LAPG hosts first-ever ‘virtual’ Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year awards to honour social justice champions
LAPG’s ground-breaking ‘lockdown LALYs’ were broadcast on social media, with the award winners joining the live event, via video link. The Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year awards are into their 18th year, but Covid-19 restrictions meant the 2020 event had to re-thought from scratch. LAPG CEO Chris Minnoch says: ‘We decided soon after lockdown… continue reading
LAPG Response to the Criminal Legal Aid Review: Accelerated Areas Consultation
We are acutely aware of the precipice on which criminal defence firms currently exist. We were encouraged by the idea of the Criminal Legal Aid Review (CLAR), and hopeful that there may be a commitment to pay legal aid practitioners fairly for work done. We understood that the process would take time, to ensure a… continue reading
Finalists announced for the 2020 Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year awards
The criminal defence solicitor who led the way on county lines and modern slavery cases; plus the barrister behind the Supreme Court ruling in Samuels, are among 34 individuals and organisations shortlisted for this year’s LALY awards. Finalists of the Legal Aid Practitioners Group 2020 Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year awards range from a… continue reading
Community Care Judicial Review and Legal Aid – The need for Delegated Functions and preventing work at risk
HLPA, LCN and LAPG have written to the Ministry of Justice calling for urgent changes to the JR regulations which are impeding access to justice during these extraordinary times, putting people at risk as the Government has removed statutory duties to assess and provide care to adults and has provided local government with wide discretionary… continue reading
LAPG launches new COVID-19 support service for legal aid providers
Service is free and open to all legal aid providers for business continuity and LAA contract compliance issues arising directly from the COVID-19 crisis LAPG has launched a dedicated email support service for legal aid providers. The service has been created with support from The Legal Education Foundation to assist with LAA contract compliance and… continue reading
Updated LAPG Guidance on what the Legal Aid Contract and LAA COVID-19 Guidance Allows
With thanks again to consultant Matthew Howgate, we have published the following updated guidance on Legal Aid Agency (LAA) contract compliance in the wake of the measures introduced by the LAA and the steps that providers are needing to take during the COVID-19 crisis. This guidance takes into account and seeks to interpret LAA guidance… continue reading
Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year awards – what is the impact of COVID-19?
We’ve released a statement setting out our contingency plans for LALY20 in the face of the current COVID-19 crisis. We think the LALYs will be more important this year than ever before. Legal aid firms and organisations are doing some incredible work under the most trying of circumstances and they deserve to be recognised and… continue reading
LAPG Guidance on what the Legal Aid Contract and LAA COVID-19 Guidance Allows
With thanks to consultant Matthew Howgate, we have published the following guidance on Legal Aid Agency (LAA) contract compliance in the wake of the measures introduced by the LAA and the steps that providers are needing to take during the COVID-19 crisis. This guidance takes into account and seeks to interpret LAA guidance released here… continue reading
Latest LAPG Update – COVID-19 and the legal aid sector
We have published our latest update, usually restricted to LAPG members, because it is critical at this time that practitioners from across the sector have access to as much information as possible. If you have any questions or comments about the content of the update please contact us: office@lapg.co.uk Download LAPG Update 8 of 2020… continue reading
COVID-19 – Issues facing legal aid providers and the action we need from the LAA
This is a crisis – not a looming crisis – a current crisis for legal aid COVID-19 is having a profound impact on society and legal aid providers are part of the fabric of the support network that is required to ensure we can get through this crisis. Legal aid providers are not (yet) considered… continue reading
General Election 2019: What are the politicians saying about justice and legal aid?
Not sure who to vote for on the 12th of December? If justice is a burning issue for you (as it is for us) then read this helpful summary prepared by the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Legal Aid which summarises what all the main parties have said, or pledged, on justice issues and legal aid. … continue reading
Winners announced for the 2019 Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year awards!
The winners of the 2019 LALY awards we announced at a ceremony in central London last night. Read our official press release here for all the details.
Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year awards – Finalists Announced!
The shortlist for this year’s Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year awards has been announced. As always, the finalists are an incredible group of legal aid lawyers and organisations, showcasing the life-changing work of those working in publicly-funded legal advice. For more information and a full list of finalists read the our press release here…. continue reading
It’s LALY time! Nominations now open for the 2019 Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year awards
Nominations for the 17th Legal Aid Practitioners Group Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year awards are now open. Nomination period ends 30 April; winners to be announced at awards at ceremony on 10 July in central London. Download the full press release here Download the Flyer here The 2019 Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year… continue reading
Latest legal aid statistics show worrying downward trend in access
The government released the official legal aid statistic on 13 December 2018, brining the data set up to date to 30 September 2018. Worryingly, crime expenditure and workload have both decreased. Fewer civil legal help matters have been started, continuing the trend since the Legal Aid Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 (LASPO). Mediation… continue reading
Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year awards – Finalists Announced!
