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James Parry, Solicitor

James Parry - a solicitor and high court advocate with 20 years experience in the criminal justice sector, ten of which were spent with the magistrates’ court service, and ten in private practice. James is the author of “Legal Aid in Criminal Proceedings” (Butterworths), and various published papers dealing with diverse aspects of the criminal justice system. James continues to practice as a duty solicitor in addition to providing CPD training.

Topics Include:

Legal aid

• Abolition of the LSC
• Delegated powers to grant legal aid
• Means and merit tested legal advice and assistance in the police station
• New regime for granting advice and assistance in respect of criminal proceedings
• New mechanism for granting legal aid in criminal proceedings

In addition the Ministry of Justice has announced short term reforms which will be brought in on 01/10/11, not requiring new legislation, which include:

• New regime for billing guilty pleas suitable for disposal in the Magistrates' Court
• New regime for billing guilty pleas in the Crown Court, where case not suitable for summary disposal
• Changes to the LGFS scheme (solicitor's fees in the Crown Court)
• Changes to the AGFS scheme (advocate's fees in the Crown Court)

The Bill also impacts on costs in criminal cases, bringing back power to cap costs from central funds paid to successful defendants in criminal cases.