Law Society children law event, 30 June 2009

Sir Mark Potter warns of the “tragic” consequences if LSC proposals for family law force solicitors to quit and calls for dynamic new recruits

Addressing a conference of aspiring children law practitioners at the Law Society yesterday 30 June 2009, Sir Mark Potter, the most senior family judge in the land, confirmed that there has never been a more important time for new lawyers to join the field.

With care proceedings under the spotlight following the tragic case of Baby P, combined with the change to many aspects of family law on an unprecedented scale, Sir Mark and the panel, including two representatives from YLAL, warned that these are challenging times in one of the most important and rewarding areas of law.

Sir Mark pointed to the recent introduction of the Public Law Outline, an increase in court fees that threaten to place cost over need, and proposed changes to legal aid for family law. He reported that the judiciary’s concern about the proposed changes to legal aid is so acute that it has produced a vigorous response, and he very much hoped that the proposals would be reconsidered.

Commenting that qualified children’s solicitors make the cogs of family law turn, he said that it would be tragic if LSC proposals forced solicitors out of the profession. He also warned that the significant developments in children’s rights made in recent years should not be allowed to ebb away but should rather increase. Echoing the sentiments of the panel, he acknowledged that representing children is an extremely challenging and rewarding job, and called for young and dynamic lawyers to join the profession to save children’s lives.