The distinguished service of Greater Lincolnshire’s Senior Coroner has been celebrated as he steps down from the role
Paul Smith first joined Lincolnshire's Coroners Service in 2008 and served as Assistant Coroner, Area Coroner and Senior Coroner before being appointed as Greater Lincolnshire’s first ever Senior Coroner in 2024.
Before joining the Coroners Service, he spent 25 years as a solicitor in private practice specialising in civil and personal injury work, assisting thousands of Lincolnshire residents during some of the most challenging times of their lives.
Reflecting on Paul's career, long-term colleague, Jayne Wilkes, Area Coroner for Lincolnshire, said:
“People may look at the role of a coroner and wonder how they can spend their lives investigating sudden or unexplained deaths. But the truth is that behind every death was a life – a fellow resident with families and friends who are grieving.
“Paul understands this, and through his incredible career of public service, has always put the families of the bereaved at the heart of everything he does. Under his leadership, Greater Lincolnshire’s Coroners Service has not only investigated deaths, but also supported those loved ones left behind, providing answers that helped bring peace of mind to so many families.
“On behalf of the Coroners Service I’d like to thank Paul for his extraordinary contribution over so many years. I’m delighted that, after taking a well-earned break, he will continue as an Assistant Coroner, ensuring the county continues to benefit from his vast experience and expertise."
Paul has been succeeded as Senior Coroner for Greater Lincolnshire by Laurinda Bower, who took up the post on 1 September 2026.