*/
Legal Aid
The Council of Her Majesty’s Circuit Judges has submitted a stinging response to the Transforming legal aid consultation, questioning the evidence base of its “bald assertions” and criticising the short period of consultation.
The largest group of salaried judiciary said they were “deeply concerned that representation through legal aid is already not available to many” in the civil and family courts and that “in the future many accused of serious criminal offences will face trial without the proper protection of competent and appropriately resourced lawyers”.
Former Court of Appeal Judge Sir Anthony Hooper QC has also been vocal on his opposition to the proposed reforms. On BBC Radio 4’s Today programme on 4 June, Sir Anthony, who retired last year, warned of the impact of “government allocated providers” on quality: “Someone will turn up at the door and say ‘I’m representing you. And by the way, I’m employed by the following company’.” Conservative MP and barrister Bob Neill retorted: “I’m afraid it’s a little bit snobbish of Sir Anthony to talk about corporate providers and so on, at the end of the day everybody who comes through that system will have to pass a quality mark.” Sir Anthony, however, described the proposed quality assurance scheme as “gobbledygook”.
The largest group of salaried judiciary said they were “deeply concerned that representation through legal aid is already not available to many” in the civil and family courts and that “in the future many accused of serious criminal offences will face trial without the proper protection of competent and appropriately resourced lawyers”.
Former Court of Appeal Judge Sir Anthony Hooper QC has also been vocal on his opposition to the proposed reforms. On BBC Radio 4’s Today programme on 4 June, Sir Anthony, who retired last year, warned of the impact of “government allocated providers” on quality: “Someone will turn up at the door and say ‘I’m representing you. And by the way, I’m employed by the following company’.” Conservative MP and barrister Bob Neill retorted: “I’m afraid it’s a little bit snobbish of Sir Anthony to talk about corporate providers and so on, at the end of the day everybody who comes through that system will have to pass a quality mark.” Sir Anthony, however, described the proposed quality assurance scheme as “gobbledygook”.
Legal Aid
The Council of Her Majesty’s Circuit Judges has submitted a stinging response to the Transforming legal aid consultation, questioning the evidence base of its “bald assertions” and criticising the short period of consultation.
On both fronts – representing the Bar’s interests and protecting the rule of law
Ashley Hodgkinson looks at drug testing methods and some of the most common ways people try to cheat a drug test
Clerksroom Chambers has recruited Matthew Wildish from 3 Paper Buildings (3PB) to a newly created position of Director of Clerking. Matthew joined the team at Clerksroom on 1 June
... have you seen through yours? asks Julian Morgan
Opportunity for female sopranos/contraltos in secondary education, or who have recently finished secondary education but have not yet begun tertiary education. Eligibility includes children of members of the Bar
Fear of the collection and test process is a common factor among clients, especially among vulnerable adults in complex family law cases. Cansford Laboratories shares some tips to help the testing process run as smoothly as possible
Clerksroom Chambers has recruited Matthew Wildish from 3 Paper Buildings (3PB) to a newly created position of Director of Clerking. Matthew joined the team at Clerksroom on 1 June
In this tale of hope, success really has been the best revenge! A difficult journey teaches Rehana Azib QC invaluable lessons along the way
This article is not designed to offend the Judiciary but the quiet word has only taken us so far it is time concerns were recorded formally, says the first set to introduce an external bullying policy By Eleanor Laws QC, Oliver Mosley and Kyan Pucks
Having represented many Davids against many Goliaths over a 30+year career at the publicly funded Bar, renowned silk Professor Leslie Thomas QC critically assesses what the Human Rights Act currently under challenge has done for coronial law and equality of arms
The Chief Inspector of the CPS knows first-hand the difficulties prosecutors face but is no pushover. He talks to Anthony Inglese CB about Operation Soteria, putting victims and cooperation at the heart of criminal justice reform, and his unique and life-changing career prosecuting the crime of all crimes, genocide