Lawyers boycott legal aid cases to protest government cuts
Solicitors and Barristers are boycotting new cases that are being paid at the new lower legal aid rates in protest at the government's cuts to solicitors fees in legal aid cases.
The new rates will see solicitors fees reduce by 8.75% from Wednesday. The Ministry of Defences believes that these cuts are necessary due to the sustained fall in crime rates, arguing law firms must act accordingly and make more savings by cutting legal aid. However many lawyers feel these cuts will just lead to the closure of law firms, create several redundancies and diminish the public's access to justice.
The move has received nationwide support with Jon Black, President of the London Criminal Courts Solicitors Association saying “We have overwhelming support for this action, which regrettably is necessary as a result of the government’s intention to implement the proposed further cuts amounting to over 50% on some cases for January 2016, without carrying out the promised meaningful review. Had the government listened to our representations, they would know that these cuts are not only unnecessary but dangerous. We have drafted a protocol, and firms that seek to act in breach of this are letting themselves, their professional colleagues and their clients down.”
Bill Waddington, the chair of the CLSA, believes the reforms will make it difficult for those without a sound financial situation to access the justice they require. “Legal aid solicitors are clearly recognised by the judiciary as at the heart of the proposed efficiency reforms. Mouthing platitudes about inequality in the law and Magna Carta has absolutely no credibility while the MoJ is undermining a chance for level-headed reform. All over the country solicitors are joining forces with local barristers to fight for justice. The government’s policy will make access to justice the preserve of the wealthy and their bone-headed policies are unworkable for all firms regardless of size.”
The Ministry of Justice says the legal aid agency has plans in place to counter the protests by the lawyers and make sure the justice system will continue to operate.
MW/HA
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