*/
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.
Sam Townend KC explains the Bar Council’s efforts towards ensuring a bright future for the profession
Giovanni D’Avola explores the issue of over-citation of unreported cases and the ‘added value’ elements of a law report
Louise Crush explores the key points and opportunities for tax efficiency
Westgate Wealth Management Ltd is a Partner Practice of FTSE 100 company St. James’s Place – one of the top UK Wealth Management firms. We offer a holistic service of distinct quality, integrity, and excellence with the aim to build a professional and valuable relationship with our clients, helping to provide them with security now, prosperity in the future and the highest standard of service in all of our dealings.
Is now the time to review your financial position, having reached a career milestone? asks Louise Crush
If you were to host a dinner party with 10 guests, and you asked them to explain what financial planning is and how it differs to financial advice, you’d receive 10 different answers. The variety of answers highlights the ongoing need to clarify and promote the value of financial planning.
Most of us like to think we would risk our career in order to meet our ethical obligations, so why have so many lawyers failed to hold the line? asks Flora Page
If your current practice environment is bringing you down, seek a new one. However daunting the change, it will be worth it, says Anon Barrister
Creating advocacy opportunities for juniors is now the expectation but not always easy to put into effect. Tom Mitcheson KC distils developing best practice from the Patents Court initiative already bearing fruit
Sam Townend KC explains the Bar Council’s efforts towards ensuring a bright future for the profession
National courts are now running the bulk of the world’s war crimes cases and corporate prosecutions are part of this growing trend, reports Chris Stephen