Its ‘Proposals for a 21st century justice project’ green paper, published this week following a research project it began in March, suggest creating a ‘one-stop shop’ online diagnostic tool to help people identify the most appropriate resolution processes for their legal problems. The Law Society believes this policy alone could save £72m in ‘real discounted direct costs over a five-year period—split between costs to claimants, defendants and the court’.
It suggests reforms to strengthen out-of-court dispute resolution processes, and outlines options to make legal services more affordable such as flexible payments and wider promotion of legal expenses insurance. It also proposes changes to the way legal aid is delivered to help it reach more people, including steps to reform the Legal Aid Agency.
Welcoming the paper, Paul Wilson, policy director of the Federation of Small Businesses, said: ‘In particular, we’re glad to see the proposals take small businesses’ needs into account, many of whom do not have in-house lawyers.
‘The online diagnostic tool, expanded ombudsman schemes and a greater role for the Small Business Commissioner, as outlined in the proposals, could help small firms resolve disputes in a more cost-effective manner.’
Sir Ernest Ryder, former Senior President of Tribunals and Lord Justice of Appeal, said the green paper contained ‘an impressive, imaginative and forward-looking set of proposals that could enhance access to civil justice by the use of different and developing technologies and dispute resolution methods.
‘I strongly recommend that those responsible for policy and funding give the proposals their serious consideration’.
The Law Society is calling on solicitors and wider stakeholders to read the green paper and provide feedback by 5 January 2024.
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