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“It is unlikely that there will be enough publicly funded criminal case work to support the number of people who wish to earn a living from publicly funded practice at the criminal Bar.
That is a simple economic fact of life”, the Legal Aid Minister, Jonathan Djanogly MP announced during a Westminster Hall debate on 15 September, citing both the rising number of barristers (12,000) and of higher court solicitor advocates (2,500).
In the discussion of “Criminal Bar (Public Funding)” initiated by Geoffrey Cox QC MP, Mr Djanogly stated as well that “a single fee for Crown Court cases covering litigation and advocacy would encourage greater efficiency between litigator and advocate”.
While sympathetic to the need to recognise and protect the diversity of the Bar “the numbers of black, minority ethnic and women barristers are affected by issues other than simply fees”.
He praised the efforts of Nick Green QC, Chairman of the Bar, for “travelling the length and breadth of England and Wales to explain to members of the Bar, face to face, why it is time for the Bar to prepare for change”; “the Bar Council is right to advocate change”. At the same time, “I want a level playing field so that barristers, other advocates and litigators can compete on an equal basis”.
Five MPs who have practised as solicitors or barristers in criminal law took part in the debate. Cox in particular pointed out that a single fee “alone could dramatically increase the ‘competitive imbalance’.”
That is a simple economic fact of life”, the Legal Aid Minister, Jonathan Djanogly MP announced during a Westminster Hall debate on 15 September, citing both the rising number of barristers (12,000) and of higher court solicitor advocates (2,500).
In the discussion of “Criminal Bar (Public Funding)” initiated by Geoffrey Cox QC MP, Mr Djanogly stated as well that “a single fee for Crown Court cases covering litigation and advocacy would encourage greater efficiency between litigator and advocate”.
While sympathetic to the need to recognise and protect the diversity of the Bar “the numbers of black, minority ethnic and women barristers are affected by issues other than simply fees”.
He praised the efforts of Nick Green QC, Chairman of the Bar, for “travelling the length and breadth of England and Wales to explain to members of the Bar, face to face, why it is time for the Bar to prepare for change”; “the Bar Council is right to advocate change”. At the same time, “I want a level playing field so that barristers, other advocates and litigators can compete on an equal basis”.
Five MPs who have practised as solicitors or barristers in criminal law took part in the debate. Cox in particular pointed out that a single fee “alone could dramatically increase the ‘competitive imbalance’.”
“It is unlikely that there will be enough publicly funded criminal case work to support the number of people who wish to earn a living from publicly funded practice at the criminal Bar.
Chair of the Bar sets out a busy calendar for the rest of the year
By Louise Crush of Westgate Wealth Management
Examined by Marie Law, Director of Toxicology at AlphaBiolabs
Time is precious for barristers. Every moment spent chasing paperwork, organising diaries, or managing admin is time taken away from what matters most: preparation, advocacy and your clients. That’s where Eden Assistants step in
AlphaBiolabs has announced its latest Giving Back donation to RAY Ceredigion, a grassroots West Wales charity that provides play, learning and community opportunities for families across Ceredigion County
Rachel Davenport, Co-founder and Director at AlphaBiolabs, outlines why barristers, solicitors, judges, social workers and local authorities across the UK trust AlphaBiolabs for court-admissible testing
Through small but meaningful efforts, we can restore the sense of collegiality that has been so sorely eroded, says Baldip Singh
Come in with your eyes open, but don’t let fear cloud the prospect. A view from practice by John Dove
Looking to develop a specialist practice? Mariya Peykova discusses the benefits of secondments and her placement at the Information Commissioner’s Office
Anon Academic explains why he’s leaving the world of English literature for the Bar – after all, the two are not as far apart as they may first seem...
Review by Stephen Cragg KC
