No5 Barristers’ Chambers is delighted to announce that Ian Brownhill has been appointed Her Majesty’s Assistant Coroner for Kent. Ian was sworn into his new role over the summer by the Senior Coroner, Patricia Harding, at the Archbishop’s Palace in Maidstone. 

Ian, who is the Deputy Head of the public law group at No5, has extensive experience in inquests. In practice, Ian regularly represents interested parties in complex jury inquests, especially those which involve deaths: (i) where there are questions as to a person’s mental health or capacity; (ii) in custody; (iii) related to education or social care settings. In addition, Ian acts in judicial review proceedings related to inquests. 

Philip Rule, Head of the Public Law Group at No5, said: 

“Ian is a fantastic talent and brings great composure, knowledge and skill to his inquest work. He is an excellent and thoroughly deserving choice for HM Assistant Coroner and the county of Kent is very fortunate to have him. Ian has compassion and vivacity that makes him well-suited to the difficult and sensitive tasks of Coronial work. We (and his professional clients) are very pleased that the role allows him to remain in full-time practice in Chambers and that he shall continue to be able to accept instructions in all geographical areas other than Kent”

Ian’s appointment is part-time, he will continue to accept instructions across his practice but no longer will act as counsel in inquests within his coronial jurisdiction in Kent.