Latest Blogs from the LCCSA

Obituary: Vivien Symons

Sat, 18 May 2013 13:14:55 GMT

The first female member of the LCCSA, Vivien Symons, a life member of the association, has died peacefully at the age of 94.

Interview with Nick Ephgrave

Sat, 18 May 2013 13:09:26 GMT

Nick Ephgrave is Commander, Criminal Justice and Capability, with the Metropolitan Police

Best Value Tendering

Sat, 18 May 2013 13:04:15 GMT

In the CPS office, Barry Badger sighed with satisfaction. His BVT bid with Sgt Ferret had been successful: (GBP) 250 a conviction. OK, there were a few expenses, police helmets got more costly every year and there was the Archbold subscription; but, provided PC Dormouse and his colleagues nicked up to their usual standard, the future was secure until July. There would be salt in the gruel this month.

From where I stand

Sat, 18 May 2013 13:01:00 GMT

It has long been said that our system of criminal justice is admired and envied throughout the civilised world. This may well have been the case in the past; but I regret to say that, after 47 years in the practice of criminal law, my perception is that, in fact, we are heading down a route which will see the destruction of the adversarial system, the reversal of the burden of proof and the abandonment of the presumption of innocence.

PCT: Have we been here before?

Sat, 18 May 2013 12:58:23 GMT

The government�s announcement of the accelerated timetable for the consultation and introduction of price competitive tendering has thrown the profession into a frenzy of panic and speculation: can they really meet this seemingly impossible timetable? What form of tendering will be proposed? Will the government listen? Will my business survive�?

President's Report

Sat, 18 May 2013 12:35:27 GMT

During my inaugural speech at the AGM back in November, I mentioned the unique set of challenges which the profession faced in the LCCSA�s 65th year. Not only were firms struggling to cope with the sustained series of deep cuts and increased costs associated with an over regulated profession, but also alternative business structures posed a new challenge. I referred to the fact that the spectre of competitive tendering had not disappeared, not being aware that it would return sooner than had been anticipated.

Letter to Chris Grayling from a constituent

Thu, 16 May 2013 16:57:46 GMT

Stephen Bird is one of Chris Grayling's constituents and a leading criminal solicitor. He writes about the potential impact of the government's proposals.

Coming to a Courtroom near you: Two Tier Justice

Sat, 11 May 2013 15:51:40 GMT

Government Proposals: Two Tier Justice

An MP's reply

Sat, 04 May 2013 11:26:13 GMT

An MP replies to her constituent's concerns regarding the threat to criminal justice.

Letter to an MP

Sat, 04 May 2013 11:20:29 GMT

A criminal practitioner writes to her MP warning that criminal justice system now faces grave threat.

Betting the bank with criminal justice

Sat, 04 May 2013 10:31:46 GMT

The proposals in the recent paper on "transforming legal aid" will produce neither a credible nor efficient publicly funded criminal defence service. They demonstrate just how big a risk the government is willing to gamble when it comes to criminal justice.

Crime doesn't pay (3)

Fri, 03 May 2013 18:11:37 GMT

The right to choice

A week on the frontline

Sun, 28 Apr 2013 09:38:17 GMT

A week of campaigning against removal of choice

Crime doesn't Pay(2)

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 13:51:26 GMT

Who would become a Criminal Lawyer now?

Assault on Justice

Sun, 21 Apr 2013 13:36:26 GMT

Do you know what criminal defence will look like if the government's legal aid proposals are introduced?