Family lawyers criticise government over fixed fee plan

Family lawyers have criticised the government for ignoring their concerns over plans to replace hourly rates with fixed fees.

Barbara Hopkin, spokesperson for the Association of Lawyers for Children, said the government plans would “slowly dismantle the system that we have taken years to build up”.

She warned that the move would drive experienced lawyers, who were no longer able to afford to practise, out of the field, and deter new lawyers from specialising in the area that was not as lucrative as other branches of law. 
 
Members of the organisation were “extremely depressed” by the government’s acceptance of proposals within Lord Carter’s review of legal aid.

Lord Carter’s review was prompted by an escalating legal aid bill.