*/
The Bar Council has joined forces with the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives and the Law Society to set up a working group to examine the viability of a Contingent Legal Aid Fund (CLAF).
A CLAF is a recyclable, pooled fund that is financed by money derived from the damages recovered in successful civil cases where the client was supported by the fund.
Once up and running, a CLAF would fund litigation for those who lack the resources to do so and do not qualify for legal aid.
Chaired by Justin Fenwick QC, the group will examine how a viable CLAF could be established and the legal and procedural rules required.
It aims to produce an initial report by the end of September and a final report before the end of the year.
Bar chairman, Chantal-Aimee Doerries QC said: ‘I am very pleased that the three professional bodies have agreed to investigate the viability of a CLAF.’
The Bar Council has examined it as a possible alternative source of funding civil justice over many years, publishing reports on the issue in 1998 and 2011.
Since then, Doerries said, the civil justice landscape has ‘changed considerably’ due to the cuts implemented by the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012.
‘It is therefore timely to re-examine the feasibility of an independent, not-for-profit CLAF established by the legal profession, in the public interest, to promote access to justice,’ she added.
The Bar Council has joined forces with the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives and the Law Society to set up a working group to examine the viability of a Contingent Legal Aid Fund (CLAF).
A CLAF is a recyclable, pooled fund that is financed by money derived from the damages recovered in successful civil cases where the client was supported by the fund.
Once up and running, a CLAF would fund litigation for those who lack the resources to do so and do not qualify for legal aid.
Chaired by Justin Fenwick QC, the group will examine how a viable CLAF could be established and the legal and procedural rules required.
It aims to produce an initial report by the end of September and a final report before the end of the year.
Bar chairman, Chantal-Aimee Doerries QC said: ‘I am very pleased that the three professional bodies have agreed to investigate the viability of a CLAF.’
The Bar Council has examined it as a possible alternative source of funding civil justice over many years, publishing reports on the issue in 1998 and 2011.
Since then, Doerries said, the civil justice landscape has ‘changed considerably’ due to the cuts implemented by the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012.
‘It is therefore timely to re-examine the feasibility of an independent, not-for-profit CLAF established by the legal profession, in the public interest, to promote access to justice,’ she added.
Now is the time to tackle inappropriate behaviour at the Bar as well as extend our reach and collaboration with organisations and individuals at home and abroad
A comparison – Dan Monaghan, Head of DWF Chambers, invites two viewpoints
And if not, why not? asks Louise Crush of Westgate Wealth Management
Marie Law, Head of Toxicology at AlphaBiolabs, discusses the many benefits of oral fluid drug testing for child welfare and protection matters
To mark International Women’s Day, Louise Crush of Westgate Wealth Management looks at how financial planning can help bridge the gap
Casey Randall of AlphaBiolabs answers some of the most common questions regarding relationship DNA testing for court
Maria Scotland and Niamh Wilkie report from the Bar Council’s 2024 visit to the United Arab Emirates exploring practice development opportunities for the England and Wales family Bar
Marking Neurodiversity Week 2025, an anonymous barrister shares the revelations and emotions from a mid-career diagnosis with a view to encouraging others to find out more
David Wurtzel analyses the outcome of the 2024 silk competition and how it compares with previous years, revealing some striking trends and home truths for the profession
Save for some high-flyers and those who can become commercial arbitrators, it is generally a question of all or nothing but that does not mean moving from hero to zero, says Andrew Hillier
