1/ Is this how we encourage lawyers back to Court. Solicitors shouldn't have to choose between their family’s safety and leaving a child unrepresented. My colleague's experience at Bromley Magistrates today was simply not acceptable. Thread HM Courts and Tribunals Service LCCSA CLSA

Can we make a pact? Every time we mention extended hours, we mention barristers AND solicitors. This affects both sides of the profession. We face it together. Language is everything. Together we can show why this is not feasible and suggest alternatives for clearing the backlog.

Barriers to Justice - HLPA meeting by Zoom on Wednesday 15 July at 6:30. Liz Davies Proud Activist Lawyer , @willfordosblaw & Izzy Koksal from HousingActionSL Fee is £10 by donate BUT ONLY IF YOU CAN AFFORD IT - otherwise free & you are warmly welcome. Join Zoom Meeting: us02web.zoom.us/j/82348440921?…

Thanks Channel 4 News & The Secret Barrister 🦋 for covering legal aid - a neglected service invented alongside the NHS. At its inception 80% of people could get it. Now less than a third can. What happens to you in court shouldn't depend on your bank balance channel4.com/news/legal-aid…

***ANNOUNCEMENT JUST RECEIVED FROM HMCTS*** From Monday 27 July 2020 HMCTS are asking all court and tribunal users to wear a face covering in the public areas of HMCTS buildings in England.

As the newest editor of the Legal Aid Handbook I am in awe of the brilliant editors Vicky Ling and Sue James and all the excellent contributors. This book will save #legalaid practitioners time and will be of particular assistance to new entrants.

For anyone wondering, yes TV BAFTA did totally rip off lockdown #LALY20 idea, and yes we and Bounce Video are v flattered.... If you prefer the original low-budget version to the remake, you can still watch the highlights here: youtube.com/watch?v=WCbsEQ… bbc.co.uk/news/entertain…

We have published our report on the impacts of #COVID19 on the legal professions. We are concerned that without further support many publicly-funded legal service providers may collapse, reducing access to justice. Read it here 👇 publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm5801/cmse…

Ten new emergency Crown Courts, dubbed ‘Nightingale Courts’, have been designated by the Ministry of Justice, in a bid to clear some of the backlog of criminal cases that were halted at the start of lockdown. But within minutes of the first one opening in London, legal files went

Criminal justice in England and Wales facing triple threat, lawyers say theguardian.com/law/2020/aug/3…

Judge criticises UK government’s ‘inadequate’ efforts to aid Covid-19 backlog theguardian.com/law/2020/sep/0…

Very, very excited to announce the speakers for our first evidence session on Criminal Legal Aid on 29th Oct. We'll be hearing from: Kerry Hudson Bill Waddington Joanna Hardy-Susskind Dr LauraJanes The Law Society Anthony Graham Edwards Duthie Shamash. Also Alex Chalk KC & Karl Turner MP

Stephen Davies The Law Society CLSA LCCSA And yes, this is exactly why we are looking at the sustainability of criminal legal aid. Join us, Alex Chalk KC Karl Turner MP, @KarenPBuckMP @JamesDalyMP Willy Bach Andy Slaughter HelenaKennedy Gareth Bacon MP & a host of experts on 29th Oct @ bit.ly/3l6wS8i.

Ministers must end their attacks on lawyers theguardian.com/law/2020/oct/2…

'We're committed to legal aid work; 12 solicitors, inc trainees, high court advocates, paralegals. We've adapted to make sure we provide best service at police station, mags & crown court - & to chase the money' Rakesh Bhasin Edwards Duthie Shamash @APPGLegalAid inquiry #WeAreLegalAid

Rakesh Bhasin of Edwards Duthie Shamash tells @APPGLegalAid inquiry that Legal Aid Agency should be allowed to pay fees for trials being prepared which aren't happening because of lack of court space or covid. #WeAreLegalAid

.Andy Slaughter: are you in a dying profession? Rakesh Bhasin of Edwards Duthie Shamash: I once joked average age going up I may have to join Young Legal Aid Lawyers. Tells inquiry that once older solicitors leave there won't be much left and that's a huge worry. #WeAreLegalAid