6th July, 2015

Legal Aid Cuts - Our Stance

The Criminal Team at 9 St John Street have unanimously decided that they will not accept instructions in a criminal case where the Representation Order is dated from 1st July. In addition the decision has been made that the criminal practitioners will not accept a returned defence brief which is funded through Legal Aid.

These decisions have been taken to support those solicitors currently taking direct action in respect of the 8.75% cut recently imposed. The Criminal Team previously participated in the CBA led policy of "no returns" when the Government had proposed cuts to the Advocacy Graduated Fee Scheme. During that time members of the team were grateful for the support shown by our instructing solicitors. We hope that the action taken by the solicitors will be successful and that the stance taken by each individual practitioner in these chambers will assist.

Solicitors have already suffered significant cuts and there is a real fear that such cuts will undermine the effective administration of justice through the provision of high quality representation.

The decisions are personal ones taken by each member of the Criminal Team.



Latest News...

Employment status in the EAT: One man-two guvnors? Is a taxi-driver ever self-employed?

30th March, 2023
Louise acted pro bono via Advocate for a taxi owner who had been found to be the employer of the driver who rented his taxi in the EAT before HHJ Auerbach.

Inheritance Act Claims Webinar - Broken promises and testamentary freedom

30th March, 2023
David Gilchrist, Richard Selwyn Sharpe and Charles Holbech will discuss topical issues under the Inheritance Act and in relation to claims of proprietary estoppel which affect wills, estates and the administration of estates.

Martin Mensah and Amy Smith participate in Mock Employment Tribunal for Squire Patton Boggs

22nd March, 2023
They were able to bring their specialist experience to the training session, helping managers and Employee Relations identify best practice when dealing with disciplinary hearings.