*/
Thousands of criminal barristers are refusing new work following cuts to the Advocates’ Graduated Fee Scheme (AGFS).
In a poll of its members, the Criminal Bar Association (CBA) reported that 90% of the 2,317 who voted were in favour of the protest, including refusing to take new cases from 1 April, when the revised AGFS regime came into force, and ‘days of action’.
Announcing the decision with a ‘heavy heart’, CBA Chair, Angela Rafferty QC said: ‘The criminal justice system is collapsing.’ Quoting the late Sir Henry Brooke, she said: ‘This is not about money for lawyers. It is the liberties of England that are at risk.’
‘This is far wider than any scheme relating to fees. The new AGFS was the final straw that exposed the chronic impoverishment of a once great system,’ she added.
The Bar Council and the Law Society came out in support of the CBA. In a joint statement the Bar Chair, Andrew Walker QC and Vice Chair, Richard Atkins QC said: ‘We stand by the CBA and the criminal Bar in striving for the proper funding of the criminal justice system.’
They added: ‘We stand by them, too, in seeking to secure a future for the criminal Bar, whose dedication and commitment are essential to ensure that we can deliver justice fairly and efficiently.’
More than 80 chambers are taking part and two defendants charged with murder have already been left unrepresented.
A week into the protest, Rafferty suggested it could be prolonged. In her weekly email to members, she said: ‘We must have strength and work together to get through the next months and to hold firm.’
Rafferty thanked solicitors who have supported the Bar. ‘They too are completely undervalued, mistreated and underfunded,’ she said.
The Ministry of Justice said: ‘We are extremely disappointed with the position the Criminal Bar Association has taken.’ While, in an interview with The Sun on Sunday, Justice Secretary, David Gauke said he was determined to fix the shattered justice system.
Meanwhile, a survey of more than 4,000 barristers carried out by the Bar Council found that over a third of criminal barristers had considered leaving the profession.
Thousands of criminal barristers are refusing new work following cuts to the Advocates’ Graduated Fee Scheme (AGFS).
In a poll of its members, the Criminal Bar Association (CBA) reported that 90% of the 2,317 who voted were in favour of the protest, including refusing to take new cases from 1 April, when the revised AGFS regime came into force, and ‘days of action’.
Announcing the decision with a ‘heavy heart’, CBA Chair, Angela Rafferty QC said: ‘The criminal justice system is collapsing.’ Quoting the late Sir Henry Brooke, she said: ‘This is not about money for lawyers. It is the liberties of England that are at risk.’
‘This is far wider than any scheme relating to fees. The new AGFS was the final straw that exposed the chronic impoverishment of a once great system,’ she added.
The Bar Council and the Law Society came out in support of the CBA. In a joint statement the Bar Chair, Andrew Walker QC and Vice Chair, Richard Atkins QC said: ‘We stand by the CBA and the criminal Bar in striving for the proper funding of the criminal justice system.’
They added: ‘We stand by them, too, in seeking to secure a future for the criminal Bar, whose dedication and commitment are essential to ensure that we can deliver justice fairly and efficiently.’
More than 80 chambers are taking part and two defendants charged with murder have already been left unrepresented.
A week into the protest, Rafferty suggested it could be prolonged. In her weekly email to members, she said: ‘We must have strength and work together to get through the next months and to hold firm.’
Rafferty thanked solicitors who have supported the Bar. ‘They too are completely undervalued, mistreated and underfunded,’ she said.
The Ministry of Justice said: ‘We are extremely disappointed with the position the Criminal Bar Association has taken.’ While, in an interview with The Sun on Sunday, Justice Secretary, David Gauke said he was determined to fix the shattered justice system.
Meanwhile, a survey of more than 4,000 barristers carried out by the Bar Council found that over a third of criminal barristers had considered leaving the profession.
Chair of the Bar Sam Townend KC highlights some of the key achievements at the Bar Council this year
Louise Crush of Westgate Wealth Management highlights some of the ways you can cut your IHT bill
Rachel Davenport breaks down everything you need to know about AlphaBiolabs’ industry-leading laboratory testing services for legal matters
By Louise Crush of Westgate Wealth Management sets out the key steps to your dream property
A centre of excellence for youth justice, the Youth Justice Legal Centre provides specialist training, an advice line and a membership programme
By Kem Kemal of Henry Dannell
Mark Neale, Director General of the Bar Standards Board, offers an update on the Equality Rules consultation
Joanna Hardy-Susskind speaks to those walking away from the criminal Bar
Imposing a professional obligation to act in a way that advances equality, diversity and inclusion is the wrong way to achieve this ambition, says Nick Vineall KC
Tom Cosgrove KC looks at the government’s radical planning reform and the opportunities and challenges ahead for practitioners
By Ashley Friday of AlphaBiolabs
