In light of the Criminal Bar Association (CBA) ballot results, the government’s proposals on the Advocates Graduated Fee Scheme will now be accepted. The Crime Team at Garden Court is grateful to the CBA for ensuring that this issue was determined through a democratic process and we will respect the outcome of the ballot. We will now accept instructions in all cases and thank our instructing solicitors for their support throughout our action. It is a time for unity.
It is noteworthy that the vote for acceptance was only narrowly won, reflecting the widespread concern and anger at the continued underfunding of legal aid work. We know that the CBA leadership will keep up the pressure on the MOJ to improve our working conditions and reverse the long-term neglect and degradation of our criminal justice system. We too consider this to be the beginning and not the end of our fight to ensure that the professions and society have the justice system we deserve.
