At SM Legal Services, we take medico-legal compliance seriously. Whether you’re a law firm seeking trusted expert witnesses or a medical professional entering medico-legal work, understanding key compliance requirements is essential for credibility and lawful practice.
ICO Registration and Data Protection
Every medico-legal expert who handles personal or medical data must be registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) as a data controller.
ICO registration demonstrates commitment to GDPR compliance and ensures that sensitive case information is handled securely and transparently.
Our agency also holds ICO registration, protecting all personal data managed during the expert-matching process. We verify that every expert on our panel maintains valid ICO certification before we recommend them.
CPR 35 and the Duty to the Court
Under the Civil Procedure Rules, Part 35 (CPR 35), an expert’s overriding duty is always to the court — not to the party instructing or paying for their opinion. Each medico-legal report must include a Declaration of Impartiality and Statement of Truth, confirming the expert’s independence and understanding of their responsibilities under CPR 35, the Practice Direction, and the Guidance for the Instruction of Experts.
We only recommend experts who understand and uphold these obligations, ensuring every report is robust, impartial, and compliant.
Our Role in Ensuring Compliance
As a trusted medico-legal matching business, we take proactive steps to:
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Vet every expert’s qualifications, ICO registration, and CPR 35 understanding
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Maintain transparent processes for data protection and case management
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Provide educational resources to help experts meet professional standards
By upholding these principles, we ensure confidence and compliance at every stage — from instruction to courtroom.
Work With a Trusted Medico-Legal Partner
If you’re a law firm or insurer seeking CPR 35-compliant experts — or a medical professional looking to expand into medico-legal work — SM Legal Services can help.
Our team ensures every match meets the highest legal and ethical standards.
👉 Contact our compliance team on 0121 352 0517 today to discuss registration or to find the right expert for your case.
www.smlegalservices.co.uk