*/
The use of McKenzie Friends is greater than had been thought, according to research showing that the bulk of their work is done outside court
The Study of fee-charging McKenzie Friends and their work in private family law cases, commissioned by the Bar Council and carried out by academics at the Universities of Cardiff and Bristol, showed that very few paid McKenzie Friends seek to represent litigants in court, preferring to offer advice and support before a case goes to court.
Chair of the Bar, Andrew Langdon QC, said instances of them representing clients in court was ‘smaller than many feared’ and should be ‘nipped in the bud’.
But he said their court work ‘represents the tip of the iceberg’ and highlighted the broader issue of people denied legal aid, who have no choice but to turn to McKenzie Friends.
The report found evidence of ‘difficulties’ presented by McKenzie Friends exercising rights of audience and said ‘concerning’ fee issues should be tackled, but it said clients received ‘a great deal of valuable support’ at a ‘relatively low cost’.
Recently Lady Justice Hallett said the term ‘McKenzie Friend’ was inappropriate in the Court of Appeal Criminal Division.
Giving judgment in R v Conaghan and Others [2017] EWCA Crim 597, she said the increase in applicants represented by ‘unqualified third parties’ has led to ‘totally unmeritorious applications’, that have ‘raised’ applicants’ hopes and taken up court time.
The use of McKenzie Friends is greater than had been thought, according to research showing that the bulk of their work is done outside court
The Study of fee-charging McKenzie Friends and their work in private family law cases, commissioned by the Bar Council and carried out by academics at the Universities of Cardiff and Bristol, showed that very few paid McKenzie Friends seek to represent litigants in court, preferring to offer advice and support before a case goes to court.
Chair of the Bar, Andrew Langdon QC, said instances of them representing clients in court was ‘smaller than many feared’ and should be ‘nipped in the bud’.
But he said their court work ‘represents the tip of the iceberg’ and highlighted the broader issue of people denied legal aid, who have no choice but to turn to McKenzie Friends.
The report found evidence of ‘difficulties’ presented by McKenzie Friends exercising rights of audience and said ‘concerning’ fee issues should be tackled, but it said clients received ‘a great deal of valuable support’ at a ‘relatively low cost’.
Recently Lady Justice Hallett said the term ‘McKenzie Friend’ was inappropriate in the Court of Appeal Criminal Division.
Giving judgment in R v Conaghan and Others [2017] EWCA Crim 597, she said the increase in applicants represented by ‘unqualified third parties’ has led to ‘totally unmeritorious applications’, that have ‘raised’ applicants’ hopes and taken up court time.
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
