Ffyon Reilly is part of the Public Law Group at No5 Barristers’ Chambers
Ffyon is developing a broad public law practice including inquests and public inquiries, prison law, and the Court of Protection.
Inquests
Ffyon is regularly instructed to represent the interests of the bereaved family at inquests, arising from a range of contexts.
She has strong medical knowledge, enabling her to handle complex issues in care and treatment. Ffyon undertook a secondment with an NHS trust in its Inquest and Court of Protection legal team.
Ffyon is a member of the Inquest Lawyers Group and Advocate and regularly undertakes pro bono work.
Public Inquiries
Ffyon is instructed by the Government Legal Service in the Covid-19 Inquiry and led the team of JJs during the later stages of module preparation. She has developed strong technical skills in Relativity and can assist with the full range of public inquiry work
Disclosure
In 2024, Ffyon was part of the successful counsel team defending a misfeasance in public office and malicious prosecution action, in respect of a claim for damages in excess of £400 million. The case is believed to have been one of the largest claims brought against HMRC. This involved managing a huge amount of data.
Ffyon can digest voluminous technical evidence, with meticulous preparation, and is known for her ability to work both unled and in teams of all ages and backgrounds. She has acted as security-cleared counsel and has experience as JJ disclosure counsel, advising on legal professional privilege (LPP) and public interest immunity (PII). She has experience in sensitive and complex disclosure exercises involving large volumes of material, including extensive use of Relativity, and designing and documenting the disclosure process.
Prison Law
Ffyon appears regularly before the Parole Board in complex cases including IPP prisoners and public Parole Board hearings. Ffyon is a member of the Association of Prison Lawyers.
Whilst she now practises in public law, she has a multi-disciplinary background and significant experience as a criminal practitioner. She has represented young and vulnerable individuals who live with mental health issues or learning disabilities. She is trained in Advocacy and the Vulnerable. Ffyon is committed to access to justice and will consider pro bono instructions when appropriate.
Ffyon took an extended period away from practice as a Senior Lecturer in Law. She is therefore comfortable on her feet and in writing. Ffyon is ATC accredited, has taught advocacy on the BVS and was an external advocacy assessor to the Crown Prosecution Service. She is published in New Law Journal, Counsel Magazine, FT Publications and contributes biennially to a major law textbook.
Ffyon has a keen interest in access to the bar and volunteers for Bridging the Bar.
