Open date: 18 June 2008
Close date: 10 September 2008
This paper sets out proposals for reforming the Family Graduated Fee Scheme under which barristers are paid for legal aid advocacy work in family cases.
Currently barristers in family cases are paid significantly more than solicitors for the same advocacy work, and the department wants to move towards a system where we pay the same for the same service to the client, regardless of whether the advocate has a background as a solicitor or barrister.
The paper proposes ways to reduce spending so the department can stay within its budget allocation and protect services to clients, while taking the first step towards harmonising advocacy payments.
Consultation paper
- Consultation paper [PDF 0.29mb, 46 pages]
- Equality impact assessment [PDF 0.06mb, 8 pages]
- Consultation paper - Welsh language version (Diwygio Cynllun Ffioedd Bargyfreithwyr Teulu ar gyfer Cymorth Cyfreithiol) [PDF 0.33mb, 48 pages]
- List of questions for response [Word 0.07mb, 3 pages]
Contact details
Further copies of the consultation paper can be obtained by contacting the address below:
Susan Chamberlain
Civil and Family Legal Aid Strategy
Ministry of Justice
3.17 Selborne House
54-60 Victoria Street
London
SW1E 6QW
