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Justice Agenda: A Plan for Better Justice
Evidence to the Justice Committee at Stormont
In early March the Society provided evidence to the Justice Committee at Stormont on the vital role that solicitors play across Northern Ireland.
The President and Chief Executive reminded the Committee that the Law Society had last appeared before them almost exactly two years previously as part of its efforts to challenge the Budget which would have seriously undermined Access to Justice in Northern Ireland.
The Budget was never implemented but two years on, and without a functioning government for most of that period, the core problems in our Justice system remain unaddressed with the solicitor profession and the people they serve suffering as a result.
The President and Chief Executive presented the Committee with advance copies of our new Justice Agenda: A Plan for Better Justice
This has been endorsed by Council as the Society’s key policy platform designed to influence and highlight Justice priorities for political decision-makers.
At the heart of the new Justice Agenda is the case for a sustainable Legal Aid budget which recognises the value solicitors bring in providing Access to Justice to people and communities.
The President reminded the Committee of the Society’s support for the Fundamental Criminal Legal Aid Review, being led by Judge Tom Burgess which it is hoped will bring a long overdue uplift in fees.
During the evidence submission the Society also called for further independent reviews for Civil and Family Legal Aid and the President took the opportunity to talk to the Committee about:
The challenges facing our small and general practices in recruiting and retaining trainees and our call for support in this area.
The Society’s forthcoming ‘Rule of Law Pledge’ which aims to dissuade politicians attacking lawyers simply for carrying out their professional duties.
The need for modernisation and reform of the Justice system and proper recognition of the role solicitors can play in improving Justice.
The Society’s engagement on members’ behalf often goes unseen and public sessions with the Justice Committee are the tip of the iceberg. Society office-bearers and staff are in regular contact with MPs, MLAs, government departments, agencies and more, all with the aims of improving legal services.
