Domestic Abuse Advocacy Scheme – register as a qualified legal representative
New Domestic Abuse Act 2021 measures prohibit alleged perpetrators of domestic abuse and their victims from cross-examining each other, with the court appointing legal practitioners to carry out cross-examination.
Under sections 65 and 66 of the Domestic Abuse Act, the court will appoint a qualified legal representative (QLR) to cross-examine relevant witnesses if parties:
- do not have their own legal representative
- are prohibited by the court from cross-examining, due to allegations of domestic abuse
Who can apply
Solicitors and barristers with relevant experience can register for the scheme as qualified legal representatives.
If you're a solicitor, you’ll need to have a current practising certificate and have had training on both:
- advocacy and vulnerable witnesses
- domestic abuse
If you have not undertaken relevant advocacy training, you’ll need to commit to doing so within six months of signing up to the scheme.
To appear in proceedings in the High Court or the civil division of the Court of Appeal, you’ll also need a Higher Rights of Audience qualification.
How the scheme works
View a map of the process (PDF 64 KB), from registering for the scheme to claiming fees.
Download the fee scheme for qualified legal representatives (PDF 396 KB).
If you have any questions, email QLRCross-Exam@justice.gov.uk
How to apply
- Complete the registration form (Word 28 KB)
- Specify which courts you can attend by filling out the excel sheet (28 KB)
- Email QLRCross-Exam@justice.gov.uk, attaching the above
Training for advocates
We run training courses to help solicitor advocates working with children and vulnerable witnesses practise more effectively.