Associate Prosecutors: litigation
and advocacy rights
The Institute of Legal Executives is now an approved regulator
for litigation rights for Associate Prosecutors, enabling associate
prosecutors in the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to exercise
litigation and advocacy rights in the Magistrates Courts under the
stewardship of an approved regulator. On 5 April 2010
the House of Lords approved an order previously approved in
the House of Commons.
Ian Watson, Chief Executive of ILEX Professional Standards,
explained: “The Order will permit Associate Prosecutors to be
regulated by a professional body, ILEX, through its regulatory arm
IPS. The Order also makes ILEX an Approved Regulator for litigation
rights generally. I am very pleased by the positive comments made
in both Houses and echo Baroness Hayter who said: “This arrangement
will ensure that the consumer interest is reflected though these
regulatory arrangements.” I am also pleased with the close working
arrangements we have with the CPS which has made this
possible".
Diane Burleigh, Chief Executive of ILEX, added: “ILEX has been
regulating Associate Prosecutors in their capacity as Members of
ILEX for two years. We are delighted that not only have ILEX, and
IPS, received recognition as excellent regulators, but that our
Associate Prosecutors have received the recognition they deserve
for their abilities and dedication. We are also grateful to
colleagues in the Legal Services Board, the Ministry of
Justice and CPS who have supported this process. We see this
development as another contribution that ILEX makes to diversify
the legal profession and provide opportunities for people from all
backgrounds to access a career in law”.
Mike Kennedy, Chief Operating Officer of the CPS, said: “This is
good news for our Associate Prosecutors, and I am confident that
this new arrangement will continue to promote their professional
development. Associate Prosecutors play a crucial role in our
in-house advocacy and this development with ILEX will ensure that
excellent work is recognised where it should be and where
improvement is needed it is carried our swiftly and
effectively”.
Details of the application made by IPS can be found here.