Coroner Careers

Work Environment:

As a coroner (independent judicial officer), you'd investigate the reasons of any violent, sudden or unexpected deaths which are reported.

Being a coroner you'd:

• ensure that all records and procedures are carried out as per the law
• analyze the conditions of all reported-deaths
• determine whether to give order for a post mortem if there are questions regarding the cause of death

• carry out an investigation if the post mortem demonstrates that death was unnatural
• find out the cause of death by inspecting all data, which would often include conversing the issue with the deceased's doctor
• assign assistant and deputy coroners
• generate reports to avoid future-deaths, where suitable
• report the Registrar regarding the death or outcome of the investigation

Qualification, Education and Experience:

Presently, coroners should be entitled doctors, barristers or solicitors with post qualifying experience of minimum 5 years. Some coroners hold qualifications into both medicine and law.

You'd begin as an assistant or deputy coroner. But first, you should find out a coroner to assign you as his/her assistant or deputy. For details regarding offices of regional coroners, check the website of the Coroner's Society of England and Wales.

All recently qualified coroners will require qualifications in law, and coroners will work on full time basis within a national coroner's service. See the website of the Ministry of Justice, for latest details.

Training Details:

Coroners Department of Ministry of Justice would provide the training. Generally, you'd begin as an assistant or deputy coroner and be given training into court procedures and related administration.

You'll also require continuing training to stay updated with alterations in administrative practices, medical procedures and law.

Skills and knowledge:

• the capability to cope with different people comprising the media, police officers and witnesses
• a diplomatic and tactful manner
• precise record-keeping
• the capability to clarify complex medical and legal concepts in a comprehensible manner
• concentration to details
• fine judgment and analytical thinking
• outstanding communication abilities
• the capability to comprehend procedures
• an understanding of regulations and the law

Salary and Other Benefits:

• Depending on the size of area, remunerations can be around £70,000 to £85,000 for a year.
• Deputy coroners are salaried corresponding to the number of cases they undertake.

Working Conditions:

Being a deputy coroner or full time, you'd work from 9 am to 5 pm, on weekdays. Sometimes you may have to work as per on-call Rota apart from standard hours of working.

Though, at present most of coroners work on part time basis, and spend the remaining time working into private legal-practice.

You'd have to voyage between hospitals, crime scenes and courts within the region you cover.

Different Opportunities:

You'd be hired by a regional council within England and Wales, although you'd be answerable to the Ministry of Justice.

Employment openings are generally publicized locally. For information about your nearest office of coroner, visit the website of the Coroner's Society.

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