Ministry of Justice’s consultation on Criminal Advocacy
Along with the national Law Society and many of our members we are deeply concerned about this consultation and in particular the suggestion that in-house advocacy constitutes a conflict of interest.
Last week we were advised that the President of the national Law Society had written to the Lord Chancellor setting out their concerns. They have also been in touch with the MOJ so that they are aware of the strength of feeling on this issue and their significant concern. The national Law Society President has written to us with their initial thoughts and asked us to encourage our members to respond.
We shall be responding from our Crown & Magistrates Court Committee directly but we would urge all members affected by this consultation to respond individually and from their firms.
Please see HERE for the letter from the national President.
Next steps
You can download the MoJ consultation from their website at this link https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/enhancing-the-quality-of-criminal-advocacy
Please respond robustly to the consultation and in particular to oppose any restriction on the use of in-house advocates