Publications

Court-Appointed Qualified Legal Representatives (QLRs): Practice & Procedure is the first comprehensive practitioner handbook devoted exclusively to the court-appointed QLR scheme in England and Wales.

Introduced to prevent the injustice and retraumatisation associated with in-person cross-examination in cases involving allegations of abuse, the QLR scheme now operates as a routine and essential feature of family and civil proceedings. Despite its importance, the statutory purpose, professional boundaries and practical operation of the role have remained widely misunderstood and inconsistently applied.

This authoritative 357-page handbook provides a clear, court-facing account of QLR practice as it operates in reality. Written by an experienced practitioner and Chair of the Association of Qualified Legal Representatives, it explains the statutory framework governing appointment, scope and remuneration, and offers detailed guidance on preparation, advocacy, vulnerable witnesses, hearings, ethics and professional risk.

Designed as a working manual rather than an academic text, the book addresses the recurring operational challenges faced by QLRs and courts alike, including urgent appointments, defective bundles, scope creep, judicial control and evidentially complex hearings conducted under significant pressure. Practical checklists, templates and worked examples support consistent, defensible practice in live appointments.

This publication is an essential resource for court-appointed QLRs, judges, court staff and practitioners working within the statutory scheme.