Local law firm visited by Lord Chancellor

Hampshire based law firm, Warner Goodman LLP, were visited by the Secretary of State for Justice and Lord Chancellor, Chris Grayling, as the MP was in the area on Friday 21st March 2014 to meet with local lawyers, in particular to discuss the recent changes to the legal aid system.

The Minister has been involved in these recent reforms, and is currently proposing changes to criminal legal aid.  Following the well publicised legal aid cuts, Mr Grayling was keen to hear how the changes have affected family law, the family lawyers involved and most importantly the clients.

William Ware, Consultant at Warner Goodman LLP, commented, “We were pleased that the Lord Chancellor chose to visit us in Southampton, as it was a valuable opportunity to share our views on the impact that the recent changes have had, and highlight the challenges that Legal Aid practitioners were facing. The Minister was receptive to ideas for the future, in particular for the need to consult with the Profession and the Legal Software suppliers regarding integration with Tribunal Service Software platforms. The Minister also answered some difficult questions from those who see the day-to-day consequences that these changes have made.”

Not only was legal aid a topical point for debate, but the Lord Chancellor also discussed with the Employment Team the impact of the introduction of tribunal fees, which came into force in July 2013.

ENDS

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