*/
THE Bar Council and the Family Law Bar Association have expressed concern over plans, announced by the Ministry of Justice, to roll up payments to barristers and solicitors into a single advocacy fee, putting at risk effective access to justice for those who need most protection.
Lucy Theis QC, Chairman of the Family Law Bar Association, said:
‘The protection of children is a concern to all of us. There is often no second chance when children are at risk of harm. At a time when senior family judges are publicly raising concern that the system is creaking at the seams the LSC seem intent on putting it under increasing pressure – children, parents and the administration of the Courts will suffer.
The Bar Council and FLBA have always supported the principle of the same pay for the same work, but these proposals do not achieve this, as they pay the same fee irrespective of the work undertaken. The result will be that less complex cases will be over remunerated and the most complex cases under paid. Experienced specialist advocates will not be properly compensated for undertaking the complex work involving the most vulnerable families and children.
The proposals will have the effect of reducing the number of those willing to undertake this important work, and discourage those wanting to specialise in this vital area. The short and long term consequences of these proposals are not in the public interest.’
The Bar Council and FLBA have always supported the principle of the same pay for the same work, but these proposals do not achieve this, as they pay the same fee irrespective of the work undertaken. The result will be that less complex cases will be over remunerated and the most complex cases under paid. Experienced specialist advocates will not be properly compensated for undertaking the complex work involving the most vulnerable families and children.
The proposals will have the effect of reducing the number of those willing to undertake this important work, and discourage those wanting to specialise in this vital area. The short and long term consequences of these proposals are not in the public interest.’
THE Bar Council and the Family Law Bar Association have expressed concern over plans, announced by the Ministry of Justice, to roll up payments to barristers and solicitors into a single advocacy fee, putting at risk effective access to justice for those who need most protection.
Lucy Theis QC, Chairman of the Family Law Bar Association, said:
‘The protection of children is a concern to all of us. There is often no second chance when children are at risk of harm. At a time when senior family judges are publicly raising concern that the system is creaking at the seams the LSC seem intent on putting it under increasing pressure – children, parents and the administration of the Courts will suffer.
The beginning of the legal year offers the opportunity for a renewed commitment to justice and the rule of law both at home and abroad
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
By Ashley Friday of AlphaBiolabs
Providing bespoke mortgage and protection solutions for barristers
Joanna Hardy-Susskind speaks to those walking away from the criminal Bar
From a traumatic formative education to exceptional criminal silk – Laurie-Anne Power KC talks about her path to the Bar, pursuit of equality and speaking out against discrimination (not just during Black History Month)
James Onalaja concludes his two-part opinion series
Yasmin Ilhan explains the Law Commission’s proposals for a quicker, easier and more effective contempt of court regime
Irresponsible use of AI can lead to serious and embarrassing consequences. Sam Thomas briefs barristers on the five key risks and how to avoid them
