New guidelines published for legal professionals practising within the Coroners’ Courts
CILEx Regulation has worked with the Bar Standards Board and the Solicitors Regulation Authority to publish new guidance designed to ensure standards for lawyers working in the Coroners’ Courts.
The new guidelines have been introduced in response to concerns about the standards of practice among some lawyers in the Coroner’s Court. In particular, issues about the adversarial approach adopted by some lawyers, and reports from the charity INQUEST on the experience of bereaved families in Coroner’s Court cases.
The Chief Coroner for England and Wales, HHJ Teague QC, said: “It is important that the competencies for lawyers practising in inquests are met. They are important for effective advocacy and reflect the particular and unique challenges lawyers face in inquests. Also, since they helped develop them, coroners will be vigilant in ensuring those before them are meeting the expected standards.”
In developing the resources, the regulators have worked closely with the Chief and Deputy Chief Coroners, practitioners, the Ministry of Justice, and bereaved families. They will also continue to work with these groups to evaluate the impact of the new guidelines and ensure that they are addressing the concerns identified.
More information on the new guidance and competences can be found on our website; Resources for practising in the Coroners’ Court – CILEx Regulation
