Policy perspectives: Legal aid

In the fourth of our series of events highlighting the work we do to respond to potential changes in the law, our Legal Aid Committee Co-Conveners, Peter Walsh (Civil) and Ian Moir (Criminal) will provide an overview of the recent activity the Committee has undertaken to advocate for positive change in the legal aid system, and the need for reform.

This one-hour, free to attend session will be hosted by Law Society President Patricia Thom. As well as an opportunity for you to share your views with Patricia, Peter and Ian, we will cover:

• How the Committee is advocating for change to the legal aid system, including adequate resourcing, and the re-establishment of the Traineeship Fund and Fee Review Mechanism Group.
• The work the Committee undertook on the Legal Aid Regulations, which proposed changes to criminal, civil and children’s legal aid.
• How the Committee is engaging with key stakeholders, including the Scottish Legal Aid Board (SLAB), to bring about necessary reforms to enhance and future-proof legal aid in Scotland.

This session offers a chance for legal aid practitioners to hear how the Law Society is helping shape reforms to this important area of law and to share your views to inform this engagement.

To register for this event or if you have any questions, please email us at memberservices@lawscot.org.uk

Our policy perspectives series is a chance for you to get an insight into the work of our policy team and the network of volunteers who analyse and respond to proposed changes in the law. As well as gaining an understanding of how policy changes could impact your day-to-day practice, this new series will also allow you to comment on our policy work whilst keeping up to speed with what’s going on across Scotland.

You can find out more about our work to shape good law here: Influencing the law and policy | Law Society of Scotland