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Preventing criminal solicitors from instructing their own in-house advocates and a statutory ban on referral fees were among government proposals to enhance the quality of criminal defence work.
The consultation, Preserving and enhancing the quality of criminal advocacy, also sought views on introducing a panel scheme for publicly funded criminal defence advocacy, similar to the Crown Prosecution Service’s scheme.
The ministry said the measures seek to address concerns over standards and the operation of the market, and reduce the influence of financial incentives on the choice of advocates and support clients’ rights to make an informed choice.
The payment of referral fees paid by advocates is already banned by the Bar Standards Board, but the Ministry said it had been told by many, including the Bar Council, that such payments are frequently made.
Lord Chancellor Michael Gove said: ‘I hope they will raise quality standards in our criminal defence market, ensure the market works fairly and make the choice of advocate available more transparent.”
The consultation ends on 27 November.
Preventing criminal solicitors from instructing their own in-house advocates and a statutory ban on referral fees were among government proposals to enhance the quality of criminal defence work.
The consultation, Preserving and enhancing the quality of criminal advocacy, also sought views on introducing a panel scheme for publicly funded criminal defence advocacy, similar to the Crown Prosecution Service’s scheme.
The ministry said the measures seek to address concerns over standards and the operation of the market, and reduce the influence of financial incentives on the choice of advocates and support clients’ rights to make an informed choice.
The payment of referral fees paid by advocates is already banned by the Bar Standards Board, but the Ministry said it had been told by many, including the Bar Council, that such payments are frequently made.
Lord Chancellor Michael Gove said: ‘I hope they will raise quality standards in our criminal defence market, ensure the market works fairly and make the choice of advocate available more transparent.”
The consultation ends on 27 November.
Far-ranging month for the Chair of the Bar
Endometriosis Awareness North, a charity raising awareness of endometriosis and supporting those affected across the North of England, has received a £500 boost from AlphaBiolabs via the company’s Giving Back initiative
Marie Law, Director of Toxicology at AlphaBiolabs, examines the most recent data on alcohol misuse in the UK, and the implications for alcohol testing in family proceedings
Clement Cowley, Partner at The Penny Group, explains how tailored financial planning can help barristers take control of their finances and plan with confidence
Marie Law, Director of Toxicology at AlphaBiolabs
A £500 donation from AlphaBiolabs has been made to the leading UK charity tackling international parental child abduction and the movement of children across international borders
Seeing the full picture – Baljit Ubhey OBE outlines the CPS action plan to tackle violence against women and girls, offering insights directly relevant to courtroom practice
Heritage as an anchor and a compass, finding our common humanity and embracing the power of the outsider – Melina Antoniadis’s lessons learnt
Is the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office process fit for purpose? Women barristers’ experiences of bullying are not being reported or, if they are, they are not making it through the system, says Tana Adkin KC
Review by Daniel Barnett
Chair of the Bar reports back
