A law firm in Kilburn joined the masses of legal professionals taking a stand against controversial cuts to the legal aid budget
A law firm in Kilburn joined the masses of legal professionals taking a stand against controversial cuts to the legal aid budget
Staff at JD Spicer Zeb Solicitors in Kilburn high Road, took part in a demonstration against unpopular slashes to the budget in a bid to save around £220million on Friday.
Critics claim the biggest losers are ordinary people, who will be forced to accept inferior representation or represent themselves in court.
Umar Zeb, a partner at the firm, said: “Justice will no longer be available to all but will be reserved to those who can afford it.
“Miscarriages of justice will be more commonplace because people will be forced to accept inferior representation because of a reduction in quality law firms.”
He added the cuts will see many high-street law practices being “priced out” of the industry, while others will be forced to sack experienced lawyer on a healthy salary with cheaper, inexperienced replacements.
A Ministry of Justice spokesman said: “We have spoken at length over the past year with solicitors and barristers about the reforms and our final plans reflect many of the changes
“Our reforms present no change to the current system where anyone charged with a crime, or subject to investigation, is provided with a qualified lawyer through legal aid.”
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