⚖️Following news that barristers have voted to escalate their current #LegalAid action from 5 September, we warn that solicitors will continue to vote with their feet in leaving the #CriminalDefence profession unless more investment is forthcoming 1/8 
Our vice president @lubnashuja said: “Solicitors share barristers’ concerns about the collapsing #CriminalJustice system" 2/8
"Solicitors are experiencing the same squeeze as barristers but *many are limited in the action they can take by their professional obligations to their clients and their legal aid contracts*" 3/8
"Whilst barristers vote to escalate their direct action, solicitors continue to vote with their feet by leaving the profession altogether" 4/8
"Many see no future in criminal defence work, following the MoJ's failure to fully implement Lord Bellamy QC’s recommended minimum fee increases" 5/8
"The number of solicitors and firms doing criminal legal aid work continues to fall at a time when the criminal defence profession is needed more than ever to tackle the huge backlog of Crown Court cases" 6/8
“There is an urgent need for further investment in all parts of the criminal justice system to prevent its collapse and ensure justice for all" 7/8
“Our members are not striking but leaving altogether, and action is needed now before it’s too late to turn the tide of solicitors and firms leaving criminal defence work" 8/8
• • •
Missing some Tweet in this thread? You can try to
force a refresh
