Tess Posted May 16, 2013 Share Posted May 16, 2013 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/new-legal-aid-reforms-end-justice-for-all-lawyers-warn-8591234.html The above article outlines government proposals to alter the funding of the criminal justice system, and how these changes will affect the administration of justice. Whilst most of us hope not to have much involvement with the criminal justice system, it is something that can happen to anybody. If you are unfortunate enough to need a Solicitor at present, you have the right to choose who is to represent you. However, should these changes take place, from next year the Government want to allocate individuals solicitors every time you get a new case. A different one with each case - you don't get a say who. You can't request someone you have heard is good. You can't go back to the same Solicitor who knows you, and has represented in the past. If you don't get on with your Solicitor - you can't change. If you do get on with them, you probably won't get them again. If you don't think your Solicitor is doing a good job - tough. You're stuck with them. In South Yorkshire alone there is currently 34 Solicitor's Firms. If these changes take place, there will be just 8, who will have to auction themselves out for contract work when a new case is presented. Those lucky enough to keep their jobs will get a 20% pay cut. It personally makes me feel sick thinking that I have no say, should I need a Solicitor. Thousands of Solicitors will be out of jobs, and alongside the cuts the courts and the police force - who is going to be left? If you agree, please please sign the below petition. We have until the 4th of June to make our voices heard - and if we don't, then our voice might as well be gone. Alternatively, write to your local MP, and please tell all of your friends. This is important - but some people won't realise that until it is too late. http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/48628 Thank you! Tess Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happ Hazzard Posted May 16, 2013 Share Posted May 16, 2013 I hope you aren't expecting sympathy for solicitors facing a 20% pay cut. They are vastly overpaid and operate as a cartel, fixing fees. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tess Posted May 16, 2013 Author Share Posted May 16, 2013 That's not the main concern...see the bigger picture. Please sign! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tony2 Posted May 16, 2013 Share Posted May 16, 2013 dont sign, dont let those people drain the goverment funds Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cgksheff Posted May 16, 2013 Share Posted May 16, 2013 The critical element to this, which has been omitted from the OP, is that we are talking about solicitors appointed to those on Legal Aid. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tony2 Posted May 16, 2013 Share Posted May 16, 2013 Just take what you are given since you are not paying for it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tess Posted May 16, 2013 Author Share Posted May 16, 2013 Why should the unemployed or the low wage workers be penalised? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happ Hazzard Posted May 16, 2013 Share Posted May 16, 2013 How are they penalised? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tess Posted May 16, 2013 Author Share Posted May 16, 2013 People dislike solicitors until they need one. I know several and believe or not their wage is nothing like you'd imagine. Average house, ten year old hand me down car. Don't believe everything you read, and if you do, don't just stick your head in the sand because it doesn't affect you ---------- Post added 16-05-2013 at 22:17 ---------- They can't afford a Solicitor. They get what they're given. If they don't like.it they have to lump it. Doesn't seem fair to me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Halibut Posted May 16, 2013 Share Posted May 16, 2013 How are they penalised? Try reading the article and using your head; stop expecting people to spoon feed you all the time - you're not a baby. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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