MoJ downplays significance of legal aid crisis talk

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has said it does not expect there to be a 'revelatory outcome' from a stakeholder meeting taking place today between criminal lawyers and Michael Gove.

Speaking to Solicitors Journal, a spokesperson for the MoJ said the meeting between the Criminal Law Solicitors' Association (CLSA), the London Criminal Courts Solicitors' Association, the Big Firms Group, and the Lord Chancellor said it was not the 'crunch talk' that it has been perceived to be, but simply a stakeholder meeting.

'Secretaries of states have stakeholder meetings all the time,' the MoJ commented.

The MoJ's quick dismissal of the gathering could knock the confidence of striking legal aid lawyers, who gathered yesterday at Westminster Magistrates' Court to protest against the second round of cuts to legal aid. The chair of the CLSA told Channel 4 News that the alliance of criminal lawyers 'are hoping that the Lord Chancellor will indicate that he is prepared to listen to our arguments,' saying 'we remain optimistic.'

Since 1 July, thousands of criminal solicitors nationwide have refused to take on new legal aid cases, in protest of the government's further cuts to fixed fees and proposed contract changes.

Then, on 15 July, the CBA also voted in favour of no new work and 'no returns' to support solicitors' action.

Justice Alliance, who attended the rally, said interested parties had repeatedly tried to engage with the government to explain why the cuts were unnecessary, and have highlighted where alternative savings could be made.

'Despite evidence in support of the lawyers' concerns, politicians have refused to listen, which has led to this drastic and historic action being taken,' the organisation said.

'Lawyers have decided they would rather go out of business now by refusing work, than serve their clients and the justice system poorly.'

Since the strike three weeks ago, regional newspapers have reported scenes of chaos across courts nationwide, although the MoJ insists there is no cause for concern and that courts are continuing to sit. 'Our position on the courts hasn't changed,' a spokesperson has said.

Scenes from the protest as shown on Twitter:

No ifs, no buts, no legal aid cuts. #SaveLegalAid pic.twitter.com/dB2jBywmOw

— Legal Aid Team! (@LegalAidTeam) July 22, 2015

#SaveLegalAid "When they say there is no money, remember the wealthiest have doubled their wealth in last few years" pic.twitter.com/3mQKudobKx

— Justice Alliance (@justallianceuk) July 22, 2015

Strong turn out at Westminster for #saveUKjustice #SaveLegalAid pic.twitter.com/eXi6LkozB3

— Jonathan Black (@jonblackbsb) July 22, 2015

Laura Clenshaw is managing editor of Solicitors Journal

@SJ_weekly