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Latest News - September 2010
Publicly funded advice & Representation
In recent weeks you have probably seen media coverage of the cuts by the Legal Services Commission of firms that are able to offer Publicly Funded (Legal Aid) advice and representation in family law.
All practices offering Publicly Funded family and children work were invited to tender to continue to offer this service. Bids were submitted based on an application that was ‘point’ scored and thereafter work allocated based on the bid for market share the individual firm had submitted.
Unfortunately, what was not apparent to law practices was that the effect of this process would be to drastically cut providers in each area.
From the 14th October 2010 firms are only able to offer publicly funded family and child law representation if their application was successful and they had been awarded a contract. In every area throughout the Country cuts have been made, most significantly in Cardiff where a large number of providers have been cut to only a few. At the point of going to print an appeals process is underway for a vast number of firms.
The reality for Client’s who seek legal aid is a significantly reduced choice, with some Client’s being required to travel further afield to obtain representation. Although the appeal process continues currently in Caerphilly three firms have failed to obtain contracts.
Evans & Greaves Solicitors have successfully obtained a contract and are therefore pleased to be in a position to continue to provide advice and representation for Clients in relation to family and child law matters.