations and he has a phenomenal work ethic. Both dependable and hard-working. He's an effective advocate and he is incisive in his questioning. He's meticulous, charismatic and very compelling on his feet.' Chambers UK Inquests and Public Inquiries (2021)

    ‘He has a formidable track record in inquests and inquiries.’ Chambers UK Inquests & Public Inquiries (2020)

    ‘He is a very calm and reassuring barrister who exudes trust.’ Chambers UK Inquests & Public Inquiries (2019)

    ‘He is a very good advocate, very calm, persuasive and really hard-working. He is really focused and diligent.’ ‘As an advocate, he is very fair, considered and articulate.’ Chambers UK Inquests & Public Inquiries (2018)

    ‘Very thorough in his preparation, he is a supremely hard worker.’ Chambers UK Inquests & Public Inquiries (2017)

    ‘Tom Kark QC is a very hard worker and delivers on time. He has a very understated and effective delivery as an advocate.’ Chambers UK Inquests & Public Inquiries (2014)

    Recent Cases

    News

    Articles