Lawyer in the news

Who? Grainne Barton, 36-year-old clinical negligence specialist and partner at the London office of Cheshire firm Alexander Harris.Why is she in the news? Represents Peter Touche, widower of Laura Touche.

Successfully achieved a judicial review of a coroner's decision not to hold an inquest into the death of Mrs Touche.

She died of a brain haemorrhage in February 1999, eight days after a Caesarian section to deliver twins at the Portland Hospital for Women and Children in London.

Last week the High Court ruled that the coroner's decision not to hold an inquest, because Mrs Touche died of 'natural causes', was unlawful, and ordered an inquest to be held.

This is expected to take place within the next four months.

Proceedings for clinical negligence against the Portland Hospital and the obstetrician and anaesthetist involved are shortly to be issued.Background: Studied law at Brunel University, graduating in 1986.

After Law Society finals at Guildford College of Law, she was articled at BoyesTurner & Burrows in Reading.

Qualified in 1990 and worked at Manchester firm Pannone and Partners until 1999, when she joined Alexander Harris.Route to the case: 'The Times did a feature last year on Alexander Harris's 10th anniversary, and after reading it, Peter Touche contacted our office.'Thoughts on the case: 'I'm pleased that this case has highlighted how difficult it can be for bereaved families to achieve an inquest.

It also illustrates some significant discrepancies between private and NHS care.

There are certain protocols for care in the NHS that don't exist in private hospitals.

It will be alleged that there was a systematic failure at the Portland Hospital, and that this accounts for Laura Touche's death.'Dealing with the media: 'Given the tragic circumstances of the case, the media have handled it sensitively.

My client has been pleased with all the coverage, because it has alertedpeople to a matter from which lessons must be learned.

Some of the cases I've dealt with in the past have received coverage, but this one has attracted particularly intense interest.

Although I was always sceptical about the media, it's taught me that press coverage can be beneficial, and not just intrusive.'

Rowland Byass