a look at Legal Aid

We regularly talk about the importance of access to justice, but how does Legal Aid impact on this. This episode explores what we mean by legal aid and why everyone should care about recent cuts.

Link to the episode on Apple Podcasts:

https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/a-look-at-legal-aid/id1520665111?i=1000549771324

Link to the episode on Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/6awCz5VyaEMlymcuz8zbNd

SHOW NOTES:

Legal aid is the mechanism whereby public funds pay for a client to be represented by a lawyer. Cuts have been in place or decades and the areas of law covered by legal aid have changed. This episode welcomes legal aid solicitors; Harun Matin (National Legal Services) and Vivien Cochrane (Sherman Bowen) who discuss some issues from all sides. They talk eligibility for legal aid, the impact it has on legal practice and why it is vital for all those working in the legal sector to care about. A must listen episode for all aspiring lawyers!

• We always encourage listeners to undertake practical actions after listening to the episode.
  Have a look at the independent review on legal aid released in November 2021. https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1041117/clar-independent-review-report-2021.pdf

• Watch some Magistrates Court proceedings (especially first appearances), can you see when there is reference to legal aid?

USEFUL RESOURCES:

• https://committees.parliament.uk/publications/6979/documents/72829/default/

• https://www.chambersstudent.co.uk/where-to-start/newsletter/legal-aid-cuts-and-reforms

• https://www.ft.com/content/daa5085e-4fd7-4459-9f83-01761dd8aca0

• https://www.lawyer-monthly.com/2021/08/laspo-how-a-near-decade-of-legal-aid-cuts-has-affected-britains-most-vulnerable/