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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.
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
