Association of Qualified Legal Representatives (AQLR) has noted the article published by the Transparency Project on 19 July 2026, describing observations made during a family court hearing involving a Qualified Legal Representative (QLR).
The matters described are concerning. While it would be inappropriate for AQLR to comment on the circumstances of any individual case or on the conduct of any individual practitioner, we recognise that the article raises important questions about the operation of the QLR scheme, the support available to practitioners, and the experience of litigants and the courts.
The role of a Qualified Legal Representative (QLR)—who may be a Solicitor, Barrister or CILEX Advocate appointed by the court—is a unique and demanding one. QLRs are appointed to facilitate fair proceedings where direct cross-examination is prohibited. They operate within a distinct statutory framework and, unlike advocates acting under conventional instructions, are not instructed or retained by a client in the conventional sense. The role nevertheless requires high standards of advocacy, preparation, professionalism and sensitivity, particularly where vulnerable witnesses are involved.
AQLR is committed to promoting those standards. We strive to support practitioners undertaking QLR appointments through training, the sharing of best practice, and constructive engagement with the judiciary, HMCTS, the Ministry of Justice and other stakeholders. We also recognise that the effectiveness of the scheme depends not only on the competence of individual advocates but also on the practical realities of appointment processes, access to papers, administrative support, remuneration, and the wider operational environment in which QLRs are required to work.
Where concerns are raised about the operation of the scheme, they should be considered carefully and constructively. Independent scrutiny and reporting have an important role in improving the administration of justice, and thoughtful feedback from judges, practitioners, court users and legal observers helps identify areas where the system can be strengthened.
AQLR does not seek to minimise the concerns expressed in the article. Equally, it is important that isolated accounts are not taken as representative of the many QLRs who undertake this challenging work with skill, diligence and professionalism, often in demanding circumstances and with limited preparation time.
We remain committed to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to ensure that the QLR scheme continues to develop in a way that promotes fairness, protects vulnerable participants and maintains public confidence in the family justice system. We would welcome continued dialogue about how the scheme can be improved and will continue to contribute constructively to any review of its operation.
Ultimately, every participant in the family justice system should have confidence that proceedings are conducted fairly, efficiently and with appropriate professional standards. That objective is one which AQLR fully supports.
25 July 2026
Association of Qualified Legal Representatives
admin@aqlr.org.uk
01223 867868
