*/
Preventing criminal solicitors from instructing their own in-house advocates and a statutory ban on referral fees were among government proposals to enhance the quality of criminal defence work.
The consultation, Preserving and enhancing the quality of criminal advocacy, also sought views on introducing a panel scheme for publicly funded criminal defence advocacy, similar to the Crown Prosecution Service’s scheme.
The ministry said the measures seek to address concerns over standards and the operation of the market, and reduce the influence of financial incentives on the choice of advocates and support clients’ rights to make an informed choice.
The payment of referral fees paid by advocates is already banned by the Bar Standards Board, but the Ministry said it had been told by many, including the Bar Council, that such payments are frequently made.
Lord Chancellor Michael Gove said: ‘I hope they will raise quality standards in our criminal defence market, ensure the market works fairly and make the choice of advocate available more transparent.”
The consultation ends on 27 November.
Preventing criminal solicitors from instructing their own in-house advocates and a statutory ban on referral fees were among government proposals to enhance the quality of criminal defence work.
The consultation, Preserving and enhancing the quality of criminal advocacy, also sought views on introducing a panel scheme for publicly funded criminal defence advocacy, similar to the Crown Prosecution Service’s scheme.
The ministry said the measures seek to address concerns over standards and the operation of the market, and reduce the influence of financial incentives on the choice of advocates and support clients’ rights to make an informed choice.
The payment of referral fees paid by advocates is already banned by the Bar Standards Board, but the Ministry said it had been told by many, including the Bar Council, that such payments are frequently made.
Lord Chancellor Michael Gove said: ‘I hope they will raise quality standards in our criminal defence market, ensure the market works fairly and make the choice of advocate available more transparent.”
The consultation ends on 27 November.
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
