Catherine Turtle

Catherine is currently instructed as Solicitor to the Essex Mental Health Independent Inquiry. She is further instructed as a Solicitor to an Inquest involving sensitive elements of national security.

Catherine is experienced in overseeing evidential processes and disclosure (including the use of e-disclosure platforms, coding and redaction of material), witness engagement, hearings and challenges brought by way of judicial review.

Prior to joining TLT, Catherine worked for the Government Legal Department for 14 years, working on national security, inquests and inquiries. Within that role, Catherine spent three years at the Undercover Policing Inquiry as Deputy Solicitor. She represented the government in the Inquiry into the death of Alexander Litvinenko and lead on the financial sanctions case over the Iranian Bank Mellat. Catherine was further responsible for the first application made under the Justice and Security Act 2013 for the use of closed material within civil litigation.

Catherine has unique insight into the public sector and understanding the operation of government. Catherine is passionate about training and providing clear, accurate and pragmatic advice to clients navigating inquiries and inquests.

Jurisdiction: England and Wales

Recent experience

Catherine is currently Solicitor to the Essex Mental Health Independent Inquiry. She is further Solicitor to an inquest engaging sensitive issues of national security. Prior to joining TLT Catherine held the post of Deputy Solicitor on the Undercover Policing Inquiry for three years. She advised the Chair on a broad range of strategic and legal issues including privacy, anonymity, special measures and disclosure of sensitive information.  Catherine had oversight of a large disclosure process through an e-disclosure platform, designing, implementing and overseeing a complex Restriction Order process, obtaining and collating witness evidence from 40 witnesses, running a team of 15 staff. Catherine delivered virtual hearings combined with a live hearing room, during the Covid-19 pandemic. Liaising closely with technical suppliers, stakeholders, core participants and colleagues across the Inquiry.

Previously, Catherine specialised in national security litigation. She has experience of asset freeze work, human rights claims, Control Orders, TPIMs, deprivation and exclusions within Special Immigration Appeals Commission, private law damages actions and financial sanctions claims.