Mary Smith is a senior lawyer specialising in claimant-only inquests, human rights and public law, known for relentless scrutiny of State power and for holding public bodies to account where serious failures have been hidden or denied. She has nearly 20 years' experience supporting individuals, families and communities affected by grave failures by the State and other public bodies, including the NHS, regulators and government departments.
Mary is particularly recognised for her work on complex cases involving systemic failings, unlawful decision-making and institutional "cover-ups", including failures in care, investigation, transparency and accountability.
Her work frequently engages Articles 2, 3 and 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights. She advises claimants through inquests, judicial review proceedings and associated regulatory and investigatory processes, helping them to challenge official narratives, expose what went wrong, and press for learning and lasting change.
Her work has contributed to policy development and sector-wide learning through her casework and roles including Trustee of AvMA (Action Against Medical Accidents), membership of the Harmed Patients Alliance Advisory Group, delivering a keynote address at the Westminster Health Forum, and contributing to the APIL Personal Injury Guide and the LexisNexis UK Editorial Board for Clinical Negligence and Personal Injury.
Mary believes passionately in ensuring people have a voice, are treated fairly, and that lessons are learned from past mistakes.
Outside work, Mary values time with her family, immersing herself in the valleys, mountains, and community of her native Wales.
