Job Details
Job Title: Legal Administrator – Coroner’s Inquests
(Alternative titles: Inquest Administrator / Legal Assistant – Coroner’s Service)
Job Category: Legal
Location: Coroners Court, London Borough of Haringey
Hours: 36 hours per week (Monday–Friday, 9:00am–5:00pm)
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Role Purpose
To provide legal and administrative support to the Senior Coroner and Assistant Coroners in the management of inquests, in accordance with statutory duties. The postholder will work closely with the Inquest Manager to ensure the efficient, lawful, and sensitive handling of inquest processes and related correspondence.
The role requires flexibility to support other areas of the Coroner’s Service when required, following appropriate training.
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Key Responsibilities
• Provide legal and administrative support in relation to inquests, under the direction of the Inquest Manager, Senior Coroner, and Assistant Coroners.
• Act as a point of contact for stakeholders engaging with the Coroner’s Service, including bereaved families, legal representatives, NHS bodies, police, and other public agencies.
• Assist the Inquest Manager with the collation of reports and preparation of case files for inquests.
• Support the administration and management of inquests in line with statutory requirements, including issuing legal notices and responding to requests for information.
• Ensure accurate handling of sensitive and confidential information in accordance with data protection and disclosure legislation.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with internal teams and external stakeholders.
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Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills & Experience
Qualifications
• Relevant degree or equivalent experience
• Administrative or legal qualification (desirable)
Experience
• Proven administrative experience, ideally within a legal or public sector environment
• Experience dealing with complex, sensitive, or distressing matters
• Experience supporting legal claims, litigation, or inquests
• Experience liaising with public sector bodies such as the NHS, Police, or government departments
• Experience working in a claims or litigation environment (desirable)
Knowledge
• Understanding of claims management processes
• Knowledge of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009, particularly inquest procedures
• Basic understanding of the English legal system
• Knowledge of confidentiality, disclosure, and information governance legislation, including:
o Data Protection Act
o Freedom of Information Act
• Awareness of legal complaints handling and risk management procedures
Skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to deal sensitively with a range of stakeholders
• Ability to work independently and use initiative
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail
• Strong IT skills, including document management and report preparation
• Ability to handle complex correspondence and work with figures/statistics
