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“It is unlikely that there will be enough publicly funded criminal case work to support the number of people who wish to earn a living from publicly funded practice at the criminal Bar.
That is a simple economic fact of life”, the Legal Aid Minister, Jonathan Djanogly MP announced during a Westminster Hall debate on 15 September, citing both the rising number of barristers (12,000) and of higher court solicitor advocates (2,500).
In the discussion of “Criminal Bar (Public Funding)” initiated by Geoffrey Cox QC MP, Mr Djanogly stated as well that “a single fee for Crown Court cases covering litigation and advocacy would encourage greater efficiency between litigator and advocate”.
While sympathetic to the need to recognise and protect the diversity of the Bar “the numbers of black, minority ethnic and women barristers are affected by issues other than simply fees”.
He praised the efforts of Nick Green QC, Chairman of the Bar, for “travelling the length and breadth of England and Wales to explain to members of the Bar, face to face, why it is time for the Bar to prepare for change”; “the Bar Council is right to advocate change”. At the same time, “I want a level playing field so that barristers, other advocates and litigators can compete on an equal basis”.
Five MPs who have practised as solicitors or barristers in criminal law took part in the debate. Cox in particular pointed out that a single fee “alone could dramatically increase the ‘competitive imbalance’.”
That is a simple economic fact of life”, the Legal Aid Minister, Jonathan Djanogly MP announced during a Westminster Hall debate on 15 September, citing both the rising number of barristers (12,000) and of higher court solicitor advocates (2,500).
In the discussion of “Criminal Bar (Public Funding)” initiated by Geoffrey Cox QC MP, Mr Djanogly stated as well that “a single fee for Crown Court cases covering litigation and advocacy would encourage greater efficiency between litigator and advocate”.
While sympathetic to the need to recognise and protect the diversity of the Bar “the numbers of black, minority ethnic and women barristers are affected by issues other than simply fees”.
He praised the efforts of Nick Green QC, Chairman of the Bar, for “travelling the length and breadth of England and Wales to explain to members of the Bar, face to face, why it is time for the Bar to prepare for change”; “the Bar Council is right to advocate change”. At the same time, “I want a level playing field so that barristers, other advocates and litigators can compete on an equal basis”.
Five MPs who have practised as solicitors or barristers in criminal law took part in the debate. Cox in particular pointed out that a single fee “alone could dramatically increase the ‘competitive imbalance’.”
“It is unlikely that there will be enough publicly funded criminal case work to support the number of people who wish to earn a living from publicly funded practice at the criminal Bar.
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
