Leanne Woods

Public Inquiries

Leanne has been involved in a number of long-running, high profile public inquiries. She is currently instructed in the Thirlwall Inquiry into events at the Countess of Chester Hospital on behalf of the families of 6 babies who were murdered or harmed by neonatal nurse, Lucy Letby. From 2020 – 2024 Leanne acted for DHSC (and former Ministers and civil servants) in the Infected Blood Inquiry. She also appeared for 3 different healthcare professionals in the public inquiry into hyponatraemia-related paediatric deaths in Northern Ireland.

Leanne is recognised as a ‘Leading Junior’ for Inquests & Public Inquiries by both Chambers & Partners and the Legal 500. Recent editorial includes:

• “Leanne works incredibly hard and has the most impressive memory for facts. She finds arguments that others simply haven’t thought of.” Legal 500 2026
• “Leanne has a great rapport with clients and experts. She is very detail-oriented.” Chambers & Partners 2025
• “Leanne knows the case inside and out.” Chambers & Partners 2025
• “Leanne Woods is a master of the detail.” Chambers & Partners 2025
• “Leanne is very good at spotting the strategic issues.” Chambers & Partners 2025
• “Leanne’s ability to provide clear incisive advice in complex cases is invaluable.  She is trusted by both the clients and the court to navigate through difficult circumstances.” Legal 500 2025

Selected Cases

• Covid Inquiry: Instructed by Department of Trade and Industry on behalf of the former Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.
• Infected blood Inquiry: Acting for the DHSC in this high profile inquiry examining the infection of NHS patients through the use of infected blood and blood products.
• Public inquiry into hyponatraemia-related paediatric deaths in Northern Ireland: Appeared for 3 different healthcare practitioners in a long-running public inquiry in Northern Ireland, investigating the deaths of 5 children in N.I. hospitals.
• Thirlwall Inquiry into events at the Countess of Chester Hospital: instructed on behalf of the families of 6 babies who were murdered or harmed by neonatal nurse, Lucy Letby.