News

Secret legal service?
There has been a “disturbing reduction” in the take-up of legal aid cases in civil law, says the Legal Action Group. Figures obtained from the Legal Aid Agency for the first quarter of the current year (2013/14) show that 3,866 fewer people than predicted received civil legal aid – a total shortfall of 52%, with the lowest shortfall in education law at 12% and the highest in discrimination law at 77%. 

Commencing pupillage
All pupils commencing pupillage from 1 September 2013 must register their pupillage by completing a 2013-2014 pupillage registration form. They are also asked to complete a confi dential survey – via http://svy.mk/16Xf556 – the results of which help the Bar Standards Board (BSB) monitor access to the legal profession. 

Regulation
The Legal Services Board (LSB) has “served its purpose” in kick-starting change and a sunset clause for its abolition should be enacted, says the Bar Standards Board. 

In its response to the Ministry of Justice’s call for evidence on the legal services statutory framework, the BSB noted an “incorrect balance” between “LSB prescription and front line regulator discretion”. It wants the LSB role stripped from the Legal Services Act 2007 entirely, or a new standalone, simplified Act introduced. 

Legal aid
Savage fee cuts could be the kiss of death for an independent and diverse Bar despite concessions, say criminal barristers. 

The compromise criminal legal aid settlement unveiled on 5 September prompted concerns at consultative ‘kite-flying’. Price competitive tendering (PCT) has been scrapped in favour of a procurement model based on quality and capacity, following a deal cut with the Law Society over the summer. 

Profession
More practitioners than ever before are considering a judicial career, according to research on barriers to judicial appointment. 

A survey completed by over 4,000 solicitors, barristers and chartered legal executive eligible for appointment found that 46% had considered applying for office, a significant increase since previous research in 2008 (32%). Forty-three per cent saw being a judge as part of their career path (up from 28%); and 73% thought they had the right skills and experience. 

Numerous practising restrictions will soon be lifted after the Legal Services Board approved the new Bar Standards Board (BSB) Code of Conduct for barristers. 

The Pupils’ Helpline provides confidential advice and support to members of the Bar currently undertaking pupillage. The Helpline puts them in touch with an experienced and independent barrister who can help with problems encountered during pupillage. 

The Bar Standards Board will shortly be looking for new committee members to contribute to its work. 

Many of the committees have vacancies for barrister members including the Professional Conduct and Qualifications Committees. The PCC particularly needs barristers with expertise in Family and Immigration Law as well as people with an interest or experience in entity regulation and other regulatory bodies. 

This November the Bar Standards Board will be hosting a series of ‘roadshows’ across the country for barristers who would like to learn more about the new Handbook and what it means for them in practice. Find out more at: https://www.barstandardsboard. org.uk/handbook. The dates are: 

The QASA Handbook sets out everything advocates need to know about QASA. Advocates can use the Handbook to work out the QASA level at which they should register. The QASA Handbook is available to download from: https://www.barstandardsboard.org.uk/qasa 

QASA podcast: available to stream here: http://bit.ly/17OJiWX