Legal Services Regulation Reform

A new fund to support legal aid firms has now launched for applications with £6.7 million of vital support available.

Legal aid firms have been hard hit by the coronavirus pandemic and have struggled to survive, despite playing a crucial role in the justice system in Scotland.

The Legal Aid Business Support and Recovery Fund has been set up following close consultation with the legal profession. the fund will be distributed to legal aid practices as part of the Scottish Government’s The Recover, Renew and Transform programme, to support the justice sector.

Pat Thom, Co-convener of the Law Society of Scotland’s Legal Aid Committee, said:

“This new fund is a welcome confirmation that the Scottish Government is committed to supporting legal aid solicitors who have been adversely affected by the pandemic and the promise that all of the £9 million fund, set up under the previous Justice Secretary, would be distributed. It will help ensure solicitors can continue to provide much needed services in communities across Scotland.

“The creation of the new fund follows our constructive discussions with the government, alongside our colleagues in the Scottish Solicitors Bar Association and local bar associations who have made significant contributions to ensure that this much needed financial support can be made available. I encourage all those who are eligible to apply as soon as possible.”

The deadline for applications to the Legal Aid Business Support and Recovery Fund is 18th August.

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