The shortlist for this year’s Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year awards has been announced. As always, the finalists are an incredible group of legal aid lawyers and organisations, showcasing the life-changing work of those working in publicly-funded legal advice. Read the full press release here.
APPG on Legal Aid engages MPs and their caseworkers on how to help their constituents
The APPG on Legal Aid collaborated with organisations from across the advice sector to engage with MPs and their caseworkers at an event in Portcullis House on 1 November 2018. The event was organised to introduce MPs and their caseworkers to organisations that provide training, resources and referral sources to help MPs and caseworkers provide… continue reading
LAPG launches manifesto for legal aid.
Legal Aid Practitioners Group sets out detailed plan for undoing damage caused by LASPO cuts. The Legal Aid Practitioners Group has drawn on the expertise and experience of its members to produce a ‘pragmatic and clear’ manifesto for restoring access to justice, lost following the 2012 Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act. Writing… continue reading
APPG on Legal Aid – Karen Buck MP elected Chair
Karen Buck MP, the first ever Chair of the APPG on Legal Aid, was re-elected Chair at this morning’s meeting in Westminster. Elected as Vice-Chairs were Dominic Grieve MP, Sir Henry Bellingham, Andy Slaughter MP, Yvonne Fovargue MP and Alex Chalk MP. As co-sponsors of the APPG Legal Aid Practitioners Group and Young Legal Aid… continue reading
Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year Awards Winners Announced!
The winners across 12 categories were named at a ceremony in central London on 5 July 2017. Read the full official press release here.
Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year awards 2017 – nominations now open!
Nominations for the 15th Legal Aid Practitioners Group Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year awards are now open. Following success last year, sponsorship for popular Legal Aid Newcomer award to be raised through crowdfunding again. Nomination period ends 28 April; Baroness Doreen Lawrence OBE to present awards at ceremony on 5 July… continue reading
New Legal Aid Manifesto prioritises vulnerable groups in society – children, disabled people and victims of domestic violence
The Legal Aid Practitioners Group (LAPG) has today launched the Manifesto for Legal Aid, which calls for immediate changes to be made to the legal aid system to improve access to justice for vulnerable groups. The Manifesto highlights those areas where changes to legal aid – particularly those brought in under the Legal Aid, Sentencing… continue reading
The All-Party Group (APG) on Legal Aid
For more information about the All Party Group, please go to https://www.apg-legalaid.org/
Asylum Aid is looking for an Immigration and Public Law Solicitor
Asylum Aid is recruiting a solicitor and IAAS accredited senior caseworker, with experience of immigration legal aid work and of running judicial review challenges, particularly in the immigration and asylum context to join their exceptional legal team. Asylum Aid deliver high quality legal representation to some of the most vulnerable people seeking asylum in the… continue reading
Hopkin Murray Beskine is looking for a Paralegal
Hopkin Murray Beskine is recruiting a paralegal to assist their busy housing and public law team. Paralegals in their housing and public law team provide support in a range of interesting work, including judicial review, housing possession and disrepair claims in the County Court, and homelessness challenges and appeals. They have excellent resources including a… continue reading
Asylum Aid is looking for an Immigration and Public Law Supervising Solicitor (maternity leave cover)
Asylum Aid is recruiting a practising solicitor with substantial experience of litigation. This is a maternity cover for a period of 12 months with the possibility of extension. For over thirty years, Asylum Aid has been providing legal representation to some of the most vulnerable people seeking asylum. They have built an expert service, delivering… continue reading
Shelter is recruiting a Housing Solicitor or Paralegal – Outreach (Rochdale)
Shelter is recruiting a Housing Solicitor or Paralegal. Based with their partnering organisations, you will ensure you deliver high quality legal services through casework, the Housing Loss Prevention Advice Scheme and ensuring Legal Aid contract requirements and performance targets are met. Shelter exists to defend the right to a safe home. Because home is everything…. continue reading
Coram is looking for an IRM Legal Advisor (Casual)
Coram is recruiting an IRM Legal Advisor to provide written legal advice to caseworkers, panel members and the Contract Manager about individual applications and well as ad hoc advice on occasions. Legal Advisers provide on average 2 pieces of advice weekly and are paid at an hourly rate claimed each month. Legal Advisers also need… continue reading
Shelter is looking for an Outreach Solicitor or Paralegal
Shelter is recruiting an Outreach Solicitor or Paralegal. Based with their partner organisation, Doncaster Housing for Young People, you will ensure you deliver high quality legal services through casework, the Housing Loss Prevention Advice Scheme and ensuring Legal Aid contract requirements and performance targets are met. Shelter exists to defend the right to a safe… continue reading
