Solicitors have raised concerns about the possible financial impact of delays to transactions, court closures or cases being relisted on their income and cashflow, as well as fears about courts safety.
Law Society President Simon Davis said solicitors ‘are
stepping up in this time of crisis’.
‘All they ask for at least the most basic protections―such as
soap and sanitisers― and consistent protocols to ensure their health is not
unnecessarily at risk,’ he said.
‘They also must not be placed under further financial strain
for doing their duty. Legal aid payments need to be made―but not in the usual
way and following usual procedures. There must be nothing usual about our
response to this crisis.
‘We are speaking continually with HM Courts and Tribunals
Service, the MoJ and the LAA. They are trying keep the system of justice on the
road whilst ensuring practitioners are not put at risk. They know what needs to
be done.’
