Justice Secretary Chris Grayling's birthday is on 1st April- a likely date for further protests.[/caption]

Last Friday ( 7th March) lawyers across the country refused to work in the criminal courts and joined protests against the government's plans to cut fees by up to 30% and to introduce new contracts, which will lead to the closure of many firms of solicitors. LAG understands that further action is being planned for the end of the month, which might also include protests on 1st April- Chris Grayling's birthday!

 

This is a round-up of the media coverage of the unprecedented events which took place last Friday. Sorry if we missed your protest, but the following reports, we believe,  gives a strong message to the government to re-think their plans.

 

 

Thanks to Lauren Karam, an intern at LAG, for undertaking this research.

 

National & London

 

Demonstrations in England & Wales Second time this year (earlier demonstrations in January) Cuts force lawyers to leave legal aid profession

 

Lawyers stage second walkout over legal aid cuts (7/3/14)

 

Demonstrations in London, Manchester, Birmingham, & Liverpool Out of the £2 billion legal aid budget, half is dedicated to criminal defence and rest goes to civil cases Government proposed cuts can cut legal aid to up to 30% LCCSA thinks this will damage criminal justice system significantly

 

 

Demonstrations have attempted to get political attention and put legal aid cuts on the minds of voters. Cuts are extremely detrimental to the UK justice system

 

Legal aid cuts: lawyers v the crown (7/3/14)

http://www.theguardian.com/law/2014/mar/07/legal-aid-cuts-lawyers-walkout

 

Demonstrations mark first full-day walkout Legal aid has been undergoing cuts since the late 1990s

 

 

More than 1,000 protesters (barristers and solicitors) Chris Grayling- Justice Secretary, target of demonstrations 

 

 

http://www.morningstaronline.co.uk/a-a729-Lawyers-down-tools-to-halt-220m-legal-aid-cut

 

 

Local Newspapers throughout UK

 

More than 50 barristers & solicitors outside of Bristol Magistrates’ Court

 

Kilburn law firm joins protest against legal aid cuts (10/3/14)

http://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/Lawyers-stage-day-action-Plymouth-protest-cuts/story-20780390-detail/story.html

The News (Hampshire)

http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/11060113.Bolton_lawyers_furious_at_legal_aid_cuts_row_told___Your_strike_will_not_make_a_difference_/?ref=var_0

 Grayling says cuts are inevitable and will happen regardless of strike

 

Manchester Evening News (pictures)

 

“Lawyers and Barristers march through Manchester to save legal aid” (photos)

 

Birmingham Mail (pictures)

 

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/uk-government-under-fire-presents-6755539

 

Telegraph & Argue (8/3/14)

“Lawyers stage stoppage in city’s courts on legal aid protest”

Article interviewed local barristers

 

'Justice Secretary Chris Grayling threatening foundations of justice system' - Lawyers protest against legal aid cuts

Surrey Comet, 3:51pm Friday 7th March 2014 in Epsom

 

Article mentions Justice Alliance Walkout called “Grayling Day” Interviews man from Ashtead regarding legal aid cuts

 

Leicester Mercury

“Leicester Crown Court solicitors make stand against planned Government cuts” (8/3/14)

 

 

80 barrister and solicitors protested outside of Leicester Crown Court Only 8 people appeared in court due to demonstrations Over past 3 year there has been a 12.5% pay cut CBA estimated approximately 3000 people overall took part in protest Interviewed local barrister 

 

Firm, Canter Levin & Berg

Partner discusses consequences of legal aid cuts

 

 

“Lawyers continue campaign of action against 'savage' cuts to Legal Aid system” GazetteLive

 

Barristers and solicitors refused to attend Teeside Magistrate’s Court Joined by MP