*/
SPEAKING at two fringe meetings at the Conservative Party Conference in Birmingham, the Chairman-Elect of the Bar Council, Peter Lodder QC, stressed the importance of the legal profession working with Government to maintain access to justice, despite forthcoming budget cuts.
He also called on the Government to ensure that any reforms to the legal aid system maintain high quality representation for all those eligible to receive it, particularly the most vulnerable members of society. Peter Lodder QC addressed delegates at a fringe meeting, co-hosted with the Society of Conservative Lawyers, on Access to Justice in an Age of Austerity. He also spoke at a separate
meeting, hosted by Policy Exchange, on the reform of the Legal Aid system. Jonathan Djanogly MP, the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in the Ministry of Justice, joined the speaking panel at both meetings.
Peter Lodder QC, Chairman-Elect of the Bar Council, said:
“It is abundantly clear that tough times lie ahead for the justice system, as the Ministry of Justice looks for £2bn of savings. The Bar and the wider legal profession will work with the Government, both to identify savings, be that by the simplification of laws, or taking a more rational approach to drug law or sentencing. But we must also educate Government on the potential unintended consequences that particular cuts may have. For example, a reduction in the quality of representation in criminal cases can increase the costs of cases, prolong trials and lead to more appeals as well as increase the risk of miscarriages of justice.”
On reform of legal aid, he said:
“The legal aid system, which last year marked its 60th anniversary as a front line service, is under considerable scrutiny and like other public services faces huge financial pressure. However, it remains a vital safety net both for society’s most disadvantaged and vulnerable as well as for hardworking members of society who deserve professional assistance in a time of great need. The Bar has embarked on
a change programme to adapt its working practices and business models to prepare for the expected changes which are likely to result from the Comprehensive Spending Review.
In return the Bar is looking to the Government to ensure that all service providers can offer their services to the public on a level playing field. The fundamental principles which underpin the system must be safeguarded for the future and not sacrificed on the altar of short-term savings.”
He also called on the Government to ensure that any reforms to the legal aid system maintain high quality representation for all those eligible to receive it, particularly the most vulnerable members of society. Peter Lodder QC addressed delegates at a fringe meeting, co-hosted with the Society of Conservative Lawyers, on Access to Justice in an Age of Austerity. He also spoke at a separate
meeting, hosted by Policy Exchange, on the reform of the Legal Aid system. Jonathan Djanogly MP, the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in the Ministry of Justice, joined the speaking panel at both meetings.
Peter Lodder QC, Chairman-Elect of the Bar Council, said:
“It is abundantly clear that tough times lie ahead for the justice system, as the Ministry of Justice looks for £2bn of savings. The Bar and the wider legal profession will work with the Government, both to identify savings, be that by the simplification of laws, or taking a more rational approach to drug law or sentencing. But we must also educate Government on the potential unintended consequences that particular cuts may have. For example, a reduction in the quality of representation in criminal cases can increase the costs of cases, prolong trials and lead to more appeals as well as increase the risk of miscarriages of justice.”
On reform of legal aid, he said:
“The legal aid system, which last year marked its 60th anniversary as a front line service, is under considerable scrutiny and like other public services faces huge financial pressure. However, it remains a vital safety net both for society’s most disadvantaged and vulnerable as well as for hardworking members of society who deserve professional assistance in a time of great need. The Bar has embarked on
a change programme to adapt its working practices and business models to prepare for the expected changes which are likely to result from the Comprehensive Spending Review.
In return the Bar is looking to the Government to ensure that all service providers can offer their services to the public on a level playing field. The fundamental principles which underpin the system must be safeguarded for the future and not sacrificed on the altar of short-term savings.”
SPEAKING at two fringe meetings at the Conservative Party Conference in Birmingham, the Chairman-Elect of the Bar Council, Peter Lodder QC, stressed the importance of the legal profession working with Government to maintain access to justice, despite forthcoming budget cuts.
Making a move from the Bar to a career in governance: Maria Brookes outlines three good reasons to switch and how to do it
Inés Rivera explains how speech recognition can help barristers create accurate documentation faster
What should barristers be doing on the personal finance front ahead of the end of the tax year on 5 April? Julian Morgan of Fleet Street Wealth answers your questions
Are you ready to embark on this arduous but potentially rewarding journey? Julie Gottlieb of Sherwood PSF Consulting provides a self-examination checklist, hints and tips to help you prepare for a future application
Unlocking your aged debt to augment cash flow in one easy step… By Philip N Bristow of Vector Professions Finance
The journey from a small village in Nepal to international law professor and UN Special Rapporteur for Human Rights: Admas Habteslasie talks to Surya Subedi QC (Hon)
The Westminster Commission on Miscarriages of Justice, set up to revisit the work of the CCRC after 25 years of operation, identified serious issues that risk miscarriages of justice remaining unidentified or unremedied. By Edward Garnier QC Michelle Nelson QC
Unsparing in his criticism, the former Attorney General reflects on recent events in government and his own experience of being chief legal adviser. Interview by Anthony Inglese CB
Sports coaches will be caught by a change in the law that addresses the disparity in treatment for 16- to 17-year-olds, writes Cameron Brown QC
Ins Rivera explains how speech recognition can help barristers create accurate documentation faster
