The number of CILEX students choosing criminal law as their long-term career has declined by 50% since 2012 (from 423 to 213 students), whereas the numbers of entrants into conveyancing, civil litigation and other areas have continued to rise. Declining numbers overall suggest criminal practitioners are also leaving the profession, which CILEX attributes to ‘unfavourable working conditions and remuneration rates’.
CILEX called for duty lawyers to be made salaried posts instead of being remunerated on a case-by-case basis, in its response last week to the Ministry of Justice’s call for evidence to its independent review of criminal legal aid. It said this would allow for more effective deployment of resources and establish known fixed costs.
Craig Tickner, criminal defence advocate and CILEX president, said: ‘The need for reform to secure fair pay for work done at all stages of the criminal law process remains urgent.’
