Dear Colleagues

 

Criminal Legal aid review

 

As you know in December 2018 , The legal aid minister Lucy Frazer announced a review of criminal legal aid , with a final report up to the end of summer 2020 .  We wrote to her on behalf of the association and she replied inviting us to participate be part of the defence  practitioner advisory panel . Unfortunately we have been unable to publicise details of the panel  , the first meeting of the panel took place on Monday 11th . The committee have asked Greg Powell to represent The LCCSA’s interests on that panel which proposes to look at funding through the lifecycle of a criminal case .  This is a huge task.  It has been agreed that there will be a transparent discourse and consultation , and we will ensure that they keep to that assurance .

 

Here are details of the parameters of the review and Panel.

 

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/criminal-legal-aid-review?utm_source=b088e04b-556d-47d1-a9ff-9a13cd666f50&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=govuk-notifications&utm_content=immediate

 

Anyone working within the criminal justice system would have something to say and representations to make about the imbalances of the funding regimes . From time to time we will be able to consult with members and it is vital for everyone’s livelihoods and our client’s ability to access justice , that you take this opportunity to feed into this project . Questions that we will need to think about will include,  Do swings and roundabouts work ?  Are certain types of cases neglected under the current regime ? How do we get experienced lawyers to deal with cases that deserve that level of expertise ?  How do we ensure there is a future proof system that is attractive to junior lawyers ?  Should payment be made for reading unused material and if so , to whom ?

 

Keep a note of those cases that have been grossly and unfairly underpaid as we may at some point need to refer to specific examples .

 

Criminal procedure Rules committee

 

The deadline for the solicitor  vacancy on the CPR committee has been extended to 20th March . It is an unpaid yet rewarding role .  I am sure the retiring solicitor member of the committee, Paul Harris would be happy to assist with queries that  anyone interested may have .  Here is where to apply

 

https://publicappointments.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/appointment/pat-150069-one-barrister-and-one-solicitor-of-the-criminal-procedure-rule-committee/.

 

 

Regards

 

Jonathan Black

 

President

 

 

Jonathan Black ( Partner)                                                 

BSB solicitors

3 Gower Street

London

WC1E 6HA

 

0207 8373456

 

BSB Solicitors

 

Criminal Defence Solicitors | Criminal Lawyers | BSB Solicitors

                                 

t @jonblackbsb

t@bsbsolicitors

jonathan.black@bsblaw.cjsm.net

 

DX 2111 Euston Exchange

 

 

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