Dowse & Co are looking for a paralegal
Dowse & Co are recruiting an enthusiastic paralegal to support their team. They are committed to access to justice and providing first-class legal representation and advice, irrespective of means and circumstances. This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to build their legal career, with opportunities for training and career progression available. The Candidate: Dowse… continue reading
Mary Ward Legal Centre is looking for a Head of Housing
Mary Ward Legal Centre is recruiting an experienced Housing Solicitor to lead their friendly and committed team and to contribute to life-changing outcomes for their clients. You will have a minimum of three years’ experience of casework and representation in housing law, with experience of working under a Legal Aid Contract and meet the LAA Supervisor… continue reading
We are recruiting! Join us to support the training and development of specialist legal practitioners
We have today launched two concurrent recruitment processes to find project management specialists to deliver and expand our learning and development offer for legal professionals. We are seeking two Service Co-ordinators to manage our training and support services. While the two posts will work closely together, one will co-ordinate our existing programme with a focus… continue reading
Training & Support
We offer legal aid specific training as well as management training for private practice and not-for-profit agencies.
LALY Awards
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Keeping you informed with latest news on Legal Aid.
Courses
Here, you will find an overview of our current courses. We offer legal aid specific training as well as management training for private practice and not-for-profit agencies.
Management and Leadership Programme
Price: Free
This course has been funded by the Legal education Foundation and the AB Charitable Trust and it is delivered in partnership with the Legal Aid Practitioners Group.
LALY Awards 2025 – General Admission Ticket
Join us for the 23rd Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year Awards, or LALYs, organised by Legal Aid Practitioners Group on a not-for-profit basis
LAPG Membership
Join now to help us fight for legal aid in the face of the Legal Support Action Plan.
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LAPG is a membership body representing legal aid practitioners in England and Wales and the clients they serve.
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LAPG is a membership body representing legal aid practitioners in England and Wales and the clients they serve.
News
Keeping you informed with latest news on Legal Aid.
Wilson Solicitors is looking for a Billing Assistant
Wilson Solicitors is recruiting are recruiting Billing Assistants to support their Immigration, Family and Public Law and Human Rights departments. These positions will be based in their Tottenham office. The role will include costing files, creating Legal Aid claims and generally assisting in the smooth running of the billing department. The role also includes assisting… continue reading
Ro Jana contributes to the latest edition of the DLA’s Briefings journal
Our Director of Policy (Parliamentary Engagement), Ro Jana, has written a piece on the DLA’s Briefings journal. The article explores the precarious financial state the legal aid system, the impact on practitioners and access to justice. You can read her piece here
Coram is recruiting a Solicitor or Senior Solicitor (Child and Family Law)
Coram Children’s Legal Centre is looking for a solicitor or senior solicitor to join the existing team of two senior solicitors and a paralegal. The role sits within a wider team that includes education, community care and immigration and asylum lawyers. It will also benefit from CCLC’s position within the Coram group which includes Coram… continue reading
Shelter Cymru is recruiting a Team Leader (Western Bay)
Shelter Cymru is looking for a Team Leader (Western Bay). The post holder will be responsible for ensuring that high quality, responsive and effective housing advice services are delivered across the Western Bay region, which includes Swansea, Neath Port Talbot and Bridgend. Housing advice services are delivered by phone, through outreach-based advice surgeries, and at… continue reading
Central England Law Centre is looking for a Family Caseworker or Solicitor
Central England Law Centre is recruiting an experienced caseworker or solicitor to join the team, supporting their clients across Coventry in the delivery of casework through the Law Centre’s Legal Aid contract. Central England Law Centre (CELC) provides a vital service to clients across Coventry and Birmingham, providing support for all aspects of family law… continue reading
Central England Law Centre is looking for a Housing Caseworker or Solicitor
Central England Law Centre is recruiting an experienced caseworker or solicitor to join the team, supporting their clients across Birmingham in the delivery of casework through the Law Centre’s Legal Aid contract. Central England Law Centre (CELC) provides a vital service to clients across Coventry and Birmingham, providing support for all aspects of housing law… continue reading
