*/
Justice Secretary and Lord Chancellor Jack Straw called for a “better balance in legal aid” in England and Wales, in a speech at London School of Economics in March.
He highlighted the fact that half of legal aid in the Crown Court is consumed by just one per cent of cases, and warned that lawyers and law firms who are dependent on state funding “would be wise to reconsider expectations of earnings”. “Successful legal business may be a by product of law ... but it is not the purpose of law,” he said. There still needed to be a debate about how much “lawyers should be able to draw from the taxpayer.” Quoting former US President Jimmy Carter, he said the UK was “in danger of becoming ‘over-lawyered and under-represented’”.
He highlighted the fact that half of legal aid in the Crown Court is consumed by just one per cent of cases, and warned that lawyers and law firms who are dependent on state funding “would be wise to reconsider expectations of earnings”. “Successful legal business may be a by product of law ... but it is not the purpose of law,” he said. There still needed to be a debate about how much “lawyers should be able to draw from the taxpayer.” Quoting former US President Jimmy Carter, he said the UK was “in danger of becoming ‘over-lawyered and under-represented’”.
Justice Secretary and Lord Chancellor Jack Straw called for a “better balance in legal aid” in England and Wales, in a speech at London School of Economics in March.
Kirsty Brimelow KC, Chair of the Bar, sets our course for 2026
What meaningful steps can you take in 2026 to advance your legal career? asks Thomas Cowan of St Pauls Chambers
Marie Law, Director of Toxicology at AlphaBiolabs, explains why drugs may appear in test results, despite the donor denying use of them
Asks Louise Crush of Westgate Wealth Management
AlphaBiolabs has donated £500 to The Christie Charity through its Giving Back initiative, helping to support cancer care, treatment and research across Greater Manchester, Cheshire and further afield
Q and A with criminal barrister Nick Murphy, who moved to New Park Court Chambers on the North Eastern Circuit in search of a better work-life balance
The appointments of 96 new King’s Counsel (also known as silk) are announced today
With pupillage application season under way, Laura Wright reflects on her route to ‘tech barrister’ and offers advice for those aiming at a career at the Bar
Jury-less trial proposals threaten fairness, legitimacy and democracy without ending the backlog, writes Professor Cheryl Thomas KC (Hon), the UK’s leading expert on juries, judges and courts
Are you ready for the new way to do tax returns? David Southern KC explains the biggest change since HMRC launched self-assessment more than 30 years ago... and its impact on the Bar
Marking one year since a Bar disciplinary tribunal dismissed all charges against her, Dr Charlotte Proudman discusses the experience, her formative years and next steps. Interview by Anthony Inglese CB
