If you had any doubts about ‘external investment’ in the legal system in England & Wales…. Neil Rose’s article on Eddie Stobart will inform / amuse / irritate you!
Stobart Barristers sets sights on criminal legal aid contract
Stobart Barristers – the direct access service run by the famous logistics company – has given a strong indication that it will bid for the new criminal legal aid contracts the government is set to offer under price competitive tendering…..
He said the current model – with large numbers of firms doing identical work while fees are falling – was “unsustainable”. Even if they start to merge, that will not wipe out “the legacy of debt” most carry. He described criminal law practices as “very wounded animals ready to die”.
It would appear that Group Legal Director and founder, Trevor Howarth, has ‘form’… experience of the law as practice manager for the firm of celebrity solicitor Nick ‘Mr Loophole (TM)’ Freeman.Will the Stobart trucks used to ferry their lawyers to court be named as the trucks are for shipping goods? Could keep us amused ‘spotting them’…
You may be interested in listening to my podcast with Michael Turner QC, Chairman of The Criminal Bar, on legal aid reforms and the rise of ‘external investment and involvement’ in the legal profession?
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The Guardian : Stobart lorry chief faces contempt trial
“High court judge rules Andrew Tinkler and legal director Trevor Howarth may have lied to secure gagging order on whistleblower”
Not an ideal start for a company wishing to provide legal services – if true?
Do we get to have our names on the front of their trucks? 😉
[…] While I am on the subject of the the dynamic processes affecting the legal profession, I must cover plans by Dr Erasmus Strangelove (Pronounced Strangle-ove), senior partner of Muttley Dastardly LLP, to take advantage of the current fashion for lawyers developing an interest in lorries a la Stobart Barristers […]