CFA review announced

A government review of no win no fee agreements is unnecessary and will “distract” from ongoing work, say personal injury lawyers.

Justice minister Bridget Prentice announced the review in response to “growing concerns” that conditional fee agreements “may not always be operating in the interests of access to justice”.

The review will examine unmet need, the nature of funding arrangements and their outcome, and quality of service in the legal sector.

Professor Richard Moorhead of Cardiff School of Law, who will carry out the research with two economics professors says: “The controversies generated around no win, no fee agreements cry out for a balanced,evidence-based approach.”

Denise Kitchener, chief executive officer of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers says: “We have had CFAs for 10 years and, while they are not without their problems, claimant lawyers have tried hard to make them work. We are still waiting to hear the government’s response on the claims process consultation, and this additional review could distract time and attention away from work already being undertaken.”