Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse appoints Brian Altman QC as new lead counsel

The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse has named Brian Altman QC of 2 Bedford Row as its new lead counsel.

Altman’s appointment follows the departure of Ben Emmerson QC, who resigned last September saying he was not the right person to take the review forward.

Professor Alexis Jay, the Chair of Inquiry, said: “Brian Altman is hugely experienced, having spent 16 years as Treasury Counsel, the last two and a half years of which were as First Senior Treasury Counsel. This is an important appointment for the Inquiry and I look forward to working with Brian as we take forward the work of the Inquiry.”

Commenting on his appointment, Altman (pictured) said: “The Government and the public have set the Inquiry a huge challenge to investigate institutional responses to child sexual abuse in the past, and to report and make recommendations in order to prevent such abuse happening in the future. I am delighted to have been appointed to lead a team of lawyers dedicated to completing the task of the Inquiry. I will work to ensure that the investigations and the public hearings are kept on track in order to deliver the terms of reference of the Inquiry. I look forward to taking up my post.”

The inquiry is holding 13 investigations into a broad range of institutions, including Lambeth Council and Nottinghamshire Councils.