Gemma Vine, a partner at Leeds law firm Ison Harrison, has been ranked Band 1 for inquests in the latest Chambers UK directory rankings, the top tier of the UK-wide table. The firm announced the ranking on 27 October 2026.
Vine is based at Ison Harrison’s Leeds headquarters. She represents bereaved families and vulnerable people in coronial proceedings and public investigations, mostly in cases centred on mental health services. She also acts on deaths involving armed forces veterans and on cases involving domestic violence.
The crossbow campaign
The firm names her work on crossbow legislation as one of her most prominent campaigns. Following the murder of Shane Gilmer in 2018, Vine worked with survivor Laura Sugden on a legal and public campaign over several years, which the firm says led to government proposals to prohibit crossbow sales and to introduce mandatory licensing schemes.
The TEWV Public Inquiry
Ison Harrison has been appointed lead law firm representing hundreds of families and individuals in the statutory TEWV Public Inquiry. The inquiry is examining patient safety, care standards and systemic failings at Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust.
The firm
Ison Harrison moved to a 100% employee-owned model in 2022 and says it was one of the first major UK law firms to do so. It employs more than 500 staff across Yorkshire and the North West. The Sunday Times has named it among the UK’s top ten employers in its Best Big Places to Work category.
What they said
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.”
He added: “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.”
Another Leeds legal appointment is in our story on Brabners hiring David Cole as a Leeds-based partner. More on the people behind the city’s businesses is in our people section, and the region’s business news is on our home page.