A solicitor at Yorkshire law firm Ison Harrison has received a top national ranking for her work representing bereaved families.
Gemma Vine, a partner based at the firm’s Leeds headquarters, has achieved Band 1 status for inquests in the latest Chambers UK directory.
Her work focuses predominantly on cases involving mental health services, alongside deaths involving armed forces veterans and domestic violence.
Gemma also worked with crossbow attack survivor Laura Sugden following the murder of Shane Gilmer in 2018, campaigning for tighter controls on the weapons.
The recognition comes as Ison Harrison has been appointed lead law firm representing hundreds of families and individuals in the statutory TEWV Public Inquiry.
The inquiry will examine patient safety, care standards and systemic failings at Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust.
Gemma Vine said:
“Securing Tier 1 status in Chambers is a significant personal honour, but more importantly, it highlights the strength and dedication of our entire department.
“Inquest and inquiry work is about fighting for truth, accountability, and long-overdue institutional change for families during their most vulnerable moments.
“Whether pushing for legislative overhaul on dangerous weapons or ensuring hundreds of voices are heard in major public inquiries, our team remains utterly committed to delivering justice.”
Jonathan Wearing, managing partner at Ison Harrison, said:
“Gemma’s inclusion at the very top of the Chambers rankings is thoroughly deserved.
"Her relentless advocacy, evident in both her pioneering work on crossbow law reform and her ongoing representation of families, exemplifies the high-calibre legal representation our firm strives to provide.
“As an employee-owned business, every member of our team is directly invested in our culture, practice standards, and service to clients.
"Gemma’s achievement reflects not only her exceptional personal expertise but also the strength, professionalism, and growing standing of our broader public law and regulatory practice on a national stage.”
Ison Harrison became fully employee-owned in 2022 and now employs more than 500 staff across Yorkshire and the North West.
The firm was also recently named among the UK’s top ten employers in The Sunday Times’ “Best Big Places to Work” category.
