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Follow on Google News | Family Law Courts At “Breaking Point” According To ReportsAccording to recent reports, Britain’s family law courts are at “breaking point”, due to Government cuts in family legal aid.
By: Martin Harrison Recent reports, published by the Bar Council has illustrated that reductions are driving out scores of highly qualified family law solicitors from family work and this has left only inexperienced lawyers to deal with complex cases. It has been revealed that one in four barristers has turned down at least one case in the past year due to issues with fees. If Government proposals for further cuts go ahead, then it is estimated that more than 80% of family law solicitors will reduce their legal aid work, with 40 per cent indicating an intention to stop this type of work entirely. Desmond Browne, QC, chairman of the Bar commented: “It is especially regrettable that barristers are effectively penalised for doing legally aided family work, rather than privately paying work, and that this is hitting women and black and minority ethnic advocates hardest of all.” Chairman of the Family Law Bar Association, Lucy Theis QC echoed this sentiment, saying: “The consequences of this loss of expertise are extremely grave for some of the most vulnerable in society.” A spokesperson for family law solicitors Lees also commented, stating: “These reductions are a great shame, as they are actively prohibiting the work of some of the finest family law solicitors on legal aid cases, restricting the access to justice for low-income households. This is particularly apparent in the financially uncertain times we find ourselves in.” # # # About Lees Solicitors: The aim of Lees Solicitors has always been to provide a first class legal service to its clients - whether individuals or businesses. We are committed to quality throughout, shown by our commitment to the Investors in People accreditation and our Lexcel accreditation. End
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