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Call for changes to Bill that could restrict access to justice
What’s the biggest development you’ve seen in the legal world during your career?
The Legal Services Act 2007 (LSA) which came into effect on October 6, 2011.
The introduction of alternative business structures (ABS) into the market threatens to wipe out many high street law firms, but is also expected to create major opportunities for innovative, entrepreneurial practices that use external equity to grow market share.
What law would you like to see changed?
Whilst yet to come into force, I would like to see a change to the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Bill, which is scheduled to receive Royal Assent in March.
This Bill looks set to slice £350m out of the annual legal aid budget and undermine the constitutional principles that all citizens must have access to justice.
It will no longer be possible to obtain public funding in many areas of law including welfare benefits, family law, immigration and medical negligence.
What is the most exciting work you’ve done?
Apart from acting for clients in the Court of Appeal and the technical areas of my day-to-day job which I find exciting, the Legal Services Act has provided opportunity for my firm to become a founder partner of QualitySolicitors.
Having day-to-day responsibility for helping to create the first household legal brand and delivering a fresh approach to the legal profession, offering accessible legal services to the public, is by far the most exciting work I have done.
Who in the legal world do you most admire?
Craig Holt, the chief executive of QualitySolicitors.
What advice would you give someone starting out in the profession?
Focus on your customer service skills and technical abilities in equal measure and aim to become a master at both.
React positively to change to embrace new technology and innovation.
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Wednesday 23 May 2012
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