Gemma specialises in public and health law, specifically in medical treatment (Court of Protection), professional regulation, medical devices, child protection (Family Court) and coroner’s inquests.

She has over 20 years’ experience advising clients. Her key clients include NHS organisations, private healthcare companies and commissioners.  

Gemma is a solicitor, an advocate and an Assistant Coroner. 

Relevant experience includes:

• Advising on the highest profile mass fatality Inquests, or those including a Major Incident or terrorism including; The London 7/7 Bombings inquests, Lakanal House Fire inquests (in Camberwell), the Ian Tomlinson (G20 protest) inquest, and the Sudesh Amman Inquest.
• Lead advocate for the London Ambulance Service in the Fishmonger’s Hall and London Bridge inquests (2021).
• Acting as Solicitor to the Senior Coroner in complex or historic inquests, often after judicial review. Gemma has assisted in ensuring that each re-hearing has been completed successfully, without further appeal.
• Advising the NHS on the investigations into Jimmy Savile, and investigations into healthcare-related homicides and serious incidents.
• Court of Protection hearings including obtaining Orders for medical treatment (blood transfusion, surgery, amputation, caesarean sections, withdrawing life sustaining treatment), and Deprivation of Liberty (DoLS). Gemma works collaboratively with parties, to reach solutions without the need for a court application where appropriate.
• Advising Care Homes, healthcare providers and individual doctors on CQC and criminal investigations into corporate manslaughter and gross negligence manslaughter including in relation to legionella, falls from windows, and deaths after surgical procedures or medication.

Gemma is recognised by Chambers and Partners 2022 as;

“is particularly active in inquests and fatal injury claims concerning negligently performed surgery and mental healthcare. "Gemma Brannigan is very helpful, knowledgeable and always very responsive."

“attracts significant praise due to her experience handling sensitive inquests and police investigations. She frequently represents NHS trusts and care home providers. "She's very attentive, responsive and really knowledgeable. She really understands our concerns and our ethos and tailors her advice accordingly."